[WeaponZero]

Doing about 25 with new EBC brake pads on the bike. Wasn’t expecting it to lock up when I had to slam on the brakes because the old brake pads that were on it couldn’t lock up in the rear if you wanted them to. Thrown from the bike, slid a good 5 feet or so.

Motosliders frame sliders saved my bike, it was able to get right back up and ride.

Teknic Freestyle textile jacket (the one with the armor on the outside) and the FirstGear overpants (thanks Elwood, you inspired me to buy these by getting them yourself and makign that post–otherwise I would have been in jeans) ensured I was unharmed and without a scratch (helmet didn’t touch ground, only left shoulder, elbow, and leg did). Got right up, started the bike right up, rode away.

Get your gear, folks. I would have been hurt badly were it not for my gear.

[Candice]

Thanks for sharing and I’m so glad you came out without even a scratch! This inspires me to get some proper riding pants. Take care and again so good to hear you are in one piece!

Is that like a highside you did or not really? I have been worried about that.

[Clay Dowling]

Are totally worth the money. For one, my ride is a lot more comfortable now because the pants keep the cold and wind out better than the insulated work pants I had been wearing.

The armor is a nice thing though too. I work a desk job, but my hobbies keep me on my feet. Losing the use of my legs, even temporarily, is a terrifying prospect.

[WeaponZero]

Yes it was a high side. And get some proper pants!

[roborabbit]

will lock up especially when new. Since they aren’t properly adjusted and need time to ‘bed in’.

Atleast that’s what people tell me.

—

Good job rockin’ the gear .

As of right now I have more riding gear than experience(don’t even have an endorsement yet) and plan to keep it that way. Skill and experience make poor armor when you’re racing toward the pavement headfirst at any speed.

[Candice]

Will do! Glad to know it’s possible to survive a high-side. Was there anyone else on the road to see this and did they stop to make sure you were ok?

[eon]

Glad you and the bike are ok. Good point about the brakes. Will definitely head to a parking lot for some braking practice once I get new pads.

[bigguybbr]

You plan on NOT getting your motorcycle endorsement?

[WeaponZero]

the only person who stopped to check to see if i was ok was another guy on a bike, he was on a green triumph tiger. the cars just went around me.

[roborabbit]

Of course I do, however, I just got my permit a few weeks ago (can’t even take the road test yet– in NJ you have to until its been 20 days since you’ve gotten your permit) and I’m signed up for a MSF.

[bigguybbr]

Oh ok good. I was confused.

Correct me if i’m wrong, in NJ, don’t you have to ride with another rider who has their endorsement when you only have your permit? Must be a pain…

[roborabbit]

In order to ride on a public street with a permit there must be a licensed motorcyclist riding near/with you. Don’t know how this works with PLP. Wonder if a licensed rider standing nearby would be sufficient…

[Sed8Me]

Hey Weapon, glad you are okay… this post raises some questions/comments from me:

1) What does “highside” mean?
2) I dont even have my learners permit yet, and I think I need a proper riding jacket and gloves right away
3) any know if in California you need to ride with an experience rider “nearby”?

[DK]

How about a visual?

Highside

Lowside

Not trying to hijack, but anybody see Jamie Hacking pull off the craziest near accident ever at Barber Motorsports Park?

Jamie Hacking

[briderdt]

A highside is essentially what results from the aftermath of a slide. The rear wheel slides sideways when it’s locked. What you’re SUPPOSED to do is keep it locked and ride it out until the bike comes under control again. If you let the brakes off, the rear wheel will regain traction (not in line with the direction of travel), and throw the bike upright (and most likely over). Most riders will get thrown off the bike when this happens (getting launched onto the “high side” of the bike), and sometimes the bike then follows.

So if you’ve gone down, you’re okay, and the bike is okay, and you get it upright again… What to do next? Adrenaline is pumping, you’re probably thinking you’re late for whatever you were traveling to, you’re probably in a bit of a state of denial (the “I’m okay” thing to the passersby)… But take a few minutes to calm down, maybe even evaluate what happened, look the bike over to make SURE it’s okay. Then calmly get your gear all back on, start it up (listen to the bike — make sure it’s running smooth), and go about your business as if nothing happened. But that few minutes can mean the difference between a repeat performance and getting there safe.

[Author]

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