Freedom from what?

[Midzy]

I 'dismounted' in the middle of a bend I was attempting to negotiate yesterday (<20mph shiny, salty tarmac.) and wrote off my new ST. Ouch!

I suffered serious damage to my no claims record, and what little pride I had left is now a mere memory.

I was wearing gortex/leather jacket trousers c/w body armour on the 'landing points'.
The bike is dead.
Fotunately, I can call my insurers and dealer then pick out a new one.

I most certainly would have been off work or possibly in hospital for a couple of hours/days had the Personal Protective Equipment not been in place.

In UK there is no legislation governing the use of this gear only the wearing of helmets.
But it does make good sense to use PPE.
As does proper maintenance of the machine and quality parts.
Like most of the folks at rat.net seem to be interested in.

I will get another ride, 'Inshalla', but I will also replace my PPE. My choice.
Do we need to 'debate' sensible safety legislation on this site, when most of the folks that ride bikes know why they need protection?

Shouldn't we promote safety as in: training, attitude and how to minimise injury in the unfortunate event of an unplanned meeting with the ground/another vehicle?

Moral:
Helmet laws are not really an infringment of rights.
It's just other people trying to help look after us.
Not really a bad thing anywhere.

Graham Och! Ouch! Aya!

PS Any one need a Centre Stand?
Ex accident damaged 04 ST
(Only bit still straight.)

[clubman]

Terribly sorry to hear about the loss of a great bike, but very happy to know you walked away from it. Your're so right about the importance of safety gear. I had a small "incident" myself on Sunday. As I was riding across Tampa Bay right after sunrise and staring directly into the sun I collided with a large sea gull that was diving down out of the sun. He was probably going 10mph and I was doing 70+,so we had a closing speed of at least 80 mph. I saw him too late to duck (no pun intended) and he hit me right above my faceshield on my forehead.It snapped my head back whiplash style,but I didn't lose consciousness. I stopped for a while to regain my senses (what few there were to start with) and was able to continue on with only a sore back and mild headache. Florida is a no helmet state. If I wouldn't have had my full coverage HJC on I would have been toast and it would have been difficult for any one to determine what happened.Wear your gear!

[Shaman]

Insurance doesn't protect us from harm anymore. We should all do our level best to make the insurance industry accountable and useful... and blow the whistle on scams.

[garry]

Sorry to hear about your getoff, but at least you're OK. Whilst I think it's an individual choice, I usually wear all the gear, all the time (ATGATT). I will forego the riding pants for jeans once in a while but always wear helmet, gloves, boots, armored jacket. Crashing hurts. Been there, done that.

What happened at that low a speed to write-off such a new bike? I could see a lowside turned highside into an immovable object (or run over by a car/truck) doing that kind of damage (100% rashed plastic plus bent forks). Damaged frames are usually an instant total here in the US. Got any pics?

Now you'll just have to get one of those shiny new and improved 05 Sprint STs :-D

[woodrow]

Glad to hear most of the damage is to the bike and not you. Yes, ATGATT! Spoke to a salesman yesterday who an accident last summer. He has been riding Triumphs for years. The one time he takes off on a littel scooter without gear, and he is out of work for 6 months. He said he learned his lesson the hard way.

Colorado is a non-helmet required state as well. To me, it is a personal choice. However, I respect the rider a whole lot more if they have gear on than I do those that don't wear gear.............

[dolson]

Hi Graham,

So sorry to hear of this. I did get the photos and will post them in the album, posthumously so to speak.

Though I am adamant in that personal protection is a self governing thing and I don't want any vote chasing or know it all making my decisions for me. I had made a vow with myself since the early days of my riding (mid 60's) that I would never get near a bike without full armored protection properly fitted and in place.

I am glad that all that is bruised is your pride. You are not replaceable, scooters are.

Don

[2ndSpace]

ATGATT= Another cyclist saved.

Look on the bright side, you can get an 05.

[OldSwede]

I’m glad you’re safe! And your writing about protective gear made me think.
I’ve taken part of the different opinions about helmet laws and I believe that in countries / states with free hospital care people seems to be more in favour of legislation. As a taxpayer you just don’t want pay for more cracked skulls than necessary as the resources in public healthcare have it’s limitations. The freedom issue seems to come second here.

[Midzy]

Thanks you guys.

Your thoughts do much more than flowers ever could.

Can't get an 05 ST until May. Don't make em fast enuf. Should I go for a good old Honda CBR1100 Blackbird? :-D

No need for a bike now anyway as we're almost cut off by snow a massif 1" of snow.
1" is enuf for us poopers in the UK.
I think 'the plow' comes through our town 1st week in March.

Graham

[Midzy]

PS. My bike and I parted company, it slid down the road on it's left side. Hit a 9" granite kerb belly 1st. Then rolled over to mangle the rest of the fairing, hanger, levers, lights, tank and anything missed on the left side.

Pity I never had my webcan on the helmet.
Graham