Original post HERE.
Hey all, just thought I’d post an update. Sad to say it, but insurance has written my bike off as a Total Loss. The front end is mangled just enough that their inspector said frame damage was basically guaranteed around the steering column. It’s a bleeding tragedy, but my bike is off to the great Hog Meet in the Sky.
As for me, I’m handling it as best I can. Ankle is healing up, and my shoulder is almost back to normal. Yippee! I’ll be buying a new bike sometime this week, a 2012 VStrom with some 30K miles on it, for $2500 from a friend. As much as I wish I could keep it, this is the end of the road for my SR400.
Finally, I’d again like to remind people to wear All The Gear, All The Time. Even with everything that’s happened, I got off easy because my gear saved me. Wear the gear, even if it looks silly, because it’ll help save your life.
Usually it’s the forks that get bent - they’ll give long before the frame or triple-clamps.
I had this happen on one bike, bought the bike back from insurance for very little (they just reduced my payout), replaced a couple small things (turn signal, handlebars), then figured out how each fork was bent and rotated them in the claps until it ran straight.
Rode that bike for another 10 years.
Today you may be able to find forks online for a decent price, or in a forum. I can for my current bike.
Yeah I’m sure I could do that, find new forks and fix it up, but if the frame really is damaged, I don’t want to take the risk. It’s worth more to me to take the money and run, especially for a VStrom. I DO love the bike, and if I get a chance down the line, I’ll buy another for day-to-day commuting, but for now, I have to move on.