Fall down go boom.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

1. Collect insurance money
2. Buy new left mirror and rearset
3. Profit $24,000

I thought I posted it here, but I don't see it. (if it's here, I blame the percoset). But here's what it looked like:



More pics here.

[Jiggles]

Thats a booboo tops

[Joshorilla]

That seriously doesn't look like much more than 5k of damage tops.

I'm no BMW specialist but I would ask for a second opinion on that estimate, unless you have good insurance and fancy a new bike...

[Somchai]

Puuh Alex, sorry to hear this happening to you but happy to see you're ok.

I wish you good luck all time.

[Alex]

The bike is paid off, and insurance is in place for just these situations. What's harder to see in pictures is that much of the bike is a bit warped. The entire rear of the bike is tweaked off center, meaning the frame is somewhat bent. Once that happens, the work to start from a new frame and reconstruct everything is in the hundreds of hours. And the parts aren't cheap, a new engine alone is $15K+ on its own. I'll let the adjuster work it out with the dealer, and see where it falls out. Given the choice, I'd much rather have a new bike than one with thousands of dollars of repairs to get it back to almost but not quite new condition.

[jpbear]

will you buy the same bike? or try a new one?

[Alex]

If it's totalled, I'll either buy another K1600GT or go back to an R1200RT. They both have their charms.

[Whiskey]

Hadn't looked at this section in a while, hope you're ok.

Difene is your friend in situations like this, see if the doc will give you some of them too.

75mg dual formula (fast & slow release) work wonders if you're in pain when you wake up, I destroyed my shoulder almost 3 years ago, they were the painkiller of choice. (it's like ibuprofen but stronger, diclofenac if you're looking for generic)

[Annie]

Originally Posted by Alex

If it's totalled, I'll either buy another K1600GT or go back to an R1200RT. They both have their charms.

My vote: RT

You were starting to whine too much about not finding the mods you needed for the iron butt.

[Annie]

Originally Posted by Alex

Spoke with the BMW shop a short while ago, they estimate $25K+ in repair costs. It appears that I will be new bike shopping in the near future.

Hmmm... Maybe I'll go shopping too

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by Annie

My vote: RT

You were starting to whine too much about not finding the mods you needed for the iron butt.

Well then I'm glad you've settled that one for us!

Alex will now be getting another R1200RT

[Lychee]

Originally Posted by Annie

Hmmm... Maybe I'll go shopping too

Did I hear a slightly used white ninja 300 for sale?

The Valentine looks a little broken...

[ChaoSS]

Originally Posted by Alex

Spoke with the BMW shop a short while ago, they estimate $25K+ in repair costs. It appears that I will be new bike shopping in the near future.

That's not even a 25k bike brand new, is it?


Earlier in the thread there was a discussion on the ABS and traction control, and I know why it doesn't prevent this type of thing. My question, is do you think that it might have actually contributed to this accident? What I mean is, do you think that it might have turned a lowside into a highside? Or that it ever could, even if it didn't in this case?

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Alex

......But here's what it looked like:

The upper fairing exploded, disintegrated !!!

This and the pictures of your helmet and shoulder show that the bike and you flew and landed on the top left side.

If that is true, your left leg was very close to be crushed by falling 700 lb.

Had the saddle bags been removed?
Did the rear skid happen to the left?
Do you remember if the traction control was disabled?

ChaoSS's question above is interesting.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by ChaoSS

That's not even a 25k bike brand new, is it?

MSRP before taxes is $24.5k. With accessories, gadgets, warranty, and taxes, it crests $30K pretty quickly.

Originally Posted by ChaoSS

Earlier in the thread there was a discussion on the ABS and traction control, and I know why it doesn't prevent this type of thing. My question, is do you think that it might have actually contributed to this accident? What I mean is, do you think that it might have turned a lowside into a highside? Or that it ever could, even if it didn't in this case?

No, I don't believe so. ABS isn't relevant to the discussion, as there was no braking involved. The only technology that might be involved is the TC, which was engaged at the time. The TC tries to keep the wheel from spinning up faster than the road speed, but it's not a miracle worker. I was still able to break traction under power, when the bike had a little lean angle in it and the road surface was unexpectedly loose gravel.

Originally Posted by Motofool

The upper fairing exploded, disintegrated !!!

This and the pictures of your helmet and shoulder show that the bike and you flew and landed on the top left side.

If that is true, your left leg was very close to be crushed by falling 700 lb.

Yes, this is true. I'm fortunate that it threw me clear just far enough that I wasn't hit by the bike itself.

Originally Posted by Motofool

Had the saddle bags been removed?
Did the rear skid happen to the left?
Do you remember if the traction control was disabled?

ChaoSS's question above is interesting.

I did not have the saddle bags attached that day. The bike was leaning left slightly, the rear stepped out all the way to the right under power. I was able to correct it back to the left, but it came around too far to be useful, and once it got too far out the bike (and me) slammed down hard on the left side. From initial gas application to bike on its side was less than 2 seconds. TC is defeatable on that bike in the electronics options, but I never had a need or want to disable it.

[rojoracing53]

Originally Posted by Alex

If it's totalled, I'll either buy another K1600GT or go back to an R1200RT. They both have their charms.

No buy something that doesn't weigh as much as a small car, that thing was a monster to try and push around on flat ground much less load it into something

I'm curious on why the big GS doesn't appeal to you for the rally?

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Alex

........The bike was leaning left slightly, the rear stepped out all the way to the right under power. I was able to correct it back to the left, but it came around too far to be useful, and once it got too far out the bike (and me) slammed down hard on the left side. From initial gas application to bike on its side was less than 2 seconds........

Yes, indeed a highside following that second skid.

It must feel horrible with such a heavy bike.
Big motorcycles have always intimidated me.

Hope your pains are less intense by now.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

I'm curious on why the big GS doesn't appeal to you for the rally?

I don't like the handling feel on the GS. The RT and the GS are very similar bikes; with their clothes off it's in fact hard to tell them apart. But the RT comes with standard sportbike size tires (120/70/17,180/55/17), so the handling feels quite normal in all conditions. It's a little heavier than the GS, but that mass is useful. Better wind protection, better gadgets, better comfort, larger gas tank, stiffer suspension, etc.

Also, prior to '13, the GS wasn't available with cruise control. That has been remedied, so it's no longer a differentiator. It seems a trivial feature, and is for most day rides, but when doing long highway drones, it really does allow the rider to travel further each day for a given amount of mental/physical energy.

[tnr4]

Well I can tell you prefer the full-on sport-tourers/tourers, but I am really jazzed about the new 800GT. I LOVE the idea of a middleweight sport-tourer, and it sounds like this might be about perfect. I might end up a Beemer man after all.

[psych0hans]

Originally Posted by Alex

I don't like the handling feel on the GS. The RT and the GS are very similar bikes; with their clothes off it's in fact hard to tell them apart. But the RT comes with standard sportbike size tires (120/70/17,180/55/17), so the handling feels quite normal in all conditions. It's a little heavier than the GS, but that mass is useful. Better wind protection, better gadgets, better comfort, larger gas tank, stiffer suspension, etc.

Also, prior to '13, the GS wasn't available with cruise control. That has been remedied, so it's no longer a differentiator. It seems a trivial feature, and is for most day rides, but when doing long highway drones, it really does allow the rider to travel further each day for a given amount of mental/physical energy.

Ducati diavel strada

[Alex]

Italian butt jewelry.

[tnr4]

Originally Posted by Alex

Italian butt jewelry.

[Ryephile]

Bummer to read of your crash Alex, but glad you're basically OK. Best of luck sorting out the bike and also getting your health back to 100%.

Also, have fun with the percocet while you have it. Remember, the drugs are supposed to be just a hobby not a habit.

[Alex]

10 hours since last percoset, and still managing. Probably won't go much longer, but this is up from 4-hr intervals yesterday.

[NinjetteNewfie]

Originally Posted by Alex

10 hours since last percoset, and still managing. Probably won't go much longer, but this is up from 4-hr intervals yesterday.

Well that's good news....I bet you're still not dancing like the little guy in your post yet

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Alex

10 hours since last percoset, and still managing. Probably won't go much longer, but this is up from 4-hr intervals yesterday.

Best to get off the opiates within a couple of days, the stronger NSAIDs aren't habit forming & do a good job on most bike crash pain. Take ibuprofen like they're Smarties (once your stomach can handle them)
Anything that doesn't move right within another week should be seen by a physio, rehab hurts but long term damage is no fun...

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

Hadn't looked at this section in a while, hope you're ok.

Difene is your friend in situations like this, see if the doc will give you some of them too.

75mg dual formula (fast & slow release) work wonders if you're in pain when you wake up, I destroyed my shoulder almost 3 years ago, they were the painkiller of choice. (it's like ibuprofen but stronger, diclofenac if you're looking for generic)

You're spot-on, it's exactly what my doc recommended this afternoon, and I have a some diclofenac with me right now to use as needed. Also have some Cyclobenzapine (muscle relaxant), which is supposed to be better to sleep with, along with the Perco for the occasional "oh crap, this really hurts right now".

Doc gave me confidence not to be too worried about back pain, as the location and scans almost definitively place it as muscle and soft-tissue pain, and not skeletal. But - he was more worried than I was about the numbness that I still have around the top of my shoulder. Doesn't hurt at all, but if it stays numb, it may mean that I do have nerve damage that may not fix itself on its own.

[Alex]

Heard from the adjuster today, it's almost certainly totalled, but they will finalize it monday or tuesday. I was back at the shop today to remove some odds and ends off the bike (gps mounts, radar mounts, license plate frame, etc.). I left some of the more hard to remove stuff, and plan to just claim those items on the insurance anyway. They have a '13 R1200RT in stock that is almost exactly how I'd spec it, though it has ESA and if I special ordered one I'd get it without ESA and put Ohlins on myself. But - that's a two month lead time compared to zero lead time. They also have a '13 K1600GT on the floor spec'd almost exactly how mine was, except it comes with central locking + the alarm. And it's in a strange looking graphite black. Will hopefully have the financial details worked out on the crashed bike in short order, and can then commit to one of the above options. Leaning toward the RT, it still felt more comfy even sitting on it in the showroom this afternoon.

[Boom King]

Originally Posted by Alex

I thought I posted it here, but I don't see it. (if it's here, I blame the percoset). But here's what it looked like:



More pics here.

That will buff right out

Seriously though, glad to hear it wasn't worse and hope you have a quick recovery.

[DaveTheCanuck]

Glad to hear you're [mostly] okay! Speedy recovery!

(Maybe your ninjette was getting jealous and tampered with your GT while in the garage? )

[Byakkotai]

Hope that numbness goes away and a speedy recovery from the medicated soreness! Glad you're well enough to already be roaming the showrooms The gear did its job pretty well, especially the helmet but a remake will now be needed

[BlueHairSar]

Originally Posted by OCMagnum

Holy Crap, never realized that during a crash the helmet will rip out most of your hair!!!! That is some scary sh*t

Snicker snicker

Originally Posted by Alex

I don't think acetaminophen does anything for swelling, but it does a reasonable job on the pain itself (and headaches). My wife suggested the advil in addition, so after a google search confirming I wasn't going to die (of this, anyway), I gave it a shot.

I was on alternating percoset and ibuprofen after my burn, if that helps you feel better, too. My dose of percoset said "one or two" pills every ___ hours. That second pill was ridic

So sorry to hear about the crash, but I'm glad you're okay and are keeping your spirits up.

[Samer]

I'm late to the party. Sorry about your crash. Glad you're on your way to recovery...

I look forward to seeing the footage after legalities are worked out.

[00NissanNinja]

Sorry to hear about the crash glad you are relatively alright.

[Firehorse]

HF!!
What a ride to read this not knowing how it ended.

Now that I can breath again, glad you're okay and a new bike is already in your heart.
What kind of helmet was that?

Nerve damage, remember all that stuff in the news a while ago about brain plasticity. All true, sometimes works for nerve damage like that - the key is to get other nerves to take over the job. Meaning you need to do shoulder/back movements that you aren't used to - with docs okay of course. Those goofy exercise balls emiracles.

Adding another pharmacological bit to the discussion - take food with NSAIDs like Ibuprophen. Ever a cracker is better than nothing.

So glad you're ATGATT!!

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

No buy something that doesn't weigh as much as a small car, that thing was a monster to try and push around on flat ground much less load it into something

I'm curious on why the big GS doesn't appeal to you for the rally?

Mmm, smart friends. Buy this medium GS and you can also buy the new 636 for the price of the RT. And which Iron Butt are you doing and when? So awesome!

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Alex

But - he was more worried than I was about the numbness that I still have around the top of my shoulder. Doesn't hurt at all, but if it stays numb, it may mean that I do have nerve damage that may not fix itself on its own.

I have had the same numbness at the top of my shoulder for 3yrs now. I don't think it's ever going to be right again. What nerves that fire in that area, create a burning sensation rather than pressure and pain.

I truly hope you fair better than I did.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Firehorse

What kind of helmet was that?

Shoei RF1100

Originally Posted by Firehorse

Adding another pharmacological bit to the discussion - take food with NSAIDs like Ibuprophen. Ever a cracker is better than nothing.

Will do, thx!

Originally Posted by Firehorse

Mmm, smart friends. Buy this medium GS and you can also buy the new 636 for the price of the RT. And which Iron Butt are you doing and when? So awesome!

The 800 doesn't have enough electrical capacity to run all gadgets all the time, which can be necessary in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. I'm entered in the official Iron Butt Rally, held once every two years here in the US. 11 days of silliness, starting this July.

Originally Posted by csmith12

I have had the same numbness at the top of my shoulder for 3yrs now. I don't think it's ever going to be right again. What nerves that fire in that area, create a burning sensation rather than pressure and pain.

I think that's his fear. I'll see how it recovers in the near term, and figure out if it's livable or if surgery would be appropriate. Fingers crossed.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Firehorse

........
Nerve damage, remember all that stuff in the news a while ago about brain plasticity. All true, sometimes works for nerve damage like that - the key is to get other nerves to take over the job. ....

A deep cut in my left index left that unfortunate finger with zero sensibility for long time (~1 year maybe); however, slowly but surely, the whole function has been recovered (no surgery, no physiotherapy).

[Woomba]

I have nerve damage in my chin area after jaw surgery. Initially, I had no sensation in my chin. I didn't even have spacial awareness that it existed. Like there was a void where my chin is!

However, the sensation slowly came back over about a year. It didn't recover much after a year though. It's 3 years down the road now, and I estimate I have about 70% of the sensation I originally had. Subtle things like having a scrap of food on my face is really hard to detect though haha

[250rr]

I had surgery to remove a nerve in my foot as it had formed into a neuroma. That was 11 months ago. At first it fired off pain jolts hourly, then daily. Now, it is 70% better, most of the time don't notice it!

My surgeon told me nerve injuries are very unpredictable. Sometimes the brain realized, "Hey, this nerve is f'd. I'm not listening to it any more". In that case, the nerve stops firing. Sometimes it doesn't get better. I've been lucky...so far.