Backroad Lowside

Ninja28 · June 21st, 2012, 04:40 PM

I was riding some twisties on a backroad after logging my 2500th mile in the saddle and was pretty excited. I was headed home on one of the local backroads as I began to slow for a stop sign that I knew was just on the other side of a blind hill. As I reach the apex, a truck pops over the top of the hill completely on my side of the road and flying, I panicked and I attempted to stop as fast as I could. I think my rear wheel locked up and then went into a lowside. Judging by the black marks (both his and mine), he must have missed me by less than a foot and possibly only 6 inches as he swerved as well. I quickly picked the bike up and got it off to the side of the road. I was able to start the bike and ride it the 45 seconds to my house, but the damage is in the following pictures. As my history is more in the car world, I was hoping you guys could help give me a prognosis as to what will need replacing.

My diagnosis: Bent forks? and rear set break?

any help is greatly appreciated guys!

This is a picture showing how close the tire is to the fairing

Here is how she looks without the fairing

And here is the rearset

also, anything I should check to make sure there is not further damage?

Motofool · June 21st, 2012, 05:32 PM

Sorry to read this happened to you.

Are you sure the forks are bent?
Did the front hit anything while sliding along the road?

Ninja28 · June 21st, 2012, 05:41 PM

Well, yes I THINK they are. When turning the bars from lock to lock with the fairings on, the tire rubs the chin
But again, my experience with bikes is novice level, so you tell me!

Kevin2109 · June 21st, 2012, 05:42 PM

they look bent, but cameras can do funny things to pictures.... so hard to tell

cuz · June 21st, 2012, 05:57 PM

:/ most accidents happened close to home cuz we let the guard down.

Glad ur ok

Ninja28 · June 21st, 2012, 06:08 PM

So as far as bent forks, can I straighten them? Do I buy aftermarkets cheaper then dealers Orr?
And as far as the rear set is concerned, would I be able to use one of these guys that upgrade to aftermarket rearsets' stock piece?

avian · June 21st, 2012, 07:09 PM

Did you get the other drivers insurance details? They caused this accident so their insurance company should pay for new OEM parts, labor (you can pocket it if you do the work), any gear that was damaged, etc.

Ninja28 · June 21st, 2012, 07:16 PM

He didn't even stop

csmith12 · June 21st, 2012, 07:30 PM

People like that suck. Glad your ok, the bike can be fix/replaced.

Ninja28 · June 21st, 2012, 07:34 PM

So what's the prognosis on forks? Can I straighten them? Is aftermarket a better option than OEM? What should I be replacing other than forks? Trees?

And does anyone who has upgraded to rearsets have the stock ones laying around to donate to a broke med student

Motofool · June 22nd, 2012, 06:15 AM

Again: Did the front hit anything while sliding along the road?

If the front end compresses and extends without problems and the handling seems OK, just keep riding the bike on.

Check this thread on bent forks:

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...=straight+fork

EthioKnight · June 22nd, 2012, 08:03 AM

Sorry to read about what happened. Glad you made it out alive. As to the forks, do what @Motofool recommends, if functionality hasn't been compromised, keep on riding 'em. As to the rearset, you should be able to find cheap deals on ebay. I lost mine recently as well, but I opted to go for aftermarket racing ones which are quite expensive, but definitely check out ebay. Good luck!

Ninja28 · June 22nd, 2012, 09:17 AM

I don't think the front hit anything, and yes they compress fine, the problem is that the tire hits the chin of the fairing

akima · June 22nd, 2012, 11:58 AM

Wow. Close call. You were lucky. Maybe practice your emergency braking techniques a bit more when you get your ninjette back to working order.

Sorry to see it's so damaged

Talon999 · June 22nd, 2012, 12:51 PM

That was close! AFAIK the front tire should not rub the chin fairing at all. It could be the steering head (doubt it) or the forks (more likely) and unless you are good (very good) straightening front forks is beyond the typical rider. But like others have said, at least you could walk away, the rest is replaceable.

Good Luck

Coolbpf · June 22nd, 2012, 10:46 PM

Shoulda turned around and followed the bastard to get his plate numbers.

Ninja28 · June 23rd, 2012, 04:49 AM

If the forks are functionally fine, could I simply rotate the tubes to angle the bend towards the front instead of back into the fairing? If possible this would then solve the bending issue

Compooky · June 23rd, 2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninja28

And does anyone who has upgraded to rearsets have the stock ones laying around to donate to a broke med student

I just ordered woodcraft rearsets and they should be arriving this week. Can mail you the stock parts if you still need them then. Minus the shift pedal because it got messed up when I fell just turning at around 30 mph >.>

nickjpass · June 23rd, 2012, 09:09 PM

Am I the only one that could clearly see the bend in the right fork, second picture? Maybe just an illusion?

Ninja28 · June 24th, 2012, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Compooky

I just ordered woodcraft rearsets and they should be arriving this week. Can mail you the stock parts if you still need them then. Minus the shift pedal because it got messed up when I fell just turning at around 30 mph >.>

That would be awesome and greatly appreciated, pm'd with info!

nliu314 · June 25th, 2012, 05:56 PM

Sorry to hear about your accident and that scumbag driver! My rearset got messed up too! Pretty much exactly the way your rearset broke on my right side. I'm currently looking for a stock one to replace mine. The hex bolts on those are really hard to take out! Got to get yourself a 6mm hex drill bit because manpower is not enough lol

LoneRonin · June 27th, 2012, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Compooky

I just ordered woodcraft rearsets and they should be arriving this week. Can mail you the stock parts if you still need them then. Minus the shift pedal because it got messed up when I fell just turning at around 30 mph >.>

this is why this site is awesome...I had to get that bracket as well, its called the "step stay" and is 90 bucks OEM. Everything else like the peg and brake lever are still good though from his pictures...
OP look for a salvage or used set of forks, probably very expensive to go OEM

Alex · June 27th, 2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

this is why this site is awesome...

Nah, I think it's because of all of the kitty pics.

pinkard129 · July 29th, 2012, 07:04 PM

you prolly just torxed your forks, try jacking it up to get the front tire off the ground and loosen your upper and lower triple trees. it sound release the preasure off them and should straighten out

June 21st, 2012, 04:40 PM	#1
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	Backroad Lowside I was riding some twisties on a backroad after logging my 2500th mile in the saddle and was pretty excited. I was headed home on one of the local backroads as I began to slow for a stop sign that I knew was just on the other side of a blind hill. As I reach the apex, a truck pops over the top of the hill completely on my side of the road and flying, I panicked and I attempted to stop as fast as I could. I think my rear wheel locked up and then went into a lowside. Judging by the black marks (both his and mine), he must have missed me by less than a foot and possibly only 6 inches as he swerved as well. I quickly picked the bike up and got it off to the side of the road. I was able to start the bike and ride it the 45 seconds to my house, but the damage is in the following pictures. As my history is more in the car world, I was hoping you guys could help give me a prognosis as to what will need replacing. My diagnosis: Bent forks? and rear set break? any help is greatly appreciated guys! This is a picture showing how close the tire is to the fairing Here is how she looks without the fairing And here is the rearset also, anything I should check to make sure there is not further damage?

June 21st, 2012, 05:32 PM	#2
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	Sorry to read this happened to you. Are you sure the forks are bent? Did the front hit anything while sliding along the road? __________________________________________________ *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

June 21st, 2012, 05:42 PM	#4
Kevin2109 KThanksBye Name: Kevin Location: Orange County Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.	they look bent, but cameras can do funny things to pictures.... so hard to tell __________________________________________________ ----> My Youtube! <---- Unregistered, watch my youtube page!

June 21st, 2012, 05:57 PM	#5
cuz cuz Name: Israel Location: Houston (me) Galveston Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 ninja 250r Posts: A lot.	:/ most accidents happened close to home cuz we let the guard down. Glad ur ok __________________________________________________ THE GOOD LIFE

June 21st, 2012, 07:30 PM	#9
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	People like that suck. Glad your ok, the bike can be fix/replaced. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

June 21st, 2012, 05:41 PM	#3
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	Well, yes I THINK they are. When turning the bars from lock to lock with the fairings on, the tire rubs the chin But again, my experience with bikes is novice level, so you tell me!

June 21st, 2012, 06:08 PM	#6
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	So as far as bent forks, can I straighten them? Do I buy aftermarkets cheaper then dealers Orr? And as far as the rear set is concerned, would I be able to use one of these guys that upgrade to aftermarket rearsets' stock piece?

June 21st, 2012, 07:09 PM	#7
avian ninjette.org member Name: Avery Location: London Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 16	Did you get the other drivers insurance details? They caused this accident so their insurance company should pay for new OEM parts, labor (you can pocket it if you do the work), any gear that was damaged, etc.

June 21st, 2012, 07:16 PM	#8
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	He didn't even stop

June 21st, 2012, 07:34 PM	#10
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	So what's the prognosis on forks? Can I straighten them? Is aftermarket a better option than OEM? What should I be replacing other than forks? Trees? And does anyone who has upgraded to rearsets have the stock ones laying around to donate to a broke med student

June 22nd, 2012, 06:15 AM	#11
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	Again: Did the front hit anything while sliding along the road? If the front end compresses and extends without problems and the handling seems OK, just keep riding the bike on. Check this thread on bent forks: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...=straight+fork __________________________________________________ *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

June 22nd, 2012, 08:03 AM	#12
EthioKnight Super Noob Name: Alex Location: Mobile, AL Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, '84 Honda Spree 50cc Posts: A lot.	Sorry to read about what happened. Glad you made it out alive. As to the forks, do what @Motofool recommends, if functionality hasn't been compromised, keep on riding 'em. As to the rearset, you should be able to find cheap deals on ebay. I lost mine recently as well, but I opted to go for aftermarket racing ones which are quite expensive, but definitely check out ebay. Good luck!

June 22nd, 2012, 09:17 AM	#13
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	I don't think the front hit anything, and yes they compress fine, the problem is that the tire hits the chin of the fairing

June 22nd, 2012, 11:58 AM	#14
akima Nooblet Name: Akima Location: England Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '13	Wow. Close call. You were lucky. Maybe practice your emergency braking techniques a bit more when you get your ninjette back to working order. Sorry to see it's so damaged

June 22nd, 2012, 12:51 PM	#15
Talon999 ninjette.org newbie Name: Mark Location: SW Vermont Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 9	That was close! AFAIK the front tire should not rub the chin fairing at all. It could be the steering head (doubt it) or the forks (more likely) and unless you are good (very good) straightening front forks is beyond the typical rider. But like others have said, at least you could walk away, the rest is replaceable. Good Luck __________________________________________________ Mark I live my life a quarter of a mile and 48.7 seconds at a time!

June 22nd, 2012, 10:46 PM	#16
Coolbpf Limp Noodle Name: Tyler Location: Missouri Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250, Fastest Red money can buy Posts: 212	Shoulda turned around and followed the bastard to get his plate numbers.

June 23rd, 2012, 04:49 AM	#17
Ninja28 ninjette.org member Name: Trevor Location: USA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 55	If the forks are functionally fine, could I simply rotate the tubes to angle the bend towards the front instead of back into the fairing? If possible this would then solve the bending issue

June 23rd, 2012, 09:09 PM	#19
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Am I the only one that could clearly see the bend in the right fork, second picture? Maybe just an illusion? __________________________________________________

June 25th, 2012, 05:56 PM	#21
nliu314 ninjette.org member Name: Norman Location: New York City Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R SE Black and Red Posts: 18	Sorry to hear about your accident and that scumbag driver! My rearset got messed up too! Pretty much exactly the way your rearset broke on my right side. I'm currently looking for a stock one to replace mine. The hex bolts on those are really hard to take out! Got to get yourself a 6mm hex drill bit because manpower is not enough lol

July 29th, 2012, 07:04 PM	#24
pinkard129 ninjette.org member Name: michael Location: Clay County, Alabama Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04' ninja matte black and naked Posts: 40	you prolly just torxed your forks, try jacking it up to get the front tire off the ground and loosen your upper and lower triple trees. it sound release the preasure off them and should straighten out

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