Dropped the 'Liner

[alanmcorcoran]

No injuries. Not sure precisely what I did wrong, but probably something You Are Not Supposed To Do. In my office parking lot, coming around a bend, slow speed, a car came around the corner and I touched the front brake (maybe more than touched it) and the front wheel slid out and down she went. Checled the surface afterwards for loose gravel or what have you, but it looks like just your basic don't brake when you are turning deals. (Of course, I brake all the time when I am entering a turn and I was going like, 5 miles an hour. I'm thinking it was the slow speed that did it.)

I'm a little concerned about its affect on my confidence (I'm an over-thinker) so I am trying not to think about it too much. I had planned a rather longish ride for this weekend if I haven't lost my nerve.

[Water Warrior 2]

Took you long enough to drop it. lol. Now that you have that out of the way fill the tank and take the weekend off. Probably you applied the front brake while in a slow turn situation. That is a really excellant way to change the front geometry and balance. Learn to use the rear brake in slow areas such as parking lots and driveways. Go to a school yard and practice this for a while. The Liner will be less of a handful and your confidence will go up quite nicely. Was there any damage or did Lady Luck smile upon you ???

[alanmcorcoran]

A little, but all things considering, not too bad. Three scratches in the windshield, a 1 inch bruise in the brake lever housing, scratches on the right footrest. Just got back from a "climb back on the horse ride." (Filled the tank too!) I think I'll be okay mentally. I tend to react pretty intensely to minor setbacks, but get over them with a little time.

I was already in a somewhat pissy mood this week having got a speeding ticket (for 75 in a 65! In California!!!!) on the way back from the slopes on Tuesday. Only 16 months since my last one so this one goes on the books. I suspect heightened enforcement due to a complete meltdown of California finances.

Thanks for the tip on the rear brake. The lesson I'm trying to take away from this is - be careful with the front brake when in tight turns in the parking lot.

[patrick_777]

Still haven't watched that video, huh?

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Water Warrior

Learn to use the rear brake in slow areas such as parking lots and driveways.

:plus1:

Good advice for everybody.
I suspect that about 80% (or more) of riders under-utilize the rear brake. About the worst that can happen with the rear in a low speed situation is that you will immediately STOP and then fall over.

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

Still haven't watched that video, huh?

Actually about halfway through it. Course, I haven't done the exercises.

[Moedad]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I had planned a rather longish ride for this weekend if I haven't lost my nerve.

It's supposed to rain anyway.

Can't believe you got a ticket for doing 75. Where'd you get it?

[Dupo]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Not sure precisely what I did wrong...... coming around a bend, slow speed, a car came around the corner and I touched the front brake...... and down she went.

Funny when you answer your own question. Lay off that front brake unless you are going straight - live by it.

[dan_]

Sucks dude glad you weren't hurt. Were you able to lift it by yourself?

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by Moedad

Can't believe you got a ticket for doing 75. Where'd you get it?

15 southbound, near Norco. Moreno Valley LEO. Have you noticed there seems to be a heavier enforcement presence lately?

The absurd thing is, not two minutes after I pulled off the shoulder, with fresh ticket in hand, I was doing 75... and everyone else was zooming past me.

I may still go to Monterey, but I am concerned about getting stuck in the rain for 7 plus hours. Not sure I could do it, and it's also probably pretty dangerous.