The holidays almost killed me ... literally

I had a close call this last holiday season everyone. I came very close to the end one night as I was riding with my friends through the streets of San Francisco.

I was riding my 2003 Buell XB9S and was going a little fast, prob around the top of second gear which is anywhere from 60-75. My front wheel came up awkwardly and unnexpectedly and when it came back down my bars were far from straight.

I was thrown into a violent high speed wobble and tried to hold on as best I could. The rest is kind of a blur but I must have been thrown about 100 feet in front of the bike as I sort of high sided over my bars.

As I flew thru the air my motorcycle hit a nearby tree in the center meridian of the road and exploded. My friends behind me said it mushroom clouded and sprayed fire across 2 lanes of the road. (I didn't get a chance to see any of this as I was being hurdled to what I thought would be a swift and forceful death)

As I hit the ground I ended up dislocating my ankle and breaking my Tibia and Fibula just above the ankle. I rolled and slid for what felt like an eternity until I stopped in the middle of the pavement.

I was wearing a full face helmet from Icon and a leather jacket (no pads or spine protection, just standard jacket) Dickies and skate shoes.

All I can say is I must have had a guardian angel up there because I am still alive. My leg is busted to hell and its gonna take a long recovery but I will be back on the road when I am able.

I will let the pictures do the talking to show the extent and severity of the crash.

She used to look like this:



And this is what remains after exploding and being on fire for more than 10 min

I been following this on Facebook. Damn that looks nasty, your definitely lucky to be here to tell about it. Heal up quick bud.

Glad you made it out alright man. Close call.

Glad you are alive to tell. Heal quick and be careful....Kev.

The single thing that eliminates the most danger is keep the speed down. Glad you're alright. Keep a critical eye on the docs work - you don't want to end up with a limp. Sometimes they go too fast too

my friend did the exact same thing on a Ducati Multistrada 1100....V twins eh? Missed a whole year of riding and work. First surgery, the bone never healed, second was to reattach stuff, he coulnt even lift his toe to shift gears. It's better now, but aparantly it still aches. He is an auto painter, now he has to office job it because of the pain. Titanium Rod in leg.

He was on a Date with a Cop when he crashed....can you top that? haha.

Heal right,don't push it. The road will be there when you are better. I hate seeing pics like that but we're all glad you're still with us.

Dam that sux Bro. It is good to see you thumbs up!
kinda made sick to see your bike like that.
So take care man ,Ed

I gotta say thats a pretty epic crash, you just dont see that kinda mayhem except in the movies!


I mean, come on thats a pretty good story!

Thank god your ok, take your time and heal up right so you can get back on 2 wheels.

Thanks for the support everyone. It was a humbling experience to say the least.

You have used a big chunk of your good luck.
Hope your recovery is full and speedy.

Glad to hear you're ok as well man. Heal up and get back in the saddle!

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60-75 on the streets of SF? seriously?

I feel for ya. Rest up and take it easy. On 10-22-11 I was hit by an out of control ST1300 Honda coming around the corner we were approaching. He lost control and slammed into me at 60 MPH. Totaled out my Girlfriends 650 Ninja, broke my left femur,ankle,and fractured multiple foot bones as he smashed the hell out of my foot. My girlfriend was on her Vic Kingpin in front of me and heard the crash in our headset. Just started walking with a cane, but my foot still swells and feels like it's a sleep. It will take time to heal don't rush it.

Thanks for sharing and do keep sharing. Most of us have been dumb only some paid the price.

Hope this isn't too much of a hijack but if the front end starts to weave/whip only PUSHING hard on both bars will stop it you CANNOT pull hard enough to stop a weave. I am not positive of the dynamics but when pulling you get into PIO (pilot induced oscillation) territory, google it.

so is a buell chopper in the works? heal up fast man.

Wow. Glad you are getting better. But I think all the bike needs is a little buffing.

pregrid said:

60-75 on the streets of SF? seriously?

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It might have been a little faster but Im not sure. Not the smartest thing I have ever done. But you know, hindsight is 20/20.

Maybe a Buell chopper could be done. I honestly don't know the full extent of the damage. I have yet to see the wreckage in person. I had a second surgery on my leg last week and I have been holed up in the hospital and on the couch after that.

Im now the proud owner of 4 titanium plates and about 20 or so screws. Its gonna be tough trying to kick over my xs and my Triumph for a while.

Just read your post again to my girlfriend who rides. We both wish you the best on your recovery.