GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: dk31285 on July 19, 2015, 04:58:15 PM

Title: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: dk31285 on July 19, 2015, 04:58:15 PM
Yep, sure did!  Was out on a spirited ride on twisty back roads with a friend when my inexperience got the better of me.

I went into a left hand curve a bit too hot and wasn't leaning enough.  I had done all of my braking before entering the turn, but clearly misjudged it.  I've been watching countless videos about cornering techniques, but have only had the chance to actually get out and practice one time before today's ride.  In my head I knew exactly what to do.  I was telling myself "press more, lean more, and we'll be fine", but I didn't put my own advice to use.  Instead, I started to focus on how close I was getting to the gravel patch on the right hand shoulder, and of course YOU GO WHERE YOU LOOK!  Fixating on the gravel caused me to run even wider toward it until eventually my rear tire hit it, lost traction and I low sided.

I was wearing boots, jeans, a mesh armored jacket, and full fingered gloves.  Wasn't injured other than some road rash on my left calf and left little finger.  I'll post some pics of my gear below.

I got the bike up and inspected it.  Scuffed the left fairing pretty good, but didn't notice anything that immediately affected the ride of the bike.  Started her up and rode for a few more hours before heading home.  Handling still seems fine, but is there anything anyone would recommend I check carefully after a low side?  Or should everything be alright?

Thanks!


(http://i59.tinypic.com/1f8y8h.jpg)

(http://i60.tinypic.com/2zzubs5.jpg)

(http://i59.tinypic.com/rjkuwk.jpg)

(http://i59.tinypic.com/2w69nr9.jpg)

(http://i57.tinypic.com/jjuqno.jpg)

(http://i61.tinypic.com/fkn0bl.jpg)
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: Slack on July 19, 2015, 06:12:10 PM
Glad your ok.
I ate it today too  :icon_sad:
Glad I'm ok, lol.

Clean the road rash really well, and keep it bandaged, it is easy to get an infection.
For the bike: loosen up the front fork clamps, fork brace, and axle and wiggle the wheel back and forth a bit while holding the handle bar. Then tighten everything back up.
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: dk31285 on July 19, 2015, 06:38:03 PM
Glad you're alright Slack.  I knew that I always wear all my gear for a reason!
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: crackin on July 19, 2015, 07:17:07 PM
Yeah good to hear you guys are ok. Buy some leathers , you can't beat leathers in a slide down the road. If you were going 50 kms quicker that wound would be down to the bone.
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: Watcher on July 19, 2015, 09:58:58 PM
That's why good riding pants are just as important as gloves and a jacket.  Make the investment!

I've never gone down, I hope I never will, but I wear as much gear as possible just in case.
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: anoopb on July 20, 2015, 08:48:15 AM
I almost bit it this weekend too on what looked like a harmless left turn and i was pressing but not enough and i looked down for a moment like an idiot.

fortunately, recovered and no road rash.

sorry to hear that. Speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: Word Man on July 20, 2015, 10:35:52 AM
Recover quickly! Glad you weren't injured more severely!
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: anoopb on July 20, 2015, 01:35:34 PM
i know this is insensitive but what's the bike look like?
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: JAS6377 on July 20, 2015, 06:39:03 PM
Sounds exactly like what happened to me. Except mine hit a mailbox. I now have no nerve endings on my left knee, which is why I'm investing in pants.

Glad you're okay! Bike's can be rebuilt or replaced. People cannot.
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: dk31285 on July 20, 2015, 07:06:48 PM
Quote from: anoopb on July 20, 2015, 01:35:34 PM
i know this is insensitive but what's the bike look like?

The bike really didn't suffer much damage, just a scuffed up left fairing, and some damage to the end of my left hand grip.  (Too bad too, because I've been looking into bar enders recently).  I'll get some pics of it up soon.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: ShowBizWolf on July 20, 2015, 07:26:08 PM
Very glad it wasn't more serious!!! Thank you for sharing so we can hear about the experience. Heal up soon!!
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: dk31285 on July 21, 2015, 06:47:13 AM
As mentioned, the bike really didn't suffer too bad, considering...  Scuffed up left side, clutch lever has a flat edge now  ;), and left grip took a bite.  The left fairing already had that big crack in it when I bought the bike.


(http://i61.tinypic.com/2crrbxc.jpg)

(http://i57.tinypic.com/2u6n1hf.jpg)

(http://i62.tinypic.com/2uszh9u.jpg)

(http://i62.tinypic.com/j6sd91.jpg)

(http://i60.tinypic.com/1yltt4.jpg)

(http://i60.tinypic.com/2la79d3.jpg)
Title: Re: Found out what road rash feels like today...
Post by: steezin_and_wheezin on July 21, 2015, 08:08:47 AM
Glad both of y'all are well!! I was riding yesterday with only shorts on :oops:

Slack's right, keep it clean! Be sure to use good anitbiotics. Blood infections are nothing to mess with(ask me how I know..)