Today as i was making my way up the north bound lane of I-540 (in northwest arkansas) i decided it was a really nice day and took and exit to take a more scenic rout. I was cruising around 80 to 85, I let off the gas and slowed down to around 70 as i took the off ramp. Mid way thru there is a slight turn i was on the outside of the turn, a bad position to be in no matter the turn. I hadn't hit the brake yet when i felt my rear end slide out from under me catch once again but it was to late i was going into the ditch. I ate gravel and grass for about 30 yards.

I was able to walk away because of my gloves, jacket, and helmet. The helmet took one heck of a beating, no telling what my head would look like without it. And my jacket did it's job only giving me a bit of rash were the sleeve slide up a bit on impact. I also have a rather stiff ankle and knee. As far as i know i don't have any broken bones, and i don't think i'll go to the doctor.

The bike took one hell of beating. My insurance agent said for me to take it to a shop so he can get a quote. But that seems like a really daunting task at the moment. I'm thinking it's totaled as it wont start, nor is it ridable if it would start. The right side took all the beating, shedding a foot peg, most of the rear cowl, and my instrument panel on the ground. I've yet to decide if i'll get a new one or not. Though i do feel bad i ruined something that's no longer sold here in the U.S.

Any who just thought i would share my crash. I have taken the MSF course and been riding for about 7 months. Just a case of catching some gravel at the wrong time i suppose. And there's know telling what kind of shape i would be without my riding gear. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR RIDING GEAR!!!!

The bike is undoubtedly totalled but luckily you are not! Seems like gravel is causing some havoc out there. This time of year is bad until all the rains really wash the sand and winter crud off the roads. Let us know what the next bike is.

"I was cruising around 80 to 85, I let off the gas and slowed down to around 70 as i took the off ramp. Mid way thru there is a slight turn i was on the outside of the turn"


70 hitting the off ramp...positioned wrong....7 months riding...slow down!!!!!

Gravel is indeed a big problem this time of year. Maybe you read my post, too. But definitely, you need to slow down. I wasn't even at the speed limit on my crash.

Anyway, glad you're OK. Hope your insurance company is as good as mine.

We have long off ramps here, i'm talking at least quarter mile. But you do have a point about possible slowing down to less the 70 lol.

So far insurance has been very helpful. The local honda shop want $110 for an estimate on damages, unfortunately i'm stuck with them and at there mercy. Hopefully insurance will cover that as well.

Most of the time the actual gravel doesn't make you crash...Its the target fixation and the survival reactions that get you. You see gravel and you panic.

Usually gravel won't upset a bike too much it sort of depends on lean angle.

I've had the bike hop a foot over mid turn due to gravel but stuck to my line and made the turn.

Sorry you had a get off, glad you're not too hurt you can always get a new bike. Take it easy out there.

There's a lot of gravel/dirt roads where I live. Sometimes I'll be in my car and see gravel and freak out a little :D

Best thing to do is coast over it. Don't turn, break or accelerate. In your case you had to do at least two of those things. That's why having a little extra room always helps. If you can take a turn at 70, then do it at 60.

Glad to hear you're ok.

Jkueh479, good to hear you are ok. Good job on wearing gear. Slow down yo. The bike might be totaled as far as the insurance is concerned but it sounds mainly cosmetic/minor stuff. Pics?

glad you are ok..