Well, I learned a valuble lesson a couple of weeks ago.  Actually more then one.  My 90 gs had the occasional sticky throatle, no big deal just give it a twist or 2 and would unstick.....except for last time.  I was exiting deer foot trail in calgary an she stuck open..  well after the first twist she was stuck open all the way, now I know what I should have done for anyone who was thinking clutch and kill switch, but some times you feel bullet proof.  Well before I knew it im doin 130-140 in the corner, tires are sliding back tires eating up my plate...im loven it.  This is the part I realize I may have just killed myself.  The traffic half way around the bend (which almost is full circle) is not moving at 130-140, and I'm coming up to the point where the road crosses under the freeway with barriers on both sides.  So with no time to stop and know where to go besides the ditch or the back of a car I choose ditch. Don't worry, I was wearing gear. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GEAR!!  I dont remember leaving the bike, but at that speed I had a lot of time to tumble and slide, about 300 feet.  I do remember when my forearm broke followed by my wrist and hand and ribs , some where in there I seperated my sternem too.  So 8 broken bones 3 dislocated fingers with tendons connected to them that are now usless. 2 operations and a third to follow.  The chance of a full recovery is out, doc says I won't be able twist my wrist enough to get in trouble again.  Thank God.  I do consider the fact that im alive a blessing, God was with me that day I know....he just caught me on the second bounce actions always have conciquences.   

So for now my cycle days are over, I will never ride on the street again, Im a track guy from now on.  Right now the thought of a bike still makes me sick....or maybe its because when I think bike now I also think spine  boards, IV's, cat scans, and cathiders.


Moral of the storie always make the safe decision, look as far through the corner as possible, wear gear,and  save the crazy for the track.

Pictures to follow.

Keith.

Jesus!  That was one hell of a crash!  I'm amazed you didn't hit a solid object like a guardrail, bridge abuttment, or road sign on a slide that long.

It is unfortunate that you have damaged yourself such that riding will be difficult.  However, it sounds like the crash had nothing to do with your riding, road conditions, or traffic.  The primary cause was poor maintenance.   The moral of this story is:  Maintain your motorcycle!

Out of curiosity, why have you decided to give up street riding because of this?  I'm confused...  The road was a secondary factor to your crash, the primary cause being a stuck throttle and the willingness to ride it out. 

Regardless, I hope you make a good recovery.  Whether you decide to get on a bike again isn't important.  What is important is the fact that you're still here.  I would be thinking long and hard about the decisions you made that day.  Learn from it.   

my first reaction is to say you're an idiot but for some reason i'm not feeling that mean tonight. when you realize you're doing 130 around turns why not kill switch and try braking? that seems like a way better idea then hitting a ditch doing 100+?

that sucks and I hope you make some what of a full recovery as the doc said you wont be riding in the near future.  Also not to seem cold but as you know here in Alberta its hard to find good used parts or any parts for them for that matter. Wondering what are you doing with your bike?  If you decide to part or sell send me a pm as im in edmonton.

But the most imortant thing is that you get better
Have a good one
Justin

Best of luck on a quick recovery.

I'm assuming that you are referring to 130 kph and not mph.  At least I hope that is what you meant.  Otherwise, you should definitely give up street riding.  If not for your own safety, for the safety of everyone else on the road around you.

On a more sensitive note, it's good to see that you survived it.  Give it a couple years or 10, you'll be ready to get back in the saddle.

speedy recovery !!!!!!

I think he meant KM... The GS won't go 130MPH ...

Deer Foot trail was a frequent host of horrific accidents when I lived there. You seem in good faith despite the crash. Heal up well.

Cheers,
J

I was gonna throw up a  until someone mentioned the Km thing.  Sorry about the crash and hope for a speedy recovery.  Maybe one day you'll be up for more riding on the street.

I hope you have a speedy recovery, thanks for the reminder about looking ahead in the corners and keeping your head up, I assume that you carried the speed into the corner because of the stuck throttle. Another good reminder not to ignore the maintenance of the bike. Lucky you didnt hit a solid object. OK keith get well soon, the track awaits you

be careful and stay safe 

Quote from: lovemygs on November 05, 2007, 09:03:54 PM
.....
Moral of the storie always make the safe decision, look as far through the corner as possible, wear gear,and  save the crazy for the track.
....

The moral should have been to fix a know safety problem instead of continuing to ride. Luckily you have survived and hopefully you will have learned from your mistake.

Thanks for sharing your story, lovemygs. I wish you a speedy recovery and lessons learned well. 

good luck and get well soon man.  I went down this weekend and it was very minor yet I still feel like I was hit by a train so I can't imagine how you must feel.

I took my gs to around 130mph Indicated and was in 6th gear way past redline, bone stock.

Thats why they call this stretch of road  " Dear Foot 500 ".... LOL   

Quote from: dgyver on November 06, 2007, 10:46:48 AM

Quote from: lovemygs on November 05, 2007, 09:03:54 PM
.....
Moral of the storie always make the safe decision, look as far through the corner as possible, wear gear,and  save the crazy for the track.
....

The moral should have been to fix a know safety problem instead of continuing to ride. Luckily you have survived and hopefully you will have learned from your mistake.

+1
Hope you heal up all right.

I am somewhat speechless. I think it is good that you will learn your lesson and not be able to ride a motorcycle again, you do not belong on one.

glad to hear you're still alive!  good luck with the recovery, hope it's a speedy one.