Just @#X$%@ crashed

[T. Rush]

It's embarrassing but I crashed my 696 into the left rear quarter of a car yesterday afternoon. I just returned to town from a great ride in the hill towns of Western Mass. Stop and go traffic due to local college graduation and rather than be focused on what's in front of me was I lost in thoughts of the days ride.
Before I knew it the car in front stopped for a pedestrian and as I gripped the break lever I also twisted the throttle. Happened so quick, I'm still trying to recall exactly how I was able to accomplish such a feat. I veered left to avoid the car and almost made it except for the break lever hitting just above the tail light with enough force to throw me left and down real quick!

I was all geared up so that was a plus though I did feel my left foot twist hard. I am now limping like grandpa from "The Real McCoys". Is my age showing?

I must have timed it right since there was a nice lady doctor who happened to be walking by and a nurse in the car I hit helped me get out of my gear and check my ankle before the emt's and police arrived. Meanwhile all I could think of was how damaged my bike was that was laying on top of me.

Have I mentioned how stupid I am feeling at this point? Anyway I was able to get the bike towed to my dealer, which was in the the same town. All in all, I think the bike came out better than me. Snapped off the shift lever and broke the left rear signal light. Will know more on Tuesday when it gets looked over. Me, very sprained ankle, a little road rash on left elbow, and a sore shoulder. Lesson learned, anything less than being 100% focused is dangerous. Be safe.

[fastwin]

Glad you are OK. As you said... lesson learned. What's that saying about bike riders "there are those who have crashed and there are those that will". Glad your screw up resulted in only minor body and bike damage. It can get a lot worse than that... as you know. Get over it and move on.

[yotogi]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad to hear that you and the bike made it through OK. Hang in there, foot damage sucks, but if you can stay off crutches, consider yourself really lucky!

[Oldfisti]

Don't sweat it. The bike and you (more importantly) came out of it with minor damage.

Learn something from it and you will be a better rider.

A speedy recovery to you. 

[Oldfisti]

BTW where exactly were you riding?

I'm not far away. Just north of Albany.

[T. Rush]

Thanks for the good wishes. I was riding up through Worthington, into Peru then back through Cummington and the Chesterfield area. Just south and a bit east of Pittsfield. I came down through Leeds, into Northampton where I went down on Main St.

[Holden]

I hit a Monster's rear tire in front of 30 other DMFers if it makes you feel any better.

[T. Rush]

I feel for you. There were only maybe  hundreds of people walking in the streets and an outdoor cafe/bar across the street where I crashed.   

[Howie]

Don't be embarrassed, we all have an occasional brain fart.  Take care of that ankle and enjoy a   or three

[Schmitty]

Glad you came out (mostly) OK.

I had a problem during the first day of the MSF course where I would use 2 fingers on the front brake level.  This would cause me to twist the throttle at the same time as applying the brakes.  It never resulted in any accident, since I was always simultaneously pulling in the clutch.  There was just an embarassing VROOOOOM! as I would stop.  I think I started this because my mountain bike has shorty brake levers.

One the second day of the MSF course I made a concerted effort to use my hole hand to grab the front brake level, and wala, no more accidental revving!

Yes, I know how to spell voilà

[moto]

[T. Rush]

Have'n a cold one right now Howie.    and Schmitty, I was covering the break up in the hills since I was practicing slowing and delaying the apex going in and smooth throttle coming out. I don't think this is a great idea when in traffic though. 

[clittelm750]

Look at this is an opportunity to get new levers and blinks!! :-) I would reccomend the ASV levers :-)

[jasaretta]

Uou're ok. Bike can be repaired.

Glad you're ok.

[tlloyd66]

I feel for you. There were only maybe  hundreds of people walking in the streets and an outdoor cafe/bar across the street where I crashed.   

Yeah, it was Smith College Alumni weekend- my wife works near where you crashed, I'm glad you are ok. Just bring it by Valley Motorsports, they'll take care of you!

[T. Rush]

Hey 66, where bouts are you? Yes I bought the bike from Rich at Valley last June. That's where I had it towed. I caught Jerry just in time before they shut down til Tuesday. As fro my levers, the Pazzos held up fine. No damage even to the break lever that hit the rear quarter.

By the way, ice and elevation works great. Ankle is a pretty black and blue right now. The    works well too!