Death of an XJ Maxim?

Well, it finally happened. The one thing I hoped would never happen to me. After 4 years of riding, I layed down my bike. I was on a 55 mph highway and was passing a slower vehicle when they decided to turn left suddenly into a driveway. Needless to say, I had no where to go except down. I was able to walk away with a skinned up elbow where the pavement burned through my leather jacket. The bike didn't fair quite so well. I was able to limp it home, but we won't be hitting the open road again any time soon.
I've been waiting all winter to ride. Just finally got the bike out last week. This was only my third time on it this season. Guess the seasons over already for me. Not quite sure what I'll do with the rest of my summer now.

 

Glad you are OK and were able to walk away. The bike can be fixed or replaced.

 

Man that sucks. Awesome that you're walking away though, could have been so much worse. Sure you'll be bike riding again in no time. Where there's a will there's a way.... even if you have to resort to prositution.

 

Major bummer! Glad you came out okay.

Remember, if the helmet touched ground, replace it!

I have seen to many close calls. I always beep the horn when I go to pass so they know I am there.

Will your insurance cover enough to help fix/replace?

Michael

 

were you passing legaly because if you were, take them down man. get them for everything they have. i sound liek an asshole but its people like that, thet make riding so dangerous. if you were passing illegaly well then cant really complain although i am happy you walked away. good luck on getting back on to the open road and feeling that breeze.

 

Wonder if the car even stopped...

Some people will cut you off JUST because you are trying to pass them. Doubt they'd do it to a bike, but possible.

Good think you are ok man. I thank god every day I ride that I have never even had a close call (aside from hitting the brake hard enough to almost do an endo! lol)

The bike is fixable, most likely. Take a breather for a bit, relax, then go at it. We're all here to help you get it back on the road.

 

Wow! Glad you could walk away from it. Still sucks about your bike.

The bike can always be rebuilt or replaced.

 

we can ALWAYS replace the bike, very glad you walked away from it, this may how ever be you lucky day... i was thinking of driving up to your state to pick up another XJ1100 ($300) Its in rough shape and will need a title, but if your interested ill send you the link.

S!

 

Hey man, you laid a bike down and walked away! You done good. Take up oddball's offer and check out the 1100. I'll bet you can get it running for some easy riding before the season's over.

 

Thanks everyone for you concern. Its the day after and I'm still feeling pretty good. Got a stiff shoulder and thats about it.
As far as the accident, I was making a legal pass. Of course she claims her blinker was on and her intension to turn was clear. I say otherwise. All I have is liability so I guess its a wash. Nothing left to do but cut my losses, lick my wounds, and cry about it.
I really hate to think about replacing my bike. We've been a lot of places together. I can't quite wrap my head around moving on quite yet. All the pieces it needs are available on eBay, but I can't quite justify sticking the money back into a bike I already had too much money invested in. Thats the sad part about riding an older bike. Their only true value is in the eyes of the people who ride them.

 

Tee, glad you were able to walk away. Did the reporting officer state who was at fault? By her turning left in front of you as you were passing she may be liable & her insurance should pay to fix your bike. You might want to check into it.
Gregg

 

The bike's value to YOU is the only thing that matters. In for a dime, in for a dollar. Get the parts and fix your bike.

 

even if she put her signal on after you initiated your pass then its still her fault. she should have made the proper should and blind spot checks to make sure the way was clear. fight the fact that not only did she not have her signal on but was being wreckless by not using proper checking methods. she cant fight that one because if she said she did check then why didnt she see you? plus no one uses signals so that a lie in its self. just tell her simply that she can fix the bike and give you $1000 plus for aggrivation or your taking her to small claims court. you dont need a lawyer for small claims court in canada not sure about the states. roughly how much is it to fix the bike? because she might not want to go through the hassle of having to get out of work to come to court.

i know people hate the fact of hearing court so that might scare her into just paying it all. good luck keep me posted i might have some other ideas later. :s

 

Definitely agree. I would look into fighting this one...

 

Fight it. Scare her.

I did, to a kid that had no insurance (which in NH is legal) and smashed my wifes rear bumper in.

$1350 in the pocket, bumper is 'ok'. Paid a few bills with that one!

 

OMG I am sooo glad that YOU are okay!! The maxim will take naught but time and money to fix. But seriously fight this one tooth and nail. Perhaps this will be the one to finally get us riders noticed on the roads.

 

Bummer about the bike. Glad you are still around and not too banged up. You can never get your money back on bikes of our vintage period. I rode my bike for awhile with the big dent in the tank from the PO. It still has rash on the left side crank cover, mirror and turn signals. Eventually I will get them replaced but I have already put close to 900 bucks into mine to get it "safe" to ride and be comfortable to take anywhere. I can't sell my bike for what I have into the purchase and improvement. But it is well worth it I have a decent looking reliable bike that I ride from spring to fall everyday that there isn't ice on the road rain or shine. Take a second look at her if you got her home it probably won't be too much to get it safe to ride again. THe looks you can always take care of later safety comes first.

 

I know it would be a hell of a road trip, but here's a link to a viable parts bike to get yours back up. Hope it helps.

 

I know it would be a hell of a road trip, but here's a link to a viable parts bike to get yours back up. Hope it helps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://allentown.craigslist.org/mcy/1102871788.html