Jim,
I've not been frequenting TRatNet as much as I used to. A new job including 2 hours of commuting cuts into my personal time. I ran across your crash thread and this thread today. I am glad to hear you are coming along fine and that the bike is going back together.
I wish I had time to spend in the garage with the TBS, as I had a minor get-off in early September. Had the clutch lever break off in my hand and tried to continue riding. The riding part went fine, the attempt to not stop at a stop sign didn't go so good and I got dumped.
Mostly minor damage/scratches to the right side of the bike, I got of with a mild blow to the head and a rather large headache. Makes me glad I choose to ride w/ full gear.
Not a spectacular crash, but I beat myself up about the stupidity of the whole thing. I could have just stopped and called for a trailer but figured I could make it the rest of the way to the office... Ooops. Bike was/is still rideable with nothing more than a new clutch lever required.
I also dealt with Geico but believe I had a much more positive experience. First, when I called, the claims specialist happened to be a cyclist so things started off well. He was very helpful in getting things started. They handed it off to an adjuster who like yours was only experienced in cars. Things started well, then he lost my file for 2 weeks. In anycase, he felt quite bad about it and from that point on, worked quickly to resolve my claim. This is probably why things happend as quickly as they did after that.
I couldn't believe it when the came back and said they were going to total the bike, with $3800 in damages. Some info on the Geico valuation process as explained to me by the adjuster. It is based upon actual sale prices for our region, it sounded like maybe state records are used but that part was vague.
If that is the case, unfortunately, as we probably all know, many private party sales don't claim the full purchase price when they go to license and register. He came back with a 4K value for my bike + helmet allowance and accessories. Bought it back for $900 and the rest of them money is going mostly toward upgrades. Not including the exhaust, I believe I'll be spending around 1K to repair to original condition, the rest will be for upgrades.
Upgrades I am planning:
- 3 into 1 into 2 Exhaust system:
I would like to retain the look of the dual right side pipes.
- Ceramic Coat the Exhaust system:
probably in black to the siliencers.
- Givi A750 windscreen
- Cafe Style / Clubman Handlebars
- Corbin Seat
Good Luck with the repairs hope to see you on the road soon!
