Topic: first crash of my riding career

[Shtonecb500]

Im in Michigan, it was in the 30s all day but it was dry out. I went to my grandmas house to use the garage and change the oil in my 550. I was in the middle left turn lane at the intersection, got on the gas started to lean and the next thing I know I feel my rear tire slide out and its sliding 20 ft in front of me. I had three layers on my legs and a big coat and back pack on, still got road rash on my knee, no injuries anywhere else. My bike road rash but no significant damage...just cosmetic bit and parts.

After inspecting my bike on the side walk and letting my nerves settle I rode the bike down the sidewalk to make sure nothing was off, then I felt it was important that I get right back on and shake any new fear settling in my body from going down for the first time. After this, Im investing in some protective riding gear this spring or with some christmas money or something....at least some riding pants and a light protective shirt or something. Im almost positive that I hit some ice or some fresh oil...the roads were cold but dry as hell. Lots of cars around me but luckily everyone was just turning so they were all slow moving.

Stay safe to any cold weather road warriors.

[dhall57]

It's good to here your ok other than a little RR.

[ofreen]

 Cold tires on a cold day can be surprisingly slippery. Especially if they have some age on them. Glad the outcome wasn’t worse.

[jakec]

#1 advice usually given to someone after their first crash is usually don't blame it on the invisible sand. After my first crash (on the street) it took me a couple of days to admit that I just got fixated on a guardrail (and then hit the sand on the side of the road. but I was going off the road either way).

Just saying, it's better to blame yourself and be more careful in the future than save your pride and go down again. Not saying that's what you're doing, though. Just saying.

After that first crash, I also got back on my bike right away and rode off. But I had to stop after a couple blocks because I think I was in shock or something and I couldn't think straight. I also think I broke my toe. haha

[tool14]

glad your ok, bike can be repaired.

[CBJoe]

#1 advice usually given to someone after their first crash is usually don't blame it on the invisible sand. After my first crash (on the street) it took me a couple of days to admit that I just got fixated on a guardrail (and then hit the sand on the side of the road. but I was going off the road either way).

This is so true.....one of my first crashes was a situation with my Triumph Bonnie...turning left at a stoplight the tire slopped out and dumped me and sent the bike spinning on its side.  First thing I did was #$%* about sand and ripples in the concrete.  In reality I just was too agressive and rolled onto the throttle too hard coming out of a turn on cold tires.

I still have this in the back of my mind and try and check myself
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Glad your OK...Fix it..learn something and keep going 

[Kelly E]

My first crash was actually caused by sand. Wasn't there the day before but it had rained overnight.

[ekpent]

Unfortunately the couple of the ones I have crashed couldn't be ridden away . My father always said if your going to do something "do it right" !  At least when I was really drunk once and forgot to put down my kickstand and fell over I was able to drive away from 

[calj737]

Cold tires on a cold day can be surprisingly slippery.

^^^This. What many do not realize is the original recommended tire pressure for your bike was based upon the tire the bike came with, or was available in those days. If you have changed tire models, type or compounds, then tire pressure guides are out the window.

Cold tires, and cold air greatly reduce the ability of the tire sidewall to flex, reducing your compound patch. If you're running 40+ psi in the rear, you're riding on ice skates. The ambient air sucks all heat out of the tire immediately, stiffening the tire. You simply can not put or keep enough heat in the tire when it's cold outside.

Everyone needs to examine their tires for tread life, but more importantly the tire pressure for Fall or Winter riding. 10* of temp makes a huge difference to tire flex.