First (and hopefully last, of course) crash

nynfortoo · Trackday Trickster Joined: 21 May 2007 Karma :

Well what a nasty finish to an otherwise nice day.

I looked at the lovely weather and decided to take the bike out for a ride, heading nowhere in particular. I got into a town about 15 miles from home, and turned a corner only to be greeted by the sun shining directly into my eyes. I slowed down, as I remember the Highway Code telling you to when dazzled, squinting to try and see anything.

Then, the next thing I know, I see a purple flash, and I'm tumbling over the handlebars. I'd hit an Audi A3 that'd had braked sharply at a Zebra Crossing to let some pedestrians across.

Luckily I'm not hurt, and neither was anyone in the car I hit. I think legally I'll be 100% to blame, and I'm not too sure what'll happen from here.

Damage to the car: the bumper was hanging off, a small dent, and a broken set of rear/left lights.

Damage to the bike: front forks are bent and twisted, rear number plate snapped off (don't know how, mind). I have TPFT insurance only, so the damage will come out of my pocket.

Still, at least I'm okay.

repiV · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 May 2007 Karma :

I'm glad you're ok. Must be immensely frustrating though.

Is there a dark visor on the agenda now?

nynfortoo · Trackday Trickster Joined: 21 May 2007 Karma :

repiV · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 May 2007 Karma :

Well when I had my numpty moment and fell off doing a U-turn, I was able to tell that the helmet was damaged by feeling around inside of it. There was a definite part of the EPS liner that was compressed.
I came off at 30-40ish mph recently (tankslapper? lost grip? don't even know what happened anymore) and didn't hit my head. I did give the helmet a check over too and didn't find anything amiss, so I'm still using it.

I find the sun in my eyes can be a problem aswell, even with sunglasses on. Especially commuting at 7:30 in the morning, the sun is right high up in the sky.
I might pick up a dark visor today actually, after this...

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

You may be able to get the helmet x-rayed for damage.

I believe you can get 'sun strips' for bike helmets - a tinted strip which if it's extra-sunny you can tip your head down and look through.

KTM Gordo · Brolly Dolly Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Karma :

Finglonga · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Karma :

DEN MONKEY · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2005 Karma :

Ive found just tippin my head forward even with out tape on can help at least a little bit to get a bearing.
Not perfect but at least you should be able to see something like a car Embarassed

Oh well....it happens ....now insure ya bike
____________________
meh

nynfortoo · Trackday Trickster Joined: 21 May 2007 Karma :

Cheers, guys. I'll have a look into sun-strips when I get everything back on track again. I'll have a look into the cost of X-raying the helmet and poking around for any self-detectable damage, as well.

I'm aching this morning, and I've got a mild bruise and scratch on my right leg. Otherwise, I'm absolutely fine — thank fuck for wearing proper gear. I'll be telling my boss about what happened later on, and more than likely he'll immediately offer me the day off on monday to get things sorted. I'll go to the doctors for a checkup, and I'll be getting in touch with my insurance fairly shortly.

Having a look at the bike with my brother, the only damage we can see is: the fork stanchions are completely bent, I have a scratch on my right mirror, my right indicator lense is missing (though I have new indicators in the post anyway, so no biggie), and the front mudguard/fender has a slightly broken bracket.

Still, the main thing is nobody was hurt; and it's only money.