Dropped my new bike - ATGATT

[chienjouet]

Had planned to go to Mountain View to pick up my new BMW F650GS, 800cc, Twin today, Thursday. Had made all the arrangements and was prepared for Thursday to be the day.

However, husband had changed worked plans, so called me at home yesterday, Wednesday morning, and said today was the day (Wednesday). So, it kind of through my plans up in the air. Had to make phone calls to change things around, get someone to take my commitment for Wednesday afternoon. Make sure I got her the necessary paper work, etc., to take my place, among other changes of arrangements and appointments.

Also, to add to the chaos, I hadn't slept at all the night before, so excited about my bike and other activities and plans.

We finally headed up to Mountain View, me on the back of my husbands bike, which I don't like to do. He's a much more aggressive rider than I. Arrive at the dealership and go through all the rigmarole of preparing to take the bike home. So, by now it's 5pm and I'm so tired, it's unbelievable. We start heading home, right at the peak of going home traffic, across the city and then over Hwy 17; a very twisty, heavy traffic travel through the Santa Cruz mountains. Did all that just great. Felt like I was pushing it, just because I was so tired. The only wise decision I made was that I was fully geared up. Thank God

Realize I'm back in town in time to actually fulfill my commitment, so we stopped at the local Starbucks to get some hot chocolate.

I followed my husband into the parking lot, I start to go over a little speed bump in the lot, and my husband immediately turns right into a parking spot and I, while on the speed bump, immediately turn right to park alongside him in the same space, like we always do. WRONG! I was practically stopped, back tires still on the speed bump, and fell to the right, landed on my side, away from the bike and the bike went straight down. Scratch on the right handle bar and the right peg. Barely noticeable, but scratched none-the-less. I remember my head bouncing on the asphalt thinking "What an amazing helmet. I don't feel a thing." And landing on my shoulder and not feeling any pain...good for the armor in my jacket.

I made several mistakes this entire day. Really dangerous mistakes. I was too tired to ride a tricycle, never mind a new motorcycle. I didn't ride my own ride. I followed my husbands lead the entire day. I did things I didn't want to do in ways I didn't want to do them to just kind of get the job done. Bad, bad, bad. I went along to get along. I accumulated quite the tally of 'risk factors'.

Now, I don't want to give the impression that this mishap had anything to do with my husband. I had a million opportunities to avoid this. I could have said "No, today's not a good day for me". I could have said, 'No, I'll have one of the women drive me up to Mountain View". I could have said "No, the timing won't work. I don't want to be riding a brand new bike in commute traffic over Hwy 17". I could have said "No, I'm not going to the meeting tonight". I could have decided not to try to squeeze into that parking spot, just because he chose it. All my responsibility. Had I done those things, I am sure I wouldn't have dropped my brand new bike. I rode outside my comfort zone. I didn't ride by my mantra of "Ride your own ride". No wonder I dropped the bike.

So, for all the misjudgments I made, I got off easy. Could have been so much worse and I could have hurt someone else.

I'll be up in the parking lot on Saturday practicing slow maneuvers, u-turns, parking, speed stops, etc., again, because this is new bike and very different from what I've been riding.

Love my new bike. Not so sure how she feels about me this morning, but I'll make it up to her, by becoming a better rider.

[RetroRider81]

Glad you are ok!!! And what a valuable lesson for all of us, thank you for sharing this with us! Looking forward to seeing photos of you and your new bike!

[maximoto]

Glad you are ok!!! And what a valuable lesson for all of us, thank you for sharing this with us! Looking forward to seeing photos of you and your new bike!

+ 1

[Dualsport Chic]

Thanks for sharing your story Chien. Glad to hear both you and your new bike are not seriously damaged - so here's a :hug2: to you both!

Also - it appears you really thought over what happened and WHY it happened which is excellent for preventing it in the future. Riding tired in distracting conditions is always a recipe for disaster. Many of us have talked about riding when we're not 'up for it' - whether it be tired, distracted, emotionally charged, etc. The key is recognizing when you're in that condition and abstaining from getting on to wheels.

We've all been there so don't be too hard on yourself but please remember the lesson. And, I'm sure your new baby will forgive you - just give her a nice slow break-in period, a nice spot in the garage, and polish her often!

Now - you do remember the:rules: don't you?? WE WANT :LT:s!!!

[kari-star]

oh Chien, I feel you. I had nearly the very same thing happen to me a few months ago. OK, it was different - not a new bike, but I was tired, and I misjudged a turn into a friends driveway and just fell right over in a slow turn. Same thing as you where I landed right on my armor (but on my knee) and thought: holy cow, I would be really hurt if I hadn't had my riding pants on. I bent my handlebars a little (though I've been riding it) and broke the end of my shift lever off (though I've been riding it).

I'm so glad you are ok! and thanks for sharing your story. it's tough sometimes to fess up to things like this but it's so helpful for others. I've been there too!

[Luna Tique]

I am glad to hear you are fine and you don't have to worry about when you are going to get that first scratch. :shrug:

So when do we get to see your bike?

[ridingAK]

Wow, I'm so glad it wasn't worse for you or the bike!

Thank you for the reminder that although we frequently talk about the dangers posed to us by vehicles, often the biggest danger we face is our own complacency.

[phoenix63]

Oh, sweetie... so glad you're ok! And extra glad you were ATGATT! Way to go, hon!
:hug2:

I know the feeling. I took Bebe in for her first service the other day (have to pick her up tomorrow). It was late in the day, lots of drama at work... my head was not completely in the ride.

I just didn't feel comfortable. and, I forgot the ear buds so I could listen to the GPS directions on my phone... had to pull over after each set of directions to check the next turn. What a PITA!

But, I got there in one piece.

[Cyclone67]

Glad you came out OK, you new bike will forgive you!!

Definitely want to see some pictures....

[zukilady]

Yup, now you don't have to wonder how you will get the first scratch or when the first drop will come...

+1 on how important it is that you understand what happened. So glad you are all right, which is most important of all! :hug2:

Now - are you going to see how long you can get us to beg before we get :LT:???

[gypsyangel]

Bah, it's just cause you and the Beemer haven't bonded yet. It's going to try to push your buttons and see what lines it can cross. But you gotta stay firm and show that bike that you're the alpha in this pack. Remember to always remain calm, bikes can sense nervousness and anxiety and they'll take advantage of it to try to get the upper hand. Use your wits to stay one step ahead. Snapping your fingers at it,while giving it a little kick to the rear tire and a "shhht" will help get it's attention. Atleast that's what Ceaser Mulan says.....hmmmm maybe I should watch more Speed channel and less Animal Planet :D:

[ImaSoftT]

Oh Chien, so sorry to hear about your mishap :hug2: but oh so glad to hear that you and your new baby came through without serious damage. I know you must be upset, but remember it is much better to learn these lessons at 1 or 2 mph then when we are going full speed ahead. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it has certainly driven home the importance of saying "NO" to riding when we have to many other things on our mind.
Now, dig out those flannel PJs and get us some :LT: we're dying to see your new baby:yahoo:

[ImaSoftT]

.....hmmmm maybe I should watch more Speed channel and less Animal Planet :D:

:rofl:

[calico1062]

Hi Chien... :hug2:so sorry to hear about your drop, but SO happy to hear that you were okay, especially with your head hitting the ground!! And so glad to hear that your new baby is fine too... I can't wait to see pics of your new bike.

[sweptwingnut]

Fastway Footpegs (http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=43233) and a Kaoko throttle lock (http://www.advdesigns.com/kathlocrcoki1.html) cruise control are both fine upgrades that will erase those minor scratches whenever you are ready. rAK and I are very pleased with our Fastway Footpegs. More comfortable and stable underfoot than the stock pegs.

[LiLiBug]

Wow, I'm so glad it wasn't worse for you or the bike!

Thank you for the reminder that although we frequently talk about the dangers posed to us by vehicles, often the biggest danger we face is our own complacency.

Couldn't agree more!

Chein: No worries as Beemers are meant to have battle scars. Remember they are off road capable so scratches, drops and MUD!!! make them very happy! :ecstasy:

I remember that when I bought my 658 the sales guys said, "Only the first scratch hurts, after that they are a source of pride!"

The MOST important thing is that you are ok and once again AGATT saves the day!

[chienjouet]

I was going to multi-quote the answers that touched me, helped me, guided me, comforted me, but then I realized I'd just be multi-quoting each and every post, so I just want to say I hadn't cried over this until I read all the wise advice and direction and all the 'me too's' and the helpful advice about which parts to replace the scratched parts with, and your own experiences.

The support on this forum is really quite remarkable. Can't say I've ever seen anything like it and I do have amazing friends. But, few of them ride.

I can't thank you enough, all of you, for commiserating with me. It really does make ALL the difference. :hug2:

So, onward and upward.

Photos! Yes, I will post a few as soon I download them this evening.

[zee]

Can't add much more than what's already been stated... except here's another :hug2:

[becsta]

Glad to hear you are not hurt, and scratches add character (on peoples bikes other than mine). I dropped mine on the fourth day of owning it. It happens and as long as we dont get hurt and learn from the mistake we made all is good.

[chienjouet]

Taking off from the Dealership
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay5E.jpg
Waiting to leave the Driveway at Dealership
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay2E.jpg
Arriving Home after driving Hwy 17 First day. So happy to have a top case (BMW Motorad )
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay3E.jpg
Opening my top case to fetch my stuff after arriving at our drive-way
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay3E.jpg

[Cyclone67]

Looks great, brand spanking new!!

Have fun!!!!

What, no PJ pictures????:lol:

[Luna Tique]

chien thanks for sharing some photos. The bike and you look great. :thumbup:


Bah, it's just cause you and the Beemer haven't bonded yet. It's going to try to push your buttons and see what lines it can cross. But you gotta stay firm and show that bike that you're the alpha in this pack. Remember to always remain calm, bikes can sense nervousness and anxiety and they'll take advantage of it to try to get the upper hand. Use your wits to stay one step ahead. Snapping your fingers at it,while giving it a little kick to the rear tire and a "shhht" will help get it's attention. Atleast that's what Ceaser Mulan says.....hmmmm maybe I should watch more Speed channel and less Animal Planet :D:


:rofl:


I have missed you and your posts Gypsy :thumbup:
Thanks for providing me my morning chuckle.:lol:

[ImaSoftT]

I looks like you have found a perfect fit Chien, :congrats: it is beautiful. Here's wishing you many many s-miles together.

[kari-star]

Opening my top case to fetch my stuff after arriving at our drive-way
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay3E.jpg

I love this photo, Chien! I look just like this when I get off the motorcycle at work - I hop off and pull a regular pocketbook and a tote bag of clothes out of the top box (hat box! :D:) and head in to the office. I like your handbag!

[zukilady]

Woohoo, beautiful bike! Congratulations!!!

:yahoo::clapping:

[phoenix63]

Looks great, brand spanking new!!

Have fun!!!!

What, no PJ pictures????:lol:

Yeah, and speaking of PJ pictures... was I the only one to do that? LOL! I feel so... exposed!
:redface1:

[Dualsport Chic]

Congrats Chien - bike looks awesome - and I love the silver color too!

Best wishes to you and your new baby for many safe and happy miles together.

:congrats:

[calico1062]

Congrats!!! She's beautiful!!!! :yahoo: So happy for you.

[zee]

Great pictures!! Sorry to hear you dropped her, but at least that's over with now. ;):

Enjoy!!!

[FutureDrJames]

Also very glad you got the first scratch without injury. :):

I realized I wanted to add something. You said you felt your head bounce on the asphalt. Have you checked over your helmet to make sure its protective capacity is still up to par? They need to be replaced after one major impact. The expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner compresses irreversibly in a crash. However, minor dings that scratch a little paint are probably not a worry. If you're in doubt, definitely seek advice from someone qualified.

Enjoy the heck out of your new bike. I'm quite fond of that F-GS...:envy:

[adelgadorey]

Whew, glad to hear you're okay!! I can sympathize with the "too many factors" adding up to a fall. I'm so happy for you, that is a tremendous bike!!

[ImaSoftT]

Good point FutureDoc, it's better to retire a helmet than have it fail when you need it the most.

[cookiebox]

http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay3E.jpg[/IMG]
Opening my top case to fetch my stuff after arriving at our drive-way
http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo139/bellavonluka/BMW_F650GS_1stDay3E.jpg
beautiful bike Chine, loved your post