Author Topic: Broke my ankle (Read 2821 times)

Vince · **on:** July 29, 2013, 03:41:58 pm

I crashed my 1972 Yamaha 650 at an outrageous rate of speed. I started feeding the clutch. As I lifted my right foot off the ground the engine coughed and stalled. I could not get my foot down or out of the way in time, so I broke the fall of the bike with my ankle. the bike sustained only a few scratches.
Yes, I was doing ZERO MPH at the time.

D the D · **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2013, 04:13:00 pm

Bummer! Hope it heals quickly and doesn't bother you later.
My buddy dropped his Suzuki at a stop light right in front of me. Just dropped it while standing still. Don't feel stupid, it happens.

Rich Mintz · **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2013, 04:13:50 pm

Very sorry to hear! And: relieved that such things happen occasionally also to the experienced.

My second-worst bike injury (still not too serious) happened when I lost my balance while getting off a bike that was turned off and not moving. Another bike broke my slow-motion fall.

ERC · **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2013, 04:14:38 pm

At least you won't have to kickstart any Enfields for awhile.

ERC

Chuck D · **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2013, 04:27:43 pm

Vince,
Here's to an uneventful recovery. Heal up soon.
Chuck.

boggy · **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2013, 05:07:27 pm

Ankle breaks stink. You'll feel as if you've been on crutches forever with no progress. It's a bummer and you'll feel like you'll never heal up - but then you will. Take as much care now and you'll be better off later. I was hasty and it prolonged my healing. On the up side, you're shoulders and lateral muscles will get nice and ripped from those damn walking sticks!

Hang in there.
Boggy

barenekd · **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2013, 09:41:05 pm

Those "Laugh-in" getoffs are always such a gas! Sorry to hear it gotcha, Vince!
Bare

Portland Bullet · **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2013, 11:00:35 pm

Best to you, Vince. Healing thoughts coming your way!

JVS · **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2013, 03:45:57 am

That sucks! Very sorry to hear about that. I wish you a speedy recovery.

And! if it makes you feel a bit better, I dropped my brand new RE last year at the same amount of outrageous speed taking it off the center-stand in front of many people. Thankfully no physical injuries, but mentally I was slapped, along with some nice damage to the bike. I have that thread up on this forum, pics and all.

noisymilk · **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2013, 03:56:17 am

Hello there Br Vince,

Get well soon, my friend. Sorry to hear about the no speed get-off.

Ice · **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2013, 04:57:40 am

Vince,

Glad it was you ankle.
I know you understand when I mean because I know what that bike means to you. Heal well my friend.

Fellows some explaining is in order here.
Vince has owned that bike since new if I am not mistaken and has only rebuilt the engine once.
It has 14,000 miles on the odometers second trip around.
Except for where the paint on the tank sides is rubbed thin from knee gripping, the bike looks runs and I assume rides like it's maybe three or four years old at most.

Notice I said "assume".

Not counting passengers, no one other than Vince has ridden it or wrenched on it.

High On Octane · **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2013, 01:54:00 pm

Sorry to hear, broken ankles suck. Hope you heal up soon.

Scottie

ROVERMAN · **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2013, 02:26:27 pm

Get well soon Vince. I once hopped off my Kaw 440 and forgot to put the side stand down. I managed to recover it before it hit the dirt but my back was not happy! The many people watching did get some light entertainment though.

Robert & REnfield.

D the D · **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2013, 04:31:26 pm

Watch a couple of episodes of Benny Hill riding bicycles and you'll feel you did an absolutely expert dismount!

GreenMachine · **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2013, 05:16:54 pm

Vince: Isn't it the pits but I suspect u will mend soon enough and back in the saddle..

Vince · **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2013, 06:35:09 pm

Thanks for the kind words! I should come up with a better story. I tried telling people it was a tragic masturbation accident. My wife told me to be careful who I tell that one to. The worst part is that this is not the most embarrassing thing I've ever done on or off a motorcycle. I could tell you stories.
Saw the Doc this morning. 4-6 more weeks on crutches. I'm getting one of those scooters. It wouldn't be so bad except that it broke right where the Achilles Tendon anchors. I have to be REAL careful to avoid ripping the tendon.
Ice, good observations! I bought it new Dec. 30, 1971. It has about 115,000 miles. I lost track. This is my 4th speedo. Two crashes and one just flat wore out. I had just put new tires on it 40 miles ago. Continental has come out with a line of radial tires specifically to retro fit to classic motorcycles. I'm using 100/90-19 F and 110/90-18 R. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!! The bike has never handled this good of felt so sure. Oh. well. I'll get some ride time in before the rainy season.

barenekd · **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2013, 08:25:47 pm

Quote

Continental has come out with a line of radial tires specifically to retro fit to classic motorcycles.

What's the model name?
Bare

Vince · **Reply #17 on:** July 31, 2013, 01:10:33 am

Tires are the Continental Classic Attack.

singhg5 · **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2013, 05:31:57 am

Vince:

Sorry to hear that your ankle broke. Take care of it and let it heal properly over the next several weeks. Tendons can be pain to heal, so rest and time are important to recover fully. My prayers for your complete and speedy recovery.

Did you have full boots covering above the ankle or that would not have prevented this kind of injury ?

Vince · **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2013, 04:54:51 pm

I do have good riding boots. The boot was no match for 460 pounds of motorcycle driving the kick start shaft into my ankle. I was picking my foot up off the ground when the bike stalled. I simply was not fast enough to move my foot out of the way.
My big mistake was that I wasn't into the ride. I closed early to get home. It was my 33rd anniversary. My kids were home for the celebration. My wife was making her killer home made pizza with imported Italian pepperoni. We had the rest of the evening planned... I just wasn't paying attention to the ride. I gave the bike 30 seconds less warm up because I was in a hurry. I should have taken the truck.
The last time I rushed something I got a daughter out of the deal.

barenekd · **Reply #20 on:** July 31, 2013, 07:28:03 pm

Quote

Tires are the Continental Classic Attack.

I looked at those on Bike Bandit. The problem I have with them is that I can get a pair of MT66s for about the price of one of the Contis.
Bare

Vince · **Reply #21 on:** August 01, 2013, 01:50:33 am

I discounted what the Conti Rep said, because he's trying to sell product. BUT... Admittedly I only have just over 40 miles on this set. It has TRANSFORMED my bike. The ride is firm yet supple. Handling is amazing. I just have to think about turning and I am through the turn. I easily have 15% higher cornering speed, with lots less drama or tension. Extreme lean angles are child's play. And I'm not done breaking in the tires. The bike is much more sure and planted. I can't wait to be able to ride again. I will update you when I get more miles.
Don't get me wrong, the Pirelli MT66 is a fine tire. I sell lots of them because they are a great tire as well as a great value. I probably would have gone with them due to cost if they had my rear tire size. Their 120/90-18 is a little large for my wheel. But now I'm REALLY glad to have these Conti's.

Pauly · **Reply #22 on:** August 01, 2013, 06:40:11 pm

Quote from: Vince on July 30, 2013, 06:35:09 pm

Thanks for the kind words! I should come up with a better story. I tried telling people it was a tragic masturbation accident. My wife told me to be careful who I tell that one to. The worst part is that this is not the most embarrassing thing I've ever done on or off a motorcycle. I could tell you stories.
Saw the Doc this morning. 4-6 more weeks on crutches. I'm getting one of those scooters. It wouldn't be so bad except that it broke right where the Achilles Tendon anchors. I have to be REAL careful to avoid ripping the tendon.
Ice, good observations! I bought it new Dec. 30, 1971. It has about 115,000 miles. I lost track. This is my 4th speedo. Two crashes and one just flat wore out. I had just put new tires on it 40 miles ago. Continental has come out with a line of radial tires specifically to retro fit to classic motorcycles. I'm using 100/90-19 F and 110/90-18 R. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!! The bike has never handled this good of felt so sure. Oh. well. I'll get some ride time in before the rainy season.

Hahahahahaha fell off the ball washer at the golf course?

Guaire · **Reply #23 on:** August 01, 2013, 07:09:20 pm

I wore a 'moon boot' for awhile with a slight ankle break. It wasn't a fashion statement. They are pretty good at de-mobilizing the ankle and allowing you some semblance of walking.
I've managed two zero mph get offs. Saved by the boot on one and the other one strained my hamstring. Fortunately, no breaks.
Have good healing time!
Bill

barenekd · **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2013, 07:40:36 pm

Quote

Their 120/90-18 is a little large for my wheel.

I used the front 100/90-19 on my bike. Just have to run them backwards and no problem.
They also have 100/90-18s.
But I'm glad you're enjoying the Contis.
Bare

Vince · **Reply #25 on:** August 02, 2013, 05:07:15 pm

Got my scooter! Crashed it too... SIGH

D the D · **Reply #26 on:** August 02, 2013, 06:47:11 pm

Quote from: Vince on August 02, 2013, 05:07:15 pm

Got my scooter! Crashed it too... SIGH

What! The Fates are against you my friend.

Vince · **Reply #27 on:** September 04, 2013, 09:50:29 pm

BACK IN THE SADDLE! Doc released me. I can ride again! It was like taking a breath of fresh air. I feel MUCH better now.