Motorcycle accident, I think I'm gonna live.

[Nick250]

I have had many motorcycles in my life. About six street bikes and ten dirt bikes. My last street bike was about twenty years ago (damn I am getting old quickly). A 750cc Honda Interceptor. It would run right up to 130 fairly quickly then and that was about it. The fastest bike I ever road was Yamaha FJ1100 and that was scary fast to me. Today's crotch rockets are so much faster it boggles my mind. On the highway recently a guy pulled up beside and then did a power wheelie at 60 mph! That would never come close to happening in the "good old days".

I never went down on any of the street bikes, I was lucky. I did go down a lot on the dirt bikes. Once I was able to come to the conclusion that the ceilings of all emergency rooms looked alike I hung up my helmet. I do miss it though.

Glad you came through it OK Ninja. Be well.

Regards, Nick

Last thoughts , if you have a $25 head, buy a $25 helmet, and always ride as though you are invisible to the cars on the road.

[gmichael]

I remember many times riding the 900 Ninja I had years ago. I'd get on the ramp to a highway and punch it a little to feel the power. By time I'd reach the highway I'd be doing 150+mph. I switched to Harleys in late 86. I'd do the same power test and look down to see that I was doing 80mph. OK, 80 is better I thought. Drove Harley's up till two weeks ago.

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Why'd you stop two weeks ago?

[gmichael]

Building a house. The extras have added up to more than we expected. My 98 Lowrider got us an extra $10k to play with. That means quarts countertops instead on lamanent. Truss flooring intead of polls in the middle of the room (screwing up my pool table) Extra insulation, nicer colors, etc.......etc.....etc......etc.....

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Here is the one I may get (would be my first Harley) - within 2 to 3 months.

But I will try my hardest for the Harley.
(specially since my wrists and back are so bad, I can't really ride the sport bikes comfortable anymore...)

My last bike was a 1200 Sportster and I'd personally suggest against it. It is neither fast, comfortable, nimble, reliable, or as good a resale "investment" as they would have you believe. Save your money and get a twin-cam "big twin" (well .... 88" is big for Harley, all the Japanese manf's have 100"+ engines available, Kawasaki has a 125" V-twin), they outclass the sporty in everyway and nobody will give you any schit about the girl bike (or half-a-harley, dirtbike, whatever sportster slur is popular now).

[brian32672]

It is neither fast, comfortable, nimble, reliable, or as good a resale "investment"

I've been riding my buddies 1200 lately. Yeah, it's not fast - But I find it comfortable (but I say this because the majority of the bikes I've had - were sport bikes)
I would say the same - it is also not nimble - as it takes turns quite hard..

Reliable - well, I've never thought of any Harley being reliable...
But the buds bike is 4 years old 16,000 miles and has never had any repairs needed - never been in the shop - other than regular oil changes.

I am still debating...
With my finances - I will probably have to go with the Ninja.... (for now)

[j_garcia]

WOW, just saw this. I'm glad you are OK. I've lusted after cycles ever since I was about 15 and rode one for the first time. Electrifying. After witnessing one accident that was likely fatal (that kind of thing really affects you), coming onto the scene of fatal motor cycle accidents (quite a few for some reason, someone telling me something?), and hearing the stories of good friend's horror and near fatal incidents, I decided not to get one. I'm lucky I survived my car accident.... I have a titanium rod and some scars to remind me every day.

Heal quick.

[mike c]

get well soon! that's why I don't ride something that doesn't stand on its own ...

[The Dukester]

My experience with Harleys the last 12+ years has been that the reliability issue is a non issue. I've had several and most of the problems I had were self created The only problem I had that was not was on a '97 Fat Boy. The speedo quit with about 1.8k on it. Other than that, no probs with about 6 of them.
The only 1200 I had that handled OK was a 1200 custom. They have a 21" front wheel, 16" back and lowered suspension. My buddy I ride with had a standard 1200 and I would run off and leave him in the curves without even knowing it or really pushing it. They won't even come close, obviously, to a sport bike, though in handling.
I have to agree that the bigger bikes are the better choice for resale as for some reason the sporties have a bad rep. Only problem is they are 2-3 times the price

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I just got done from having another set of X-Rays done on my ankle. The D.A. called to find-out what happened at the accident because the cage driver is trying to have her ticket thrown-out! This would negate her insurance company from having to pay anything! So I called an injury lawyer, now get this:

NY state 'No Fault' insurance does NOT consider a motorcycle a motor-vehicle. Basically their insurance could likely not have to pay for anything and I'll be stuck with $10,000+ in worthless wrecked motorcycle and multiple hospital visits.

I am so angry right now. The insurance system is completely F'ed. Why do I have to pay for it if they won't even cover me? I'm going to see the lawyer on Friday, so I hope he has some better news for me.