That is an easy to find and inexpensive part. Sme people make solid aluminum versions that are more durable. Excluding the dent in the tank, it shouldn't cost too much to fix anything that needs fixing.

QuoteExcluding the dent in the tank, it shouldn't cost too much to fix anything that needs fixing.

Is it really necessary to address the dent in the tank? It was recently "restored and re-sealed" at great expense to the previous owner (so I'm told), so I think it might hold up OK, not spall steel into the gas. Maybe I should drain it just to be sure? It has a friendly red color on the inside which I guess is part of the treatment process.

Oh, and there's a photo I forgot to post. This heavy bolt is part of the bike, I think. What is it? The European guys picked it up from where the bike came to rest. The scraps of aluminum next to it are from the Suzuki badge on the side of the engine.

That's a bar-end - goes on the end of your handlebars.  Mostly for weight at the end of the bars to reduce vibrations.

Thank you for sharing your experience, I believe many can learn from others in this way.  It must feel horrible right now, but don't get down on yourself too much about.  As one said before, the physical pain is enough self-punishment on its own - Just learn from it, take care of your healing, and get back on the saddle.



- Bboy

Hah! I didn't even notice the handlebars had a problem. But that makes sense, they would have caught a lot of friction.

Glad you didn't get hurt more seriously.

I've been in a bad car crash while racing (damaged spine to this day), twisted both ankles and broke both wrists while rollerblading (only one at a time!), broke ribs snowboarding (both sides in two consecutive runs).

The most important is not to let this traumatize you. Reflect on what you did wrong, make conclusions and remember the lesson. $$$ and time you spend on fixing the bike will make it sink in.

At the end of the day it will make you a better rider.

Thanks. I actually have a second bike to ride, a '00 SV650 that I bought when I wasn't sure I could fix the fuel supply problems with the GS. I think I'm going to get back in the saddle today, ride across town to a see some friends.

The road rash is healing nicely - my knee is fully scabbed over, just cracks when I walk around, which hurts but whatever. The scrape on my hip is healing more slowly. There's a 2-inch circle that just gradually weeps fluid. Today I tried to lock down the area around it so that there will be less stretching as I move around, but I don't want to put too much tape on the surrounding area so there's not much I could do.

The bruise on my hip came in beautifully. I think today may be "peak color," with a nice full spectrum from deep purples and gross brownish-yellows. I came away without any internal bleeding, thank god. The bruise is right near my kidneys, which could have been terrible. I made a note based on my belt loops of where there was interior pain upon pressure. The pain has been diminished each day, so I think I'm fine.

All in all, I got of relatively lightly despite putting myself in a thoroughly hazardous situation for no reason at all. Perversely, this has been a fantastic week work-wise, because the healing process in my knee wants me to spend lots of hours in a sedentary position (and I have a largely sedentary job where my performance scales nonlinearly with the time I invest -- the 61st hour is much more productive than the 41st).

you shouldnt let it scab over. it needs to be wet with anti bacterial cream and bandaged till its healed all the way and isnt weeping anymore. i had bad rash and i searched motorcycle forums and found this to be the best way. i have minimal scaring from it.

Please, don't listen to anyone but those who are telling you to GO SEE A DOCTOR. Period.

Quote from: Atesz792 on May 24, 2014, 11:46:21 AM
Please, don't listen to anyone but those who are telling you to GO SEE A DOCTOR. Period.

THIS ^^^^^^. cause daily visits to woundcare/hyperbarics suck ass. on day 15 out of 30 minimum. trying to kick a staph infection on right leg. silver nitrate works wonders. if theres anything that wont heal santyl works great, it attacks only dead flesh. DONT get any dead flesh Eh? get to a doctor. specially if  its red around the scabbing or especially if it streaks in red. been there done that got the tshirt unfortunately. ill close with see a doc Eh?

As a nurse I can tell you it's in your best interests to get seen. Even if it's just for some tcp cream precautionary. Redness and itching isn't too bad. If it starts getting really hot or pulsating pain then you definitely need to get seen.


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The burns are healing pretty nicely now. At this point the real annoyance is just keeping them covered in a way that allows good range of motion.

Thanks for all your advice and help, especially rexpepper651:

Quoteyou shouldnt let it scab over. it needs to be wet with anti bacterial cream and bandaged till its healed all the way and isnt weeping anymore. i had bad rash and i searched motorcycle forums and found this to be the best way. i have minimal scaring from it.

I have a strong sense that this was the right advice at the right time.