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03silverbullet

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Location
Chino Hills, CA
After meeting with up everyone at Carlee's in Borego Springs, I headed to Julian and bought an apple pie. Julian is famus for their home made apple pie and when ever I go there I buy a pie. After that, I took a ride up to Palamar Mtn. The road is a very twisty fun road. On that day there was very little traffic and I was having a great time. When I got to the top, I thought about taking a little break ande getting something to drink but I was having to much fun so I headed back down the hill. As I was setting up for a right hand turn, I was on the brakes and I lost the front end and crashed. I was pushing way too hard and just ran out of traction. I think I was going about 50MPH.

I was very lucky and did not suffer any injuries. Dale, an on call fire fighter came buy not more than 30 seconds later and was a really big help. He put all my broken parts inculding my apple pie in his truck and helped to calm me down. I was really pissed at myself for doing something so stuipid. The bike was still rideable, though the forks were so bent that to go straight, the handle bars had to be cocked to the left. Dale followed me down the hill,or so I thought.

Here is when the story gets gets kind of funny. The whole way down the hill, I thought Dale was behind me so I decided to to to the Pala Casino. so when I get there, I am waiting and waiting and he doesn't show. Were are all my parts and more importantly, were is my apple pie? I want my fucking pie! Any way he never shows up so I venture back to my home in Chino Hills driving up the 15 with bent forks and all. I made it home safe and sound.

When I get home I call the Palamar fire Dept. but I had forgotten Dale name, so I descripe him and hope they find him and he that he calls me. A few days later, Dale calls me and he has all my parts. However, the apple pie is toast. It got spread around his pickup and there was no salvaging the pie. A few days later I drive to Dales house and get my parts.

I was very fortunate to meet Dale and will forever be grateful to him.

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As you can see from these pictures, the Aerostich and the Aria helmet held up very well.

I was a little disapointed in the held gloves. While my hands suffered no injury, the palm protector ripped apart.

Also if you noticed, I had 2 set ofcut threw frame sliders. I would not have been able to drive home without both of them. They protected the engine and radiator big time.

So, what did I learn? Palamar Mtn. is not my personal race track. I should have been more careful and I should have rested at the top and had something to drink. I was pushing to hard and paid the price. I am very lucky. It could have been worse.

I did do something right. I had excellent gear that fit well. Snug but not tight. I also got the hell out of there before the cops came.

 
Great attitude - machines can be replaced, bodies not so much! Sorry to hear about your off, but glad the ATGATT did its job.

 
Great attitude - machines can be replaced, bodies not so much! Sorry to hear about your off, but glad the ATGATT did its job.
Steve -

The Stitch "Did" do its job, Kudos you are still here!

I have some body parts off of an '04 if you need them. Lower fairing halfs & miscl. other plastic!

Oh, sorry about the pie! I'll buy you a piece somewhere sometime!

 
Sorry about the getoff. VERY glad you are Ok.

I crashed a bike and a guardian angel in a pickup helped me pick up the bike (broken collar bone) and followed me home to make sure I got there. I remember riding the bike home pissed at myself but learned my lesson toimprove my skills and gear. I hope you learned your lesson -- never ride hard when you have baked goods on the bike.

 
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Steve,

I am glad this was just a "gentle" reminder to slow down off the track. Palomar has some exposure. Glad you are no worse for wear.

 
Sorry about the getoff, but it's good to see your gear did it's job (gloves aside, apparently).

Congrats on the 'new' bike.

 
Nice write up... Glad your OK. Looks like you had all the gear and it worked perfectly. Did you eat any of the pie afterwards?

 
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I also got the hell out of there before the cops came.
Now THATS's a quote! I'm not alone when I say we hope you get the old gurl back up and running. I personally want you to be the first recorded 200k state side FJR. Take KwanaJawdge up on his offer of parts, take your time, and rebuild her!

On the accident side of things..

  • any debri in the corner *before* you lost traction? Sand, water, anything?
  • condition of tires and pressure?
  • state of mental focus? physical state?
  • too much front brake, or let off brake in corner?
  • just to fast, kept leaning and away she went?
  • drag any hard parts first? pegs, muffler, center stand or bags?
Sorry for all the ??'s but you've got alot of seat time, and it's surprising to hear that you went down.
Very glad you're ok Steve, you crash club wanker you!

 
Wow... gear really held up well! That was around 50mph???

Can't tell from pics, but forks don't look bent. May just need to take the weight off them, loosen the tirpples, straighten them out, then re-tighten. I had to do that once..........

 
Actually, it sounds like your scored a "humble pie" then ate a big piece of it. Good attitude.

Sorry about the damage to the machine and your gear but glad you are in relatively good shape, though I bet you found plenty of painful spots on the body in ensuing days.

 
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