November 20th was the day, the date for my first "long ride" on my RD Racer. I came home from work, leathered-up and filled the tank with pre-mix. The moment of truth had arrived! One kick and the RD came to life, crackling and idling smooth as silk..... Life is good!
After a couple of minute to warmup the engine, I roll out of the driveway with a huge smile on my face. Today I will be riding the twisty little country roads around my home, maybe 40 to 50 miles total. The engine is crisp, coming alive at about 3500 - 4000 rpms as the powerband kicks in. The bike is light, very flickable and responsive. About 15 miles into the ride some minor issues become apparent, I need to make a very minor adjustment on the rear brake level position and the fuel petcock is not flowing properly. I should have rebuilt the petcock, but for now I just tap the petcock occasionally to keep the pre-mix flowing.
The bike is running great and I am really getting into the ride. Now I am on my way back home, already planning to rebuild the petcock and dreaming of long rides on the little RD.
Ahead I can see a Ford Excursion approaching me and I am taking it easy at about 30 mph. The Excursion is moving much slower, but nothing was setting off "my alarm". Just as I pass the front of the Excursion a large German Shepperd sized dog darts out from behind the vehicle. I had just enough time to think, "This is going to hurt!"
I brake hard and swerve, the dog darts, we collide. The RD goes down and I am ejected over the bars. I come down on my left side, dislocating my shoulder and getting some huge road-rash on my hip. My leather suit is a two - piece and the zipper separated on impact, exposing my hip. The dog did not fair as well, he became lodged between my front forks and the front of the expansion chambers..... Dead Dog!
11 days later I was able to return to work , but it still hurts BAD! The RD did not suffer as badly as I expected and I should have it back on the road in no time. Total damage to the RD....
- Front Forks - Bent back about 1.5"
- Left Moto Carrera peg and shifter are "toast"
- Stator cover is ground down pretty good
- Broken clutch lever & cable
- Bent left clip-on
I have already started on the new forks and I should complete the final installation over Christmas break. Maybe I'll actually be able to ride by then?
No comments:
Post a Comment