Late for Work: Got hit by a Car This Morning

[Max Wedge]

  I left this morning (ATGATT) about 20 minutes early, excited for the nice weather expected this afternoon. It dark and  heavy fog, but I have ridden in worse. I was on a two lane road, with a center turn lane, following 3 cars ahead of me, to block for deer. I was travelling at about 50mph, and a older Mazda RX7 was approaching up a driveway on the right, maybe 10 mph. He slowed, but after the third car passed him, he gunned it, crossing my lane completely, and about a foot into the left turn lane.

  I stood on the brakes, aimed at the drivers door. He started braking at this point, and I leaned hard to the left, hoping that, at worst, I would impact the tire, and go over the hood, and not into the roof. I managed to clear his front end, and as he finished stopping his bumper connected with my cylinder head.

  I was knocked off my line a little, recovered, and pulled to the side of the road. He pulled up, was very apologetic, asked if I was okay, and was more shaken than I was. He asked if I wanted to file a police report, and said he would cover towing or anything else I wanted. He was very respectful (do I look old enough to be called 'sir'?), and I got pictures of his car, license and all that stuff, and since I know where he lives, I opted to not do a police report. I was 7 minutes late for work.


  On inspection, I didn't see any cracks, and I was not leaking oil. I decided to finish the ride to work, but told him if it was leaking he was also paying the tow. No leaks after work, so I will present him with a bill for the $250 in parts, and live to ride another day.

[sleazy rider]

It was nasty with heavy fog this morning for sure.  Glad to hear it's just minor scrapes on the bike and none on you.  I'd just take his money and buy another farkle.  Them's just "character" marks.

[Max Wedge]

I've gone over it in my head all day to see if there was anything I could have done differently, but at this point I am coming up blank. Maybe weaved in my lane a little? Add more lights?

I think I may like this ABS thing though--I couldn't tell you if it went off, or if I was still braking as I started to veer. I know I did let off once I came around the front, not wanting to linger in front of him.

[Max Wedge]

It was nasty with heavy fog this morning for sure.  Glad to hear it's just minor scrapes on the bike and none on you.  I'd just take his money and buy another farkle.  Them's just "character" marks.

How much are those Touratech cylinder head guards?

I just need to make sure Mrs. Wedge never asks about those marks.

[sleazy rider]

You rubbed a tree playing off road.   . I had marks similar on my GS.  They really were from off road drops.  

[Max Wedge]

Thanks, Tom. I knew I could count on you.  

[Justin]

Coulda been much worse, glad it wasn't  

Who is this "Mrs Max Wedge" currently browsing this thread though?


 

[Rogue]

Glad to know you are okay.  Yup could have been worse.

Maybe don't follow cars next time?  I try not to stay behind cars as I think they are most dangerous when they are ahead of me.  I do understand your reasons for doing so though.  I also understand why the RX7 guy went for it.  He wasn't looking for bikes.

[Hardware]

Good save!

I had a very similar incident a few years ago.  Swerved around the front of the car and wasn't sure if we'd made contact or not.  Got home and found brush marks in the layers of road grime on the starboard cylinder head oddly similar to your scratches - but mine wiped off.

Gotta' love the pucker factor on those, eh?

[Max Wedge]

Oh, and $2.50 for underwear. Thanks for the reminder.

[Royal Tiger]

Glad you are ok.  Sounds like a scary one.

[Hardware]

Oh, and $2.50 for underwear. Thanks for the reminder.

I ride commando...so it was a simple matter of hosing out the JR pants...LOL

[Bender]

I ride commando...so it was a simple matter of hosing out the JR pants...LOL

Note to self... NEVER buy riding pants from Hardware.  

[Flyer]

A lottery ticket is in order, Sir!
 

[tomek]

I`m glad you are O.K. but you really need a louder then OEM pipe on your bike , they do  save lives .  


Those rub marks should come right off with something mild like a lacquer thinner .  

[R Doug]

Bravo on the save.  And, way to keep your cool.  

[Andrew]

Glad you survived

Get some more lights, be visible.

I recommend a set of MotoLights   http://www.motolight.com/motolight_motorcycle_lights_for_bmws

or a set of Clearwater Glenda lights   http://www.motolight.com/motolight_motorcycle_lights_for_bmws

[Frankienuckles]

Happy you are alright!

[Meemuh]

   Glad you're okay...yikes.

[sagerat]

Way to do emergency braking and manuevering.  

Glad you emerged unscathed and the bike only had a minor marring.