Triumphrat

MaxH · 09-02-2007

A 17 year old kid in a Dodge Ram pick-up rear ended my 2003 T-100 last Thursday. I left the emergency room with a few stitches at the elbow & bruises on my lower back & shoulder. The passenger foot peg frame is bent & the bike will probably be totaled.
The kid got a ticket for following too close.
This is the second time I've survived a crash in three years. The other involved a left turn across my path in violation of a posted no left turn sign.
I'm evaluating the add-on pieces & parts for the claim against his insurance. The total is very high without accounting for labor.
Do I accept a settlement formulated by blue book + extras + labor? Do I try to buy the bike back?
Do I just quit the hobby all together?

Skyblue62 · 09-02-2007

Sorry to hear about the 'accident' and glad your physically ok, my advice - get as much as you can from the insurance, do him for compo and go get another bike. :-)

NewOldSkool · 09-02-2007

Rough man, glad you only got a couple stitches & bruises. I wouldn't settle for anything. Now I'm not saying go in there and ask for 20 million, but get what you need, ie... are you going to have to pay for any medical expenses. With the amounts that we all pay for insurence these days, might as well use them when you really need it. Its not like you are faking your crash, and he is totally at fault and should know it! But just my opinion. And lastly, you should be asking one more question... "should I wait for the EFI Bonne to come out?"
Mondo

MaxH · 09-02-2007

N.O.S.,
The EFI or the 1500cc Mystery Bike?
Thanks for the support. I'm leaving the medical, loss of use, etc. to an attorney.
It is "my" T-100 that I want back. I know the mods don't appeal to all or even most Bonneville owners but that is the point: I spent lots of time & money getting the bike where I wanted it to be.
My 2003 was all sheet metal, no plastic. It was a daily driver that was set up for nice road work. Mine had QPD belt drive, PIAA headlamp & driving lights, aluminum panniers, air horn, alloy wheels, Avon tires, Norman Hyde 6gal. gas tank, on and on.
Man, I hate to see it go.

Skyblue62 · 09-02-2007

I dunno about the states but over here you could by the bike off the insurance company (scrap value) and get a cash pay out for the remainder

2112 · 09-02-2007

MaxH...I've never seen you post before. Sorry about the accident but if you don't mind, could you post up a picture of your bike in all her former glory? Get well and don't settle for cheap. Get a attorney et al.

fugitive · 09-02-2007

usually the buy back price seems to high for the work it takes to get it back into shape. We already know anything for a Bonnie comes iwth a high price tag. I would worry too much about concealed damage. I do know what you mean about "your" bike, though. You know everything right and wrong with it, and it seems that some of the later years are having more issues.

As for quitting: I was hit twice (fairly minor damage, both hit and run) in a 3 week period. Since then, I haven't had even any really close calls. So don't quit, just pay attention.

CAPTDON · 09-02-2007

Dontg quit!!! If the price isnt too steep & the bikeisnt too f***** up then I would do the but back &make her again like you want. Good you werent hurt too bad!! Keep the faith. I was killed 15 yrs ago on a Magna. Riding gets in your blood- hard to rid!!

MaxH · 09-02-2007

Overture,
I've been around Triumbhrat for a while. I'm not big on computers so I haven't posted much.
Now I have some time on my hands, I'll figure out how to post photos.

rodburner · 09-02-2007

Wes,sorry to hear about the bike and body.First a hurricane and now a dipsh!t. Don`t give up on it just yet though. Tough call on the bike.Being rear ended doesn`t seem all that destructive,but the swingarm pivots on the rear of the engine case. Make hella sure she`s ok before deciding which way to go.