It's with much regret a I tell you guys about by adventure in the weeds a couple of days ago. I was on a ride a couple of days ago with a large group on a nice country road. Several guys overtook a van. I was next in line, but being cautious, waiting my opportunity but the van seemingly freaked out or tried to assist by braking suddenly slowing considerably.

Admittedly, I was up his butt looking for my opportunity but when he braked hard, I took evasive action. Unfortunately, this put me in front of oncoming traffic. I accelerated and weaved to avoid the first car, narrowly passing between the oncoming car and van but this pushed me wide. The following car, I clipped its rear panel sending me spearing into a nearby paddock. I held it for seemingly a long time. Just as I thought I had saved it and would come to a stop upright, I think I hit a hole or so,etching that decelerated me fast and I went for a little flight of about 10 metres. Luckily, I landed in thick grass. My foot and ankle was in considerable pain, later I figured out my foot must have been crushed between the bike and car. And I had a small dislocation in my upper arm (ac joint maybe). An ambulance was called and a police car just happened to drive by.

Before the ambulance got there, I managed to relocate my arm joint myself. Still sore but instantly felt better. The ambulance later checked me out. Nothing major. Thank god for proper equipment. My boots are now moulded the shape of my toes. If I wasn't wearing them though, I fear much worse injuries. Certainly broken bones.

Because there were no major injuries, the police officer took no action.

I feel I am the victim of a car driver doing something unexpected but also of my own poor judgement in not allowing enough room for an escape route. A lesson learned without any major repercussions other than pride and mourning the pain caused to my beautiful black machine.

The good news is, the smash repair place thinks, provided there is no damage caused to the engine, either a cracked case or damage caused by metal inside the engine from the wrecked crank case cover, the bike is repairable. It's only an initial assessment, but he seemed very confident. My fi hers are crossed. I hadn't had her long but am in love with the machine. Provided it can be fixed, I don't want another one, I want my one.

Sorry if this isn't the right place for this. I just needed to get it out!

* Last updated by: AussieZX on 2/20/2015 @ 4:47 PM *

Sorry to hear Aussie but glad you and your sweet 14 aren't banged up too bad. If anything your pride probably got the worst of it.

Appreciate the information on your gear, would you mind taking some pics of your gear and injuries? Describing in a little more detail what happened and your thoughts how your gear protected you and how it held up?

I know it's asking a lot but it's so hard to get good information about what type of gear people wreck in and survive.

Geez Aussie...SO glad you didn't head-on.Someone wants you to have a full life ahead;)Very happy you're okay.Looks fixable....;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/20/2015 @ 6:28 PM *

Very sorry to hear of your accident, VERY glad you weren't seriously injured!!! Machines can be repaired or replaced, people can't! I know that is an old cliche but it is true.

Hope you can get your baby fixed and back in shape quickly. Sounds like the officer was cool about the whole thing otherwise your license could have taken a big hit!

Again, VERY happy only your pride was wounded!

You lived to tell the tale that's all that matters bro. Bikes can be fixed or replaced as need....brothers...not so much.

WOW could that ever have been a lot worse. I'm glad you are not too banged up. The bike looks like it could be good as new with some repairs. I don't see a single scratch on the crankcase cover. I hope you and the bike are back on the road within a few weeks. Thanks for telling us the story.

Bean? Is that you?!

Bean!!!

Glad you are not hurt too bad, been there, not fun, but was happy to be alive ...

Heal up, take a little time, go slow, and you will be back soon, mind played a little
trick on me for a short time, but my love for riding soon over came that.

Take care ....

2014 saw a lot of wrecks, myself included. 2015 needs to be better for us all. So with that in mind Id rather see this as a moment you were very lucky and escaped with your life. bikes as all have said are easy to repair. cheers mate,

Thanks guys. Yes someone was looking after me. Avoiding head ons with two cars and I fogot to mention threading my way between two trees before getting thrown off. It has been bit of a mind f@ck but I also can't wait to get back on.

Sorry Rook, I'm a newbie on bike mechanics. What's the bit in front of the bit you put oil in? That is open so you can see into the engine. The left side of the bike looks perfect. Like I said, the smash repairer is confident it can be fixed.

Vic, don't mind at all talking about proper gear. Considering my foot page was ripped off, the only thing that could have saved my foot was he boot. I'm not sure if the photo shows the ridges real well where my toes are and the bruising looks worse. But not bad considering.

Thanks Aussie. Well that's good I guess your gear didn't get it too bad eitehr. Most wrecks involve friction and impact issues... maybe just the fact you landed in grass was very lucky? I figured you'd have some friction burns on your gear or how armor maybe plaid a role and that sort of thing.

Heal up my friend, get your bike fixed and get back out there. Good points all... let's make this the first and last of the wrecks this season, I'll settle for just on the streets (not necessarily the track). Last year was going great until the last month or two then it was like weekly. It'll take a deliberate and concerted effort, and keeping a level head but it's possible.

Vic, I guess I didn't mention I do have some friction burns on my knees, barely noticeable. I was wearing Kevlar lined jeans and of course a proper jacket and helmet. I don't think I hit my head, the helmet had grass stains, but I think they were from the sliding aspect not so much impact.

Lessons learnt. I think I was caught up in being in a group ride and probably more eager to pass than I otherwise would have been, to keep up, leading me to be too close when the van slowed dramatically. A good lesson in being on your own ride even whilst riding with others.

What's the bit in front of the bit you put oil in?

I guess it's not necessarily the case but it sounds like you were brake checked by the car ahead of you. The whole situation reeks of passive aggressive road rage. One bike passes, the next closes in....cages often hate that. If that was the case, hopefully the driver learned a little lesson too...giving someone a scare might lead to causing a bad accident.

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/21/2015 @ 4:04 AM *

Yeah, the smash repair guy said $120 provided nothing wrong with the engine, have her back in a couple of weeks, if the parts required are in Australia but maybe 6 weeks if they need to be shipped from Japan.

I really hope it gets fixed because I want mine back, but also, it will be a fight with my wife to get another! She had been warned about the demon ZX14 by other know it alls but I don't think I would have got myself out of as much trouble on a less powerful bike or a cruiser. The accident could have happened on any bike. Ut I really think being on the ZX limited my damage.

In my short time on the bike, I have been so impressed with the ease at which it is to ride. Yes it's powerful, but readable, comfortable and enjoyable. I am sure I picked the right bike for me.

Aussie do yourself a favor, don't blame the drivers or the bikes. Cagers are idiots and predictable that they will always be idiots. You know this, so don't blame them.

Can't blame the bike, it's just doing it's best to do what you're telling it too.

Maybe a "better rider" could've made it hell I don't know. Might be good enough reasoning to get yourself some track days with the wifey though!

Glad you are ok Aussie. You really dodged a big one; God had your back that day. Hopefully there are no surprises with the bike.

You are right Vic. I need to take safety into my own hands and trust that car drivers are untrustworthy.

Thanks BigSarg. I'm running with the confidence the smash repair guy showed. Giving me some reserved cheer for now.

* Last updated by: AussieZX on 2/21/2015 @ 6:36 PM *

"Maybe a "better rider" could've made it hell I don't know."...You know...he beat a head on with some serious clearance issues happening.Not to mention the TREES he managed to slip through.I think He did a great job of handling that.Not too many would have kept their cool and did what he did.Good job Aussie.Maybe not follow so close next time?And as you mentioned..ALWAYS ride your own ride.Regardless of how many are making a pass or whatever.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/21/2015 @ 6:46 PM *

Not that anyone's getting on me about my "better rider" comment. It was really meant as an excuse to justify going to some track days.

"Honey look if I was a better rider, I might have made it. That's what I need to go to 4 track days this year!"

We can all be better riders! And yes, great justification for track days or training as I do have planned. I have just been trying to get a few thousand kilometres up so I can really enjoy the day. Everyone's advice has been good. Thanks GRN, upon reflection, I do feel I did ok. I am proud that in the few close calls, what has saved me has been a cool head. This time, it didn't save me but did minimise things.

I did make mistakes, namely being caught up in the ride and not having a safe space behind the van. But as you all say, I am still here and have the chance to learn from my mistake and be safer in the future, I just hope my bike can join me!!

Hey BigSarg,
Sorry to you and all reading but I just can't resist.

Why is it that comments from what I'm assuming can only be from religious people are generally to the jist of
"God had your back that day?
Can i ask what happens on the the others days?
And as God is apparently almighty and supposedly rules and controls all, would it not be slightly more accurate to say
"God put you in a pretty tough position right there"?

We all have our own beliefs to be respected.
But I'll tell you why I believe there is no God.

Two years ago a work colleague of mine was so distressed from seeing homeless people on the street, he decided to take matters into his own hands and do something about it.
He organized a solo long distance bicycle ride through certain areas of Australia where he would pass through towns and communities and spread the word to raise money for the cause.
Most importantly he was not going to sleep in hotels but in a small tent he would carry therefore saving more money to donate and also to an extent doing it tough and experiencing being homeless.
He secured substantial backing and sponsorship from all manner of institutions for his trip and was training hard on his bike.
Until two weeks before he was due to leave, while on one of his last training runs he was hit and killed by a car whos driver was on a mobile phone, probably texting.

Yep, I already know the response.
"God works in mysterious ways".

Well I need to tell you, not with me he doesn't...

* Last updated by: yannih on 2/21/2015 @ 11:37 PM *

Interesting view point yannih. Is God saving us or testing us in these circumstances? I am personally thanking guardian angels!

I think yannih is saying God's doing neither because He's not there.

I could sit down and write a book but it's hardly the time or place right now. Suffice it to say that I've been through tough times over the past 6 years. I became overwhelmed, gave up and trusted everything to God which was a huge relief. Only thing is, the problem has not gone away and it looks pretty damned likely that my biggest fears will become a reality within a few months. I'm not dying, I have really good health (thank God cuz I'm going to need it) but we're talking major life change and not for the better. I'm ready for it but I've just about given up on God. I'm glad that many people feel the comfort and the sense of purpose that faith gives and I fully support their right to express that...so much so, I hate to say anything that contradicts it...BUT God aint here. If he is, dear God please do something! Don't answer my prayers but give me faith again because I really want to believe in you.

and I look around at all of the others who are and have suffered much worse than me and have to think they musta been praying their butts off. Prayer doesn't seem to work any better than chance. look at the odds. That's how likely it is you're prayer will be answered.

LOL!!!...ALL great men(and women)of faith have felt EXACTLY as you all.The mere fact that you're even 'considering' there MAY be a God is proof you believe deep down.That's what makes things happen.You remember the words of Christ,"If a man's faith is as a single mustard seed,it grows into the largest of plants,and provides shelter for the birds of the air".

Who knows what God has set before us?So we keep trusting,believing our needs will be met.And they always are.Not always on our schedule.There's a HUGELY bigger plan for each person."GIVE and it shall be given..pressed down,shaken together will God give unto you,oh ye of little faith"All things work together for good to them that love the Lord.(NOT 'religion').
"Fear not therefore,for God KNOWS what ye have need of before you ask"..including making it through a terrible motorcycle accident,or whatever.

Who's to say..."there is no God?".Prove there isn't...seeing how some have a direct line to whatever it might be.(or not).

God is some sort of cosmic Santa?Giving only good things out?Well,He DOES give only good things.He loves the just AND unjust(but hates wickedness ).He respects everyone enough to let them make their OWN decisions.He isn't running anyone's life.Bad things are the result of bad choices.He cares enough to let each learn their OWN lessons.To me...Aussie's encounter was a clear message(to me) that God IS in control.For him,at that time,and the other drivers on the road that day at that point in time.Next week,it could be totally different.We don't know.But we leave it in God's hands and try to follow and listen as best we can...God knows this.

If people decide to do hatred,then that's their choice.God won't stop you from killing yourself.

Rook said..."I hate to say anything that contradicts it...BUT God aint here."...look at what you HAVE.Then tell us 'God aint here'.Beautiful kids...healthy.You're healthy.You have hope.A plan.Questions.All good.Keep trusting...things WILL change,even as they are right now unseen."Who KNOWS the mind of God,that he may instruct Him"?NO ONE knows the mind of God...not in this world.

Ask,and you shall receive.Maybe not today,or tomorrow.But when you truly need it,He'll answer.Trust that;)He knew us before we were born.And knows how it all's gonna play out.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/22/2015 @ 6:39 AM *