My First Drop

[timmymac96]

Earlier today, I dropped my '09 GS500F for the first time. I made a wrong turn while on my way to a buddy's house and I ended up slipping off the road in the process of making a (legal) U-turn. Aside from a crack on the farring, the bike appears to be fine. Still, as a novice rider, I'm a bit concerned. Although there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the bike at all (my buddy and I went out for about 10 miles right after it happened), I'm worried that I could have messed some part of the bike up. Is dropping your bike as big a deal as I'm making it out to be? Is there anything I should do/check for after dropping the bike? Any suggestions would really help to alleviate my paranoia.

[Leadberry]

Is the crack in the fairing the only damage?

- Bent/broken mirrors?
- Bent handlebars?
- Scuffed crankcase?
- Scuffed exhaust?
- Broken turn signals?
- Bent subframe? (Check visually from behind)
- Bent forks?
- Pegs/mounts ok? (I've found that the circlips that secure the retaining pins like to disappear)
- Any fluid leaks?
- Any change in engine/exhaust noise?

These (and many) bikes are pretty hardy.  They can handle drops just fine.  If it came out of the drop with nothing but a cracked fairing, my guess is the bike is just fine.  However, if you're not confident in your own ability to assess the damage and you're not confident that the bike is safe to ride, you always have the option to take it to a professional for an inspection.

[timmymac96]

The crankcase was slightly scuffed; nothing serious. Other than that, everything else looks fine, and the engine sounds the same. I might pay the mechanic a visit just for peace of mind. Honestly, I'm probably overreacting, but I'd like to feel confident in my machine.

[Leadberry]

I feel you.  There's nothing wrong with erring on the side of safety.

[Janx101]

glad you ok!.. but slipping off the road... onto what?... concrete?, gravel?, grass? or edge of the road?..... and ok with a u turn you couldnt have been going too quick... but how hard did the bike land?.... with only a cracked fairing and slight scuff on crankcase sounds like you had a very 'soft' drop considering the scope of such things...

gotta ask... did you stand up and swear?... stand up and raise both arms in victory like the jackarse boys?... or just stand up and facepalm? .. 

[noworries]

Low-speed u-turn drop? The fairing and the case took the fall. Just ride it. The first day we'll all be paranoid about "new" sounds.  A day later, the drop is part of the bike's lovely history. Just ride on.....
PS..time for the oggies?

[Bluesmudge]

Your bike is fine mechanically. My GS likes to take naps too. A few months ago it slept on its side all night. It seems to like it falls asleep while in motion at least once a year. Aside from the extra character that a few scrapes add, the GS is a durable creature.

[fetor56]

If the bike starts/runs/handles ok then it's good to go..........live & learn hey & try not to make a habit of it. 

[adidasguy]

My 2009 got dropped a couple times. The fairing takes the hit - in the turn signal. Pop it back and put some plastex inside to repair it and you are OK.

You might look into R&G frame sliders. I have them. They saved her twice when she fell over (YES - adidasguy DOES make mistakes. I am not perfect!) $80 is worth it.

Learn from your mistake and keep riding.

It is not IF you will drop your bike - it is WHEN and NOW MANY TIMES you drop it. Mostly from forgetting the side stand or slow turns like you did. We all do stupid things.