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[ultrafxr]

Yesterday was beautiful - sunny and mid 60s.  Went riding with several friends but got a late start and it got dark on the way back.  So we took to the interstate thinking it would be easier and safer knowing there would be a lot of traffic on the surface streets as we neared the metro area.  About 40 miles from home we came upon what I think was a 4 x 4 fence post right in front of me and could not miss it.  Hit it solidly doing over 70 mph.  Thankfully I was able to keep it upright and i didn't think I had any damage for about 10 miles or so.  Then the bike began to act squirrely. 

It was a bear to get it stopped without dumping it but got it pulled over to discover the front wheel was severely dented on both sides and tire had lost air down to under 10 psi.  Yikes.  Fortunately I carry a small air compressor so we aired it up and limped home - had to stop for air three times.  Today I got it to the dealer - stopping twice for air.  Luckily no other damage that I could tell.  But pulling onto the side of a busy interstate in a metro area in the dark at 5:30 pm in rush hour traffic is an exponential pucker factor for sure.

Wheel is $749 list and tire $199 so the wheel & tire coverage will more than pay for itself.  Just wish I never had to use it but glad I got it.

[Buy early]

Glad to hear no one was injured! Those situations can go south real fast.

[ultrafxr]

Glad to hear no one was injured! Those situations can go south real fast.

For sure.  And with the tire flat you're going nowhere. That's why when we discovered the dented rim we thought it might hold air long enough to get off the road rather than wait for a tow truck.  Glad we were able to do so because the few minutes we were stranded was way, way too long for comfort.

I am researching LED road flares to carry on the bike.  Anyone know of any they have used and would recommend?

[hdbrad03]

If the front is dented how's the back wheel and tire?

 

   Brad

[ultrafxr]

If the front is dented how's the back wheel and tire?

 
   Brad

Brad, from my inspection the back looks fine.  No air loss and no obvious damage to it or the underside of the bike at all. 
I asked the service manager and my favorite tech to check it over thoroughly - and I know they will.  Sure hope that wheel is available without delay.

[VaEagle]

I have one of the Ezyflares in my saddlebag and so far haven't needed it. It appears to be fairly well made and very visible from a distance.

http://www.sears.com/ezyflare-roadside-flare/p-02877900000P

[justplainjim]

I'm just curious, wouldn't your m/c insurance have paid for this?  I'm thinking it would be considered an accident.

[ultrafxr]

I'm just curious, wouldn't your m/c insurance have paid for this?  I'm thinking it would be considered an accident.

I would think so.  But it would be considered a collision, subject to the deductible and considered a chargeable claim.  This is based on a similar situation a friend had a while back.  No collision with another vehicle but damage to bike due to road debris.

Wheel & tire will pay for those items.  As far as I can tell that is the only damage.  If they should discover something else then I can always file an insurance claim.

[faceracer]

Wow man that is scary! I'm glad you are ok! Sorry about the bike. I had a friend that had a simlar mishap the road had dropped 6" and he hit it head on with a softail and bent the 21" front and solid cast 16" rear! He was able to keep it up and limp about 500 yds to a gas station before both were flat. He contacted the state and Kentucky paid up for everything and he got a chrome rear replacement thanks to the hd shop fudging the estiment for him. I have hit big stuff in the road and its always a pucker factor. Glad you got the insurance. 

[JoeSDE]

I would think so.  But it would be considered a collision, subject to the deductible and considered a chargeable claim.  This is based on a similar situation a friend had a while back.  No collision with another vehicle but damage to bike due to road debris.

Correct on the insurance situation. Hit concrete on the interstate with a Softail Custom. Split front tire and bent Thinderstar rim. Insurance considered it a collision claim but gave me a one time free pass when policy came up for renewal. Had to cross three lanes in rush hour. Still don't know how it didn't go down.

[1sharprdkg]

Scary time! Glad the only thing hurt was your wheel. I don't have a tire pump but may need to get one.

[ultrafxr]

Got the bike back today.  New wheel and tires front and rear (did not go flat but had some damage) with new wheel bearings, bolts, etc.  Total paid by ESP $2,458.12 (plus tax of course).  Whew, I am REALLY glad I got the wheel & tire on the esp.