BigBadZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 27
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posted September 29, 2009 05:52 PM
Accident recovery???!!!!
I still haven't fully recovered from my head on accident yet. It's only been 3 months. Still limping, and body aches day in and day out. I look at my totalled bike sitting in the back of the garage and think what a shame for the bike, and I can't believe I'm still alive, and it keeps on hitting me. It wasn't even my fault and I gotta deal with this everyday, the pain, aches and depression. But on the other hand I still get to see my son everyday and grow up. I don't know what my family would have done without me, and to put my son through having no father to be around when he's 2 years old, the time of the accident. I debate on wether I should get back on and keep riding, or was that my calling to stay off the bike??? Anyone who has had a devastating accident can fully understand my thoughts and what I'm going through.
Thanks for anyone who reads this.
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08' ZX14 Midnight Saphire Blue, Two Brothers Slip ons, PMR Tether Cut off Switch, Fender Eliminator Kit,
  
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted September 29, 2009 06:14 PM
Been through one bad one out of two. I cant stay off them.
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Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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Flyboy
Pro
Posts: 1536
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posted September 29, 2009 06:16 PM
Glad you're okay. Yeah, maybe it's a wake-up call. With all the fast speeds I've done this bike still scares me on the street and I'm overtly cautious. Problem is, more that 75-90% of the time an accident is caused by another driver and there is little you can do about it. You might want to sell your bike and take up sky diving. Statistically it's safer than riding a horse or playing little league baseball.
And thanks for posting your thoughts. It might make someone else on the site a little more cautious--
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'There's more living in five minutes flat-out on a bike than some men have in an entire life'.
"The World's Fastest Indian"
One fast red ZX-14,
Three World and four National Land Speed Records,
One faster red and white Cessna Turbo 210
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted September 29, 2009 06:30 PM
Real sorry to hear about your accident BigBadZX14, I had a close call last February when I suffered an accident on a Chilean race track (which are waaay not really suitable for big bikes like the ZX14) at 100mph aprox. I didn't suffer major injuries (Thank God) and it gave some time to think about keep on riding or not. I do have just one Kid and He is my life. I want to see him grow up and hopefully be there when He needs me, but I also feel the need of that special bond and unique world that I only get when I'm on board of my bike riding it at high speeds. Passions are hard to be left and I've decided to come back and ride again.
This is a personal decision that each of us must make some time in our lives (sometimes even more than just once), but it a personal decision, no one can make it for you. Good luck Brother and choose wisely.
Hugs,
David
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Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted September 29, 2009 07:31 PM
I lost my very close friend and his wife 2 yrs ago almost to this day( motorcycle acc.) 16 yr old kid fell asleep and crossed over and hit them head on. and I still ride and race and have a 2 yr old son. Lost my sister who never took any risk in life to Cancer 7 yrs ago so I've always felt if it's your time it's your time no matter what your doing. it just was not your time yet.
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ZX11D
Zone Head
Internet Police
Posts: 674
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posted September 29, 2009 08:27 PM
 Edited By: ZX11D on 30 Sep 2009 04:27
I am with Bently on this one, and, in addition, life would be too boring if you could not do what you truly love. It just happens that riding is a risky hobby, yet, there are many other ones that can claim lives without notice. Glad you you are OK BigBad. 
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'94 ZX-11
'07 ZX-14
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masszx14
Pro
A mind beside itself!
Posts: 1806
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posted September 29, 2009 08:34 PM
Edited By: masszx14 on 30 Sep 2009 04:35
Steven said risky hobby...
This pretzel here used to look like my gsxr 750... and I also ruined a brand new $1K leather suit, a Shoei X-11 etc.
Live to post another another day!
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universal@mind
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BigBadZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 27
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posted September 29, 2009 09:29 PM
To everyone that responded to my post, I thankyou very much. You all are very right, and only time will tell if I decide to get back on and ride. This is the worst accident I have ever been in, and I guess that is why it's hitting me pretty hard. I drag race my prostreet car at a local dragway, and before my accident I started to drag my bike. I love racing. Anyone that rides knows that there is a special thing between you and your bike. I wasn't even doing anything wrong when this happened, but I did at the last split second before impact say to myself " shit this is gonna hurt", and it did. Nothing happened to the other driver, and she was stumped on what happened, about her coming into my lane and hitting me head on. An accident is an accident, but don't be ignorant about your actions. I'm relieved to know that was not my time to go, because there is so much more that I need to accomplish. I have alot of support from family and friends, but when no one is around to talk to, then that is when this gets the best of you. And that is why I posted my thoughts on here. Thanks to all, and ride safe. Time will Tell.
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08' ZX14 Midnight Saphire Blue, Two Brothers Slip ons, PMR Tether Cut off Switch, Fender Eliminator Kit,
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BigBadZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 27
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posted September 29, 2009 09:30 PM
Hey masszx what happened with your accident??
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08' ZX14 Midnight Saphire Blue, Two Brothers Slip ons, PMR Tether Cut off Switch, Fender Eliminator Kit,
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 30, 2009 01:38 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your accident. I've had my share of spills .One recently in halloween night of 07 on my beloved passion red ZX14. I was lane splitting on Sunset blvd when a car braked hard for a yellow light and closed the hole up while stopping. It was lights out for me for 15 minutes . I came to not remembering a thing about the accident or where I was. Turns out I had a severe concussion that lasted for a few months and a cracked sternum and collar bone. Bike was totalled for the 1st time of 3. I don't know why stuff happens like that but I know one thing that is for sure and that's nothing short of death will keep me off 2 wheels! 
Heal up man and get back on the road . I wish you the best!
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted September 30, 2009 02:53 AM
Bigbad I had this happen 10 years ago on my ZX-9R. New bike and layed it down
4K in plastic. Had full insurance. Made me think about selling it as I have been riding 35 years. Healed up from broken ribs thniking how lucky I was. Wife said you will not be
"You" if you sell all the bikes. It was Not your time. I think every rider has to make this
decision sooner or later. Understanding wife :-) my son rides and never saw me crash before. He has slowed down and watches more carefull in traffic now too. Glad you are goig to "Recover" Hope you have insurance to replace the 14. Or a good Lawyer.
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rich s
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Posts:
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posted September 30, 2009 06:05 AM
BigBad, I know exactly what you are going through. I was 19 when I dumped mine. It was a horrible next couple months and I still have nightmares. Back then I would even day dream about that second before impact. That moment when you know this is going to happen and you know you might not live through it.
It gets better with time. I did not ride for 14 years after that. A big part of me wanted to but I had a family now and did not want to risk it. Obviously I did end up buying a 14 and ride now but everytime I get on I remember what can happen. Worry about getting back to 100% for now. You will just know if there is a right time to get back on the bike. Congrats on being alive, make the most of it.
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted September 30, 2009 07:17 AM
Edited By: Sticks_n_Stones on 30 Sep 2009 15:18
Wrote this for a good friend who died last year when his bike mysteriously lowsided midcorner (one of the very top riders in the state, 'best of the best' type riders... it was his time). Think about being on this ride I talk about, feeling more alive than most would think possible; the feel, smell, texture, one'ness of riding that you would forever give up and never experience again if you stopped riding. Lostscruz lived more in his lifetime than a whole busload of shirt n tie cagers. 1,000+ riders posted there condolescenses: 500 at his memorial. 200 of his closest friends went on the ride over the mountain pass to his accident sight.
Thoughts of you-
when the sun is at my back,
morning dew fills the air,
no need to look cuz I know you'll be there.
Our first fuel stop ,
The tank is cool, the tires hot -
the distinctive yet faint sound of an Ape goin’ by,
your ridin’ sweep from up on high.
Every ridge I crest ,
the reward a verdant green valley,
a freshly cut twisted ribbon of asphalt in view,
I'll be thinking of you.
And you'll be there, in our hearts and our spirits.
We ride on, not forgetting, not wavering, and not backing down from doing what it is we love to do.
"We ride on brother, and we shall meet again."
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Hurricane
Expert Class
Posts: 173
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posted September 30, 2009 07:34 AM
Focus on your wife and child. Its reasonable to be thinking the way you are. The roads are not going anywhere. When you are ready to go back to riding you will know it. Glad to here your ok...
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BigBadZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 27
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posted September 30, 2009 08:26 AM
Thanks everyone, your responses are good to hear, and somewhat peace of mind. I wound up with 5 broken ribs, torn right ankle tendon, dislocated right foot, deep upper back muscle damage, and was knocked out on impact of the road, and some road rash, and woke up in the ambulance. I was wearing a good riding jacket and good helmet, which I think saved my ass. I also didn't remember the accident and what happened, I had to really think hard and a couple weeks later it started to come to me. The red tape has begun to one day settle this accident, but that will be awhile.
Stick N' Stones what you wrote, you are a true friend to the one you lost. Sorry to hear that you lost a good friend.
Thankyou all for your support, it means alot to me, and I don't wish this on anyone.
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08' ZX14 Midnight Saphire Blue, Two Brothers Slip ons, PMR Tether Cut off Switch, Fender Eliminator Kit,
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 30, 2009 10:16 AM
One thing I really hated was seeing my bike every day I went to work at my shop all smashed up. I couldn't stand seeing her like that 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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masszx14
Pro
A mind beside itself!
Posts: 1806
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posted September 30, 2009 11:30 AM
If I had children or were married I would probably reconsider how and where I ride.
I had my 3rd major spill at a track day last week and was fortunate enough to escape without any injury.
If I had people depending on me at home this probably would have been the last time I visit a track.
My street riding is only on the weekend. I always wear a full leather suit and a max protection pair of boots.
No exceptions- always in full gear. I don't ride with people I don't trust or don't know their riding skills or decision
making abilities. I never ride in inclimate weather.
It's most likely going to be someone else's fault... but it's always up to you to optimize your survival chances.
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universal@mind
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 30, 2009 02:57 PM
quote:
Steven said risky hobby...
This pretzel here used to look like my gsxr 750... and I also ruined a brand new $1K leather suit, a Shoei X-11 etc.
Live to post another another day!
Its hard to imagine that someone actually survived that!
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
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posted September 30, 2009 04:54 PM
Hope you make a full recovery soon I would say family first always time to ride later in life
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77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
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Flyboy
Pro
Posts: 1536
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posted September 30, 2009 05:21 PM
A question for the more experienced riders--
I think if ever I was about to be in a head-on or near head-on collision I would ( providing I had enough reaction time) push off with my feet to get high in the air as possible, and fly hands and head first over the oncoming vehicle and take my chances hitting the ground. I always ride with a full suit and boots. I believe 95% of the time it would be a car coming at you which has a lower clearance.
Has anyone ever done this or know of someone who has done this? Of course most accidents don't give one time to think.
____________
'There's more living in five minutes flat-out on a bike than some men have in an entire life'.
"The World's Fastest Indian"
One fast red ZX-14,
Three World and four National Land Speed Records,
One faster red and white Cessna Turbo 210
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted September 30, 2009 06:51 PM
I would rather lock the rear brake and turn sideways and lay it down and push off
with the handle bars a foot off the bround. And slide on my rear and back and try to keep my feet and hands up off ground so not to tumble. Like sliding in home plate baseball.
I usually wear my jacket boots and gloves.helmet too :-)
If you had time, let the bike broadside the auto and you slide in feet first behind it..
Watch the stunt men in movies this is how they do it. If you have time to react.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted September 30, 2009 07:28 PM
Big...
I know just what your feeling...I've been down a few times and dont want to go down anymore!!!
Get better and if you want to ride again check out and try DragRacing...Its the safest motorsport there is...Buy a van and transport it to the Strip...No cars, controlled environment, its alot more challenging and fun than you think!!!
It satisfies your riding and need for speed...
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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BigBadZX14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 27
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posted September 30, 2009 09:42 PM
Crotchrocket, I just started to drag the bike a month before my accident. I started out with my prostreet Monte Carlo and moved on to this. You are right about safer.
FlyBoy. In my accident I had no time to react, except to think shit this is gonna hurt and right about the time I started to swerve the bike away to the white line, it was impact to the front drivers side fender and bumper headon. The driver of the car was crossing over into my lane to turn onto a side road from a four lane highway. To my knowledge my body never came in contact with her car, I probably broke my ribs from the bike in someway.
I think that if I did have time to react and was to lay the bike down I may have gone under the car which probably would have been worse in this incident. I was only a mile from my house. I don't know if any way would have been better.
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08' ZX14 Midnight Saphire Blue, Two Brothers Slip ons, PMR Tether Cut off Switch, Fender Eliminator Kit,
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Douglas Home
Zone Head
Posts: 710
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posted September 30, 2009 11:24 PM
Goodluck with your recovery.
I'm sure the decision you make will be the right one.
You are walking with no brain injury , so realy your blessed!!!
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Doug Mackay Australia
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Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted October 01, 2009 09:53 AM
Glad to hear that you're recovering. It's a humbling experience to get hurt like that, and I think anyone would have to sit back and question the future. I had a serious accident back in 05, even today I wonder how I actually lived through it. I sort of walked away until the adrenaline wore off. I didn't break any bones but had internal injuries and nerve damage to my left lower leg and foot. I had a good helmet, a Shark RSR that saved me. It took a nastty hit on a concrete light pole at about 12 ft above ground level. I spent a week in the hospital and the next 3 months recovering at home. 11 months after the accident my wife and I had a little bundle of joy show up, so something good always comes out of the bad. My daughter is 3 1/2 now and my son is 15 months. I still ride and hope to for a long time.
Good luck to you.
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