My Poor Aprilia

I don't know how much more abuse it can take.

Drove to Buttonwillow last night to do today and tomorrow with The Track Club. Unfortunately, I'm home right now after doing just a session and a half earlier today. Signed up for C group to learn Buttonwillow as I've never been there, but I ended up in the dirt on the straightaway before Turn 1.



To be honest, I don't know if I was taken out, or if I ran into the other gent (or both?). All I know was full throttle after exiting the last turn, shifting into 3rd then 4th gear at the outside line to pass a number of folks in the middle line, when one of the said folks in the middle line moved into mine while I was still on full throttle trying to pass them. Unfortunately, while it wasn't a lightning quick manuever, it was abrupt enough that despite having been able to react to try and brake in time, with the pull my bike was doing and the distance (or lack thereof) I was left with, I ran into the other guy's right rear where his pipe is. Next thing I know was me down on the ground with the bike, sliding for a moment and then rolling my way into the dirt for about 200 ft. per the legend above.

I remember thinking while I was sliding/tumbling, "there's no way I'm getting up from this," but somehow I ended up on my knees when I stopped, trying to spit dirt out of my mouth. Got up, checked and collected myself, and looked at Turn 1 to see what happened to the other guy, and saw him upright and still running gingerly off the track, making his way back on. He looked alright, so I just waiting for me and my bike to be ferried off the track. Track workers said they actually heard the collision, and pointed out where it occurred, and how far I traveled.

When I looked at my bike after I got it back on my truck, my initial assessment was that it wasn't so bad considering the speed at which it slid, but after looking at it further when I got it home and washed, I have a feeling it's not as simple as I thought. The frame slider really did it's job, and the track fairings took the brunt as well (in the 2nd pic, you can see what's left of the left fairing). The tank wasn't even dented, though slightly scratched, but the forks/triple clamp looks suspect.

I came out surprisingly well out of that, with a gash on my left knee about the size of a half-dollar, that's it, though you wouldn't know it looking at my suit.

For the record, I really, REALLY like my suit. Though of the rack, I can't imagine anything else fitting me as perfectly as the suit did.

My right boot was unscathed, and the left boot tore, but both of my feet were fine. Color me surprised, as these boots are practically the cheapest race boots in the market at regular price. My favorite helmet will now go into my wall (along with the rest of the victimized gear) for memory's sake. Funny, cause just before I left for Buttonwillow, I had Cyclegear hold a helmet for me until I got back, the Hustler helmet, which I always thought was perfect to replace this one with.

glad ur ok bro, could have been alot worse

Ouch that suit.

Sorry man, that sucks.

Glad you're physically ok less the gash on the knee, bikes can be replaced, body parts are a little bit different. Good luck with the repair or perhaps a new bike on the horizon.

Ughhhh expensive! Glad you're OK, though. Human body is usually more expensive to fix than motorcycle. Gotta be careful when passing with a high delta like that, especially with inexperienced riders.

you keeping it or want to sell it?

WOW!!!! I'm glad to hear that you walked away from that crash!!!

Good luck with the repairs to your bike.

Ahh that sucks, good that your alright though...gonna be an expensive fix. Hows the shoulder, from the looks of the leather, looks like you hit and scraped pretty hard. BW is a fun track I hope that doesnt discourage you from going back. see you around Dennis.

sorry to hear about you goin down. but glad to hear all is well. good luck gettin the bike put back together.

It"ll buff right out!

Glad your ok.

Wow I know you are hurting today!!
Glad that overall you are OK
Hope you have some uber strength Ibuprofin

Sorry to here about it. But liter bikes in the C group is bad Mojo. It's about the only time you will ever see a crash on a straight. Just too much speed differential to be safe.

Dude... your bike looks alot worse than what I had imagined after we spoke yesterday. Just glad to hear you're ok.

Btw you're more than welcome to borrow my Duc if you're itching to ride.

Ah let's see. I woke up today definitely feeling sore. I guess you can't just walk away from a tumble like that, especially on my left shoulder where I came down on.

Still nothing funky though, no restriction or pain in moving, so I just popped a couple of Tylenol in my mouth, and off I went to drop the bike off at Evolution Suspension. Also had a talk with my insurance for my claim and provide them with the details and worked everything out. They actually called me a second time around just to tell me that my premiums will not be affected as they deemed it not my fault. State Farm rocks .

Rob and I then discussed his initial assessment of the bike, and let's just say it's highly likely that I'm saying goodbye to the Mille. Will wait to hear from either Rob and/or the claims adjuster about the fate of the bike.

In the meantime, I'm doing some research on a couple of bikes that will have to replace the Mille, as it was my commuter.

Trung, thanks for the offer man, but don't be surprised if the next time we ride together won't be until Infineon in November, so you better make it!

sinncere said:

They actually called me a second time around just to tell me that my premiums will not be affected as they deemed it not my fault. State Farm rocks .

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You aren't getting raped for using your insurance after crashing the bike on a race track?!

Daem dood! Glad you're ok. Nasty fall! From your pict of your suit, I can kinda see where that 1/2 dollar gash on your right knee came from. Your insurance company is good, not to up your premium & all. Your Milli was beautiful, but I'm looking forward to see what you pick next... If you have to replace the Milli; of course.

See you on the 27th

let me know if u sell it.... i need a trackbike

Dirty-GSXR said:

Daem dood! Glad you're ok. Nasty fall! From your pict of your suit, I can kinda see where that 1/2 dollar gash on your right knee came from. Your insurance company is good, not to up your premium & all. Your Milli was beautiful, but I'm looking forward to see what you pick next... If you have to replace the Milli; of course.

See you on the 27th

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See you on the 27th [/quote]


Whats goin on the 27th....
Going to be a busy week...PTT, AMA and to the Party

Dennis you want to go to my TD, you can take pictures J/K. Dont take Tylonol.....Use Advil, take 3 or 4. Thats my best friend when I take a fall. Them shoulders are gonna be sore for a while, luckily your arms didnt press onto or jab into your ribs....