First ride/first crash - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Wistrick · 05-30-2007, 10:11 AM

Took out my new c50 for its first real ride today. Went with my father and brother inlaw was a great ride tell 15 miles from home. First I have to admit to being very inexperienced on a street bike. Was on a two lane highway and was trying to move over to the white line to give a rv coming the other way hogging the center line some room. Thats when I did a very rookie mistake. Instead of leaning to the rightI tried to steer the bike. Well the bike went left not right and I cut across the rv's lane and end up on the opposite shoulder. My father in law said the rv missed me by inches. I ended up in a ditch with a jammed thumb and a dislocated shoulder. I am thankful to be alive. I don't think I am going riding again tell after I get my rider safety course taken. Anybody got any suggestions about the first ride after an accident like this????

PhotoJoe · 05-30-2007, 10:22 AM

You are lucky to be alive, and very wise to take the MSF. I do believe the MSF will give you both the confidence and skill to be able to get back on the bike again. May take a while to get comfortable, but you can do it.

Apertureguy · 05-30-2007, 10:24 AM

You're lucky this mistake didn't cost you more.

Take the MSF....and after you get your endorsement...practice, practice, practice!

**Clint** · 05-30-2007, 10:57 AM

*sigh*

We preach, and we preach, and we preach.

Thanks for stopping in to tell us. Maybe someone else will learn from your mistake.

Ext1jdh · 05-30-2007, 10:58 AM

You're above ground and not a hood ornament. Be glad. It could have been much worse.

Wistrick · 05-30-2007, 11:04 AM

Thanks guys, one more thing I want to point out is the face shield of my helmet was so scratched that you can't see though it. I would hate to think what my face would have looked like if I had been wearing and open face helmet

**intimid8er** · 05-30-2007, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wistrick

Anybody got any suggestions about the first ride after an accident like this????

Other than you shouldn't have been on a bike in the first place? Nope. Can't think of a thing.

You've already got the plan. Stick to it.

Wistrick · 05-30-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Other than you shouldn't have been on a bike in the first place? Nope. Can't think of a thing.

How do you learn if you don't ride? Sorry that just seemed a little harsh. BTW I already was going to take the riding course before all this happened. I am not taking it becasue it happened.

Ext1jdh · 05-30-2007, 11:49 AM

Msf before you ride. Its the safe way.

ORBrit · 05-30-2007, 11:50 AM

Glad you survived that mistake.

Take the course and you will learn that the bike does infact turn by leaning - but you don't lean to lean the bike, you COUNTERSTEER.

Push forward on the left grip to go left, push forward on the right grip to go right.
(Oh no.... not another countersteering discussion)
Your first ride after this should be in a parking lot, with no other traffic, under supervision of MSF certified instructors.

You should also read Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough.

themeatmanlandry · 05-30-2007, 11:59 AM

That scared the bejeezus out of me just reading it!

First, I'm glad you're okay. No one ever wakes up and says, "Today's the day I'm going to die," yet many people have their card pulled each and every day. Glad yours wasn't yanked.

Second, park the bike and take the MSF (as has been mentioned). I can't freaking believe you had other bikers with you that knew you were inexperienced, yet they didn't even give you pointers . . . you know, like: "Counter steering works like this . . . " so you won't end up in the opposing lane.

My suggestion for a first ride after an accident like this is to MAKE YOUR NEXT RIDE A PART OF THE MSF CLASS!!!!!!

I've had a dislocated shoulder. Ouch. Hurts like hell, don't it? Funny how stretching those muscles to 2-3 hours (until the orthopaedic surgeon gets it popped back in place) can get on your nerves, huh? They get your shoulder back in while you were conscious? They had to knock me out to get mine back in place (not that they didn't try a few times while I was awake

).

At least you have a story to tell. On to important stuff: How'd the bike do?

wookie · 05-30-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORBrit

Glad you survived that mistake.

Take the course and you will learn that the bike does infact turn by leaning - but you don't lean to lean the bike, you COUNTERSTEER.

Push forward on the left grip to go left, push forward on the right grip to go right.
(Oh no.... not another countersteering discussion)
Your first ride after this should be in a parking lot, with no other traffic, under supervision of MSF certified instructors.

You should also read Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough.

92Notch · 05-30-2007, 12:17 PM

live and learn!!! I do stuff like that all the time.

j/k ..... yeah dude, I'm glad to hear you made it out of that alive. you got lucky. park it until you've got the course under your belt.

tallannie · 05-30-2007, 12:20 PM

Wistrick..
ya gotta get back on the horse that threw you dear. I have been there and done that....including the sanded faceplate!
GO to MSF and reinforce your skills ( you implied you had ridden bikes off road before..?) and enjoy your C50....and come back here and post often!
Annie

**inspiron** · 05-30-2007, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themeatmanlandry

No one ever wakes up and says, "Today's the day I'm going to die," yet many people have their card pulled each and every day.

Well, there is the occasional death row candidate in Texas or Ohio ...

Apertureguy · 05-30-2007, 12:42 PM

Yeah...that's right I had forgotten he said he was with "other" bikers.

That's pretty messed up!

**intimid8er** · 05-30-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wistrick

How do you learn if you don't ride? Sorry that just seemed a little harsh. BTW I already was going to take the riding course before all this happened. I am not taking it becasue it happened.

It was harsh. I ain't gonna apologize. Others have posted underneath my original post that sum up what I was implying so there is no need to go over that again. The reason I was harsh is this. You took a powerful motorized vehicle that requires a whole different set of skills that have to be learned over time, out on a public highway. I could care less how most people endanger their lives. Risky behavior is engaged in by ordinary people every day. Evidence of this is on YouTube by the thousands. When you are staking the lives of innocents in your foolish enterprises, then that is where I take umbrage sir.

BlaznBlu · 05-30-2007, 01:29 PM

+1000

Don't your in-laws like ya? If they offer to take you hunting, feign an illness.

... kinda

Seriously, you got very lucky there. Let the bike sit until the MSF class when you can learn from someone experienced with teaching beginner road riders. Read "Proficient Motorcycling" while your shoulder is healing. After your class, then head to an empty parking lot and isolated streets to practice before attempting to head out into traffic.

Glad you got out alive and relatively well, and thanks for sharing your experience. It may help another new rider in the future.

POE-BOY SAMICH · 05-30-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

It was harsh. I ain't gonna apologize. Others have posted underneath my original post that sum up what I was implying so there is no need to go over that again. The reason I was harsh is this. You took a powerful motorized vehicle that requires a whole different set of skills that have to be learned over time, out on a public highway. I could care less how most people endanger their lives. Risky behavior is engaged in by ordinary people every day. Evidence of this is on YouTube by the thousands. When you are staking the lives of innocents in your foolish enterprises, then that is where I take umbrage sir.

"Harsh" maybe.
But not any more harsh than the reality that you could have killed others as well as yourself because of your riding on public roads w/o the proper skills.
Have you considered how the folks in the RV must have felt when they saw that 600lbs motorcycle coming onto their lane?

It was a mistake, I recognize that.
I just think it was an avoidable one.
If it makes any difference, I don't blame you, I blame your in-laws.
You didn't mention, but I HOPE they have a little more road riding experience than you do. This tells me that they should have known better than to let you take on a public road when you didn't even understand one of the most needed basics of motorcycling (counter-steering).

Good luck to you with the MSF.
I hope you get many miles of safe fun out of your C50.
But mostly, I think you should consider getting some better riding buddies.
Ride with someone who gives a hoot about you AND those you share the road with.

Kodatech · 05-30-2007, 01:40 PM

Sorry to hear about the crash, at least you are ok, they will make more suzukis. countersteering should be second nature though. i dont even think about it, it is the ONLY way to steer a bike.

05-30-2007, 10:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Wistrick In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki Blvd. C50 2005 and 2003 Vstrom DL1000 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 136	First ride/first crash Took out my new c50 for its first real ride today. Went with my father and brother inlaw was a great ride tell 15 miles from home. First I have to admit to being very inexperienced on a street bike. Was on a two lane highway and was trying to move over to the white line to give a rv coming the other way hogging the center line some room. Thats when I did a very rookie mistake. Instead of leaning to the rightI tried to steer the bike. Well the bike went left not right and I cut across the rv's lane and end up on the opposite shoulder. My father in law said the rv missed me by inches. I ended up in a ditch with a jammed thumb and a dislocated shoulder. I am thankful to be alive. I don't think I am going riding again tell after I get my rider safety course taken. Anybody got any suggestions about the first ride after an accident like this????

05-30-2007, 10:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
PhotoJoe Third gear and cruising Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: Looking for my first bike Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 505	You are lucky to be alive, and very wise to take the MSF. I do believe the MSF will give you both the confidence and skill to be able to get back on the bike again. May take a while to get comfortable, but you can do it. __________________

05-30-2007, 10:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,257	You're above ground and not a hood ornament. Be glad. It could have been much worse. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

05-30-2007, 11:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,257	Msf before you ride. Its the safe way. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

05-30-2007, 11:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
ORBrit U.B's LoveChild Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: 2007 Suzuki Boulevard S50, 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 1,242	Glad you survived that mistake. Take the course and you will learn that the bike does infact turn by leaning - but you don't lean to lean the bike, you COUNTERSTEER. Push forward on the left grip to go left, push forward on the right grip to go right. (Oh no.... not another countersteering discussion) Your first ride after this should be in a parking lot, with no other traffic, under supervision of MSF certified instructors. You should also read Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough. __________________

05-30-2007, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	You're lucky this mistake didn't cost you more. Take the MSF....and after you get your endorsement...practice, practice, practice!

05-30-2007, 11:04 AM	#6 (permalink)
Wistrick In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki Blvd. C50 2005 and 2003 Vstrom DL1000 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 136	Thanks guys, one more thing I want to point out is the face shield of my helmet was so scratched that you can't see though it. I would hate to think what my face would have looked like if I had been wearing and open face helmet

05-30-2007, 11:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	That scared the bejeezus out of me just reading it! First, I'm glad you're okay. No one ever wakes up and says, "Today's the day I'm going to die," yet many people have their card pulled each and every day. Glad yours wasn't yanked. Second, park the bike and take the MSF (as has been mentioned). I can't freaking believe you had other bikers with you that knew you were inexperienced, yet they didn't even give you pointers . . . you know, like: "Counter steering works like this . . . " so you won't end up in the opposing lane. My suggestion for a first ride after an accident like this is to MAKE YOUR NEXT RIDE A PART OF THE MSF CLASS!!!!!! I've had a dislocated shoulder. Ouch. Hurts like hell, don't it? Funny how stretching those muscles to 2-3 hours (until the orthopaedic surgeon gets it popped back in place) can get on your nerves, huh? They get your shoulder back in while you were conscious? They had to knock me out to get mine back in place (not that they didn't try a few times while I was awake ). At least you have a story to tell. On to important stuff: How'd the bike do? __________________ Go to hell

05-30-2007, 12:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
92Notch Birthday Boy Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: '05½ C50 Limited Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 860	live and learn!!! I do stuff like that all the time. j/k ..... yeah dude, I'm glad to hear you made it out of that alive. you got lucky. park it until you've got the course under your belt. __________________

05-30-2007, 12:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
tallannie Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: C50 Boulevard Location: Hillsboro, Oregon Posts: 2,120	Wistrick.. ya gotta get back on the horse that threw you dear. I have been there and done that....including the sanded faceplate! GO to MSF and reinforce your skills ( you implied you had ridden bikes off road before..?) and enjoy your C50....and come back here and post often! Annie __________________ .... Just in Time moto-cookie delivery

05-30-2007, 12:42 PM	#16 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	Yeah...that's right I had forgotten he said he was with "other" bikers. That's pretty messed up!

05-30-2007, 01:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
BlaznBlu Clutch Cadet Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 2008 Black/Silver GSX650F. 2005 Black M50 with blue ghost flames. Location: West Melbourne, FL Posts: 917	+1000 Don't your in-laws like ya? If they offer to take you hunting, feign an illness. ... kinda Seriously, you got very lucky there. Let the bike sit until the MSF class when you can learn from someone experienced with teaching beginner road riders. Read "Proficient Motorcycling" while your shoulder is healing. After your class, then head to an empty parking lot and isolated streets to practice before attempting to head out into traffic. Glad you got out alive and relatively well, and thanks for sharing your experience. It may help another new rider in the future. __________________ When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So let's all get drunk and go to heaven!

05-30-2007, 01:40 PM	#20 (permalink)
Kodatech Handlebar Consultant Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 616	Sorry to hear about the crash, at least you are ok, they will make more suzukis. countersteering should be second nature though. i dont even think about it, it is the ONLY way to steer a bike.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
My crash	pitbull76	Tips & Training	16	05-23-2007 07:53 AM
Crash!	inspiron	Off Topic	6	02-28-2007 03:03 PM
crash	sandman07	New Member Pitstop	2	01-27-2007 05:15 PM
After A Crash...	jbrough7	The Paddock	2	09-17-2006 09:05 AM
"2 types of riders, those who've crash, and those who will crash..."	SoarAndEnvision	The Paddock	22	07-06-2006 10:39 AM