Almost didnt make it back from Daytona - Ducati.ms

Mr Mike · Mar 11th, 2010, 8:48 pm

My 796 HM was in the shop for warr work. I rode to Daytona on a buddys Suzuki bandit. Leaving town on US1 headed south, speed limit 55,going 55.
Car ahead slowing (no brake or turn light) ,looked in RVM to change lanes and when I looked back forward the car was almost stopped

Pushed left and as I passed the car my right handlebar struck the car. Went into death wobble but managed to stay on and bring the bike to a stop.
Handlebars were slightly bent and brake lever bent. Right pinky finger hurt REALLY bad but not broken.
All my dumb-ass fault. Very luckey. Could have been very bad.

**Chuckracer** · Mar 11th, 2010, 8:55 pm

YEEEOW! That was a close one!

silver.surfer · Mar 14th, 2010, 11:38 pm

Did that before... not fun. glad your ok and didnt wreck your friends bike

Brian748s · Jun 5th, 2010, 10:16 pm

I also did that before about 10 years ago, it actually stopped the bike and twisted the bars all up. learned really damn quick never to do that again.

FutureDuc · Jun 6th, 2010, 9:08 pm

That's a tough situation to be in because you have to look before changing lanes and you never know what the situation is going to be like when you turn your head back forward. I've had a few close ones myself. I always try to look as quickly as possible, but sometimes is not good enough

DanH · Jun 6th, 2010, 9:13 pm

Dont know if its all your fault, sounds like the cars brake lights werent working... Glad you are ok.

**John** · Jun 8th, 2010, 10:46 pm

That is the one scenario that catches many of us by surprise. Goes to prove a lot can happen if you look away for longer than a glance. I try to look through the cars as much as I can, but sometimes a hulking SUV or truck blocks that. I also try to check my rear as I'm approaching a slow down situation, well before I anticipate stopping or slowing. That way I'll have a heads up if any other car is coming up on my rear in either lane and if I have to make the lane change quickly as you had too, at least I have a better idea whos back there. No guarentee because someone can be coming up on your rear and he could make that lane change around you at the last moment. Best to stay in the left most portion of your lane, less distance to travel to get around the car in front of you.

Glad it turned out minor, the squashed finger deal is no fun, it happened to me years ago. I was taking a residential curve a little to far over the center line and I sideswiped an oncoming car. As with you, I was fortunate to make contact with only my clutch lever and grip. Hurt like hell also, but I was happy with the results and it also helped eventhough I put a sizeable scratch in the side of the car the driver told me not to worry about it, he was my neighbor. Now, if I had done that with the brake lever side, that would have likely been a different outcome altogether.