GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => Odds n Ends => Topic started by: Jake D on May 17, 2006, 09:58:02 AM

Title: Jake D has tank slapper, underwear problem.
Post by: Jake D on May 17, 2006, 09:58:02 AM
So I had my first really close call the other day.

I was riding in a suburb of KC.  Just cruising some back roads in a remote residential area.  Very hilly, very twisty (called Crooked Road).

There was a sign that said, "Not a through street.  Turn around here."  With an arrow pointing at a little turn around spot.  I was sort of reading that sign, going down this hill, but by time I read it, I didn't have time to slow down and turn around.  So I kept going on ahead. 

Even with the sign, there was a drainage ditch across the road.  It was in shadow and unmarked with paint or a warning sign.  I had no choice but to hit it.  It was only about the depth of a curb, but it really didn't have to be that big at 30 mph.

I raised up a little out of the saddle.  Once I cleared it, I grabbed the brake.  What I didn't know before I grabbed the brake was that MY BIKE WAS IN THE AIR!!

When I came down, there was a screeching of the front time, so I let off the brake.  The next bit of joy I got to experience was what could only be described as a tank slapper.  The bike was shaking like a mad man and the clip ons wagging back and forth.  Thankfully the wagging caused me to goose the throttle, which settled the bike down.

I stopped.  My heart rate never even went up.  It all happened too fast.  So I went and had a nice ride after that. 

Title: Re: Jake D has tank slapper, underwear problem.
Post by: skoebl on May 17, 2006, 10:02:35 AM
Glad to hear you're ok though...And now you have yet another good experience under your belt  :thumb:
Title: Re: Jake D has tank slapper, underwear problem.
Post by: calamari on May 17, 2006, 10:03:44 AM
oh yes... the famous tank slapper. I've had that experience. When the bike comes alive like that, it appears you are trying to ride a wild burro.
Title: Re: Jake D has tank slapper, underwear problem.
Post by: Jake D on May 17, 2006, 10:57:52 AM
I've ridden many wild burros.  And I've ridden mini wild burros.  Both are preferable to the tank slapper.