Tough ASS Bikes!! crash story

Hi all fellow XJers. Just wanted to post this to show how damn tough our bikes are LOL. This past friday I crashed my XJ750 Maxim doing 85mph down the interstate, (caused by a right front caliper locking up on me). I was thrown from bike and according to a couple witnesses that stopped to help, said the bike had flipped front to rear 3-4 times then skidded on its side (later marked off by trooper to be 92 feet, I rolled and skidded 47feet) and the bike was in such remarkable shape the trooper as well as medical team could not beleave that it was the bike in the accident ( I had moved it to the side of the road and it was on its kick stand when they arrived). Only minor damage to side marker lights, left saddle bag has two holes, and straps broke, highway peg ALMOST grinded off, and ignition switch broke, thats it, infact after I was cleared by EMT's I was able to hot wire the bike and drive it 5 miles to a bridge to get to shade while I waited for a friend to pick the bike and myself up. I could not beleave how intack my cycle was, I doubt there are many if any newer bikes or even harleys that could have held up as well as these XJ's. Oh and as for me, no broke bones, some pretty good chunks of skin out and some pretty good road rash, but I walked away breathing and waiting on a new ignition switch, and caliper to get back on the road. FYI helmet was on, and no doubt saved my life! Ride safe all, and ride those XJ's proud, they are one tough ass bike!!!

 

I am so glad you are ok. I had a friend go down this weekend and he wasn't so lucky. Broke his collar bone and some ribs which punctured a lung and led to it collasping. He is back home now and on the mend. Second worst part was that he was on a brand new bike. Don't know what he bought but he must have traded his 1100 Shadow Aero in on something.
Helmets have saved my life twice! I will always wear a full face. The part about riding the bike back to an exit, is worthy of Ripley's "Believe it or Not."

 

Thanx Blue Max and sorry to hear about your friend, I was one who rode most of time with out helmet, but no way will ride with out one now, and actually looking to buy some "body armor" jacket and pants, at the time I was only in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirts, gloves and helmet.

 

Sounds like your pretty damn tough yourself!!!!!!!
Glad to hear you walked away!

 

wow thats one increadable story! i am really gald to here you and your bike made it out ok... thats just nuts!!! i'll be checking my calipers in the morrning...

 

Thanks guys, and yes check the basics that we sometimes over look such as caliper seals, and brake hoses, just read an article that said brake hoses over 5 years old should be changed since they can actually callapse inside with no outter visual marks, I will not only be replacing these calipers, but the brake hoses as well.

 

I'm very relieved to hear you came out in one piece, you have someone watching over you. Extraordinary story, sounds like you could have met your maker that day! I'm pleased to hear that the bike turned over as well, I think you have a life-long friend now. Treat her to something nice to show your appreciation (heck, maybe an fresh oil change or something).

 

WHOA , after reading that i think i'll sell the bike , one fortunate dude regulator.

i thought motorbikes were dangerous , says one who has bin through /under/over cars too

Hit by a few animals also and those sneeky corners..

Hey , maybe its the Riders?

stay tuned in regulator and congratulations [lived to have another day]

 

On jeans: They are a tough material - and I think that's part of their problem. When you hit the road - they try to grab it. They can't hold your weight still so they rip. When they rip you are no longer wearing protection... I went through a set of jeans once and got away really really lucky. I'll post pictures of them - not a single seam was left undamaged. I should ebay them.

At low speeds they're probably fine - I'd be tempted to get some knee/shin armour under them...

Full face helmets are a godsend...

 

Dude, glad you're OK. 85mph crash could've been real ugly.

 

You're blessed to have so few injuries and I'm glad it wasn't worse. Take care, and thanks for sharing your story.

 

Thanks all for your messages, Sno yes think the jeans helped, only leg damage was torn skin in knee area, slid on my ass when stopped and jeans did not even go thru, posted a few pix , I usually wear leather jacket but was hot and did not put on (stupid i know) but will not ride with less than long sleeve shirt, this also helped, but if I had leather on dont think my body damage would even be as bad as it is now, possibly none. I have now seen that for a very very reasonable price they make a leather mesh abrassive resistant (for hot wheather) jacket and pant riding outfit that also has body armor in them. Needless to say just ordered a few minutes ago LOL.

 

The condition of your helmet says it all. Thank god that wasn't your head! You are truly blessed to have escaped with so little injury.

Greg