Re-upped for the "dropped her" club

[bobhamlin]

I participated in the 9/11 foundation ride this past weekend-- over 600+ bikes went from Shanksville, PA (site of flight 93 crash) to the Pentagon, then onto NYC.

I was a member of one of the two "Pumper Teams" that would ride ahead of the main group to prepare a gas station for the sudden flood of thirsty bikes. Each pump would have 2 members: one would hand the nozzle to the driver, monitor the fill-up, take back the nozzle and help push the bike forward for payment while the next bike moved in--almost like clockwork.

Although I helped fill a couple Vulcan Classic 1600s, I saw no Nomads in those several days.

About my "drop"-- As we were leaving Mike's HD in Delaware, it happened. Normally, we parked as cohesive Pumper Teams, making it easier to leave as clearly defined groups so we could easily deploy at the next gas stop. However, during the fill-up prior to Mike's, one of the stations had run out of gas and that knocked our parking a little out of whack--intermixing the two teams. To leave Mike's as teams required significant jockeying in the crowded parking lot.

A bike that was coming from my right waved me forward. In my mind, I knew I was going to have to make a VERY tight left turn at walking speed on a slightly tilted parking lot. I should have waved the bike on and given myself a lot more room for the turn.

But--my macho tendencies occasionally override my common sense--I proceeded to try. Angie on the back and our fully loaded Kuryakin full-dresser suitcase had raised my normal center of gravity significantly (I figured this out afterwards).

When the bike started to fall, I knew it was hopeless, so I just let it down as slowly as possible. Angie stepped off nicely. A couple guys helped me lift it back up. No damage other than to my ego for having dumped it in front of a lot of people.

Then, the bike wouldn't start back up. I thought I had flooded it, but somebody said to turn it off, then on again. It started immediately. I got in line and thought that Nomads have the best crash guards available.

Suprisingly, I was more embarassed about not knowing about the tipover switch than having dumped the bike.

btw, the 9/11 foundation ride is a yearly memorial to the attack's victims. It is also a significant fund-raiser for the families of the nation's fallen first responders.

We had law enforcement motorcyle escorts all the way and tours of the Shanksville memorial, Pentagon and Ground Zero. If you can tolerate formation riding for 3 days, I recommend the event.

[Cajunrider]

Same thing happened to me on the Natchez Trace with a foot down in some loose gravel. The FI light came on and wouldn't clear until I turned the switch off and then back on. At the time, I didn't know about the tip over switch either. Don't feel bad, most find out the hard way.

[cactusjack]

Don't feel bad...I dropped mine twice in 2 days this past weekend.

[macmac]

yeah that tip over switch is a nasty head trip ain't it? I have a love hate relationship with that part. It's good the engine kills, but in the down man panic, you think yer stuck when you ain't.

I found that out long ago in my SD crash. Since then when I can, and am around I try to ask if the owner has his keys and then flip off the 1600 type switch for him.
The 1500 you turn the key.

[Griz]

Don't feel bad Bob, I dropped mine at the SC rally in Eureka Springs in the motel parking lot. No damage to the Nomad, but my wife must not be as coordinated as Angie, as she fell off in the lot and broke her arm. That was two months ago and I am still embarrassed!!!!

[macmac]

Griz, I know how that feels. In my crash i cut my wifes arm to the bone. I still feel that guilt.

[elvis]

I saw a H-D rider drop his softail and wife right in front of my eyes in Ouray, CO. This town has no flat surface and almost everything is on the incline. Probably the kickstand was not all the way out and it all happened so quickly. His clutch lever and left mirror broke. Some oil was spilled also, looked like gear oil.

We helped him out to lift the bike, there were no apparent personal injuries. We took a walk and had lunch then saw him taking off, wonder how he fixed his clutch lever.

So I guess it happens to everyone, like the saying goes, it's not if you ever drop your bike but "when" you drop it.

[Loafer]

Bob and Angie, I am glad you didn't get hurt. Like these others here I slipped on some pine needles while fully stopped, putting the bike on the crash bars hard putting my wife down hard. Broke her elbow. You were lucky.

[MustangMan]

Author:
Been there, done that, complete with the tipover switch issue.
Cheers, Steve