Ran over a surprise left on freeway

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 08:36 AM

My first 'accident'. I was on the 405N carpool lane in a tuck because the wind that day was throwing my head left and right more than usual. The car in front of me passed over the object and as soon as I saw it I tried maneuvering around it but to no avail. I hit it at freeway speeds with both my wheels, got a bit of hang time, and hung on for deal life. Thank god I didn't go down.
As I was waiting for a tow it kept replaying in my head and I thought what I should have done differently. Not sure I could have since it was less than a second from when the car passed over it to when I hit it. I probably would have gone down if I was leaned over more while trying to get around it better. But f***. This is going to be an expensive repair

My insurance premium is already way too high so I might have to go out of pocket for this.

The object in question:

csmith12 · July 17th, 2012, 08:39 AM

Dayummmm....!

CZroe · July 17th, 2012, 08:59 AM

I've dented my rims twice on road hazards, though never that badly.

The first time was bad enough to replace. I didn't bother this time though:

Link to original page on YouTube.

Ramen · July 17th, 2012, 09:00 AM

Was that right in the middle of the lane? In MSF, our class was taught to ride either to the left or the right of the middle of the line. The thought behind this is that the car in front of you will clear the path with its own tires. Debris tends to settle in the middle of the road because of this.

Glad you're ok!

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 09:08 AM

At the time I didn't feel safe on the left because of the barricade, and the right cause of the cars i was passing/passing me. FWIW I wasn't riding in that middle area the whole time, lucky for me I was at the time of incident

flynjay · July 17th, 2012, 09:20 AM

1st.- I'm glad you are OK.

Quote:

Originally Posted by broilmebk

As I was waiting for a tow it kept replaying in my head and I thought what I should have done differently. Not sure I could have since it was less than a second from when the car passed over it to when I hit it.

What you could have done differently is to have maintained a 2 second following distance.

When I'm in the left lane, I stay in the right side of the lane. You can see up the line of cars and cars behind you are more likely to see you.

Blind spots on cars are smaller the closer you get to them. It's a little counter-intutive, but closer is safer.

Motofool · July 17th, 2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broilmebk

My first 'accident'............This is going to be an expensive repair .......

That damage was massive; it is amazing and very good that you didn't go down.
I would replace those tires as well since the internal chords must have been damaged.
Sad to see

Skid · July 17th, 2012, 10:05 AM

Oh that sucks!

I'm glad you're OK and just came out of that with a bent rim. Looks like about $541 for a new wheel.

http://www.kneedraggers.com/oem-part...50/FRONT-WHEEL

Hope you get it repaired and see you out there soon.

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flynjay

1st.- I'm glad you are OK.

What you could have done differently is to have maintained a 2 second following distance.

When I'm in the left lane, I stay in the right side of the lane. You can see up the line of cars and cars behind you are more likely to see you.

Blind spots on cars are smaller the closer you get to them. It's a little counter-intutive, but closer is safer.

Yup. Well lesson definitely learned. I won't catch myself in the middle anymore. I usually am in the right or left of the lane; it just so happens of course when i'm not, this would happen..

Jewtoys · July 17th, 2012, 10:12 AM

Good thing only the bike has damage. What even is that?

lazarith · July 17th, 2012, 10:25 AM

Looks like a toilet paper roll

lgk · July 17th, 2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jewtoys

Good thing only the bike has damage. What even is that?

denting his wheel like that, i bet it was concrete.

Trailerboy531 · July 17th, 2012, 10:31 AM

Damn man, glad you pulled out of that one safely!

alex.s · July 17th, 2012, 10:33 AM

oh ****

DaBlue1 · July 17th, 2012, 10:35 AM

Wow! Anything that big should have been called in to be removed. Did anybody else hit? Probably would have f***** a car up as well. Glad your OK. Check with your insurance company and see if they will cover part of the repair.

greg737 · July 17th, 2012, 10:53 AM

My wife hit something shaped like that on a very crowded I-90 with her mini-van a few years ago. She said it came spinning/tumbling out from under the car in front of her and went right up under the middle of her Sienna. As it passed under the van it split the bottom of the fuel tank open from front to back, instantly spilling an entirely full (20 gallon) fuel load on the interstate at 65 mph. She said the scene behind her was mayhem as all the cars following her drove into a huge cloud of gasoline. Lucky for everyone there were no collisions, but about 15 cars ended up pulled over and stumbling around in the grass feeling sick/being sick.

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 10:57 AM

No clue if anybody else hit. It's pretty much in the center so cars should be okay. Unless of course it's like my car and probably would not have cleared that sucker cause my car is lowered.

mrcrunch · July 17th, 2012, 11:16 AM

Bummer about your wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by broilmebk

As I was waiting for a tow it kept replaying in my head and I thought what I should have done differently. Not sure I could have

...

Quote:

Originally Posted by broilmebk

since it was less than a second from when the car passed over it to when I hit it.

So your answer is right there. A 1 second following distance at freeway speeds is insane, from my experience. 2secs minimum, maybe more if you aren't in a cars tire track, or if you aren't off to the side far enough to see around and ahead of the car.

I remember the first time something unexpected came out from under the car in front of me. I follow further back now.

Motofool · July 17th, 2012, 11:22 AM

"Survival Lesson: Quick turns... and why you need them" by Keith Code

"We're talking about a disembodied car muffler turning lazy circles in your lane or a truck tire tread flipped into the air or the refrigerator that just fell off a pickup truck, a car, a kid, a ball, a dog, a traffic cone... , anything where a faint hearted attempt simply won't cut it. And the usual result? ? Cream the brakes, and that's nothing more than panic reactions winning. That's one for the obstacle, zero for you."

http://forums.superbikeschool.com/in...?showtopic=109

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcrunch

Bummer about your wheel.

...

So your answer is right there. A 1 second following distance at freeway speeds is insane, from my experience. 2secs minimum, maybe more if you aren't in a cars tire track, or if you aren't off to the side far enough to see around and ahead of the car.

I remember the first time something unexpected came out from under the car in front of me. I follow further back now.

I wasn't 'following' the car in front of me. I was coming up on it but kept at least the distance seen in the photo. In retrospect, I believe as I was doing so, I wanted to move to the right of the lane.

PKL · July 17th, 2012, 12:23 PM

Do you constantly record everything? Are you a daily commuter? Pretty smart!

Just curious how you had the image, most people wouldn't have that

broilmebk · July 17th, 2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKL

Do you constantly record everything? Are you a daily commuter? Pretty smart!

Just curious how you had the image, most people wouldn't have that

Ever since I got my camera, I have it recording every time I'm on the bike. You never know what you'll get on video. The first thing I did when I got home was get a screenshot to see what it was I ran over. Unfortunately, as I was transferring the video the data got corrupted.

broilmebk · July 20th, 2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

That damage was massive; it is amazing and very good that you didn't go down.
I would replace those tires as well since the internal chords must have been damaged.
Sad to see

Expensive indeed. A little over $1900 to repair. Replacing both wheels and tires. FML
At least I have full coverage so am only paying $500 of it. My premium is going to get even more raped though

Stingray1000 · July 20th, 2012, 02:21 PM

I was heading down the rode and once I was able to I got in a different lane then the car I was following was going way too slow and I got over so quickly I didn't see the brick of concrete in the middle of the road.. didn't do any real damage but I'm suprised I didn't lose it..... I don't quite feel your pain but I know where you're coming from.....

checho323 · July 20th, 2012, 02:36 PM

Can you file a report with the city? They might be able to pay for that? Im guessing.

July 17th, 2012, 08:39 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Dayummmm....! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 17th, 2012, 10:33 AM	#14
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	oh **** __________________________________________________

July 17th, 2012, 11:22 AM	#19
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	"Survival Lesson: Quick turns... and why you need them" by Keith Code "We're talking about a disembodied car muffler turning lazy circles in your lane or a truck tire tread flipped into the air or the refrigerator that just fell off a pickup truck, a car, a kid, a ball, a dog, a traffic cone... , anything where a faint hearted attempt simply won't cut it. And the usual result? ? Cream the brakes, and that's nothing more than panic reactions winning. That's one for the obstacle, zero for you." http://forums.superbikeschool.com/in...?showtopic=109 __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

July 17th, 2012, 12:23 PM	#21
PKL ninjette.org member Name: Phil Location: Santa Monica Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R Posts: 52	Do you constantly record everything? Are you a daily commuter? Pretty smart! Just curious how you had the image, most people wouldn't have that __________________________________________________

July 20th, 2012, 02:21 PM	#24
Stingray1000 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jon Location: Newark, De Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I was heading down the rode and once I was able to I got in a different lane then the car I was following was going way too slow and I got over so quickly I didn't see the brick of concrete in the middle of the road.. didn't do any real damage but I'm suprised I didn't lose it..... I don't quite feel your pain but I know where you're coming from..... __________________________________________________ http://www.facebook.com/groups/DeMdNjPagrouprides/ I live my life a quarter mile at a time! Who is affraid of the big bad jiggles???? LOL

July 17th, 2012, 08:59 AM	#3
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	I've dented my rims twice on road hazards, though never that badly. The first time was bad enough to replace. I didn't bother this time though: Link to original page on YouTube.

July 17th, 2012, 09:00 AM	#4
Ramen Frak It Name: Sean Location: SWFL Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 199	Was that right in the middle of the lane? In MSF, our class was taught to ride either to the left or the right of the middle of the line. The thought behind this is that the car in front of you will clear the path with its own tires. Debris tends to settle in the middle of the road because of this. Glad you're ok!

July 17th, 2012, 09:08 AM	#5
broilmebk ninjette.org sage Name: Brian Location: Orange County, CA Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762	At the time I didn't feel safe on the left because of the barricade, and the right cause of the cars i was passing/passing me. FWIW I wasn't riding in that middle area the whole time, lucky for me I was at the time of incident

July 17th, 2012, 10:05 AM	#8
Skid troll bait Name: Brian Location: Marina Del Rey, CA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250EF Posts: 72	Oh that sucks! I'm glad you're OK and just came out of that with a bent rim. Looks like about $541 for a new wheel. http://www.kneedraggers.com/oem-part...50/FRONT-WHEEL Hope you get it repaired and see you out there soon.

July 17th, 2012, 10:12 AM	#10
Jewtoys ninjette.org member Name: Shawn Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 15	Good thing only the bike has damage. What even is that?

July 17th, 2012, 10:25 AM	#11
lazarith ninjette.org member Name: A Location: Boston Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 J Posts: 18	Looks like a toilet paper roll

July 17th, 2012, 10:31 AM	#13
Trailerboy531 Gear crash test dummy Name: Max Location: South Bay (So. Cal) Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 race bike, 2014 ZX-636r Posts: A lot.	Damn man, glad you pulled out of that one safely!

July 17th, 2012, 10:35 AM	#15
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Wow! Anything that big should have been called in to be removed. Did anybody else hit? Probably would have f***** a car up as well. Glad your OK. Check with your insurance company and see if they will cover part of the repair.

July 17th, 2012, 10:53 AM	#16
greg737 - Name: - Location: - Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.	My wife hit something shaped like that on a very crowded I-90 with her mini-van a few years ago. She said it came spinning/tumbling out from under the car in front of her and went right up under the middle of her Sienna. As it passed under the van it split the bottom of the fuel tank open from front to back, instantly spilling an entirely full (20 gallon) fuel load on the interstate at 65 mph. She said the scene behind her was mayhem as all the cars following her drove into a huge cloud of gasoline. Lucky for everyone there were no collisions, but about 15 cars ended up pulled over and stumbling around in the grass feeling sick/being sick.

July 17th, 2012, 10:57 AM	#17
broilmebk ninjette.org sage Name: Brian Location: Orange County, CA Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): '12 ninja 250r Posts: 762	No clue if anybody else hit. It's pretty much in the center so cars should be okay. Unless of course it's like my car and probably would not have cleared that sucker cause my car is lowered.

July 20th, 2012, 02:36 PM	#25
checho323 ninjette.org guru Name: Checho Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Harley Street 750 Posts: 284	Can you file a report with the city? They might be able to pay for that? Im guessing.

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