Family Releases GoPro Video of Fatal FJR Crash

[Burns]

fates dictate that it's your turn...

True dat...

Frank

you never know when Fate is going to pick up the phone and take your call, but if you have her on Speed Dial .... well you get the picture.

[Flynt]

well you get the picture.

I see several things I'd never do in that video for sure...  but it is really impossible to say that it won't happen to you.  Sometimes it is your turn...

Frank

[movenon]

Enough sadness and tragedy in that video to go around for all involved.  Hindsight is great.  If the video gives anyone pause to think about what and how fast something can happen then that's good.  I get the impression that is why his mom released that video. 
The best we can do is learn from it. 
George

[charleygofast]

After seeing that video I changed my mind about riding to work today...I lost a good friend 30 years ago very much the same scenario. He wasnt wearing a helmet and he might have lived if he had. God it's just so final! The end is the end, I feel for his mother and family and miss those I've lost. Alot of emotion right now not a good day to ride! I"ve said this before but I feel alot safer when I'm riding off road.  I believe this guy took one too many chances and should have done some track days to get that rush..........Kookaloo...carefully...I guess I'm not one to preach, but for gods sake be carefull everyone your family and friends need you                                  Drivin the truck today.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Charley.

[Lotsokids]

As I mentioned, we've all seen plenty of crash videos, but this one struck a nerve with most of us. Many good comments. The "pause to think" comment by "movenon" could have saved someone's life here, but we'll never know.

As part of the initial cadre of Air Force Sport Bike Instructors, our lead instructor wanted to focus on proper places to do racing and stunts, and not focus on the death and despair. There is a balance. Enjoy riding, but be vigilant. It's a risk we take.

[ddlewis]

wow..  that just scared the crap out of me.  Read the title and knew it was coming but still.  it was like something out of my nightmares.  All the guy could say was "whoa".

feel bad for the poor dude but man those were some real bad decisions on display there.

[Steve_in_Florida]

After seeing that video I changed my mind about riding to work today...

I just watched it (again), and decided that I'm DEFINITELY taking the bike to work today. Took the VW Camper the last two days (SSSSLLLLOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW), so today is BIKE DAY!

The disturbing trends that I'm seeing out on the road are distractions, confusion, and road rage.

Cell phones steal your attention. As soon as you're on a call, your mind is *NOT* on the road.

NAV systems bark directions, which drivers react to without first checking "reality". This is predictable in certain areas of town.

An increased level of road rage is also predictable along certain stretches of highway. Travelers and commuters are impatient and frustrated; Imagine having to "wait your turn" in a Me, me, me world!

So, no need to hide from the hazards. Know they're there and plan/react accordingly.

Today, I might even take a longer, less-traveled road, just to spice things up.

Steve

[Tuneforkfreak]

I'm with ya Steve! I've seen plenty of airplane crash videos yet I still went and got in the cockpit. This was no different than that, I went right out and got on my bike, though I won't say I didn't give a second thought. I was trained to drive by the Smith system  and this vid has just refreshed my thinking.  When I learned to fly, my buddy who taught me took me inside and sat me down. He  placed a large envelope of crash clippings in front of me he had collected over the years and went over the why they happeneds with me. Ya it left a lasting impression in my mind and the do's and don'ts  definitely stick out when you enter the plane.

[Burns]

Danger is a spice that must be used judiciously, but without it the Feast of Life is rather bland.

[charleygofast]

Ridin the FJ today, if my minds not right I dont ride . Rained yesterday anyway so I wouldnt have rode regardless. That poor woman having to watch that can you imagine!!! I've seen alot over the years and been involved in a few that left an impression, that vid. made me re think and focus a bit more. Yes Its dangerous out there Just try to avoid the obvious.

[FJ_Hooligan]

I feel for the loss and I agree that sometimes fate can deal a cruel hand. 

BUT it's amazing how cooperative fate can be when you're NOT riding like a fool.

[JPaganel]

I take the FJ to work almost every day it is not snowing. Even in the rain.

Someone else's poor choices aren't a reason to quit riding. They are a reason to think about how you are riding, though.

I'm no fan of speed limits, and I've had my share of tickets, but I keep it down on the streets. A few weeks ago I had a close call with a dump truck making a left turn. Plenty similar to this guy. And, while I was going faster than the posted 35 mph, I wasn't going 100, so when I passed a bus on the right and saw the truck turning, I succeeded in a panic stop, and I post here instead of decorating the truck's grille with myself.

[Bminder]

I feel for the loss and I agree that sometimes fate can deal a cruel hand. 
BUT it's amazing how cooperative fate can be when you're NOT riding like a fool.

Bingo, Hooligan.
I've read all the posts here, and say what you want about 'Judge not' and 'if it's your time' and all, but the facts are he was greatly exceeding the speed limit and what was reasonable and prudent for that road, he was doing a lot of dangerous things, and I think that the driver of the car would have a hard time judging how fast that bike was going because the rider was going so far over the speed limit.
The guy was riding recklessly, how can you deny that?
If he was drinking and riding and crashed and died, would you still say, 'Judge not' and 'if it's your time...'?
I'm sorry he died, my heart goes out to his mum and family, but he was pushing his luck and he lost.

Last year in June, I had to do the funeral of an 18 year old in our church who had a brand new Kawasaki ZX10R. He took a 90 degree corner in town at 80 mph, lost control and died on the scene.  It was awful.
He was a cocky 18 yr old kid who thought he was indestructible riding a 180 HP crotchrocket too fast.
To say, "It was his time" and "judge not" when the fact is he was driving recklessly is... being in denial.

Slow down.

Rant over.

[gumby302ho]

  I try to pick my spots where I want to twist the wrist, its always a risk as anything can happen at any time, I live the motto of Dirty Harry, "A man's got to know his limitations". Wrong spot to be flying at break neck speed. I feel for all who loved this fellow rider but he made a poor choice that cost the ultimate price. I will admit I ride and drive very aggressive and this video reminds me yet again what can happen to anyone. Live by the sword die by the sword. I am glad the family released the footage.

[mikedastonfj1100]

I just saw the vid.... My heart sank and my mind exploded at impact.... Wow... That really sucks... I give my condolences to the family and sorry for their loss of a wonderful person... Please everyone!!!! Ride safe!!! Always!!!! Even at the track please ride safe...