Narrowly escaped a direct hit at a stop light

[TroutBum]

Sunday I was out for a ride in the country and came into town for a fill-up. While in the left turn lane at a stop light there was a van in front of me. As I usually do I stayed back to be seen in both the side mirror and rear mirror of the vehicle in front of me. All of a sudden the van goes into reverse and comes at me at a high rate of speed. With no time to maneuver out of the way or hit my horn and wanting to avoid a hit straight-on I leaned the bike to my left hoping by some chance to minimize the impact. I lucked out as the leaning was enough to avoid a direct hit, but it wasn't enough as the vehicle hit my right shin and both the bike and I went over. I tried to hold it but Harley's are heavy and being a Sportster top-heavy at that. The bike for the most part landed on me resulting in minor cosmetic damage (clutch lever, mirror, left foot control and rear turn lens). As for me I am a bit sore in the ankle and shin. The doctor checked me out and had x-rays done and confirmed no broken bones.

The driver was extremely apologetic and concerned. He gave me all the necessary information before parting ways. I was actual surprised as to how calm the two of us were. These days people seem to take the low road and pass blame. He owned up which restored my faith in humanity.

Ride safe and be ever watchful out there.

[xsel777]

Lucky you, that exact same thing happened to me, but they rode away, leaving me to deal with my 1 week old scooter damage.

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[Stig / Major Tom]

Dang , dang, dang Trout!
Your new bike!....and of course glad you are mostly OK - though sounds like it must hurt like a bugger.
Seems like that could have ended much worse!

WTH !!- did he ever explain why he reversed so hard?

You know - that is good advice. Never noticed how I stop behind vans or trucks - though I always stay back pretty far at a light...and off to the curb side just in case I need an out.

For Pete's sake - they find all kinds of ways to whack us, don't they?

Thanks for your post. Good reminder...and very sorry to hear this.

Please keep us posted on the recovery of both of you.
Stig

Oh yes, Vivo reminded me - "No pics, it didn't happen !"

[Mr. Paul]

Sorry that happened to you Trout but I am glad you came out of it reasonably OK. Thanks for the post and the reminder. Is the other guys insurance going to take care of your damage?

[ole two wheels]

Man that's a bummer. Good the dude acted right and didn't add insult to your injury. I, too, would like to thank you for sharing the advice about laying back to be seen in all mirrors. I do that for 18 wheelers, but never considered doing it for a smaller vehicle . If you had been up close, you'd have got hit harder. Anything we can add to our safety tool kit is a plus. Thanks and Be careful.

[PaulF]

Glad you are ok, only takes one careless driver to ruin the day.  My latest run of incidents are people in the next lane who decide that if that put their indicator on it gives them the right to change lanes without really checking first. 

[CROSSBOLT]

Oh, that is %#×@€£₩!! Cannot express my dismay very well as I am frustrated and shocked. There was nearly nothing you could have done yet you found the ONE thing and did it! You were blessed to have survived as well as hou did. Like Mac mentioned we ALL know now to leave some room just to be visible. So now we are all blessed.

Karl

[PaulF]

This incident is also why phones are such a big distraction and how dangerous they are.

https://imgur.com/gallery/4eYT7

[TroutBum]

Hey folks,

Thanks for the concerns. To give you an update the guy wants to pay put of pocket so this coming weekend we will probably be meeting up to finalize the deal. I brought the bike in Tuesday to HD and fortunately the Lord saw to it that only a few bits and pieces were damaged: clutch lever and pin, left side mirror, left foot control (shifter-arm and peg), left rear turn signal lens and derby cover. No engine or frame damage of any kind and no dings, dents or scratches to the paint and chrome. I was fortunate. As for me, the ankle and shin are healing nicely and the back isn't as stiff.   

[TroutBum]

Sorry Stig, no pictures. The shock of the ordeal left me with blinders on and my focus was to get the guys insurance and other info. I'll try and remember next time to immortalize the event.  Sounds kind of twisted when you think about it. 

[Stig / Major Tom]

Sorry Stig, no pictures. The shock of the ordeal left me with blinders on and my focus was to get the guys insurance and other info. I'll try and remember next time to immortalize the event.  Sounds kind of twisted when you think about it. 

Well, just glad the light cosmetic damage was to the bike....this gang has only a little cosmetic currency as it is.
Yeah, a quick selfie while you were pinned under a van and a HD would have been cool. No, I  meant a pic of what happens when an HD is tipped.
Glad it is working out for you.
No worries with the fires?
Stig

[CROSSBOLT]

20 bucks for an always on digital camera.....

Karl

[Forbes1964]

I’m soooo glad you’re ok. Things could have easily been much worse and tragic. The fact that there was only minor damage to the cycle is simply a BONUS. The main thing is that there was only minor damage to YOU.


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[Stig / Major Tom]

Trout,
Has he explained why he suddenly reversed at speed while at the light?

Curious behavior.
Stig

[PaulF]

20 bucks for an always on digital camera.....

Karl

Good advice but would not have helped in this case https://imgur.com/gallery/4eYT7 and unfortunately getting rear ended does happen a lot.
Maybe have another $20 camera fixed to the rear.