Went down to the DMV and got my license today. Decided to celebrate by going out on a ride.
Knew my path and destination and figured it would all be easy.
About seven blocks away I realized there's one obstacle right off the bat - a hill. With a stop sign at the top.
I hadn't practiced hills yet (none of those in the parking lot), but I figured I'd be okay. Just use that back break.
Got to the hill, started out slow, started rolling down hill, panicked, grabbed the throttle (ugh), and ran right into a barrier (UGH!). Thank God it was a barrier and not another car.
Someone eventually came by and helped me unwedge the bike.
Broken Spedometer and Tachometer cases, broken turn signal, lots of scratches, some nice road rash on my knee.
When I finally got the motorcycle started again, the engine was just reving like crazy. 4000-5000 RMP at idle.
I drove it home in second gear, and even at 20 mph it was redlining.
What the heck did I do and can it be undone and how much is it going to cost me?
I also can't tell if I bent the handlebars. I think they just sort of rotated. The rear view mirror has a great angle on my thigh, though.
On the plus side, after I dumped the bike trying to roll it downhill into a parking spot, I was able to right it all by myself. And it was surprisingly easy. Go me!
As for the other stuff :( ...
Sorry to hear/it happens/now it's out of the way.
Now, I'm convinced that if I become a MSF instructor :lol: (sorry, it may happen), I'm going to include a ramp (one of those flat, pivoting trailers) to ride up (not over), and practice uphill starts (hmm...maybe I will need a hill...or I'll just demonstrate).
You got a 2000, so no fairing, I'm guessing the throttle tube sticking, but you said you rode it home; next guess was the throttle cable or you hit so hard you unseated the carbs, or the exhaust headers.
Wow. Sorry to hear about your "incident" and glad to know your OK.
Now for the damage...depending on how close your friendly neighborhood GSTwin member is and how many spare parts they have will mitigate the cost of repairs.
Can't find a Twinner? If you can wrench and have the time and space, post a WTB in the proper section. The gauges are very fragile (ask Slowe30) and very $$ unless you buy used.
Your over-revving sounds like a pulled throttle cable. What year bike is this?
just come and instruct at our range.....there is no Flat spot or space
Quote from: LotNBroken Spedometer and Tachometer cases, broken turn signal, lots of scratches, some nice road rash on my knee.
If it's just the outside plastic instrument cover, those can be bought for $40-50. Did the speedometer and the tachometer work?
Quote from: LotNI also can't tell if I bent the handlebars. I think they just sort of rotated. The rear view mirror has a great angle on my thigh, though.
If the handlebars did just spin in the clamps, that'll be easy to fix. There are four allen head screws under plastic caps on the two posts holding the middle of the handlebar. Sit on the bike, loosen those and be ready to catch the bars, ideally you'll loosen with one hand and hold the bars with the other. Then adjust the bars to your liking, and tighten the bolts.
Yeah, it's just the cases that broke. Though the turn signal doesn't work at all...
Hill! :? Congrats on getting your license! :thumb: Sorry to hear about your crash, but it sounds as though you're in good hands here, and you'll be able to get up and running again soon! I've been riding for almost a year and a half, and I still don't like hills (and they don't like me!)!
Get some good practice time in at a flat parking lot. ;)
And be happy that your bike doesn't just spontaneously fall over when you look at it like mine does. :( :mrgreen:
Since I know nothing about what's wrong or how to fix it... Here's my how to avoid it.
When you come to a stop at the top of the hill, fully apply the rear brake (to keep you in place). No need to front brake with the rear brake applied.
When it's time to go, start slowly increasing throttle and slowly releasing the clutch while still holding the rear brake. You will feel the ass start to drop as the engine fights against the rear brake.
Once that happens, you begin to release the rear brake and continue to slowly release the clutch and increase throttle.
After a while, you can do it really fast with no issues. :thumb: Now, go fix your bike!
Quote from: RVertigoSince I know nothing about what's wrong or how to fix it... Here's my how to avoid it.
When you come to a stop at the top of the hill, fully apply the rear brake (to keep you in place). No need to front brake with the rear brake applied.
When it's time to go, start slowly increasing throttle and slowly releasing the clutch while still holding the rear brake. You will feel the ass start to drop as the engine fights against the rear brake.
Once that happens, you begin to release the rear brake and continue to slowly release the clutch and increase throttle.
After a while, you can do it really fast with no issues. :thumb: Now, go fix your bike!
To add to this: Take the MSF course. Pay close attention to when they show you the friction zone (hint: it's the first exercise). Practice this a lot. Get a feel for when you enter the friction zone. Practice some more. Be able to smoothly get to the friction zone. Practice holding the bike on an incline using just the clutch. Practice getting into the friction zone while simultaneously holding the front brake. Practice some more.
Now you can smoothly start uphill using any combination of brakes you like. If not, go back and practice some more.
For some reason, I don't like holding the rear brake on a hill. Maybe it's because I'd rather have both feet firmly on the ground (I can almost picture myself tipping over to the right...tiiiiimmmmmburrr!), but it could also be because I like to make sure I'm in 1st before I roll (hard to do when holding the rear brake). I usually use the front, get the bike holding against the clutch by easing it out, release the brake, then take off. You'll eventually get the whole thing down to one fluid movement.
I'm going to break ranks here and say I'm NOT sorry you crashed.
I'm a little lost on these posts from new riders who get their license - while it's a license to drive on the street, it does't mean you automatically have the wisdom and skills to be ON the street.
In my opinion the DMV is way to generous on granting licenses. I don't even need to argue my point because you made it for me - by crashing.
I've taught plenty of people over the years that have taken and passed the MSF course and have no clue about getting out of first gear or what to look for while riding on the street.
We see these posts from new riders crashing all the time here. Whatever happend to developing your skills in a parking lot?
Lucky for you, you crashed into a barrier and not another car or a person crossing the street on foot.
Quote from: gsmetalI'm going to break ranks here and say I'm NOT sorry you crashed.
A little harsh no?
It happens. Almost everyone who owns a bike lays it down at some point. I have had close to 35 different bikes since I was 12 years old ranging from a KZ200 to a VF1100S... And yes, I have had an accident (albeit at low speed and no serious damage) since I first got my license.
The important thing is, the bike can be fixed, only your pride and pocket-book were hurt. Hopefully, you learned from the experience (to try to get more practice in before really going out riding). Just learn to repect the machine, and not to set out to impress people with it (incase the thought ever crosses your mind).
Out of curiousity... Were you in full gear while riding?
Learn to ride responsibly, and you will ride a long time...
Quote from: gsbethesdaIt happens.
It may happen, but is it acceptable? The idea is not to crash. So, is every crash and tipover unacceptable?
This should really be discussed in another thread.
May I submit to you:
http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=230953#230953
QuoteI'm going to break ranks here and say I'm NOT sorry you crashed.
:bs:
I could never, under any circumstances, be glad that someone has crashed. :nono: Absolutely noobs should get some practice in before hitting the streets, but we've all done some things we regret when we're excited about something. Fortunately, noobs *usually* are going slow enough not to be hurt too badly. In a perfect world. we'd all do exactly what we should at all times.
In the meantime, I'm not going to be happy when a noob crashes. I'm going to be happy that s/he has learned a good lesson w/o hurting themselves too badly (or anyone else, of course).
Quote from: pandyHill! :? Congrats on getting your license! :thumb: Sorry to hear about your crash..... :( :mrgreen:
same here.
First straighten the handlebars in the clamps. twisting them may be affecting the throttle cable and the act of righting the bars might fix that problem.
Quote from: gsmetalI'm going to break ranks here and say I'm NOT sorry you crashed. ...
I was going to agree with this until I read the rest. I was going to agree because you were relatively unhurt and have the opportunity to learn from this mistake. So in a way I'm glad you crashed ... but didn't get hurt. This may save you from making an even bigger mistake in the future (ie at higher speeds or in busy traffic).
I crashed my bike the first year I had it. The weather and road conditions contributed to the crash but I learned a good lesson. I was on a road I was familiar with but I ignored several signs that I should be slowing down. I ended up riding the bike into the ditch rather than slide thru a highway intersection. The bike and I were unhurt except for a few scratches and a sore elbow. I now think twice about riding in bad weather and after the roads have been sanded for winter.
Once you get the bike on the road again, stick to low traffic areas until you are confident you can pull out into traffic without stalling, use your brakes effectively without locking up the rear wheel and keep up with traffic.
I hope you have taken a motorcycle riding course. they generally pay for themselves in the first year in insurance premium reductions.
As for your idle problem ... straighten the handle bars and see if that helps.
Pandy Wrote
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I could never, under any circumstances, be glad that someone has crashed.
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I NEVER said I was glad he crashed....I said I wasn't sorry he did.
gsmetal, I'm NOT sorry your an idiot. I'm sure you'll say something else to provoke us even more, but I won't say anything else. And I'm sure you'll say something to try to make me look like an idiot in this post as well, but I don't care. Suck it.
Quote from: gsmetalI NEVER said I was glad he crashed....I said I wasn't sorry he did.
Semantics. Same diff. And I believe "he" is a "she."
Quote from: gsmetalI'm going to break ranks here and say I'm NOT sorry you crashed.
Sometimes wisdom is gained the hard way.
Quote from: gsmetalI've taught plenty of people over the years that have taken and passed the MSF course and have no clue about getting out of first gear or what to look for while riding on the street.
Is this because at the MSF, they learn to ride in a parking lot?
Quote from: gsmetal
We see these posts from new riders crashing all the time here. Whatever happend to developing your skills in a parking lot?
Anyone can master riding in a parking lot. See the MSF statement above. But street riding is infinitely more dynamic. There will be other vehicles, construction, pedistrians, animals, potholes, you name it. No amount of practice can help you control external factors - only your reaction to them. And sometimes an accident is completely unavoidable. As it was said, it happens.
The only reason it happens more to noobs than to veteran riders is because the experienced riders have learned how to predict common mistakes and how to react to situations. But the only way to get this experience is NOT in a parking lot - but in the street. You just gotta practice, pay attention, do your best, and pray you'll make it through the day :thumb:
Well, I'm sorry for anyone who crashes but this post is a perfect illustration why here and in much of Europe you can't even go on the road with Learner plates until you have taken the COMPULSORY basic training which is a fun day in three elements, theory, practice in parking lot or similar and a couple of hours on the road under radio "control" this does include at least one hill start.
All this for a "learner" permit, two-part driving test (theory and practical) with a hill start and pulling out from behind a parked vec into traffic, usually on a hill to follow before you get a license.
Simply turning people out onto the road is grossly unfair to both the newbie and the road users around.
+1 to Cal...we in the US are too lax on riders.
I slept through my MSF and got the highest score on the riding and written portion.
One girl rode her 25K Harley to class, where she promptly fell over as soon as no one was there to push her off to get her started.
Rediculous, what the law allows in this instance. And MaryJane is illegal? :x :x :x
I think the UK system is much better. You have to complete a training course on the road and a test before you are aloud a licence. This test is quite hard so it helps make you safer.
Quote from: Blingmastagsmetal, I'm NOT sorry your an idiot. I'm sure you'll say something else to provoke us even more, but I won't say anything else. And I'm sure you'll say something to try to make me look like an idiot in this post as well, but I don't care. Suck it.
Oh, I see how this works.
You're allowed to express your opinion but I'm not because it's different than yours.
I'm glad you're in the military fighting for our freedom.
Quote from: Cal PriceWell, I'm sorry for anyone who crashes but this post is a perfect illustration why here and in much of Europe you can't even go on the road with Learner plates until ....Simply turning people out onto the road is grossly unfair to both the newbie and the road users around.
I agree with all you've said, Cal. I would love to see more-stringent rules/regulations on getting a motorcycle license. Heck, I'd probably make up a few of my own:
1. Riders must be 21 before getting a moto license,
2. Any citation issued for excess speed automatically suspends moto license for at least two years (or more, depending on how many miles over the speed limit rider was going),
3. Any points of any kind on license automatically suspends moto endorsement for one year, and
4. I'm sure I can come up with more....
I have nothing against teens...truly I don't....I've simply watched my own son drive, and his driving utterly terrifies me, and it's not just because I'm a squeamish mom! :lol: He just plain can't drive! Does that mean that all teens can't...well...uh...hmm.....most don't have the wisdom and maturity to make good decisions. We put a lot of responsibility into the hands of youngsters, and I agree with Cal that we should increase the difficulty for ANYONE to get a license of ANY kind, but especially the moto.
Quote from: gsmetalOh, I see how this works. You're allowed to express your opinion but I'm not because it's different than yours. I'm glad you're in the military fighting for our freedom.
gsmetal: Everyone is freely allowed to express an opinion here, and all of us are freely allowed to agree or disagree. I think trouble comes in when we don't agree and/or disagree in as respectful a manner as we could. Some of these issues can be quite heated, and some of us are passionate about some of our convictions! :lol: However, that said, there's no reason to be disrespectful when expressing agreement or disagreement (and I don't mean you, gsmetal. ....I'm talking about ALL of us here).
Your opinion is your own, and no matter how many disagree with you, it's still your opinion, and I respect your right to HAVE your opinion AND to express it, even if I disagree with it. :thumb:
Yeah... what she said... :)
Quote from: gsmetalQuote from: Blingmastagsmetal, I'm NOT sorry your an idiot. I'm sure you'll say something else to provoke us even more, but I won't say anything else. And I'm sure you'll say something to try to make me look like an idiot in this post as well, but I don't care. Suck it.
Oh, I see how this works.
You're allowed to express your opinion but I'm not because it's different than yours.
I'm glad you're in the military fighting for our freedom.
see my above quote.
Cal:
For sure. I have been saying that for years. It is the same as in eu, if not more strict in japan for riders and cagers alike. What do they and japan get in return though? Much safer drivers, and lower accident rates. Oh, they also have much better maintained roads... no massive deadly holes in the road that can kill you every 15 ft like here in LA.. oh.. and they also have a bigger budget to maintain their roads and teach people about safety.. hmm.. i could get all political but i think i will just stop here.
This sort of went in a different direction.
Anyway, I thought I would be ready. I took the MSF and had been practicing in a parking lot for a month.
The parking lot just didn't have any hills.
I was comfortable on the street. Just hadn't realized how difficult those inclines would be.
It's a shame someone on here's glad I crashed. But I suppose it's a learning curve. Kept me from getting on the highway that day, so maybe it is a good thing.
:dunno: ...
LotN:
Someone being glad you crashed (or NOT sorry...whatEVER!) is an absolutely minority here. 99.999999999999% of us here are NOT glad you crashed, and we're VERY glad that you made out with minor injuries to you AND your bike.
We seriously care about the well-being of our oldies AND newbies. Hills scare the heebie-jeebies out of me, so I avoid them until I feel better prepared and more experienced.
I didn't get on a freeway until I'd been riding for about four months, and then I'd get on for brief periods when traffic was light.
There's no rush...you have at least another 80 years or so to ride! :thumb: :lol: Take your time, practice on quiet streets, work up to the hard stuff (like hills)...
Well done on taking the MSF and the practive you've done so far. It sounds as though you're doing the right things, but that the hill snuck up on you. Don't be frightened away by some of the grumps, grinches, and scrooges around here! :lol: We welcome you!! And we welcome your posts about your experiences, too, because sharing our experiences helps ALL of us in the long run. :kiss: :cheers:
Im not glad you crashed for sure. I AM glad you crashed and are still around to tell us about it. ;)
Any landing you can walk away from is a good landing. Know what I am saying? All part of the learning experience. I would suggest finding some backroads with no traffic in bright daylight. Go out with someone who is an experienced biker. Riding on the back can help too. It will help you get accustomed to the physics of riding at speed.
be safe :)
Just to clarify, gsmetal said that he was not SORRY she crashed, not that he was GLAD she did. Those are two entirely different statements.
Yeah, it sucks that she crashed, and it's good that she got out without serious injury. However, when someone crashes it pretty much forces them to learn. Some people do, some people don't. If LotN can learn what happened and take steps to correct the errors that were made, then she's coming out on top. I'm not sorry she crashed. I'm not GLAD she did either. On the contrary, it sucks that she did. Crashes happen however. That's the nature of the "beasts" we ride. As long as she learns from this experience then all the better.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5Those are two entirely different statements.
What do YOU know about semantics! You can't even do simple math! :nana: :mrgreen:
Quote from: pandyQuote from: AlphaFire X5Those are two entirely different statements.
What do YOU know about semantics! You can't even do simple math! :nana: :mrgreen:
Hahaha, yeah yeah. Remember the gravity argument? That was alllllll about semantics. :-p :nana: :nana: :kiss:
Of course I'll learn. I ain't stoopit.
I don't, however, know anyone who rides. I imagine this whole learning this would be easier and much less frustrating if I did.
Not too many backroads around here, right in the middle of a city. The thing is I know of a good parking lot to practice hill stuff in. Problem is, I'd have to ride a few hills to get to it. :lol:
Not sorry's fine. I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me. I hoped the reactions would be purely academic. That's just how I see things (perhaps bad for motorcycling, perhaps not). Kissing my bruises won't make them any better...
Quote from: LotNI hoped the reactions would be purely academic.
:thumb: Rear brake is your buddy.