Had a young girl nearly run me down on the highway today, and went down in gravel trying to avoid getting hit at 50 mph. Some people saw and called the police but no one got a plate number or anything, but that's besides the point.

So the bike has damage. Visibly f*cked is the foot peg/shifter, bars, clutch, one of the rear signals, and there was a leak of some undetermined origin at the moment. Not visible damage could be nothing, or it could be an endless list at this point. This just happened a couple of hours ago and I'm trying to deal with the physical pain first before looking at the bike closer.

I'm hoping some experienced people who've wrecked their bikes can give me their insight on how best to proceed. Specifically, when the bike needs inspected for insurance, do I take it to the stealer or an indy shop? Obviously I'd go indy for the actual repairs if there's anything outside my skill set.

I've never wrecked a car or bike in my 13 years of driving/riding, so I'm just looking for any helpful tips or information on what to do from here.

Thanks guys

 

If you feel that badly about the dealership where you decided they are stealers and you are going to an indy for repairs, why even bother with them in the first place? If you already decided they are crooks, why even bother asking them? Besides, for insurance purposes, they don't care, at least that is how I found them.

In my experience, dealerships or independents don't make the thing work. It is the person working on it. I followed my mechanic from a dealership to an independent to one who is working on the side. Soon as he left the place, I didn't find myself getting along with the people as well as I did with him. It's all about the personal relationship you have with the person doing the work and not the worthless service adviser.

 

No advice on where to take the bike, but just wanted to say glad your ok. That's some scary sh*t. Keep us updated on you and your bikes recovery.

 

Glad you're ok! Sounds like it could of been a lot worse.

I would get a complete inspection and appraisal from the Dealership. They are likely to give a more expensive appraisal, which of course is good for the insurance claim.

But check FIRST with the dealership. Some will charge a significant fee for doing the appraisal.

I was at a local dealership a few months ago when a customer was having a **** fit because he had brought his bike in for an appraisal after and accident, he was there to pick it up and they would not release it until he paid the $275 fee for the appraisal.

 

Thanks dude, exactly the type of info I was looking for. I was thinking dealership for the appraisal/inspection as well due to the outlandish pricing, but I'm glad to know to ask about the fee in advance. Side note- your tank lift and coil/ignition relocation is a great product, and your shipping was incredibly quick. I'm proud to support your business.

As for the wreck, she was riding my *** through a major exit ramp and when it straightened out, she just decided to try and pass me in a single lane (a large lane, but still only meant for one lane of traffic). It was either get clipped or swerve out of her way, so I chose to swerve, hit gravel/loose sediment, went down and slid for a good 15-20 feet. The girl just drove on. Could've been way worse, but I sort of foresaw going down, kept my head up, pulled most of my body out, and walked away with only a fair amount of rash. I'll say boots, thick jeans, and leather gloves saved me a lot of skin. I was bound to go down sometime, but I'm glad it went down the way it did.

 

Thanks man, much appreciated

 

if your insurance is paying for the repair, then does it really matter where you take it, dealer or indy? id put my insurance money where ive had good customer service before.
That way youre likely to get it again in the future.

 

In the auto repairs, they have their "preferred" shops where they have some sort of relationship. Usually, they try to steer you that way because they have a deal with the shops about the rate and what not. What exactly that means to you depends on the deal they have. Are you getting cut rate materials and service? IDK. I'd take it to whomever I feel I am comfortable with based on seeing the work of their past customers.

 

Glad to hear your ok, Went down on mine the other day and had the same dilemma. I ended up going to the dealership thinking the same thing. They will inflate their estimate. If nothing is too bad I will try and swap parts on my own and try and keep some money in my pocket.

Only problem I am having is they have had my bike for almost two weeks and havent gotten to it yet.

My road rashes are still healing from 6/30. sure did sting.........

Again glad your ok.

 

I would contact your insurance company first, to make sure you are covered for "Collision" damages. I would doubt you could file a claim for "Uninsured" motorist since you have no idea (or evidence) who hit you. "Collision" and "Other than Collision" are in Part D of your policy, be sure and check first or you'll be paying the bills.

"Collision" is for damages that exclude fire, theft, or vandalism (called "other than collision"). "Collision" generally covers you laying your bike down yourself or some other self inflicted damages. Keeps you off the hook for all the expenses by having a deductible.

I can tell you that not many policies for bikes cover "Collision," and "Other than Collision" can also be rare due to frequency of theft/vandalism on Sportsters.

It took me a while to find a policy with "Collision" and "Other than Collision" coverage. My policy is $200/year, which is a bargain for full coverage. Financial Indemnity Company is who I'm with, but I was told I got a special rate originally and it's much more expensive today.

Also, ask you insurance company about appraisal charges, I've never heard of this and my bike was in the shop for 3 months after getting hit. The insurance company should cover this as well, or have their adjuster meet you at the shop and hash it all out at once.

Glad to hear your injuries are minor, we all touch pavement once, hopefully only once.

John