Been a long time since I posted but after reading someone's post yesterday about high siding and what causes it/what happens I now can tell anyone exactly how a high side goes since I participated in one this last Sunday. I entered a left hand corner on my formerly pristine 06 R6 Anniversary Edition at the proper speed for the turn (approximately 35 mph or under for this tight and blind corner) hit the apex and began to accelerate out when the back tire spun up in a dramatic fashion and slipped/stepped out as if on ice. I did not chop the throttle but new it was going to be impossible to really recover aside from the hand of God and I had no time for prayer. I thought I may be headed for a low side but the rear tire caught traction hard and before you could say "Oh crap!" my feet were off the pegs and I was going over the bars. The bike may have completed a half revolution in the air with a twist as it came back down on left side. I tumbled and rolled down the road and with each roll noted that my former mount was still in hot pursuit on the frame sliders. I remember each time I saw it that I hoped it would run out of momentum before I did. When all came to a rest I got up and was fine - but my bike as bleeding fuel all over the place as it had come down on the corner of the tank and had ground right through. I almost picked up the bike but so much fuel was pouring out (I had just filled it full- literally) that it would have just run down onto the headers and I would have had a BikeBQ. I was fully geared up in my Dainese two piece zipped together, Dainese back protector, Arai helmet, and Alpinstars boots and gloves - just about all of it is toast but I have not one scratch or visible bruise on my entire body - just a sprained wrist - always wear your gear! :fact and a little luck does not hurt as well.
Anyway, the fire department had to come in case of fire and the local constable showed up to survey the situation (great officer - very nice). They noted the sand and were going to call in a road cleaning crew to address it. I think the slide was about 40 to 45 feet in all which seems about right for a 35 to 40 mph get off on pavement with sliders (which did an OK job given the violence of the smack down). No ticket was issued at the scene so I am hoping not to get one in the mail as I was not squiding around and the cause of the accident was clearly sand all over the outside 1/3 of the lane of travel that was very fine and matched the road surface in color/texture so it was almost impossible to see. I also have had no tickets in 21 years (yes - I am an old guy...). Anyway, now I am just waiting for the officer's accident report so I can get things started with my insurance company. I figured damage would not be too high as it was mostly cosmetic damage - holly crap! :scared the fuel tank shell alone is $600. Well, I guess that's why I am insured. I am hoping its not a total as I really like this bike but it needs all tail plastic, all left hand upper mid and lower plastic, a new gas tank, headlights, foot peg, handlebar and clutch lever, and the swing arm to a slight grinding when the spool snapped off (purely costmetic) - looks like if all was replaced like new it would be about $3,200 in parts alone - I would have never guessed anywhere near that by a long shot for mostly crappy ABS plastic.
The best part was calling my wife while she was at her baby shower - nice touch I must say. She said before leaving - you need to go have some fun. Go for a ride! Famous last words :sing At least they where had just ended the shower minutes before my call. She was cool with it - just glad I was OK and the have been not requests to give up riding :love - after 13 years she's still a keeper!
Anyway, the fire department had to come in case of fire and the local constable showed up to survey the situation (great officer - very nice). They noted the sand and were going to call in a road cleaning crew to address it. I think the slide was about 40 to 45 feet in all which seems about right for a 35 to 40 mph get off on pavement with sliders (which did an OK job given the violence of the smack down). No ticket was issued at the scene so I am hoping not to get one in the mail as I was not squiding around and the cause of the accident was clearly sand all over the outside 1/3 of the lane of travel that was very fine and matched the road surface in color/texture so it was almost impossible to see. I also have had no tickets in 21 years (yes - I am an old guy...). Anyway, now I am just waiting for the officer's accident report so I can get things started with my insurance company. I figured damage would not be too high as it was mostly cosmetic damage - holly crap! :scared the fuel tank shell alone is $600. Well, I guess that's why I am insured. I am hoping its not a total as I really like this bike but it needs all tail plastic, all left hand upper mid and lower plastic, a new gas tank, headlights, foot peg, handlebar and clutch lever, and the swing arm to a slight grinding when the spool snapped off (purely costmetic) - looks like if all was replaced like new it would be about $3,200 in parts alone - I would have never guessed anywhere near that by a long shot for mostly crappy ABS plastic.
The best part was calling my wife while she was at her baby shower - nice touch I must say. She said before leaving - you need to go have some fun. Go for a ride! Famous last words :sing At least they where had just ended the shower minutes before my call. She was cool with it - just glad I was OK and the have been not requests to give up riding :love - after 13 years she's still a keeper!