The wreck: The wreck was a lowside in a right hand turn at about 40-50 mph on a 2003 RC51. I hit the road on my right shoulder, hand, forearm, and thigh first. When I separated from the bike I tumbled and landed on my tail bone and slid for about 30 feet. I then went down a 3 foot ditch and hit a dirt embankment and tumbled a few more times before coming to a rest next to my beloved RC51. The bike was totaled and the only injuries were a bruised tail bone and just generally sore. No road rash. The Gear: I was wearing a Shift Vertex one piece leather suit, Diadora Xtreme boots, Cortex HDX gloves, and a HJC FS-15 carbon fiber helmet. The suit preformed flawlessly! I remember thinking while I was sliding down the road "Wow this doesn't hurt." The shoulder wore down to the armor, there was a hole in the forearm, and just general scuffs from the tumbling but I sustained absolutely no road rash. When I went into the ditch I went feet first and the only damage to the boots was the grinding down of the toe puck (toe scraper whatever it's called). My left ankle was a little sore. The boots are still wearable. I was planning on ordering some more heavy duty gloves anyway but was pleasantly surprised by how well the Cortex gloves performed. The armor on my right knuckle was gridded all the way through and the wrist protector was scraped up but my hands suffered no injuries. I don't remember hitting my head until i went into the ditch and the fact that there isn't a scratch on my helmet confirms my theory. The HJC Carbon fiber helmet is light weight and comfortable and that's what I love most about it. It definitely protected my noodle and for the price I couldn't ask more then that. The conclusion: As far as the suit and boots go I would DEFINITELY recommend both to anyone in the market for new riding gear. The helmet is great for the price I paid ($230 on an ebay sale). It's comfy and light weight but if you have the extra money other helmets provide more noise protection. I wear earplugs so the noise doesn't bother me. The gloves are a tough call. They did their job and I sustained no hand or wrist injuries but I'm most definitely going with something more heavy duty. I hope this helps someone who's in the market for riding gear and once again I can't say enough about the Shift suit...It literally saved my ass. :cheersaf:
Wow glad your ok, The bike is insurace thing now! When you get the apprasl make sure you include the clothing. So did you just slip on dirt? Or was there a factor you can sue for? eg. city not posting signs for motorcycles for uneven or other situ's. glad you too pics of the event crucial in court or settlements. be safe get them to repace your ride!! Mike R in Calgary:welcome:
Thanks for giving an endorsement for ATGATT. It seems as though I fight a losing battle trying to convince people of this. KC-10 FE out... lane: :usa2:
No I just hit a patch of gravel in a right hand turn. My insurance is with state farm so they replace all my riding gear...I'm just waiting to hear back from them. As much as I loved the RC51 I think I'm going to look at a 600 something or other. I want something light and agile.
I understand dude. This was my first wreck and now I really shake my head when I see some squid go hauling ass past me with some girl on the back with shorts and flip flops. :cheersaf:
your avatar shows that you have a little humor over this..glad you came out of it unscathed(mostly).... go see a chiropractor/actupuncturist.. for the realigning of your spine and tail bone.... the ol girls ass really got tore up? Is it worth buying back and making a track bike out of her?
