Last Sunday, I was making my way home from Cornwall's biggest annual charity motorcycle run, and less than a mile from home, I had to wait on a downhill slope behind a Land Rover Discovery. We were waiting for a lorry to come up the hill and pass us. I was about 4 bike lengths back from the 'Disco, when the driver pre-empted the need to reverse to allow the lorry past.
He checked his mirror, he put it in reverse and then accelerated backwards towards me.
I looked like this: then . At about 2 lengths ahead, I was shouting and on the horn but he still didn't stop until his bumper rolled up the tyre hit my headlights! At this point I was: and punching his back window.
The bike was properly wedged under the bumper with the 'Disco parked on the wheel. He got out and had a look and said 'I didn't see you' etc.

He actually admitted to the kids roof mounted DVD screen being down and blocking his view. I agreed with him, and it was then that I remembered not seeing his eyes in the mirror!

Anyway, he's paying for the bikes damage and alignment checks.
He drove off the wheel and we checked the bike, I couldn't see any damage and thought this was too good to be true. I rode home carefully and found that the Tyre was cut and the lower mudguard bracket was slightly bent, but not seriously.

I had the bike checked this week at my local shop and found that there is no damage whatsoever! The wheel is true, the spokes are fine, the forks are straight, headlights are ok, mudguards are ok, yokes are ok.

So, I've ordered a new tyre and I'm going to put some new wheel bearings in at the same time.

Ulysses, tougher than you think!

I think you should still get him to stump up for a new front wheel.They aren't designed to hold up 2 tonnes of 4x4. Perhaps the cost will make him think a bit more. Why compromise your safety that wheel has endured stresses that it was not designed for.

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Buell S1
Buell S3 (Topless for now)
Buell XB12S
Piaggio X8 400ie
Yamaha XTZ750 Super Tenere (x2)
Suzuki GSXR750WR
BSA B441VS
FJR1300

and maybe forks and yokes too. Has the dealer done any crack detection exercise?

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08 Specialized Langster

And make sure they do not arse it up.

Dutchman!
No, I've had it checked by my local shop for local people using a laser. He is an experienced bike rider who has done drag racing and bike maintenance for years. I would rather trust him than a trained Harley 'Tec'. I know it won't be super accurate, but it rides the same and they have no doubt that it's all fine. Obviously I can't ride it hard with the cut tyre, but it doesn't feel any different.
We have both tapped the spokes and they all ring the same, he DTI'ed the wheel for runout all over and it s all OK.
I will double check it again, when it's out for the tyre.

Will be too late when you find your tyre doesn't hold pressure cos the wheel is cracked...

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08 Specialized Langster

The Ulys wheels are tougher anyway and not the same as the other XBs in the range. Not designed for proping up cars though.

Myself I would want the wheel replaced. It is 100% payout if someone backs into you even on a bike. Trust me on this the best way is to go through the insurance company. Did he offer to pay? If he did then there is something else going on.

Good to here you ok LE

N.

Yes he is paying, but I've already agreed a price and hoping the cheque will turn up tomorrow. If not then I'll take it further. Tyre pressure is holding Nick, even though theres a 6mm deep cut in it. We'll see, as I said, if there was any doubt about the wheel or forks, then I would put them on the bill..........

Cheers Nate