Same story different day,car pulls out ,fatal crash

Just this past May, the same week i got my maxim back from teh shop, i had THREE near death experiences. The first one i avoided by jumping my bike up onto the side walk while teh car that would of rear ended me hit the car in front of me. The second was the very next day. I had a car pull out of a driveway and i was able to stop in time. (they were reversing and obviously not checking there blind spots). The third time was a couple of days later and i came up to a four way stop and was waiting for my turn to go. A semi driver wasnt paying attention and ended up having to slam on his brakes. Luckily i was looking in my rearview mirror because i just popped the clutch and drove right into someone lawn. The trucker slid right through the intersection and then kept going. Luckily no one was hit.

I absolutely love riding. If there was no risk in life, would there be any rewards?

 

It can happen at anytime and anyplace. I think marsmom quoted it well "If you live your life not doing things because "something might happen", you'll never do anything." And like Helmet it would only take one request from my family and my bike would be off the road. We had legnthy discussion about this after Bill and we believe in the saying above and also in what Bill told me a few weeks before his accident. Dave, "I know where I'm going in Life and In death. Do you? Make sure you have your head right."

I've had my share of accidents some my fault by riding above my skill set or not being aware of conditions. I tend to ride more agreessive keeping myself away from cagers out of their blind spots andthem out of mine. I ended up blowing by a young girl in a jacked up pick up texting yesterday to get away from her. The same with a county employee putting on make up after I got tired of her dropping beloew the speed limit (this one I turned in). You just need to be ALERT!! and figure they are all out to get you!! but please leave the mind set in your helmet when you take it off or people will think your a crazy @$$hole.

Ride safe!

 

First... I was sadden to read up on Bill's passing (I have been away for awhile and not able to access internet). Although I have only asked for advice a few times, it has been more than educational reading tips and techniques people like Bill has offered. I have had a few issues with my bike in the past few months, the typical stuff, carbs, valves, starter, etc.... i believe everytime i have done a search for similiar issues, Bill seems to have some advice for the person asking, I will repeat what someone here has phrased "if it wasn't for XJBIKES.COM and the people here, i would not be riding" anyway my point and .02 is that when i hear stories like Bill's and others, that gives me more passion and courage to hit the pavement....

Bill - R.I.P.
when you look down around the Ottawa area you will see me cruising the south country roads

on a side note regarding ideas for cagers to see you better, while i don't have an opinion on that, however, a co-worker and fellow rider here does take a unique item when he hits the roads for a nice cruise - 1 dozen eggs :twisted:

 

I love my family just like everyone else on here so I upped my life insurance and keep on riding.

Always watchfull for that cager not looking and always ride with my high beam on.I also installed an airhorn 139db mounted under the seat really helps with the deer.

Safe riding to all,
James

 

how is the horn working out, can you share a brand name or link for purchase, I desperately need a new one!

 

Guy's no matter what we add or do to our bikes there is some bad drivers out there . They do not see cars imagine a bike lets just be ALERT and keep doing what we love .We cant stop always to think about death or accidents on bikes because we would never ride.

Fab

 

I think this is the one I have [http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2137/]
Its freaking loud. I have pods so I put it where the air box used to be my 81 650 maxim even had a factory hole that worked for mounting.

 

thanks, my current horn barely even works. so might as well upgrade while replacing!

 

Yup, I've been looking at a new horn, I like the brake mods with 5 sec flash and perhaps the head light modulator. I also have a bright riding jacket with armor. again, Bill was as safety, as careful as they come, it is a matter of does your passion outway your fears ( for my other brother, no he is selling his bike) and always ride with your eyes wide open. You'll not only enjoy the view, but you'll make it home too.

 

I gave up riding for nearly 20 years when I had the responsibility of a wife and two minor kids. I still have responsibility for my wife and now Bullethead the Boston Terrier but they both ride with me so what the hey! The question was asked earlier if people just get cold feet and stop riding. I have had times when I decided to delay a ridebecause I just didn't feel that I would be safe but it was for personal reasons. Too pre-occupied with work, etc. to be able to devote full concentration to the task at hand.

One thing that is inexpensive and yet is very effective is a conspicuity vest in the green color. It will make you stand out like a sore thumb. All that is needed is to find a safety aparrel store or an equipment rental place and they usually cost less than $20.

The bad side? Ya kind of look like a dork going down the road
The up side? You like like a VERY VISIBLE dork going down the road.

For nightime these vests usually include a couple 3M scotchlite strips!

A lot of protection for a reasonable price.

 

Ride like you're invisible.

Test your braking... Run your bike up to the speed limit on an empty road (both open and normal roads)and jump on the brakes, brake as hard as you can without coming off the bike... Do this regularly in wet and dry conditions so that you know how much distance you need to stop.

Be alert, the world needs more lerts!

 

I like that. Thats how I think of it too. I pretend NOBODY can see me and everyone might try to hit me since Im invisible. I think my loud exhaust does help a little though with it, people usually look over if Im next to them. Doesnt help much with the dummies who pull out without looking. Im ready to swerve out of the way every time.

Long story short, You could die anytime. stay paranoid and alert.