Return-Path: Posted-Date: 29 Jul 92 14:15:54 GMT Path: taco!rock!stanford.edu!ames!decwrl!concert!duke!jep From: jep@cs.duke.edu (Jonathan E. Polito) Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles Subject: RCR crash analysis Date: 29 Jul 92 14:15:54 GMT Sender: news@duke.cs.duke.edu Distribution: rec Organization: Duke University CS Dept., Durham, NC Lines: 64 Nntp-Posting-Host: thneed.cs.duke.edu Apparently-To: sasmjw@unx.sas.com Well, this is the unofficial DoD version and analysis of my RCR crash. Basically, I approached this turn slightly on the brakes. First mistake. I should have been hard on the brakes at this point. As I started my lean, I am pretty sure I was very neutral - no change in throttle or braking. My K100 was travelling about 35-45 at this point (I wasn't looking since I was very occupied at the moment!). I realized the turn was turning *very* fast and I kept leaning trying to set myself up for or rather to *make* the exit. I suddenly became aware of my rear tire breaking free and then *smash* my left hard saddlebag hit, then I was sliding, then sliding away from the bike. It was actually like being on a waterslide! Thanks Aerostich. Further investigation revealed some slight, gradual tire marks and then a deep, long gouge made presumably by the center stand. My laden saddlebags (though not that heavy) might have contributed to losing it. One scenario is the rear wheel hit something and started the slide. I didn't really see anything at the site that would have substantiated this. Another scenario is the passenger foot peg hit first, unweighted the suspension, started slide, centerstand ground in, etc...but it seems like my peg would have also hit which I didn't notice. I think what may be the actual scenario is that these back mountain roads have a lot of funky camber. As Martyn Wheeler pointed out that this turn started with a positive camber (giving me the illusion of being able to handle more lean) and then went to near 0 camber which probably would have whipped my back end out if I was near the limits anyway. One thing I just learned today, after talking to the shop, was that the previous owner ran the front tire with low air and consequently gave it a wear pattern that adds some instability over 40mph. So far the cost to repair the bike: Parts: $ 68.46 (2 Turn signals, Aluminum turn signal lever) Labor: 22.75 (to install parts) 19.50 (Damage Inspection of forks & bike, test ride) Tot+tax: 114.82 I couldn't locate any used turn signals. Next stage is saddle bag (new half hinge, rerivet bracket lock), body work and dents in the fuel tank, trip meter knob. I am going to do this stage so any advice on fiberglass gouging repair would be appreciated. Also, a plug for Scooterville BMW. I have been very happy working with them. They are very nice and honest and treat me as a friend rather than just a customer. Basically, this could have been easily avoided by taking it easy and leaving room for unknown circumstances that can suddenly pop out at you. I should have doubly taken it easy since I had only had the K100 for about 2 weeks and about 1000 miles. I could have known the limits of my bike (and myself) better. Everybody was really a tremendous help which was greatly appreciated since I really couldn't think too straight after the low side. I can't thank the others enough. Their caring was truly felt and greatly appreciated. Following this post is posts giving the results of the crash tests of my protective gear. -- Jonathan Polito DoD #x (K 100) jep@cs.duke.edu jpolito@encore.com "You Don't Say...." --- Sylvia Plath