 man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638 |
This was a great day and a bad one at the same time. First I picked up my first ride, an 07 America from the shop, took it out to a large parking lot to get used to it, so I practiced turning, braking, changing gears etc. Then when I felt comfortable enough I thought that it was time to head home, my wife was with me in our truck just behind me. I reachd a left turn and Gasp! I put the bike down! I came out fine just a minor scratch on my left knee, the bike did get some damage, the gears lever is messed up and the handle bar bent a little. The bike is back at the shop to get fix and hopefully will get it by the weekend. First bike, first put down and first post in this forum... pheew, what a day. 
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
At least you got it of your system right away; now you don't have to worry "when's it gonna happen" As far as dropping a bike, there are two kinds of riders: those who have and those who will. Welcome to the club. 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Everybody puts it down sooner or later. Yours was sooner. So, now you should be good to go
Oh, and congrats on your fine purchase and welcome to the forum.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
At least you didn't drop it because you forgot the kickstand  
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Take the rider safety course and dump their bikes a few times.... then you'll be less likely to dump yours!
Glad you're ok.
More flags
More fun!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 225
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 225 |
Quote:
At least you didn't drop it because you forgot the kickstand
Shhhhhhsh! I did that Saturday but no one saw me. 
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
yeah.... it fell on me and two dudes had to help me get up from under it.  at least it fell on my leg and no damage to the bike
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Welcome to the club and you pass your initiation. Glad you are OK.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
So sorry yer first post had to be about dropping yer bike , you need to come to Dahlonega this spring , you need a hug . 
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 99
Member
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Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 99 |
Don't feel so bad about it...it happens. I dropped mine at my first time AT THE RALLY in Dahlonega last spring in front of a group of the guys.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
I have been riding over 30 years and almost dropped my SM bringing it home so don't feel bad. I was used to the old drum breaks on the 60s Triumphs and always had to plan a block or so ahead when I wanted to stop. Well bringing the SM home I grabbed the front break a little too hard and locked the front wheel up for a sec, and almost lost it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 387 |
I dropped mine from a dead stop 2nd day, and a few days later that darn kickstand got me, lack of using it, pinned me against my garage wall. I guess we just have to get out of our system. 
Sono qui per la birra
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Don't feel so bad about it...it happens. I dropped mine at my first time AT THE RALLY in Dahlonega last spring in front of a group of the guys.
Did you get a HUG ? If not , 109 days . 
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Quote:
Don't feel so bad about it...it happens. I dropped mine at my first time AT THE RALLY in Dahlonega last spring in front of a group of the guys.
Ouch! the pain is even worse with an audience.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Welcome Angel, sorry to hear of your first drop mate, things can only get better from now on. Ride safe and keep your eyes peeled for those cages.. 
Ray(UK)
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Well, tick that one off your list of things to do. Happens to the best of us, the worst and all between as well. Just be glad it was a sturdy Triumph and not one of those plastic clad rikety racers, one of those would have cost a fortune to drop. I remember one time when I was making a left just a little fast. All was OK until I came to a manhole cover that someone had been stopped over with their airconditioner dripping condensation on it. No fun when both wheels get into a grudge race and start passing each other. 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 319
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 319 |
Welcome to the club! (both this forum, and the dropped bike) Glad it wasn't much damage. Now that you got that over with, it's time to rack up the miles. 
'07 America
www.patriotguard.org
"If you're not living on the edge...........You're taking up too much space!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Don't sweat it. At least it was "your" bike you rode down, and now you have a story for the ages.
Welcome aboard. See that you are in ATL, there are a (relatively) large number of us around the city (OTP) and a lot more north of the city.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,954 |
Quote:
Don't feel so bad about it...it happens. I dropped mine at my first time AT THE RALLY in Dahlonega last spring in front of a group of the guys.
If you dropped it in front of the guys that I've met at past rallies, then no one saw ya, since most of them are older than dirt anyhow...
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 320
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 320 |
Welcome to the club... both the forum and the droppers club.
I remember the time a Harley guy came into a Biker Bar in CT, all dirty and scratched up. The waitress asked what happened and he said, "I just went down on my bike."
"Lucky bike", she says...
See you in Dahlonega.
SteveB
"I live the life I love and I love the life I live."
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,193 |
The Droppers Club. LOL.
Dropped my America at a light when she had less than 500 miles on it. Was mortified, of course. The good news is that it led to customizing my seat so I'd be more flatfoot at stops.
Last summer, I dropped my bike on the way to the NH Rally 5 minutes after another member here dropped his- we were looking for another BA.com member we were meeting up with. I still laugh about that one. Calling Brian on the phone, "Hey! Where are you? We just dropped our bikes!" (He still came and rode up with us, of course giving us s#^t all weekend.)
"Let your soul shine,
It's better than sunshine,
It's better than moonshine,
****** sure better than rain."
-ABB
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590 |
Don't worry about it, I have spent years trying to perfect the random "Artie Johnson, 0 mph Tip over the Tricycle" fall.
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Quote:
I remember one time when I was making a left just a little fast. All was OK until I came to a manhole cover that someone had been stopped over with their airconditioner dripping condensation on it. No fun when both wheels get into a grudge race and start passing each other.
Good things to remember, that tar sealant they fill cracks in the road with,manhole covers, open grate bridges,the lines painted on the road,leaves,and gravel are all very slippery so be aware of them.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 201 |
Welcome to the forum and to the "dropped it" club too. I have went down a couple of times and one was a friend's bike. I came really close to dropping my Speedy too on the first ride. I tapped the front brake in a slow corner.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Yep, we all been there. My most embassessing? I had been riding a 71 Triumph, but it was gettin old (this before I knew how to wrench on them.) I test rode a brand new 1977 650 Yamaha because it had some of the good looking lines of my old Triumph. I rode about 4 blocks down the curvy road in front of the dealership and slid that sucker right into the ditch about a block away from the dealership. (didn't handle like my trumpet!)Mangled the bars and tank. Ya don't think that ain't embarressing to ride up to the the dealer's front door?! I bought it anyway, fixed it and rode that sucker 30 thousand reliable miles. Don't sweat it, you'll get better and we're glad you're one of us now!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 638 |
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the words of encouragement. Looking back I think what I did wrong was hitting the front brake a bit too hard while taking a slow left turn. I hope to get the bike back from the shop this weekend... I hope since some parts had to be ordered. I'll post some pics when I get it back. Thanks everyone! I feel much better now 
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Remember break before the turn and accelerate through it.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,960 |
Don't feel bad I was rearended the first weekend I had her. Had to get a new rear fender, tail light and indicators.
John
Like a dog on a car ride with my tongue in the wind
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248 |
 Do mini bikes and dirt bikes count? If so I've had my share. Welcome and enjoy.  Although you may have to learn to leave a couple a few hours early to wherever you want go. It always seems that a 10 min. trip can last for hours.
My mind and body are still out of tune
I hope they run into each other real soon "
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 Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
took it out to a large parking lot to get used to it, so I practiced turning, braking, changing gears etc.
This statement shows you have your head on straight. Keep on practicing, you'll get better fast. It's also good that you were able to figure out what you did wrong, so at least you learned. Check out the Riding Technique posts, there are years of experience in there. And welcome to the site.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
I make it a point to drop mine only when there are witnesses.
The more the better.
It's a good way to keep that pesky old ego mashed down in good order.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 67
Member
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 67 |
THAT SUCKS MAN, Glad to hear you weren't hurt. I dropped my first bike only after putting maybe 50 miles on it. Except I was going 40 around a slow curve. Hit a patch of sane which slid me into a curb. I did a nice superman style pose as I flew of the bike. Broke my wrist in four places. Had to have pins put in for a few months. Bike was in decent shape for the kind of wreck it was in, but it was and still is a triumph after all!
IJUSTWANTORIDESOMETHING
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463 |
When I first got the 06, I was paranoid about him being stolen. So even though he had an alarm I used to put the disklock on as well. I'm not gonna elobarate any further, but whatever your imagination is saying..... I was in the bikepark at work. Fortunately it was 1am, and no one was about. I learnt that the footboards help, as the bike doesn't fall all the way over. And the bracket to hold the brake caliper on ain't cheap, and that my local dealer doesn't keep speedo cables, but my friendly dealer 150 miles away does.... So it really is not just you that has had a new bike fall over.... And welcome! 
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
Quote:
I make it a point to drop mine only when there are witnesses.
I have personally been an ear witness to two Bucky drops.
Didn't see 'em, but heard 'em.
Lots of motor revving!
I tipped mine over once at zero speed, on a mountainside road.
Watch out for the cars!
Uncle Charlie
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Glad the damage was minimal. Make sure they check out your rear brake master cylinder and function. Tipped over, the rear is prone to getting air in the line, even with the higher mount.
Al
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I just remembered my first bike dropping story, Totally not my fault. I had just got my first real bike (the afore mentioned Triumph and was riding around a sweeping left hand curve on the highway, about 55 MPH. A quarter of the way through the turn, I'm leaning into the curve, and the bike won't lean! I push on the brake and hold on for dear life, still tryin to lean to the left, but the darn bike refuses to lean! I slow crashed into a soft grassy area off of the curve, stopping just short of a barb wire fence. I collected my senses, and looked at the bike. The kickstand spring had broken and the kickstand crept out and wouldn't allow the bike to lean over! I brushed myself off, the bike suffered no damage at all, and I tied a shoe string to the stand to keep it up. It was funny afterward, and I have never forgotten that funny feeling of a Trumpet that, for a moment anyway, just didn't handle well in a curve!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
Sorry to hear your misfortune. Everyone is bound to do it and all you can hope to do is learn from your mistakes. Welcome to the family.
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,219 Likes: 61 |
Quote:
I just remembered my first bike dropping story, Totally not my fault. I had just got my first real bike (the afore mentioned Triumph and was riding around a sweeping left hand curve on the highway, about 55 MPH. A quarter of the way through the turn, I'm leaning into the curve, and the bike won't lean! I push on the brake and hold on for dear life, still tryin to lean to the left, but the darn bike refuses to lean! I slow crashed into a soft grassy area off of the curve, stopping just short of a barb wire fence. I collected my senses, and looked at the bike. The kickstand spring had broken and the kickstand crept out and wouldn't allow the bike to lean over! I brushed myself off, the bike suffered no damage at all, and I tied a shoe string to the stand to keep it up. It was funny afterward, and I have never forgotten that funny feeling of a Trumpet that, for a moment anyway, just didn't handle well in a curve!
Lucky it didn't spin you around in a circle and toss you.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: man do I feel stupid... first lessoned learned.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 347 |
Never let that happen while your wife is watching in the truck following. Everything is downhill from that point.
jerry
2005 America, Green, Thunderbike exhaust
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HE** OUT OF THE WAY!
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