Rear Ended At A Stoplight

[gryphon68]

Hey Everyone,

The bad news, got rear ended sitting at a red light while leaving work yesterday. The mini van hit me pretty had, not sure I even heard tires squealing before the impact. The bike just shot out from under me and next thing I knew I was falling off this guy's hood. The bike fell to its left side I think, somehow the Givi top case didn't seem to get between me and the van.

To some of the witnesses amazement I got up off the pavement and managed to stand the bike up before sitting down and waiting for the police, ambulance . . . .

They did the whole head, neck, back brace/board thing as a precaution, these precautions became increasing uncomfortable and even painful. Eventually after a set of lower spinal x-rays and three hours in the ER I was released w/ 'scrips for muscle relaxants and pain killers.

Other than sharing my experience, I wanted to ask the group what things I need to have the dealership double check for hidden damage. When I set the bike up the rear wheel seemed to be locked up despite the bike indicating neutral. This wasn't the case when I saw the bike today to get some personal stuff off it before it goes to the dealership.

Like I said the van hit me hard enough to put me into the hood as the bike shoot forward. Most of the force went through the rear tire/wheel into the swingarm. I'm really concerned about possible driveshaft, and transmission output damage that might be difficult for someone to spot.

In terms of cosmetic damage, the bike is only two months old, so I am going to insist everything to be restored perfectly, as new, no excuses. Anyone know if Givi sells moldings, the case looked like it took a couple scuffs, which will have to be fixed.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Also going to start a thread in Parts to discuss adding pulsing brake lights to my top case.

 

[twowheelnut]

****, dude! I'm truely happy to see that you are able to post! Good that you are still with us and not severely injured. Bad about the bike.

From your description you may also find some frame damage or motor mount damage, too. If that's the case, I'm gonna say the bike is prolly totaled. How do you feel about Cobalt Blue?

 

[fastersilverfjr]

with TWN on that one. Cobalt Blue in your future.

 

[BrunDog]

G*D DAMNIT!! WHAT THE **** IT WRONG WITH PEOPLE???

Glad to hear you are OK - that is all that counts now. The bike will be fixed. Hopefully that ******* has a legal problem on his hands...

-BD

 

[gr8eyes]

I hate hearing this stuff. Sorry about your accident That brain dead moron with an IQ in the single digits just bought himself a messed up FJR. Enjoy the 06. Glad you popped right up, but I suspect you'll be really sore in 24 hrs.

Glenn

 

[Getsum]

I'm glad your ok man.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Glad you are alive and walking!

The list for the dealer to check is essentially the parts list of the bike. Even the forks can get damaged...who knows what the bike did once it left you on the hood?

Especially important in my mind:

frame

drive shaft

final drive

rear suspension

is the wheel straight?

forks torqued?

all the damaged parts...

etc...

I feel the 06 is in store for you...or at least it will be next March.

 

[gryphon68]

Just FYI, I was wearing a JR Reactor jacket which has a minimal kind of back protector. I do think this helped siginificantly.

If you're not wearing a back protector either under your suit/jacket or integrated into your gear please consider getting one.

 

[Warchild]

If you have a decent relationship with your dealership, let them know you'd be quite happy if the wrote up the estimate such that it will be totaled by the insurance company. Then they could sell you a new '06.

IMO, you don't want this machine anymore.... too many possibilities that frame or geometry problems might crop up down the road...

 

[gryphon68]

Excellent advice I think Warchild, as far as my relationship with the dealership, I didn't buy the bike there, but give the PDP and wildly varying availability and delivery promise dates I would hope this is forgivable. I used to race with the the wife of one of the shop guys in the lightweight classes.

I do/have purchased a fair amount of parts and accesories in this dealership . . . . supporting local dealers is important too.

 

[Robin]

Glad you're OK, but don't forget to claim the damage to the jacket, gloves, and especially the helmet. According to the helmet makers any significant hit can damage it beyond the safety margin. You might come out of this with a whole new outfit and bike.

examine your shoes (boots) and pants for scrapes, scuffs or other damage.

Robin

 

[Woodstock]

If you have a decent relationship with your dealership, let them know you'd be quite happy if the wrote up the estimate such that it will be totaled by the insurance company. Then they could sell you a new '06.
IMO, you don't want this machine anymore.... too many possibilities that frame or geometry problems might crop up down the road...

+1

 

[brazos parker]

First, really happy you have no serious injuries. sounds like more than a "pretty good hit."

Second, WTF did the cager say? Anything?

Third, agree w/ the group consensus...Cobalt Blue, linked brakes, improved insulation and air management system, etc is in your future.

Again, glad you're OK...bikes can be fixed/replaced.

 

[smitty141]

Glad u r alright ...Most likely you can throw that bike into the **** box. It does not take much to get to the 80% of value to total one. When the dealer writes the est. go over it with them. If there is even the smallest scratch/mark have it on the est. I also am with WC, you will always wonder about this and that. And once you sign the check...its your baby..Good luck

 

[zorkler]

un ******* real . glad your o.k go see a doctor a.s.a.p. get a lawyer a.s.a.p. you feel ok now but with a impact like that in a fewdays or a week you could be really hirting . the bikes is totaled collect the check and get the 06 if you like it .

 

[azbikergirl]

OMG! Unbelievable! I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to be posting, but that had to have knocked your innards around. You may be feeling mighty sore in a day or two.

Tell me, was the stupid Fing driver on the phone?!

 

[FJRocha]

Man! I am glad you are feeling ok. Those backward summersaults can be hard on your back and internal organs. Make sure you get thoroughly checked. If nothing else, you'll get a complete physical out of this.

Doode, those muscle relaxers work wonders.... wow, check out those colors mannn... :goatee:

The guy in the van just bought a brand-new totaled bike. I guess you are gonna be playing the waiting game again for that Cobalt Blue beauty.

 

[XLR8]

The same thing happened to be last year at this same time. I was rear ended on my new 05 FJR with 400 miles on her. It's now one year later and the bike still is not right. I have has so many little BS problems as a result of the accident it isn't even funny. All of them have been a result of incomplete or poor work at the dealership.

I know exactly how you feel believe me. I am glad you are OK though. I had to see a therapist all winter.

If there is any way possible, get a new one. Trust me, I doubt your bike will ever be the same unless your shop does immaculate work. I'm not trying to be captain bummer, I'm just being honest. PM me if you want details. I have many.

-r

 

[DrEvil777]

Just happy to be able to read your post, and not a second hand account.

I agree with the group, that bike is totalled. No way in hell I would want that "fixed" then try some high speed canyons!

Be up front with a dealer and roll that into a new '06.

Again, glad you are ok.