I was driving around the city in the left lane and someone in front of me was turning right so the guy behind him flies into my lane without a signal or anything and I tried to swerve to the left to avoid him. I've only been riding for a couple months so I panicked and I believe I grabbed too much brake while my bike was leaned and it slid out from under me at about ~35 mph. I'm honestly not too sure what happened exactly because it happened so fast. Technically the guy didn't hit me or anything so I don't know if I'll be able to get anything from their insurance, still waiting on the police report.
My bike seems okay for the most part, I had to trailer it home, the left front fairing took most of the damage and is pretty bad right now. It leaked gas out of the gas tank vent hose and a tiny bit from the cap but I got it to turn over at home and nothing seems broken/ruptured. My only concern is that the front wheel/handlebar seem kinda of weird, I don't know if I just wasn't feeling right or something got bent. It looks okay though, straight/centered.
My leather jacket I was wearing (not a real riding jacket) took most of the damage (got torn up pretty bad) from my left arm, I had a bit of bruising but no rashes or anything there. Unfortunately I was wearing jeans and I got a bit of road rash on my knee which hurts like a b****, I realize I really should wear leather or padded pants now all the time.
Here are some pics of the jacket and my bike
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/12163163844_1cf5e86a56_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12162748545_6d99b7afa5_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/12162749725_2463f2ed31_b.jpg
Pic of my knee, graphic image you have been warned:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/12163405116_9b22b7bcc7_b.jpg
wear all your gear kids!
Good you're reasonably okay.
From my understanding if the other driver admits to violation of a right of way (which shows up on the police report) they will be at fault. If they don't, hard to say what the legal system will decide since proving just about anything beyond that is a crap shoot.
A little dribble of gas when tipped is completely normal.
As far as the handlebars seeming weird... look close where they clamp into your triple. That's where bending/sliding on the bar itself will occur and it should be reasonably apparent if something in there has changed (paint damage). Forks typically bend right below the lower triple. Also, try loosening up the front end. If the upper or lower triple is bent the fork tube will take a lot of force to move. While you're at it, loosen up then re-tighten the whole front end (up to and not including triple trees if forks slide smooth) to allow the parts to re-settle in their 'natural' position just in case something got a little out of whack.
Take lots of pictures before fixing anything. Document the duration of your work, and any parts you replace. Remember this stuff may be needed for insurance reasons later on.
I only just low-sided a couple of days ago too. Fun times right? :woohoo:
Thanks for the advice badot.
It really sucks too cause it happened so early today and I missed on a beautiful day to ride, tomorrow the high is 14F
At least you are ok. Look into some kevlar riding jeans and knox armor knee pads.