From: jep@cs.duke.edu (Jonathan E. Polito)
Newsgroups: rec.motorcycles
Subject: RCR crash analysis
Date: 29 Jul 92 14:15:54 GMT
Distribution: rec
Organization: Duke University CS Dept., Durham, NC



Well, this is the unofficial DoD version and analysis of my RCR crash.
Basically, I approached this turn slightly on the brakes. First
mistake. I should have been hard on the brakes at this point. As I
started my lean, I am pretty sure I was very neutral - no change in
throttle or braking. My K100 was travelling about 35-45 at this point
(I wasn't looking since I was very occupied at the moment!). I
realized the turn was turning *very* fast and I kept leaning trying to
set myself up for or rather to *make* the exit. I suddenly became
aware of my rear tire breaking free and then *smash* my left hard
saddlebag hit, then I was sliding, then sliding away from the bike. It
was actually like being on a waterslide! Thanks Aerostich. 

Further investigation revealed some slight, gradual tire marks and
then a deep, long gouge made presumably by the center stand. 
My laden saddlebags (though not that heavy) might have contributed to
losing it. One scenario is the rear wheel hit something and started
the slide. I didn't really see anything at the site that would have
substantiated this. Another scenario is the passenger foot peg hit
first, unweighted the suspension, started slide, centerstand ground
in, etc...but it seems like my peg would have also hit which I didn't
notice. I think what may be the actual scenario is that these back
mountain roads have a lot of funky camber. As Martyn Wheeler pointed
out that this turn started with a positive camber (giving me the
illusion of being able to handle more lean) and then went to near 0
camber which probably would have whipped my back end out if I was near
the limits anyway. One thing I just learned today, after talking to
the shop, was that the previous owner ran the front tire with low air
and consequently gave it a wear pattern that adds some instability
over 40mph. So far the cost to repair the bike:
Parts:	$ 68.46  (2 Turn signals, Aluminum turn signal lever)
Labor:    22.75  (to install parts)
	  19.50  (Damage Inspection of forks & bike, test ride)
Tot+tax: 114.82

I couldn't locate any used turn signals. Next stage is saddle bag (new
half hinge, rerivet bracket lock), body work and dents in the fuel
tank, trip meter knob. I am going to do this stage so any
advice on fiberglass gouging repair would be appreciated. Also, a plug
for Scooterville BMW. I have been very happy working with them. They
are very nice and honest and treat me as a friend rather than just a
customer. 

Basically, this could have been easily avoided by taking it easy and
leaving room for unknown circumstances that can suddenly pop out at
you. I should have doubly taken it easy since I had only had the K100
for about 2 weeks and about 1000 miles. I could have known the limits
of my bike (and myself) better. 

Everybody was really a tremendous help which was greatly appreciated
since I really couldn't think too straight after the low side. I
can't thank the others enough. Their caring was truly felt and greatly
appreciated. 

Following this post is posts giving the results of the crash tests of
my protective gear.



--
Jonathan Polito                                      DoD #x (K 100)
jep@cs.duke.edu                                  jpolito@encore.com 
              "You Don't Say...." --- Sylvia Plath