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Message started by Kirk on 04/01/10 at 13:57:03

Title: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/01/10 at 13:57:03

Hey all,

Here is my adventure...So last week I was driving my bike home from work and hit an oil slick or something wet in the road as I was entering a right hand curve. Before I could blink I was sliding across the asphalt with the bike on top of my right leg and scraping the ground at the same time. My jacket,helmet,Jeans, and boots all took one helluva beating. None of them are usable anymore. Now for the Bike damage. I broke off the right side mirror,bent up the right footpeg, Dented up the front of my tank(baseball sized dent) gas leaking from slightly, Destroyed rear turn signals, busted up front headlight and headlight housing, scrapped up the muffler, and knocked the handlebar out of alignment with front wheel. Somehow I was still able to crank the baby up and drive it 47miles back home on the highway. So my question now is will my insurance total the bike out or do you think they will be able to repair it for less than what my bike is worth. BTW its an 06 S40 with about 5K on it not sure what KBB has it going for yet. Any input is appreciated. 8-)

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by jlsmedic on 04/01/10 at 15:33:38

expensive....maybe

but honestly sounds like a great project...first of all its great to hear that you are ok....you ARE ok right.. 47 miles on a banged up bike is impressive! sounds like you should start reading some of the upgrades people have been doing on here and start putting together a parts list. really you just damaged a majority of the things people change on their bikes. If your not too scared of tearing it down and putting a little attitude into your bike you should be fine. If not and you want insurance to handle it I wouldn't imagine that it will cost you the worth of your bike. Good luck with it and keep us informed.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Mr. Hyde on 04/01/10 at 15:41:42

I don't know how insurance companies work in Arizona but from what I've seen they will probably right it off. Two possible options come to mind.

1. Take the money which probably won't be that much, and buy the bike back from them for peanuts. The damage doesn't sound that bad, make the repairs and enjoy.

2. Take the money and buy another Savage.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by wolfmrp on 04/01/10 at 15:46:14

Glad your ok. Depending on your insurance you could buy the totaled bike from them for a hundred dollars or so. Then put the insurance money towards the up grades. You would have a salvage title but unless your going for resale that means nothing.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Ed L. on 04/01/10 at 17:08:27

Start with having the insurance company giving the bike a look and take it from there. If the bike is repairable see if the insurance company will cut you the check instead of a body shop. It doesn't sound too bad, just cosmetic damage. You should be able to straighten out the front forks by loosening up the triple tree and twisting on the handle bars. I've had to do that a couple times ;), the rest of the damage is just paint, liights and a tank. He!! you rode it home didn't you so the bike can't be that badly damaged. Glade to hear you didn't get hurt and was able to get back on the steel horse for the ride home.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/02/10 at 05:57:52

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Actually I was injured but too embarrased to show it in front of all the gawkers.. I popped up like a jack in the box and lifted the bike back up pretty quick. My ribs still hurting and of course I have road rash in a few places but overall im good. I will say this about the savage though even though she took a hard hit she still cranked up got me home somehow. Savage truly lives up to its name when it comes to taking abuse and still performing. I will keep everyone posted on the outcome from the insurance adjuster sometime next week.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Rocco on 04/02/10 at 07:40:32

glad you're ok man! i laid mine down as well, and then the mods started!!

turn signals can be had @ cycle gear online for 20 bucks a set, they won't be og suzuki but who cares?

if u like the rat look, jb weld the hole in your tank, or buy a used replacement! if u do, i'll probably buy the wrecked one just to have another tank to work on

throw a better set of bars on there, go older style buck or find another set of drag bars

u wanna put a sportster muffler on anyway, so no worries

headlights can be had on here or ebay

ummmmm that's all i can think of...i was goin around 55 on mine then went airborne....savage indeed!!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Gort on 04/02/10 at 07:50:18

If the bike ends up with a salvage title, you may want to check with the insurance companies before you spend $ to put it back on the road. Many insurance companies will either refuse to insure a salvage title vehicle, or will charge a very high premium to do so.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by cursal on 04/02/10 at 08:21:37

Glad your ok.. a good lesson in always wearing your gear ;)

Wild to hear you rode it home...47 miles!

Steering all out of whack and a leaky gas tank, pretty amazed you and the bike made it home.

Whatever happens with the bike/insurance a MC rider you have remained. 8-)

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Stimpy on 04/02/10 at 15:09:35

"Somehow I was still able to crank up the baby an drive it 47 miles..."

Yup, a savage will do that ;)

Glad you're fine, your bike will be fine too with a bit of
time, work and a few replacement parts; and be sure to
wear the bikes battlescars that will be left with pride!

If you decide to fix it up you can get your original
savage Parts cheap at an online store called "pinwall
Motorcycle". Its a bike chop/parts warehouse in ohio
That sells mostly through ebay, check em' out!

Good luck.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by miker on 04/02/10 at 16:55:59

If you decide to fix it up you can get your original
savage Parts cheap at an online store called "pinwall
Motorcycle". Its a bike chop/parts warehouse in ohio
That sells mostly through ebay, check em' out!

Good luck.[/quote]
I have shopped Pinwall with good results- and they have, in stock, anything you need,

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by crabpainter on 04/03/10 at 17:14:29

Man what caught my eye was, "an oil slick or something wet in the road as I was entering a right hand curve".
Like a stomach punch. Around here they lay those out for us bikers...
I've got a few parts that might help. Tank will be the expensive part to make right. How's the seat?

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Trippah on 04/04/10 at 17:02:32

Before throwing lotsa dough into (or at ) it, have a shop check out the frame & esp the top of the steering for cracks or stress....sometimes it takes a while for a serious issue to work it way into the open. Glad you are okay.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Staplebox on 04/04/10 at 18:31:12

I'd say skip the insurance, fix er up, and get er back on the road.

I high-sided last year and took the surgery recoup time to make some changes and mods. I only got a few miles on her last year but she was out and about yesterday for a full ride. My baby was upside down (landed on the handle bars) and was better than new for about $250.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Gort on 04/04/10 at 19:05:25

52746F7676676E060 wrote:

Absolutely correct. Microscopic stress cracks invisible to your eyes can exist within the metal as a result of an accident. As you continue to stress the metal by riding, the cracks can slowly or quickly increase in size and that can lead to catastrophic failure. Magnafluxing will reveal these stress cracks.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/05/10 at 00:19:27

Seems like overkill to me.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Gort on 04/05/10 at 00:39:49

If you are saying that Magnafluxing is overkill, I agree. A Savage isn't worth the labor cost of doing that. However, if the frame or forks have been bent, then a person must decide if he wants to roll the dice with his safety. Without Magnafluxing, there is no sure way for him to know if internal stress cracks have formed.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/05/10 at 00:43:14

The description of the crash doesnt lead me to believe there is likely to be a problem w/ frame or fork damage.
The p[aint is designed to crack if the metal is bent. I saw cracks in the paint on the Guzzi.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Gort on 04/05/10 at 01:02:10

Getting away from this particular bike, and referring to bikes involved in accidents, suppose there is impact shock incurred from an accident? That will stress metal, especially welds, without bending.

If a bike is painted with a Polyurethane, it won't crack easily. When Dupont Imron was introduced, Dupont claimed it would flex without cracking. I sprayed a car with it because I wanted the gloss and chemical resistance. I also sprayed it on a sheet of aluminum foil like you use in the kitchen. Once the Imron cured, I crumpled the aluminum foil and straightened it back out again. It did not crack. I wonder if any bikes are painted with Polyurethanes?

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/05/10 at 17:49:19

So the tow truck picked my bike up Saturday and delivered it to my local bike shop so they can asses the damage. I took a really good look at the bike out in natural sunlight before it was picked up. I notced that the front forks are slightly twisted to the left but the wheel and rim are pushed to the right so if your are sitting on the seat and driving the bike like I was it appears that you are turning left when the bike is driving in a straight line. How I made it home without getting ran over is beyond me. I really did a good number on the tank though I will see if I can post some of the pics from my wreck so you guys can see how the helmet saved my head from being scraped to shreds. I appreciate all of the posts from you guys it makes me feel great knowing that there are so many great people out there some of whom I share a passion for Suzuki with. Take care all and I will update everyone soon.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/05/10 at 18:43:17

http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010/04/05/bikepics-1944487-800.jpg My Jacket

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/05/10 at 18:46:37

http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010/04/05/bikepics-1944488-800.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010/04/05/bikepics-1944490-800.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010/04/05/bikepics-1944491-800.jpg

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/06/10 at 02:13:03

Did the tank get bent in by the fork ?

Year model/ miles/ what did you pay?

If the fram isnt torqued up & the forks arent bent, just spun in the triple tree, then you can save it. Im betting that its totalled in the strictest sense of the word, because thats something like 80% of cash value. Doesnt take too many new parts & shop hours to total one of these. If its totaled, you could see what the buyback is & fix it yourself, IF its fixable..

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Stimpy on 04/06/10 at 03:00:24

Hey, I have the same jacket! :D
(Thanx for crashtesting it for us)

Helm did its work nicely too.
Bike looks fine, or at least I've repaired much worse, good luck.
---------------------------------------------------------------
btw I love the phrase "catastrophic failure"

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by miker on 04/06/10 at 05:25:43

DOT says that helmet has lost its approval- ot can only hit the ground once.
Glad you were wearing it!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Charon on 04/06/10 at 05:53:38

If you have comprehensive/collision insurance, you might try claiming your jacket and helmet, too. Point out to the insurance company that you consider those to be a necessary part of the motorcycle, and see what happens. The worst they can say is "No."

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by babyhog on 04/06/10 at 06:15:24

Ouch! Looks like you took a pretty good smackin'! Sure glad you are ok. :)

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Stimpy on 04/06/10 at 08:01:07

...on closer inspection that original front tire
looks pretty worn out to me, maybe this
was the main element that lead to your
"catastrophic curve failure" who knows.
---------------------------------------------

Lesson learned:

Guys and Gals we've all seen this way to often,
that front wheel must be in perfect shape at all times
so go inspect yours and do the penny test, if in any doubt
for heaven's sake spend those lousy $70 on a good front
tire now, not later. Just a few mouse clicks and your tyre
will arrive at your doorstep in 48hrs!

You can quite easily install it at home yourself without any
special tools, trust me on this one...

3 fat flat screwdrivers, some soap, an empty plastic jug and
a bicycle pump is all you'll need (and a human third arm helps
immensely). I'll even post a tutorial if anyone requests it.

C'ya!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by babyhog on 04/06/10 at 08:08:51

4B6C71756861180 wrote:

...

I'll even post a tutorial if anyone requests it.

Not sure if there is a tutorial anywhere on here, there probably is, but another one sure couldn't hurt! Go for it!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by kerosene on 04/06/10 at 09:24:29

676465686A70090 wrote:

[quote author=4B6C71756861180 link=1270155423/15#27 date=1270566067]

...

I'll even post a tutorial if anyone requests it.

Not sure if there is a tutorial anywhere on here, there probably is, but another one sure couldn't hurt! Go for it![/quote]

Do it! Do it! I need to change my tire too!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/06/10 at 09:50:28

Well Ladies and Gentelmen,

I just got off the phone with my insurance agent and he stated that he just left the shop where the bike is located. It is totaled :'( He said that there is some damage to the frame and also the forks which deems it unsafe for repair. They are also going to replace my helmet and jacket for me. Being that I was financing my Zuki through HSBC I do not own the title so I will have to file a loss claim via my GAP insurance and have them swallow the difference that the insurance company is offering which will probably be in the 2K neighborhood. @Stimpy ;D Glad I could be of assistance and lead by example on just how important the proper riding gear can be for those "What If" Moments.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by kerosene on 04/06/10 at 11:20:00

373C2E3D3B61590 wrote:

No opportunity to buy back?

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/06/10 at 11:38:03

No opportunity to buy back?[/quote]

Nope not from what the agent told me. I will just have to save my pennies and buy a bike outright instead of financing my unborn child.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Stimpy on 04/06/10 at 15:10:09

Allrighty, I'll post a quick tire change/repair tutorial
in a new thread soonish, just let me gather up some
pictures to go along with it.

----------------------------------------------------------

...again, glad you're fine, glad you were insured and
glad you were wearing gear; body soreness/bruising
should go away in about 3 weeks.

bikes, cars and other items come and go as the 'things'
they truly are regardless of the value we give them or
level of attachment; experience, well-being and human
relations (like this forum) on the other hand is what life
is all about. Another thing is that right now there is more
supply than demand for all types of vehicles, so file your
claim, start surfing the classifieds and you'll be rolling
again in no time.

...see, here is my jacket ;)

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/972/04102009195.jpg

w/copilot

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/782/04102009194.jpg

C'ya!

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/9809/04102009192.jpg

New years resolution win!
(success, not a single coffin nail in over 3 months, cold turkey)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/5398/04102009211.jpg

Title: !
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/06/10 at 15:46:19

Dang, Stimp, fine jacket! Now, who is that goofy lookin sucker you got modelin it?
\

Bwaaahhhaaahhaaahhhaaahhaa,, that was MEAN!!!

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by groupus on 04/06/10 at 21:59:59

I would think that you could get the bike from the insurance company as a salvage, even if its just to sell parts to the fine people on this site and finance your next ride :-[.

I have to disagree with Stimpy. the love for my bike is unconditional. i can't say the same for most girls i've known.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by kerosene on 04/06/10 at 22:05:05

392E3B2E33292C5C0 wrote:

I have to disagree with Stimpy. the love for my bike is unconditional. i can't say the same for most girls i've known.

LOOOOL! true that

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Stimpy on 04/06/10 at 22:31:30

agreed 8-)

but that is the whole point!

i.e.
I had to sell my bike, it's gone,
i miss it to death but the thing is
gone... but it's still with me, it'll
always be with me cause that bike
is now me, get it?! and that is what
matters.

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by babyhog on 04/07/10 at 05:47:30

Stimpy, you look nothing like your avatar! Thank goodness! heehee

Title: Re: Is my bike totalled???
Post by Kirk on 04/07/10 at 13:22:53

Nice jacket and Bike Stimpy. And I echo your sentiment for motorcycles cause this was my first bike and probably the best bike I will ever own due to its simplistic yet aggressive driveability. I will be back on the road before summers out hopefully but if not soon thereafter. Take care folks and I will still pop my head in here from time to time to see how the great people on this forum are doing. Be safe out there and enjoy life.