Protect yourself out there as much possible

[crcsmnky]

I was never really active on the boards here; I mostly just read what others wrote. Just about everything I've ever read here was helpful in some way when I was looking to buy a scooter and then when I started riding. Now I want to add to my own experiences for all new and existing riders to read.

I had a red Buddy 125 for about 11 months when I was involved in a serious accident. I was traveling around 45 mph on a multi-lane road when a driver (going from my right to my left) ran a red light. Just before we collided, I saw the car but it was too late to avoid hitting it. The impact caused me to be thrown from the scooter and I hit the ground pretty hard. I ended up with a broken right femur and several major bruises, stitches, etc.

It has been over four months since the accident and I'm almost healed (thanks titanium!), but I still wanted to share a few thoughts:

First off, never ever forget your helmet, even for a short ride. I have been guilty of riding down the block and not putting it on but don't ever do that. No matter how careful you are, it only takes a second and someone else's (even minor) mistake to cause a major accident. My helmet was all sorts of scratched up and I had no injuries on my head but if I'd not been wearing it I would have had severe head trauma.

Second, if you have an open face helmet, buy shatter-proof eyewear. I was wearing some cheap sunglasses and I got really freaking lucky that nothing happened to me but don't make the same mistake. If you have a shield, put it down. If not, buy some goggles or protective gear. They are not that expensive.

I'm might not ride for a long time (Buddy frame was bent to hell and totaled) but don't let this stop you. Just learn from it and take as much precaution as humanly possible.

[Lil Buddy]

Wow, that could have ended much worse. Glad you walked away from it (okay, so you probably didn't physically get up and walk away but you know what I mean).

Hope you, and your new titanium parts heal up well.

[B-rad]

Wow!! I broke my femur along with my hip and kneecap when I was 20. It took 6 months of crazy hardcore physical rehab. I don't envy you. The broken femur is frickin' awful. I wish you the best, and hope you heal up well. If they don't take out the Ti parts they hurt like all get out when the weather gets cold
As far as wearing all your gear, it will save your skin, literally. When I crashed my GSXR, I slid for what felt like 20 minutes. I was wearing full leathers with tons of armor and a full face helmet. Bike was turned into a modern art masterpiece, but I walked away with minimal damage.
Falling off a power line from about 25 ft up... different story.
Point is, my dad always said 30% of your motorcycle budget should go into protective gear. I thought he was nuts, but after paying close to a grand for gear to ride a $3500 bike, it makes sense in retrospect.
STAY SAFE!! It's hard to enjoy your scoot if you are in a body cast!!

[ericalm]

Thanks for sharing that unfortunate story, crcsmnky.

If you don't mind, could you post responses to the questions in our official crash thread?

topic635.html

That thread has been very instructive and helpful over time, especially for new riders. Having the reports in one place has been invaluable!

[broke]

Really sorry to read about someone hitting you. Thank you for posting and helping to keep everyone alert to our dangers. Heal well.

Brian

[maribell]

I hope you are healing well. What road was it on? It seems like Buddys are invisible to drivers in certain parts of town.