I was in a hit and run tonight.

[Keshtak]

So I just went out and took a look at the bike and by my list, this is all what would need to be replaced:

Front forks
All farrings (all have scratches)
headlights
lower triple tree
front and rear tire
tank has a solid flat dent/scratch about the size of a silver dollar
mirrors
signals
exhaust

This is just what I could see.  I started her up and she did run...  I couldn't find any real frame or engine damage.  Soo..based on that, a 2003 R1 with 7600 miles, will it be totalled.  That is now what Im trying to figure out, because on top of all of that, I dont know if I would really trust the front wheel/rotors/calipers.  There are probably a couple other things in there that I don't see, but thats what I got so far.  I've just never dealt with shit like this, so any input is appreciated.  Will I have some leverage too because I was in no way at fault and he was drunk and hit/run?  Any experiences with this are also appreciated.

[DucLeone]

how's the wheel?
don't forget to include labor $$$
i got a feeling that it's totaled

[Keshtak]

So any of you know a good lawyer for this sort of thing?  It'd be good to know...

Just another thing, scary/funny at this point.  The cop took a close look at my jacket before I left the scene, and when he stopped by my apt later that night, he told me that the fork fragments in the rim, and finally, the best, the imprint of my jacket on the side of his truck, is what helped them ID the truck.

[psicorp]

what jacket was you wearing?  Glad to hear you are ok.

[KRJ]

damn shame this happened, good thing is you're basically undamaged !!   also nice you have police that followed through and caught the drunkass and obtained good evidence, I would consult a lawyer just in case the insurance company's try some funny shit, also stress that the bike is totaled and unsafe to your ins. agent. sometimes a push in the right direction is needed. good luck, heal up, and hopfully you'll be riding soon.. [moto]

[Munch]

I suggest seeing a doctor, and keep seeing him until you are 100% better. Keep receipts on everything you spend $$ on. Advil, housekeeper to clean your house because your ankle hurts when you vacuum, etc...

I say this as this will play into your settlement.

I've successfully negotiated 33% for pain and suffering based on the medical bills cost, and it seems insurance companies are willing to pay that when their driver is clearly at fault. They know you can get a lawyer who will take more of your settlement, but also raise their cost to fight. So its a win win.

For example, ex gf got hot by a car on her bike. Had 30k in medical. They paid her medical, replaced all her stuff, and kicked in $10k for pain and suffering.

I'm no lawyer, but when you've played the game a few times, you know the rules.

Good luck.

[Manny]

So any of you know a good lawyer for this sort of thing?  It'd be good to know...

Just another thing, scary/funny at this point.  The cop took a close look at my jacket before I left the scene, and when he stopped by my apt later that night, he told me that the fork fragments in the rim, and finally, the best, the imprint of my jacket on the side of his truck, is what helped them ID the truck.

  No wonder you're a bit sore.....

[Keshtak]

I was wearing my Shoei RF-1000, a Cortech GX Sport jacket, Icon Pursuit gloves, some jeans and just street shoes.  I'm still supprised I don't have more damage to my lower body...  I'm  one lucky sumnabich.  The helmet is top of the line, but the jacket still did a really good job...I know I came down on my shoulder pretty hard, and it's just sore...  I will be writing them both a letter to say thanks.

Shaun

[Buckethead]

Coming away from a stoplight, I'm guessing you were going *maybe* 20 mph when you clipped his wheel?

Yeah, I can definitely see the Cortech leaving an imprint in his rear quarter panel. My TourMaster jacket (made by Cortech) pretected me from a get off at 50+. I was lucky and there was no one else involved (see: "it was MY fault"). Given the situation, I wouldn't be surprised to see a distinct outline of your shoulder pad in his truck's side panel.

Hell, I've left palm prints on the upper rim of a tailgate trying to push a pickup out of a sandy road. (see: "it was MY fault.")

[Keshtak]

Ya Im not sure how fast I was going.  Its a decent sized intersection, so I had some time to get up some speed...and also, its an R1...they come away pretty fast.  The speed limit right there is 35, and I like to get going pretty quick...so its right in that neighborhood speedwise.

[Keshtak]

I also can't decide on what to bike to go with should this all work out like I'm hoping.  I want a white 848, but after being on the R1 for a while, I came to like the power and be used to it.  Especially up here at altitude, the 848 would be significantly less powerful.  I'm not all about straight line speed and dyno graphs, but if I'm going to own a sportbike, I want to own a sportbike damnit.  The one problem is that I want white, so if I went 1098, I'd have to get the yellow one, and swap out the fairings for the white ones.  Maybe the dealership will do this so they can have a unique yellow 848 for sale...I dunno.  Anyone have opinions on this?

Sorry, I'll stop my ranting soon, but with no transportation cause my car's in the shop, I ain't got much else to do.

[Randimus Maximus]

I doubt the 848 would be under powered.

There are a couple guys down in the SoCoDogs crew that have them.

[Manny]

+1  The 848 would have less power than the R1, but that doesn't mean that you wouldn't be entirely satisfied with it. Remember that Ducs have lots of torque coming out of corners, as well as superb handling characteristics. It is a full-fledged sportbike and is fast enough to do anything in Colorado given a capable rider. If you're worried about it, see if Northern could set you up with a test ride.   



And thanks for reminding me to write thank you notes to Alpinestars and Sidi. 

[ducducgooseme]

Hate to be the Devil's advocate on this...  but....  even though the torque is nice down low on the Ducatis, the 848 felt very underwhelming to me when compared to my Monster S4r.  I went with the 1098 after test riding them both.  I highly recommend a test ride if you can.   

If price is a factor (when is it not?!), then maybe a lightly used 1098 would be great

[Keshtak]

Soo I got a final offer from the insurance company to settle this whole thing.  $6600 for the bike, $3000 for injury, and about $600 for gear.  So that puts it at $10200.  I'm not sure if I want to take the $3k for the injury...I'm not really injured, but I also havent been to a doc yet..just the ER.  I got an appt on Dec 8, so I guess I'll wait 'til then to sign everything away on the injury side, but its looking like I'll be able to at least get on that RSV or there's also an 848 that just popped up in town here...  That's exciting at least...  I will finally have one of those damn Italian things.