yesterday i put on a pair of new slip ons. i was so anxious to hear them that i jumped on with no helmet for a quick ride. two blocks from home i was on a 4 lane divided street. i was passing a fed ex truck ( going forty mph) on his left side when a cager saw the truck slow to turn right. of course he came out. i only started riding in June so this was my worst close call. i did alot wrong, but i had more time than i thought. first i locked up the rear brake and slid lowside, when i let off the brake i got a pretty bad wobble but the bike stood back up and wanted to straighten out. i must have put it in first by habit when i pulled in the clutch to brake, so when i got on the throttle she just went back to business. lessons learned? first, no helmet, no ride. second, remember that i am invisible to all cagers. and last, don't lock up the brake. i know that i could not have stopped in a straight line with both brakes so i just got lucky using the slide to lose alot of speed. just when i was getting tired of hearing all of these close call stories I get stupid. i did track the guy down and give him some advice as well. we both admitted we could have been more focused. enough of this , let's go ride.

 

Sounds like Friday the 13th might be a lucky day for you. That could have been a lot worse.

btw, how did the pipes sound?

 

i know there is no such thing as too loud, but the cycle shack baloney cuts are wicked. i'm an older guy and i think i might try the tapered style if i have any problems with the local pd. for $120.00 you cannot beat the quality and easy install

 

See other post about the Cycle Shacks mellowing out with some miles. Although, mine are the tapered slipons, but I bet the ballony cut will also mellow out with some carbon buildup.

 

if you lock up the rear brake ride it out dont let up on it, even if your out of harms way. If you have it locked and let out on it, it will catch up to you and buck you off right over the handlebars.

 

Friday the 13th. do do do do. Tim

 

Well, I'm not particularly superstitious but locking the rear brake and letting up like that can get you hurt on ANY day of the year. Glad you're ok man.

 

Lessons learned... we all have them! Really glad you came out of that situation OK! Now, like you said, "let's go ride"...

 

i appreciate the good will from everyone, i rode again yesterday and last night. had a blast and paid alot more attention. still must learn to balance the fun factor vs the risk factor. thanks again

 

Whenever you ride just remember: No one sees you and no one is expecting you; therefore, you must anticipate the unexpected all of the time. If you ride defensively with those things in mind at ALL TIMES, your riding experiences will be much safer...