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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | While riding to my pistol match this morning around 8:15 on Interstate 85 in GA, I was rear-ended while going about 65 mph.
There was an accident (a different accident) off to the side and a young lady got distracted and ran up my exhaust pipe and knocked me into a different lane.
The impact knocked my head back to the trunk, but somehow, I held on to the bike and did not go down. The first thing that came to my mind on the rebound was "WOW! The bike is still running." Once I realized that, I got it under control and got to a medium where I could stop.
After about an hour the cops and ambulance came, took the information and let me go to the hospital where I was checked out. I have a whiplash and some soreness in my entire back. Tomorrow should be a doozie. Hopefully the muscle relaxers will work and i can get some rest.
Let me tell you that the Vision is one HELL of a bike and withstood the impact, stayed upright and running and probably saved my life. If I had gone down, I would have been run over by who knows how many cars on I85. I had an Angel on my shoulder this morning.
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Cruiser
Posts: 235
Kincardine, Ontario, Canada | Man that sucks, glad to hear that you were able to keep control. Speedy recovery
Edited by candubrain 2009-03-22 6:40 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Unbelievable that you didn't get knocked off. Make something idiot proof (like a huge Vision with flags flying on the rear of it) and someone will build a bigger idiot. Hope you and the bike recover soon! p.s. Did the trailer hitch take out her front grill and radiator? |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Wow VB! I think you had more than angels with you, the Lord Himself had His hand on you. I plan on riding to Atlanta the week of March 30, maybe we can link up. To share with you, a local had his 10th Aniv. rear ended while under motion, about 35 mph. He saw a truck come up behind at a light that didn't look like he was going to stop. He gunned the throttle to get up out of the way and got hit none the less. The whole tail was messed up, but it was all cosmetic, no structural damage. Man, what a bike!Glad you keep 'er up and running. Just another reminder, check to the rear always. |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | It is a miracle that you're still around to talk about this. Perhaps its time to throw $10 in the basket at church. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | I saw smoke coming from her car, so I am sure it had damage. You hardly expect to get hit from the rear going 65 mph, but I guess it can happen.
Since I have the Bushtec hitch installed, I am sure the swing-arm took some major torquing. If you look at the picture you can see that it is pushed off to the side.
I don't think that I want to ride this bike in the future. Who knows what structural damage is inside the frame.
I will take it to Jeff in Cumming on Tuesday and go from there. Hopefully, I can get it totaled.
Also, the girl had insurance. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Yeah, come to think of it, the hitch would have been the frame impact that I wouldn't even consider riding her again either. Hope all is resolved soon and you are riding again soon.You still got the stock handle bars? someone might want the 2" pullback if the price is right.
Edited by varyder 2009-03-22 6:55 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 203
Rapid City, SD | Terrible news, I hope you and the bike are roadworthy soon. I try to look in the mirror at stops but it always seems like cars are stopped behind me and I never know where they came from. I guess I don't look in the mirrors as much as I should. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | im glad you are ok! i seriously doubt the insurance company will let you keep the bike. (new one for you) nationwide told me one time that its too risky to get a motorcycle fixed when involved in a accident like that. because there might be something more wrong with it after its fix which could cause another accident, and you then take the insurance co to court! SO they told me its (safer) to total a bike than try to fix one that could possible have greater damage to it... i also wouldnt be shocked if that insurance company of the lady kissed your rear end.. here in PA motorcycle rider have ALOT of rights... and when your rearended the other guy is guilty as guilty can be..... |
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Jacksonville Florida | There you go Bob. I can see an 09 with reverse in your future. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 12
| I am glad you were not seriously hurt. That is one of my worst nightmares. Outside the fact that you are indeed a lucky man, your Vision should be commended for holding up so well. Don't sign your medical release too quickly! As a soon to be Vision owner, I shed a tear when I read this. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 172
Prescott, Az | You are truly a blessed man. People who usually see Jesus on a tortilla shell should make a pilgrimage to see you in person. I was lucky on my last bike when I was hit from behind at an intersection and launched into the middle of it. Amazingly, on this busy road, there was no traffic in the intersection. God looks out for fools and bikers (sometimes). Hope you have a speedy revovery. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 849
, FL United States | Bob, we're very glad to hear that you're relatively OK. The Vision can be replaced, you my friend cannot. Laura & I wish you a speedy recovery and are very thankful that it was not your day to go. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1158
Richmond, Virginia | I know you will take this in the manner in which Im going to say it. Im happy that your Vision requires more repair, than you do.
Im just curious, you didnt mention it but was this young woman on a cellphone at the time? Why wouldnt that surprise me?
Dont let today set a mental picture for you unnecessarily. Brush yourself off feel better, and move forward. Dont allow this to cloud
your inner enjoyment in the sport. Living in fear is never worth its price.. It just wasnt your time buddy. |
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Tourer
Posts: 320
Savannah, GA -Year round riding!! Yay! | Glad that you're ok, Bob, and that it didn't end worse.
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | You're gonna be sore tomorrow morning! Be glad your alive to feel it. Hope everything goes well. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Someone tapped me from behind a while ago. no real damage but just cracked the right tail light. Surprized me to find out that big V lamp was only a little over $100? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Found this link online for pricing factory parts. http://www.twowheelcorp.com/fiche_select1.asp?cat=Motorcycles&mfg=V... . They dont list the Vision. But I have used polaris' online parts catalog to get the part # and it comes up with a price. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 196
| Bob,
Glad you're still here to tell the story!
Awesome machine & rider to take that and not go down>
Hope you and your new ride are rolling again soon! |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 965
New York State | Glad your OK lucky for you, me and several others that these machines are engineered so well.Hope you and your Vision are back on the road soon. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 170
Houston, TX | Glad you're OK. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 935
Rockford, IL | WOW.....pretty insane accident. Kinda shows that even a safe rider can prepare for anything but not everything.
As far as the concern over the frame keep in mind that the rear part of the Vision frame is a bolt on replaceable part. Really can't blame you for being worried about the future of this bike. Doesn't matter what anyone says....if you are concerned...then the bike will probably never feel the same to you as it did prior to getting nailed. They could take your plates and farkles off this bike and put them on another bike exactly the same and you will still hear those "imaginary noises" and feel those "unusual vibrations" that this accident "must have caused". Its called subconcious thinking....which is pretty tough to get over.
But if you decide to start looking up some prices and figuring a rough estimate on just the parts only you can use this link to find the part numbers http://parts.polarisind.com/Browse/Browse.asp and then use the link that cjnoho provided and enter the part numbers and get some prices.
If the bike is fixable I'd suggest keeping your damaged parts. List them here at the site, who knows what us nutballs around here might scavenge.
Would have been great to have a video of this accident. With a video I can't possibly imagine how the bike stayed upright and you managed to somehow get it under control. Just damn amazing !!
Better take some extra doses of the muscle relaxers. You are going to be 10 times sorer tomorrow and the next day than you are right now.
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Cruiser
Posts: 97
Brighton, Colorado | Amazing you didn't wind up a grease spot on the highway. Says a lot for your skills, the bike and the angels watching over you. Looks like the factory trunk alignment problems weren't fixed with your crash.  (hope you're laughin') Seriously, glad you're O.K. The bike can be replaced. You are one lucky dude. Again, glad you made it intact. Don't be afraid to take those muscle relaxants for a while.
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Cruiser
Posts: 173
Prescott Valley, AZ | Glad to hear that you are okay, it is one of those "oh crap" moments in life when you have the unimaginable happen to you of all people!!!! As long as you are okay (short of the whiplash deal) life can in fact go on and if the insurance company says it is a total loss then just maybe you will have a brand new Vision in your future!!!
Nice to see the pics that show how well built the bike is at the rear end, a hit at 65mph is no small deal and it looks like the bike did a good job of protecting the rider all things considered. Here is wishing you a speedy recovery and we all hope to hear more from you in the future.
Ride Safe, Ride Often!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 55
Las Vegas, NV | Keeping that bike under control took a lot of skill. You should be congratulated for keeping the rubber side down. I hope you make a fast and full recovery. My guess is this lady's insurance company will total it. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
| Bob sorry about the bike but thank God you're ok. I'm also in the metro-Atlanta area and ride on 285 just about everyday to and from work. I've found my best defense is to always be out front around 80-100 mph, if they cant catch me they cant hit me  If your bike is totaled I'm sure Jeff will be more than happy to get ya a new one. Good luck |
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Tourer
Posts: 520
Simi Valley, CA | Man how you stayed on is amazing! I can't believe anyone could rear end a Vision, so many damn lights!
I am glad to hear that you are okay- I hope the meds help you out tomorrow... you are going to be sore!
Stay safe!
Tim
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | To My Victory Companions:
Thanks for all the comments and well wishes. However, you are correct... today (Monday morning) is a bummer. I am stiff and sore from the waist up with a dull headache.
However, thanks to the "All Mighty", I am alive, on the road to recovery and looking forward to riding my "NEW" Vision sometime in the future. You are correct in the fact that I would always hear noises that were related to the accident in the current bike.
Someone wanted to know if she was on a cell phone. I have no idea, since she came up from behind me. However, there was another accident on the side of the road and she indicated that she got scared (her words). She was fairly young.
My hats are off to the engineers at Victory. They designed a bike that will take the punishment and protect the rider in this kind of accident. I don't recommend anyone else putting it to the test though.
How I maintained control of the bike, I have no idea. One second I was going down the road around 65 mph, the next, I was looking up at the sky. I don't know if the bike was airborne or not. I just know that when I recovered, I was in a different lane, the bike under control and running. Remember the song by Carrie Underwood... "Jesus Take the Wheel"? Well! I guess that is what really happened. Maybe that will be part of my pre-ride routine in the future. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 17
| one of my best friends was taken out while at a stop light (red for him as the cameras showed). the driver (an illegal alien- w/ no lic or ins.?) drove away, his truck was found a few blocks down the road- dead, the driver was never found, stolen truck.... GLAD TO HEAR that you are ok!
cdevon1200
Edited by cdevon1200 2009-03-23 4:13 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Bob, I am glad to hear you kept the sunny side up. It sounds like the trailer hitch may have helped hold the back end together. So was the cause of the accident lipstick, mascara, kids in the back seat or the cell phone ? Tim
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Iron Butt
Posts: 721
| Bob, glad to hear you made it through this without too much physical harm (that you know of yet!). I was rear-ended back in '03 while riding my GL1800 Goldwing, I was stopped on a two lane road behind a truck waiting for traffic to clear so as to make a left turn, it was twilight and on the downward slope of a hill, the kid that hit me was yacking on a cell phone and claimed he didn't see my wig wag upper rear brake lights, the spoiler brake light or the saddlebag brake lights. Luckily for me I always keep an eye on my mirrors when stopped in traffic and I goosed it just as he hit me, the speed differential was probably only 5 to 10 miles per hour and what saved the bike from major damage with the Rivco trailer hitch I had installed just a couple of weeks earlier. The point here is that a good hitch isn't only an accessory, but possibly a life saving device when properly designed and installed on a motorcycle as it will transmit the force of impact directly to the main frame and not the rear wheel or other bolt ons such as saddlebags.
Again, I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt and that you will come out of this in good shape! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | visionbob - 2009-03-23 5:47 AM
To My Victory Companions:
Thanks for all the comments and well wishes. However, you are correct... today (Monday morning) is a bummer. I am stiff and sore from the waist up with a dull headache.
However, thanks to the "All Mighty", I am alive, on the road to recovery and looking forward to riding my "NEW" Vision sometime in the future. You are correct in the fact that I would always hear noises that were related to the accident in the current bike.
Someone wanted to know if she was on a cell phone. I have no idea, since she came up from behind me. However, there was another accident on the side of the road and she indicated that she got scared (her words). She was fairly young.
My hats are off to the engineers at Victory. They designed a bike that will take the punishment and protect the rider in this kind of accident. I don't recommend anyone else putting it to the test though.
How I maintained control of the bike, I have no idea. One second I was going down the road around 65 mph, the next, I was looking up at the sky. I don't know if the bike was airborne or not. I just know that when I recovered, I was in a different lane, the bike under control and running. Remember the song by Carrie Underwood... "Jesus Take the Wheel"? Well! I guess that is what really happened. Maybe that will be part of my pre-ride routine in the future.
It's amazing the gyroscopic power these big wheels must generate going 65 mph...the bike wants to stay upright...I'll never forget physical science class in grade school with a bicycle wheel spinning with a wood handle through it and trying to tip it side to side...impossible.
Edited by Vinner1 2009-03-23 8:22 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Where were the meds again? You got'em, need a couple over here my backs a killing me, that an the throbbing brain drain! I am one who has challenged a disaster or two, but have been fortunate not to have needed bodily replacement. I had some kind of "ectomy" a while ago but I don't quite remmeber!
Man, what a ride, that's one you will get to retell for many years to come. Had a cousin that always told me, "Out just making a memory?" I managed to figure out what she was talking about and anything that comes along is always "Just making a memory!" Maybe I name my Bike "Memory Maker"! I kinda like that one!
Hey, good to see my bike is not the only one that gets repaired on here! Kudos to you for hanging on to the bars! Wait a minute, I donn't remember you saying exactly what you were hanging on to when you were observing the clouds in the sky. I know what I'd a been trying to graba hold of though!
Ouch and whew that was close! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | You know VB, I wonder if you were past the cruiser on the side of the road with the other accident, could it be possible all this is caught on video? Just a thought. I keep thinking about what happened with you, especially on my way to work this morning. For you have been jerked like that she had to be doing at least 5 mph faster than you, I wouldn't say more as that would have done some real damage I imagine. But I can see the front wheel coming off the ground momentarily causing a lane change when it touched down and you regained composer, all the while this thing is staying up. I don't know, or least I've never heard a similar story. I've heard of plowing sheetrock in a median with favorable results but never a nudge on the road. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | visionbob,
Get well soon. I hope you have a complete and speedy recovery. I worked all weekend and missed the thread about this. Please keep us updated on your progress.
I am truly at a loss for words.....you are blessed.
Take care, |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | As a matter of fact, I am going to contact the GA DOT this morning. They have cameras everywhere, especially at I 85 and 285. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1290
Ruskin, Fl | Glad to hear you came out if it OK. Motorcycles can be replaced. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | I found out that the cameras are real time with no recordings. Too bad! I would love to see what happened. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Bob,
That sounds fishy that the data is not recorded. Ok to me it sounds like BS. Digital Video Recorders are too cheap not to buy. My brother sells them like candy in his gate and Access control business. I am not suggesting that the people with the cameras are lazy but........ they are just not motivated unless a subpoena it tossed at them. You might have your insurance company ask for the video.
Why would anyone build that huge video feed system and not record it.
Either way, the main thing is that you will recover and ride again.
Take Care. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | VisionBob, I'm happy your doing alright after your accident. Yes, the bike can be repaired, but it really is a pain in the butt that I know you did not want to go through. It is a reminder to all of us to watch behind us just as much ahead of us. Just this last Sunday, while passing a slower car and having plenty of time, I was almost blowed off the road as a truck passed me on the left side, and we are on a two lane highway. Prior to passing the car in front of me, I check the rear view and say the truck back there, but assumed he was doing something like the speed limit. Wrong, he must have been doing 100 mph so his closure speed was so high that he met me just as I cleared the car I was passing. Scared the crap out of the wife and I. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 34
Pensacola, FL | Glad that you are able to tell us the story ! Bikes can be fixed/replaced, the riders, not sooo much !
Steve. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | Bob,
Really glad to hear that you made it out of this one in relatively good shape. That's a miracle.
I wouldn't count the Vision out quite yet. I was involved in a similar accident last Thanksgiving weekend, although not at your speed and not with a trailer hitch. The dealer stripped it to the bones, inspected the frame seven ways from Sunday, and couldn't find any damage. Seems that then engineers designed a crumple zone into the rear of the bike.
$3000 worth of parts later, (all on the other guy's dime), and our Vision is running, and riding, as good as before the accident.
Believe me, I was completely paranoid about my baby 'never being the same'. Fortunately for me that wasn't the case.
Now go take care of yourself. Here's hoping you feel better soon. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
Cumming, GA | Thanks Breaker. My insurance adjuster came out today and took pictures. He did not ask my repair technician any questions, so we are up in the air as to what he will recommend. I will keep you posted. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| maybe you can get all your painted black outs before it totaled |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | visionbob,
How did the Utopia backrest hold up? |
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