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Off-Topic Posts
Started by Doug at 06-12-2010 2:43 PM. Topic has 10 replies.
  
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 06-12-2010, 2:43 PM
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Doug
 
Joined on 03-18-2010
Ithaca, NY
Posts 41
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Short Version:
I was not injured.
My new 09 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic was ridable, but is now at the dealer for repair.
The @#$% deer is at the butcher.
Long Version:
I'd only had short motorcycle rides since we returned from Scotland, Wales & England, so I decided to skip the health club yesterday (Friday 11 June 2010) and ride to work the long way around Cayuga Lake (85 miles) instead of the 7 mile direct route. At 5:42 AM just 7/10 of a mile from home, a deer ran into the road directly in front of me from a line of bushes. I had no time to react other than cutting the throttle and tensing up. I hit the deer broadside probably at about 50 mph. It briefly wrapped around my front end before coming off around my left side. I did not go over the deer. I kept the bike upright, mostly because I didn't have time to try to swerve, and came to a controlled stop. I walked back to the deer, saw that it was dead, and called 911. I was shaken but uninjured. I did experience some minor soreness in my left foot and shin, but there has been no bruising or swelling.
After the County Sheriff came and took a report, I road the Vulcan home and took the pickup back to get the deer. I drove the pickup home and took my 83 Honda CX 650 to work. Eileen drove the deer to a butcher & we'll get the meat in a week or so. That @#$% deer ruined my planned morning ride around Cayuga Lake and damaged my new Vulcan. My only revenge is to have it for some dinners. :-) Given the really major piece of bad luck in hitting a deer, I feel lucky that it was a small button buck and I & the bike suffered relatively little damage.
After work I road the Vulcan to the dealer. The Vulcan suffered a broken front fender, bent front shocks, bent left turn signal, bent shifter lever, broken left cover, and a gouged & dented gas tank. It's possible there is other damage I haven't noticed. The dealer will inspect the bike & talk to the State Farm adjuster. I'll be out the $250 deductible.
Yes, I'll continue to ride. In fact I road about 55 miles today on the CX and may take it to the 1000 Islands next week unless the Vulcan is fixed in time. (Now that's wishful thinking.) As I've said before, riding a motorcycle is by far the most dangerous thing I do. I make it as safe as I can with defensive riding, protective gear, and absolutely no alcohol before or during a ride. In fact considering the major twisting of the shifter, I credit my heavy boots with preventing an injured foot. However, just as in a car you can't prevent everything.
At least I don't do something really dangerous like smoking.
Well enough about my Friday, I hope yours was better.
Take Care.
Doug
Doug
09 Vulcan 900 Classic
83 CX 650 C
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06-12-2010, 3:37 PM
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ramprat06
Joined on 03-22-2006
Vancouver WA USA
Posts 361
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Sobering story, Doug. I'm very glad you were not more seriously hurt, and that the bike will be fixable. You were very fortunate indeed, that the deer was not more substantial. I've seen some pretty drastic deer damage done to cars, and wouldn't wish that on anyone. Continue to practice your safe methods, as we all should; they do temper the risk some. Glad you shared.
Joel in the Couve
May the multitude of wheels in your head always control the two wheels between your legs.
1982 CX500 custom. 99% stock.
3rd owner
New to me, Spring '03 ~7k miles
Now, ~23k miles
Age 55
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06-12-2010, 4:53 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,863
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Way to show that deer. Glad to hear you're ok.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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06-12-2010, 5:34 PM
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Wootersen
Joined on 04-04-2010
P-Town, Oregon
Posts 73
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Next time you want to go deer hunting, I'd recommend a rifle and a hunting license. 
Actually, in all seriousness, glad to hear you made it through that OK. Sounds like you kept a cool head by not swerving, it could have been a lot worse. Thanks for sharing the story, it's a sobering reminder to wear the gear all the time.
1981 Honda GL500 - 32.000 miles. Purchased off of Craigslist for $100 and used primarily for committing felonies.
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06-12-2010, 6:19 PM
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kingston73
Joined on 04-19-2008
Bellingham, MA
Posts 1,722
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Glad to hear you're ok. Deer scare me almost as much as other drivers, I hit one once going 75 in my car and it destroyed my front end. good thing it wasn't a moose!
1979 cx500D - mostly stock
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06-12-2010, 8:36 PM
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Blindstitch
Joined on 03-14-2009
Greenfield Wisconsin
Posts 9,863
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I hit one once in a geo metro. I was going 55mph and a fog covered the road. I saw the deer and stomped on the brakes and by the time I hit the deer I was probably going only 10mph and slowing yet the damn thing slid up the hood, onto the windshield and near the roof then slid back down. The car was only a few months old and the deer kicked the crap out of the car all the way up and down. Nothing major was broke but a bunch of little dents to fill. I think the write up for the body shop was about $1500. I wish I had killed it but it walked away laughing at me.
But every time I tried to nail one to the wall my my truck and brush guard they got right out of the way. Maybe that's what we need. A nice sturdy low weight brush guard to scare them.
1979 CX500 Supertanker
ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier.
Quick Reference
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06-12-2010, 11:28 PM
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socalGTOpilot
Joined on 03-03-2010
Bakersfield, CA
Posts 42
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Wow, thats intense. Good to know you're ok!
82 GL500-long gone
04 Pontiac GTO
99 Dodge Cummins
69 Chevelle 4dr post
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06-22-2010, 12:48 AM
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Spring Brook Rider
Joined on 03-21-2010
Northfield Mn. U.S.A.
Posts 78
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Was crossing Wyoming late one moonless night on an empty two lane going about 60 and actually passed through a small herd that was standing on the road. They were as surprised as was I. Slowed way down at night after that. The big guy upstairs musta been on the bike with me. Thanks Big Guy.
79 CX500D. 83 GL650I. 83 CX650C and a basket case untitled 80 CX500D. AH DU LUV DEEZ DAM TINGS YA NOE.
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06-22-2010, 9:16 AM
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DakotaMK
Joined on 06-01-2010
Ottawa, IL, USA
Posts 90
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I've hit one in my old 1973 AMC Hornet, and one in my 1995 Dakota... yesterday was my third day of actual riding on my bike. Had a herd of about 12 almost to the side of the road, contemplating crossing.... had a holy crap moment as I was passing them- when I'm on the bike deer are my biggest fear. I know there's more to be worried about, but deer freeze my blood every time... SO GLAD you're OK!!!
1982 Honda GL500
This is my bike, there are others like it- but this one is mine!!
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06-26-2010, 9:50 PM
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OLD MAN CX500
Joined on 02-02-2010
Posts 164
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![Crying [:'(]](http://choppercharles.com/cs/emoticons/emotion-9.gif)
Re: I'm Alive
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good to see you made home in one peace, I hit a bear in 1976 like hit a cement wall its crazy the things we hit on the road
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Honda CX500 & G... » Other Forums » Off-Topic Posts » I'm Alive
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