Gentlemen,
Well, as I was wandering about (heading to Idaho) via Missouri and Colorado in the middle of May (meeting Aviation Fred for dinner in Ouray) somewhere in the high desert of Utah, on a fine crisp morning, an antelope decided to contest the right-of-way and did so by committing suicide!
HOLY S_ _T is not an exaggeration as the rascal literally exploded and blood, guts & fur flew everywhere!
Although I never hit the brakes or even (initially) closed the throttle; deceleration was instant and extremely sudden!
Fortunately, I did not actually fall down. Unfortunately, his head whipped around and I looked down into his eyeball as he (not so gently) slammed the side of his head (horns and all) onto the top of my left hand!
Also fortunately, I have a padded metal plate on the back of the hand and a padded metal knuckle protector (which absorbed most of the impact); unfortunately three bones around the perimeter (which are covered only by leather) were fractured.
So, I have spent these last 7 weeks in a cast followed by 3 weeks in a removable brace. This past week radiographs indicate healing is complete and now I can begin strengthening the hand (not to mention the rest of me!
Finally, I can commence with rebuilding the motorcycle, although damage is extensive.
The most interesting damage is to the forks: they are bent back at the lower triple clamp to approximately 1.5" from the chin fairing (which itself is pushed back into the exhaust pipes). The front is high enough, if the FJ were to be placed on the side stand, it would fall over. It's yet to be determined if the steering head is bent back or twisted vertically. Strangely the forks were severely twisted, thus the clip-ons were way (if the 3 o'clock position is normal, they were about 1:30) out of kilter. However, after about a half hour or so they pounded themselves back into alignment + -.
The left clip-on may be slightly out of true or perhaps only misaligned.
The lower left side narrow/wide beam driving light mounted on the crash bar was lost as was the camera mounted on the end of the left clip-on.
The lower left side of the fairing was ripped off as was the blinker and lens (socket and all) however, the high mounted driving lights were unscathed. This is where the wiring for the auxiliary fuse block is located (behind the small door on the dash). Also, the relays for the head light mod (Eastern Beaver harness), the relay for the coil mod, power to the radar detector, oil temp & oil pressure gauges & the upper set of driving lights.
Anyway, it took several miles before a suitable location to stop (only able to use one hand) I cut off ground wires to tie up the bulk of the wires so I could limp back to the fuel stop I had passed about 60 miles prior.
There was blood, guts & fur everywhere - even under the flap of the tank bag & on the tail pack. There was also fur under the screw heads holding down the metal plate on the back of the glove. I was covered from the knees down in filth. What a stench!
I had to trailer the 700 miles home and luckily it poured rain for about 400 miles thus washing most of the filth off. The picture of behind the fairing & air cleaners are after arrival at home.
Anyway, I'll be looking for parts or a 1991 (or newer) rolling chassis with a blown engine. So far thanks to Garth, CutterBill and the RPM crew for a good beginning.
Oh, for reference - I have not one but two sets of deer whistles on the FJ - well they had no effect on an antelope...!
Ride safe,
Midget.
Below are links to pictures of the motorcycle:
Here is a left side view of the blood & guts & fur.
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_13_03.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_13_03.jpeg)
Left side of fairing is missing - wires & relays exposed...
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_12_03.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_12_03.jpeg)
Fur stuffed into the tire/rim bead.
Also, notice no "chicken strips" - the fur must have been coarse...!
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_08_31.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_08_31.jpeg)
The chin fairing was pushed back into the exhaust pipes.
The forks are bent back to about within 1.5" to the chin fairing.
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_8_58_30.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_8_58_30.jpeg)
Even clear back to the air cleaners... sure hope Randy doesn't see this...
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_00_45.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_9_00_45.jpeg)
The fork chrome is galled from rotating in the lower clamps.
http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_12_33_15.jpeg (http://fjowners.com/gallery/11/295_04_08_20_12_33_15.jpeg)
Wow! Glad you weren't hurt worse than that!
I'll add my wow here. Perfect excuse to fit some USD forks!
Holy smokes Mike, I had no idea this happened to you. Very happy you're ok and on the mend.
Let me know if I can help.
Pat
Quote from: Waiex191 on August 04, 2020, 02:13:30 PMI'll add my wow here. Perfect excuse to fit some USD forks!
Mike,
Man, what a mess! Glad to hear that you survived, as well as you did. Lucky man, I think, but that luck was tough.
For any bone-related injuries, I believe that you will benefit from a diet supplement, Calcium+Vitamin D. Most people do not get enough calcium, and your body will rob every bone for the needed calcium, to make the repairs. That trick works, immediately, but it weakens your other bones in the process. Neither calcium nor vitamin D will be all that great when
alone, but together, they can be very beneficial there. They work together so well, almost any pharmacy can sell you a single pill combo with both ingredients together. There are brand name products like Citracal, if you like. You can still help your body make the recovery, even now. Better late than never, really.
Amazing bike photos; I'm gonna score this one as humans one, antelope zero. You'd think they would learn, but I guess you can't housebreak a puppy with a shotgun. Sometimes I think the wildlife is just looking for an adventure to write home about.
Definitely a good time to search for a 17" wheel on an entire front end. It's a lemonade moment. :yes:
Glad to hear that you are improving, there.
.
Very happy to hear this wasn't more serious... but WHOA it was serious.... I was told by a more experienced rider many years ago that sometimes the best action when hitting a deer is not to brake but to hold steady and hit. I guess it all depends on the size of the deer and the speed. How big was the antelope? How fast do you think you were going?
In the very early 90's I bought a GSXR 1100 that had hit a deer. Same mess same incredible penetration of the muck into everything. Oil cooler was not cleanable. The smell sheesh!
Feel better Mike!
tim
It was unfortunate that you were not able to meet me in Ouray....
But after hearing what happened, I was super glad to hear that you didn't go down and was able to get back home and on the mend. I am sure there will be a project 3XW that will find it's way to you.
Mend well and see you on the road in the the near future.
Fred
Wow Mike! I feel sorry for the Gazell, at least it went quick. I am happy for you that you fared so well considering the other possible outcomes. Hearing your story in person will be much better, I hope to see you at a rally and catch up.
Mike, it's never good to hear about one of our own having an accident, but given the circumstances and the outcome, lady luck was definitely riding pillion on this occasion.
Hitting an animal at speed was unfortunate, but it was a great stroke of luck that saw you stay upright, and in doing so, avoid what certainly would have been serious injury.
Glad to see the team has rallied around to help get the bike sorted, good people.
If you need any advice, I'm here. :lol: :biggrin:
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on August 05, 2020, 04:56:13 AM
Mike, it's never good to hear about one of our own having an accident, but given the circumstances and the outcome, lady luck was definitely riding pillion on this occasion.
Hitting an animal at speed was unfortunate, but it was a great stroke of luck that saw you stay upright, and in doing so, avoid what certainly would have been serious injury.
Glad to see the team has rallied around to help get the bike sorted, good people.
If you need any advice, I'm here. :lol: :biggrin:
Noel
I have just been reminded by several members of the pitfalls of humour on the forum, from people who get it but come from where they don't. The last line about "needing advice" was just a bit of fun, so stand down guys. :dash2:
If it had occurred to me at the time, I would have deleted it, but of course now, I can't.
Noel
Glad to see you safe and on the mend, Mike. Keep us updated on the FJs rebuild.
Good news is, you can use those forks as boomerangs. Bring them to the rally and i'll see if I can chuck one and whack you in the noggin.
:wacko1:
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 04, 2020, 03:58:37 PM
Holy smokes Mike, I had no idea this happened to you. Very happy you're ok and on the mend.
Let me know if I can help.
Pat
Hello Patrick!
Yep, mending along nicely & appreciate the nice comment.
We'll keep in touch,
Mike
Quote from: axiom-r on August 04, 2020, 08:19:51 PM
Very happy to hear this wasn't more serious... but WHOA it was serious.... I was told by a more experienced rider many years ago that sometimes the best action when hitting a deer is not to brake but to hold steady and hit. I guess it all depends on the size of the deer and the speed. How big was the antelope? How fast do you think you were going?
In the very early 90's I bought a GSXR 1100 that had hit a deer. Same mess same incredible penetration of the muck into everything. Oil cooler was not cleanable. The smell sheesh!
Feel better Mike!
tim
Howdy Tim,
Well, he came from the right side (curiously I was looking on that side towards what appeared to be a lake off in the distance) however the instant I saw it, IMPACT...! No warning at all. It collected itself around the front end and I saw the blood and guts explode in front and I seemed to ride into them - I clearly saw its' head come around and I looked down into the eyeball and horns as the side of the head slammed onto my hand.
Very strange feeling as the details were quite prominent and seemingly orderly (difficult to explain).
I was thrown forward banging the knees into the fairing - the auxillary tank pushed against me yet stayed in position - the first true test of the Rok straps.
My speed was about 115 mph at impact - instantly it seemed as if I was down to 50 or 60mph (do not know for sure, but it was a very sudden deceleration.
[There's another post about cruise speeds - I'll address that if i get a chance]
Take care,
Mike
Quote from: ribbert on August 05, 2020, 06:34:27 AM
Quote from: ribbert on August 05, 2020, 04:56:13 AM
Mike, it's never good to hear about one of our own having an accident, but given the circumstances and the outcome, lady luck was definitely riding pillion on this occasion.
Hitting an animal at speed was unfortunate, but it was a great stroke of luck that saw you stay upright, and in doing so, avoid what certainly would have been serious injury.
Glad to see the team has rallied around to help get the bike sorted, good people.
If you need any advice, I'm here. :lol: :biggrin:
Noel
I have just been reminded by several members of the pitfalls of humour on the forum, from people who get it but come from where they don't. The last line about "needing advice" was just a bit of fun, so stand down guys. :dash2:
If it had occurred to me at the time, I would have deleted it, but of course now, I can't.
Noel
Howdy Noel!
No problem - no offense taken & the humor is well accepted!
Alright, ride safe & watch out for the kangaroos...
Mike
Quote from: RPM - Robert on August 05, 2020, 01:35:26 PM
Good news is, you can use those forks as boomerangs. Bring them to the rally and i'll see if I can chuck one and whack you in the noggin.
:wacko1:
Always a wise guy in the group!
At least you didn't ask how antelope tastes...
Oh wait, that was the other wise guy...
All in good fun gentlemen!
Midget
Last time you were here, I thought you told me you cut a nice steak off and cooked it on the header before it cooled down?
Quote from: ribbert on August 05, 2020, 04:56:13 AM
Mike, it's never good to hear about one of our own having an accident, but given the circumstances and the outcome, lady luck was definitely riding pillion on this occasion.
Hitting an animal at speed was unfortunate, but it was a great stroke of luck that saw you stay upright, and in doing so, avoid what certainly would have been serious injury.
Glad to see the team has rallied around to help get the bike sorted, good people.
If you need any advice, I'm here. :lol: :biggrin:
Noel
Hello again,
To revisit this once more - Noel a correct summation on all points: ESPECIALLY your comment on the "good people" as they truly are part of the FJ community.
It's a privilege to know so many great people.
Mike Ramos
Quote from: RPM - Robert on August 05, 2020, 02:36:38 PM
Last time you were here, I thought you told me you cut a nice steak off and cooked it on the header before it cooled down?
:Facepalm:
Quote from: Mike Ramos on August 05, 2020, 02:20:05 PM
......My speed was about 115 mph at impact ....
Holy Antelope Shit... :shok:
That speed sounds terrible, but it sounds like at that speed your FJ cut through that carcass like a knife.
Perhaps at a lower velocity the carcass would have not been cut in half, and the whole body would have come over the top of your windscreen and swept you off your bike.
It is a testament to your skill as a motorcyclist on how you kept things under control. Major Kudos Mike.
Kudos also to your guardian angel...yes, they do exist. Seconds and Inches....
Yah Mike you are a tough man. It's amazing how detailed and seemingly slow motion the steps through the impact can be during that split second. It's good to stay up. You have had my respect since the day I met you.
On a side note I still find deer excrement in the crevices on the 1350.
I can see it now... Mike is pulled over taking a prudent break to avoid fatigue. All of the sudden an antelope cooking along at 115mph spots Mike and his bike sitting like a newly sprouted telephone pole. Attempting to turn and evade, but no traction on them little feet, spins and hits the bike broadside. Cutting its self in half and explosively ending a really good speed run short. Good thing it was not the time slot for the larger animals.
Glad you are on the mend Mike....Like was said... this is one instance where i believe your cruising speed actually helped you out..... i imagine taking the asphalt tumble/slide at 115 could have been significantly worse in the pain dept.
I also believe in Guardian Angels... I have two that i got to meet in person on a deserted road somewhere in Oklahoma :yes:
But that's a story for another day.... :biggrin:
Wish i could help you out on some parts but alas all i have are extra FZ1 wheel sets.
Good luck and stay safe my Brother!
Frank
Quote from: Mike Ramos on August 05, 2020, 02:42:17 PM
Quote from: RPM - Robert on August 05, 2020, 02:36:38 PM
Last time you were here, I thought you told me you cut a nice steak off and cooked it on the header before it cooled down?
:Facepalm:
I'd think the cylinder fins would make much nicer grill marks!
Mike,
I have a '90 frame with title if you have troubles finding a 91 or later rolling chassis or frame. I may have a set of earlier fork tubes (Which I'm pretty sure will work with your lowers — IF they aren't damaged).
Good luck and heal well!
Chris W
Dudes, ..... and he remained upright. Just look at those forks.....
Physics is a complicated and often mysterious science. I vote Monkey Mark for official accident scene investigator. He's analysis and reasoned rationale carefully documents the facts and exposes those careless four legged road users.
Mike, if you haven't got a tattoo, now is the time.
Goes without saying that like the rest of the forum, I send healing vibes across the airways.
Turning to the positive. What a golden opportunity to forget about those new fangled 90s bikes and search yourself a lovely 86 model.
Finally, for your entertainment:
I leave you with Eddie 'tentpole' Tudor and the great rock and roll swindle:
https://youtu.be/PHOA_XtENW8
Andy
Glad your OK & on the mend. If I can be of any assistance don't hesitate to ask.
Fucking Ramos killed Bambi
(https://www.tpr.org/sites/kstx/files/styles/medium/public/201508/Bambi2012.jpg)
:drinks:
For some reason I like this site .... !
WOW Mike!
I am glad you are mostly OK.
Sorry to hear about this, and sorry about your FJ. I know you have put a lot of time, love, and work into that Bike!
The fact that you are able to tell the tale to all of us is the best thing that could have come out of that encounter.........
I hope sometime in the not too distant future, you'll be able to tell me the Tale in person over a glass of whiskey. :drinks:
Glad your ok Mike, you should buy a lottery ticket. I read a story a couple of years ago about an Australian journalist who hit a Kangaroo while riding a Victory cruiser doing about 180kmh, roughly the speed you were doing, and like you didn't fall off. He hit it dead centre and the roo wrapped itself around the front end and just covered him in blood guts and shit, it's tail whacked him on a leg which left it black from the bruising. Surprisingly there looked to be minimal damage done to the bike and a lot of people didn't believe it happened and he stayed upright until they saw the pics of the aftermath, it was pretty gruesome.
Incredible Mike, glad you are relatively ok. There really is a lot of weight of a small to medium sized animal when you meet at speed. I just watched last night a video where a small deer jumped into the space between a car and the caravan it was towing, it caved in the front wall of the caravan, and it then jumped out of wreckage and bounded off. :shok:
Mike, I tried to imagine how one might react to the sight of a sizeable beast appearing dead ahead a nano second before T-boning it at 115mph and it occurred to me, is the excrement on the back of the bike from the Antelope? :biggrin:
Noel
The 2 deer I killed with my body turned me dark purple. But I didn't break anything. Just hurt alot. Didn't go down either time. I think that's the key. At 115 though lucky he was low. And only smashed your hand. If he had been a few inches higher. I think both of your furs would have merged. Heal up and get back on soon.
Quote from: ribbert on August 07, 2020, 05:27:09 AM
Mike, I tried to imagine how one might react to the sight of a sizeable beast appearing dead ahead a nano second before T-boning it at 115mph and it occurred to me, is the excrement on the back of the bike from the Antelope? :biggrin:
Noel
Hmmm...
Well Noel, realizing if I had fallen down & (and the attendent severe consequences) all bets would be off, I have no objection to such a comment.
S
However, setting aside the give and take of humorous banter on this Forum, you are barking up the wrong tree...
I approach riding motorcycles in a workmanlike, perhaps even in a professional & certainly very methodical manner. If not for the hand injury, it would have been a (almost) non-event.
In fact as I was limping back to a fuel stop, I was chuckling to myself recalling an old poster where a mouse is giving the finger to a large bird as the bird is wrapping its' talons around the mouse's neck.
The antelope not only "flipped me off" as it checked out of this world, it most certainly gave me something to remember...!!!
Alright, all in good humor,
Mike
Quote from: Pat Conlon on August 06, 2020, 02:48:15 PM
Fucking Ramos killed Bambi
(https://www.tpr.org/sites/kstx/files/styles/medium/public/201508/Bambi2012.jpg)
Uh oh!
Mr. Conlon please understand it was not intentional....!!!!
I ain't got nutten against any wild life what-so-ever.
Like the MonkeyMark says, I was just taking a rest along the way....
Oh well......
Quote from: andyoutandabout on August 06, 2020, 01:19:21 AM
Dudes, ..... and he remained upright. Just look at those forks.....
Physics is a complicated and often mysterious science. I vote Monkey Mark for official accident scene investigator. He's analysis and reasoned rationale carefully documents the facts and exposes those careless four legged road users.
Mike, if you haven't got a tattoo, now is the time.
Goes without saying that like the rest of the forum, I send healing vibes across the airways.
Turning to the positive. What a golden opportunity to forget about those new fangled 90s bikes and search yourself a lovely 86 model.
Finally, for your entertainment:
I leave you with Eddie 'tentpole' Tudor and the great rock and roll swindle:
https://youtu.be/PHOA_XtENW8
Andy
HA, this was my exact thought when I first read Mikes post (after realising he is mostly ok)
Mike, great to hear you are ok, clearly in good spirits, and have the verve to move on with the bike. Great stuff brother!
What needs two big round rubbers and f*$@s a deer to death sideways? An FJ with Bridgestone Battleaxes at 115mph (just cruisin :sarcastic:)
Quote from: ribbert on August 07, 2020, 05:27:09 AM
Mike, I tried to imagine how one might react to the sight of a sizeable beast appearing dead ahead a nano second before T-boning it at 115mph and it occurred to me, is the excrement on the back of the bike from the Antelope? :biggrin:
Noel
Love your work Noe :rofl: :rofl:l
Yikes, Mike!!! I just checked into the forum in a while and THIS is what I'm greeted with? Hard to hear that you've joined the club that no one really wants to be in. SO glad your mind, body and sense of humor are still intact my friend... I too, am looking for late model fork tubes from my deer strike afternoon...given that, I see Noel has the offer of advice covered...all I'm able to offer is well-wishing and any snarky comments you may require.
:lol:
Hey Mike ,
I was just thinking about deer strikes the other day as I had a big pucker moment when two deer leapfrogged my bike.
I got to thinking about all the FJ riders who make epic journeys traveling great distances day and night.
I am pleased to hear you survived the encounter with that suicidal antelope that attacked you .
I hope to see you at the RPM fall rally where you can have a drink and expound upon the antelope Odyssey.
Gonna keep my eyes peeled for another FJ for you.
Take care my friend.
Mike, Just becoming aware of what happened. Just glad your ok.