Sad end to a great bike

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by caferacer73, Aug 1, 2010.

  1. caferacer73

    caferacer73 New Member

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    My 85 VF500F got totaled earlier this evening. Was out on a test ride from fixing the front valve cover gasket and a few other tweaks when I was about 10 minutes from my house, when a teenage kid pulled out in front of me. Had about a 1/2 second to react, which isn't enough time. I slammed into the front left corner of the car and went flying like superman, or as the ER doc suggested, Evel Knievel. Injured both knees (had to have stitches in my right knee, road rash on my elbows, hips, back and a few other areas. Also injured my left shoulder really bad (have my left arm in a sling).

    The kid didn't have a license or permit and his dad was in the passenger seat letting him drive. Thankfully, they did have insurance, so they get to pay for the bike, helmet, trip to the hospital, all tests (CT scans, blood work, x-rays, etc) and therapy needed to get my shoulder back in working condition. The kid was cited for driving without a license and failing to yield the right of way. The dad got cited as well for allowing his son to drive without a license.

    The bike is probably a total loss (poor bike, it had many years left in it). I did get a brief look at it. The whole right front was smashed in, forks are probably bent and the gas tank has ruptured.

    Gonna try to get some sleep here soon, if I can find a comfortable position.
     
  2. karazy

    karazy New Member

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    Sticks and stones may break my bones, but cars (controlled by idiots) will damn near kill ya. This has been another ATGATT moment.

    Glad to hear you survived your first test flight. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. It sucks about the bike being wrecked, but it can be replaced. Good luck with the insurance co. and hopefully we'll see you back on the road soon.

    :crazy:
     
  3. hopit88

    hopit88 New Member

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    Sorry to hear this kind of thing. We become attached to these stupid machines for some reason and so it's difficult when they go down. I think I would have personally "cited" the Dad when I got up. No insurance check can replace a good running 500 so you'll never be truly compensated. Bummer. Glad it wasn't worse.
     
  4. afpierce489

    afpierce489 New Member

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    Glad to hear that you're ok. Bikes can be replaced. Take your time to heal and don't push anything. Take the healing time to find a new bike so when you're up and running you've got a new toy to play with. Good luck.
     
  5. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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    speedy recovery man!
     
  6. Deadsmiley

    Deadsmiley Member

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    Damn, I am really sorry to hear about you and your bike. I just had an off yesterday, but it was very minor compared to yours.

    I wish you a speedy recovery. Really sorry to hear the bike is done. I like those 500's.
     
  7. jporter12

    jporter12 New Member

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    Oh wow! That is not good! Hope you recover quickly, and find another 500, then you'll have a bunch of parts for it!
     
  8. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    Sorry aboot your crash, hope it all works out for you.
     
  9. lsc86

    lsc86 New Member

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    Glad to hear you more or less walked away- I'm sure you know it could have been so much worse...scary to say the least. God bless on a speedy recovery.

    Bent forks on a brand new VFR is probably grounds for a total loss, no hope for your '85, which stinks because how do you replace the value it meant to you!
     
  10. Action

    Action New Member

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    Hope you heal up quickly!
     
  11. Jakobi

    Jakobi New Member

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    Heal up fast brother. When you're ready to ride again and if you still want a VF500 I may have something for you ;).

    -Jake
     
  12. nozzle

    nozzle New Member

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    Thanks for the post. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
     
  13. royalsinner

    royalsinner New Member

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    sorry to hear that...get well soon!
     
  14. crashtech

    crashtech New Member

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    So sorry for your mishap.....It can always be worse though. Glad the other party had insurance. Dont give them any slack or settle for anything less then you think you deserve. They (ins.) are the scum of the earth and will try anything to get out of a dollar...

    Bike can be replaced but you can not......you are a very lucky man and this happened for a reason...

    I know this is poking but hope this is a lesson learned on ATGATT.........Would not be as bad if you had it......

    Good luck on a speedy recovery...
     
  15. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    Sorry about your crash....glad you're alive to tell us about it.
     
  16. 2000 vfrider

    2000 vfrider New Member

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    Wow...I certainly echo all the other comments! I'm glad you are relatively okay, and that you are on the mend. Take care and heal up so you can get back in the saddle again!

    2000 vfrider
     
  17. wdgah

    wdgah New Member

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    In many places, allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a vehicle results in the insurance company NOT paying the claim(s). Hope this isn't the case for your situation.
     
  18. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    Sucks, man.
    Sorry to hear.
     
  19. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    that sux. hope you heal well. my right shoulder is still a pain for me after my last get off so I feel for you. Have you thought about what you'll replace the bike with?
     
  20. Michael E

    Michael E New Member

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    Sorry about your mishap. I wish you a speedy recovery and best of luck on the bike replacement.
     
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