My CB hates tar snakes ...and gravel

[emptysea]

Rick/Jennifer. Sorry to hear about this accident. Rick, believe me I know exactly what you are feeling right now. I didn't have the trauma of seeing my wife actually crash, but I was there when they lifted her on the stretcher in to the back of the ambulance. Sobering moments to be sure. It was Cheryl's choice to continue to ride. I was perfectly willing to sell both hers and my bike if she felt that 2-wheeled travel was not for her, but she was defiant and we are both still riding.

Here's the part that I think is relevant -- I still, but not as often, get those worry pangs about her. I find that reminding myself that focusing on the ways to enjoy to the fullest the time she and I have together is a far more productive than worrying about the ways by which my may be parted from one another.

I wish you both the best.

[apex1_imp]

On Sunday Jennifer and I were on one of our favorite roads and I saw fresh, narrow tar snakes. The first corner is marked 35 mph and we normally take it at 50 mph. I felt the rear of my CB1100 dance a bit as we approached the corner and thankfully we slowed down to about 35 and I went through the corner OK. But Jennifer wasn't so lucky. I had the terrible view in my mirror of her going off the road on her CBR500R. She said she slipped sideways about a foot before getting some traction and did some braking, but then ended up off the road (upright, not crashed). There was no shoulder, but thankfully there wasn't a big ditch or drop-off, just grass. Later in the ride we encountered another road that is really tricky also just covered with fresh tar snakes. For about 5 miles we irritated the locals queued up behind us because I was riding 45 mph or slower in the corners until we got off that mess. I'm going to think about it for a few more days, but may put the new bikes up for sale. Seeing Wifeums off the road was pretty traumatic.

Watching someone you love leave the road on a bike would definitely be traumatic Rick. I'm not sure that the memory ever leaves. A bunch of years ago I had a very serious motorcycle accident that almost cost me my life, and did cost me 6 months in a wheelchair. Still, I continue to ride, albeit more carefully. The thought of that wreck is with me whenever I ride, along with the realization that this activity I have engaged in for 50 years (started at 10 on dirt bikes) requires that I accept some risk, even if I am being very careful. Riding is a decision I make for myself. I can see it would be much harder after seeing someone you love have a close call. No easy answers on this one.
Jeff

[emptysea]

Sure glad Jennifer is ok, she is a very smooth rider, I'm glad she kept it upright.
Saying she slid a foot before she got traction was exactly what I was wondering.
Options:
1.
If you just ride the slide out and prepare for the friction to grab again would that be the best option like motocross?
2.
Try to correct for the slide, counter steer, throttle on and maybe high siding when traction does grab?
3.
Get off the throttle and hit the brakes?
I'm sure there will be no time to think, just react....but doesn't hurt to think about it ahead of time.
In the mean time I will continue to pick my lines to avoid them.
Weird, in Indiana I have even felt them slip changing lanes on the interstate going 70+!

My mind wants me to do #1 but with a small amount of #3. My reflexes have me doing #3 at first and then settling into #1. I always check my shorts afterward for #2.

[peterbaron]

Today, when I was manoeuvring slowly on the parking lot in 1st, my front wheel hit the tar snake and slid off, and I almost fell...dry and warm...I don't remember such situation with PR3/120 in front, now I have 110 Dunlop-RdSmart III with 27 Kms, may not be the tire issue at all?
Next season, will go back to Michelin, regardless any cost. Rear is PR3/160.

[Houtman_imp]

That seems a lot of miles on that tire , always buy the best rubber for your bike and one other part.

[dave]

Ferret, I thought your bike was a 2014?

[the Ferret]

Dave is an old thread. this thread was started in June 2013. At that time I had a 2013. I traded the 2013 in on a 2014 Deluxe the following March.

[17-CB-002]

On Sunday Jennifer and I were on one of our favorite roads and I saw fresh, narrow tar snakes. The first corner is marked 35 mph and we normally take it at 50 mph. I felt the rear of my CB1100 dance a bit as we approached the corner and thankfully we slowed down to about 35 and I went through the corner OK. But Jennifer wasn't so lucky. I had the terrible view in my mirror of her going off the road on her CBR500R. She said she slipped sideways about a foot before getting some traction and did some braking, but then ended up off the road (upright, not crashed). There was no shoulder, but thankfully there wasn't a big ditch or drop-off, just grass. Later in the ride we encountered another road that is really tricky also just covered with fresh tar snakes. For about 5 miles we irritated the locals queued up behind us because I was riding 45 mph or slower in the corners until we got off that mess. I'm going to think about it for a few more days, but may put the new bikes up for sale. Seeing Wifeums off the road was pretty traumatic.

Sorry to hear that, I am glad Jennifer was not hurt. I was personally out of commission for the past 2 1/2 weeks now since my mishap on loose gravel. I know the feeling.
Glad that both of you are OK.
Regards
Alain Lee

[peterbaron]

Alain, how is your recovery progressing??