I am a very lucky man.

Chako · **Reply #60 on:** October 02, 2010, 04:21:10 AM

Working hard at hardly working Bob. Thank God I have the net to keep me occupied...and it is something that causes me minimal discomfort.

Neil · **Reply #61 on:** October 03, 2010, 06:00:00 PM

Quote from: Chako on October 02, 2010, 04:21:10 AM

Working hard at hardly working Bob. Thank God I have the net to keep me occupied...and it is something that causes me minimal discomfort.

At least until I post

By the way, watch out for "reflecto" when posting pics of shiny tools until such time as you can get your pants back on... please

Chako · **Reply #62 on:** October 03, 2010, 09:24:06 PM

Ouch. Neil, your warning reminded me of a photo I saw somewhere of the guy who took a photo of a shiny mirror like stainless steel coffee pot for eBay, in the buff.

Neil · **Reply #63 on:** October 03, 2010, 09:40:05 PM

Reflecto can be chicken punishable around these parts... or those parts even.

You've been warned.

Don't believe me, ask Spork. He's fallen foul a few times. Eventually we discovered he was doing it on purpose as he enjoyed the punishment

Chako · **Reply #64 on:** October 03, 2010, 10:36:32 PM

No worries Neil. I may not have a pair on, but I am fully clothed in a big bath robe.

Speaking of which, I tried to wean myself off of the 2 Acetaminophen IIIs last night on my 6 hour pill schedule due to other concerns...and this morning, back on them for now. They do help in the pain considerably.

Folks take it from me, do not break ribs.

DaveK · **Reply #65 on:** October 03, 2010, 11:10:57 PM

Wow Chako

I've not been on the forum much in the last couple of weeks and I hadn't seen this thread. I'm glad you are OK - it sounds like a close shave alright

Enjoy these few weeks "rest", despite the discomfort, you'll likely think thoughts that you never have before, "contemplating your mortality" as the saying goes. Enjoy the feeling, it's actually a positive thing to come out of scares like this - it might even change your life in some way.

Speedy recovery mate

Freudian Frog · **Reply #66 on:** October 04, 2010, 06:36:08 AM

Don't die, Chako! Who will (take the time to) take pictures of massive amounts of shinies?!

Turnstone · **Reply #67 on:** October 04, 2010, 09:45:02 AM

Quote from: Chako on October 02, 2010, 03:28:55 AM

On a personal note, I seem to be mending nicely. I now have this terrible itch in my ribs. My knees still leak plasma at times as I bend my knees and pull apart the scabs...but that I guess is part of the healing process. I find sitting up and down a bit easier. Still on some strong pain management though. Still stuck at home as I still can't put on a pair of pants to save my life. I had to call my neighbour over today a few times because I could not reach something low. Being dependent on the generosity of your neighbour is a true low for me...but my spirits are up, and thankfully, I do have a great neighbour. We help each other out all the time. So things could be definitely worse by a large margin.

This itching can be really nasty. But a good sign, your ribs are healing

Quote from: Chako on October 03, 2010, 09:24:06 PM

Ouch. Neil, your warning reminded me of a photo I saw somewhere of the guy who took a photo of a shiny mirror like stainless steel coffee pot for eBay, in the buff.

In Germany a few years ago there was a picture I guess everyone had in their mailbox of a huge nice table which was on sale on ebay. The mirror on the wall just in the corner of the picture showed the photographer, naked

Chako · **Reply #68 on:** October 04, 2010, 12:52:16 PM

Don't fret Froggy. It takes a bit more than that to kill me off it seems.

Well I am seeing very small daily improvements. What is very clear to me is that this will be a long journey to recovery. Taking it day by day, and trying to find that happy balance of movement and exercise and not over doing it are my goals right now.

Thanks everyone for your concerns. That is much appreciated.

texasflyfisher · **Reply #69 on:** October 04, 2010, 05:35:39 PM

Just read this (I missed this initially as I figured it was about getting married or wedding anniversary or something like that). I wish you a speedy recovery Chako!

Chako · **Reply #70 on:** October 09, 2010, 02:41:04 AM

Update time...

My ribs are slowly healing. I am noticing a daily improvement. Still going to take the next week off as I am not well enough to perform in front of my students just yet.

On the plus side, I went out for the first time yesterday. It felt wonderful getting out of the house. The driving was ok...but the roads beat me up. I never noticed how rough the roads were before...go figure.

My knees itch something fierce where the road rash scabbed over. It is driving me almost insane. That is a good sign of healing though, but it is a constant battle to not scratch them.

Chako · **Reply #71 on:** October 12, 2010, 11:16:30 PM

Update...looks like the Insurance Appraisers have made their decision. They informed me that the motorcycle is a write off.

Guess once they added up all the little things, it exceeded the price of the motorcycle.

I haven't heard from the Insurance Company what my offer is yet. Just waiting to see how much I am going to lose financially.

Sigh...

Benner · **Reply #72 on:** October 12, 2010, 11:19:56 PM

Could you not buy it back and then do it up yourself? May be a fun project.

Chako · **Reply #73 on:** October 12, 2010, 11:23:53 PM

That depends on the offer.

nuphoria · **Reply #74 on:** October 13, 2010, 04:36:35 AM

Shame about the bike, but we are happier that you are still in (mostly) one piece

Mercury · **Reply #75 on:** October 13, 2010, 06:18:37 AM

Sorry I didn't see this sooner Chako! I am thrilled to read that you are ok, but bummer about your bike man! I can totally relate. I wrecked my first bike at 18 while I was in college, but my wreck was completely my fault and was the result of going too fast around a tight turn. My front tire washed and I hit pavement at 70 mph, and immediately started rolling and bouncing. I hit my head so hard it cracked my visor and sprained my neck, and my peg caught my pants leg and shredded it, along with quite a bit of leg material. I was able to ride away, but I hurt for months with that neck injury, and I had to go home and tell my dad that I had wrecked after he told me to be careful. I fully believe in wearing the max gear you can, even more so now that I have a wife and child. I sold my last bike 3 years ago when she got pregnant. He is two on thursday and we are finally contemplating getting another bike. Anyhoo, nuff about me, you feel better and stay safe, because you are the caretaker of the largest MT collection in North America and we need photos!

ducktapehero · **Reply #76 on:** October 13, 2010, 02:42:32 PM

Glad to hear you're still healing. My 2nd car was a car that had been officially written off as "totaled". It was my Grandfather's car, a 1978 Olds. It had some body damage but nothing mechanically wrong with it. He spent two days working on the body then sold it to me for $200. That wasn't a bad price for a car that was, for all intents and purposes, mechanically perfect.

Of course, when I wrecked it I made sure it wasn't fixable. Grandpa--

--Me

Chako · **Reply #77 on:** October 13, 2010, 02:50:30 PM

The largest collection...I seriously doubt it. I am sure there are some secretive types out there with far more then I have.

Well not very happy about my beautiful Triumph. Positively crushed I am. I loved that motorcycle. Every time I think about that guy, I get all angry again. But all things told, I got off lucky in the injury dept. Even though 3 or 4 weeks off work might tell otherwise.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #78 on:** October 13, 2010, 05:05:49 PM

Quote from: Chako on October 13, 2010, 02:50:30 PM

The largest collection...I seriously doubt it. I am sure there are some secretive types out there with far more then I have.

Well not very happy about my beautiful Triumph. Positively crushed I am. I loved that motorcycle. Every time I think about that guy, I get all angry again. But all things told, I got off lucky in the injury dept. Even though 3 or 4 weeks off work might tell otherwise.

BEFORE you settle:

Make sure they replace your gear--helmet included. Give them a range of prices, they generally pick a middle number. Unless you plan on never selling the bike, don't buy it back. It will get a salvage title. In the US (and likely Canada), it is very hard to sell a bike with a salvage title.

Since this is Fall, you're in a good position to get a good deal on bikes (Buy in Fall/Winter, sell in Spring/Early Summer).

Evaluate what you liked about the bike. You can replace with the same or find something similar, but possibly addressing things you didn't like about the prior bike. Anytime between now and Feb is a buyers market.

Chako · **Reply #79 on:** October 13, 2010, 05:55:10 PM

Thanks for the tip.

No, I don't plan on re-building. If the insurance company figures it would cost more then it is worth to repair...why would I throw even more money into it. It could be time to cut my losses. Won't know more until my insurance company gets into contact with me.

What do you think of Ural motorcycles? I know it is Russian, but my dream all along was to get a sidecar for the Triumph after a few years of riding it. I just love the look of a motorcycle with a side car on it. Very classy and functional.

ryan1835 · **Reply #80 on:** October 13, 2010, 06:14:20 PM

how about a bmw trike?

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #81 on:** October 13, 2010, 06:57:13 PM

Re: Urals

Slow, somewhat unreliable (compared to modern bikes), slow, Russian copy of circa WWII BMWs and slow.

Hacks don't handle like motorcycles either.

But, if you want a factory side car, it's the only game in town.

If you're looking for a 3 wheeled vehicle, look at Piaggio MP3 or Can-Am's. Both better options (IMO) than a sidecar rig.

Chako · **Reply #82 on:** October 13, 2010, 07:23:51 PM

I never got into motorcycles for speed. I like the casual drive down a nice country road...the wind in my face...relaxed riding is the main interest for me.

I always love the look of side cars. I like how I can have another passenger without riding behind me. I also like how I can use it to carry items also. I am big on utilitarian. My side bags weren't on my Triumph for a week before they got taken out...but I liked the idea of being able to carry things.

I also figure with a side car, I would be hopefully big enough to notice. But at this point, I have no idea of what I am going to do. Keep the ideas coming. Right now, I am a blank slate.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #83 on:** October 13, 2010, 07:59:09 PM

Take your time. After an incident/accident, everyone one tends to critically assess the activity in question (this is true of motorcycles, climbing, running, cycling, skydiving, flying etc).

These are pastimes and hobbies, not careers (usually

). If you decide you like the feel of riding motorcycles (leaning into corners, etc) then skip the hack. If you don't care about the handling characteristics of a motorcycle, I would say a nice convertible is a better option for the things you described than a sidecar rig. In a convertible, you can actually talk with the passenger, don't have to wear a helmet or special gear, have a trunk besides room for a passenger AND you don't have to worry about rainstorms.

Honestly, sidecars are really a novelty item.

Chako · **Reply #84 on:** October 13, 2010, 09:08:29 PM

Well I now know what I am getting...after deductable and taxes...I will be about 300 in the hole once all it told and done. Not bad financially. However, I lost my Triumph.

Top-Gear-24 · **Reply #85 on:** October 13, 2010, 10:06:54 PM

Quote from: Chako on October 13, 2010, 09:08:29 PM

... However, I lost my Triumph.

I know the feeling, I lost my Suzuki Bandit because someone thought it was a good idea to drive on my lane (in the opposite direction

), spend Christmas and new year lying on the couch with the lights dimmed and a head that felt like it could explode any minute (not to mention the abrasions on my knees ...).

I wish I could tell you that time heals all wounds, but despite the fact that I've owned 2 other motorcycles since then, it still hurts a lot when I see a red Suzuki Bandit pass by ...