2014 ES vs. Deer at 85 MPH

[LubeSuppliers.com]

Yesterday I joined the club of those who have hit a deer on their bike...

I was riding very fast and had virtually no time to react. It was noon and sunny - didn't expect to see any deer...

I took the brunt of the impact on the right side covers over the electronics and battery and my right leg. The deer hit the bike and spun around behind me and ended up about 15 feet off the road on the opposite side of the highway...

I killed the deer and managed to keep the bike upright...

My scariest moment ever on a motorcycle... for sure!

I turned around and came back to the deer. As I went to get off I saw some sparks on the right side of the bike. I looked and the covers where broken, several wiring connectors ripped apart and smashed electronics. The dash wouldn't come back to life and bike wouldn't start, so I ended up getting it towed back to dealer. I'll find out this week what all needs to be replaced. All in all, S10 is a tank !!!! This was a very high speed collision and damage is fairly minimal. I've very impressed with the build quality...

On a side note, I've had the '14 bike about 9 weeks now and have about 8,000 miles on it... loved every one of them (except maybe the last one) - this machine just keeps getting better the more I ride it....

Feelin' lucky...

I had just rode the same stretch a few minutes earlier with camera on - similar speed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWpgJpdI7QE&feature=youtu.be

 

[tomatocity]

Glad you are healthy and safe. Let us know how your insurance handles the repair of your '14 Tenere.

 

[Toxic Mark]

I can't frickin' believe you stayed upright!

 

[stutrump]

Pleased you're ok. I hit one 5 months ago at about 60mph. Sadly I came off much worse and so did the bike. Really pleased you're ok!!

 

[livharder]

you are one Lucky guy! been riding for 40 years and i always say, when riding we can control everything on the road if we are focused, but one thing we cant control is these f....n dears or a big animal jumping out of the side of the road. i wish there would be some kind of gadget to detect them or something. close call!

 

[Ramseybella]

I would buy a Lotto ticket.

Glad your OK!! ::003::

 

[justbob]

Glad it wasnt any worse for you.
I have a friend that has hit 2 deer, the second time I was following behind him and watched it happen.

 

[Bushyar15]

Wow, glad you are okay. Could have been so much worse….

 

[Andylaser]

As others have said, glad you're OK and the damage appears minimal.

I would take the deer home for eating.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Congratulations on winning the lottery!!!


I hit one and stayed up a number of years ago. After stopping the bike in the middle of the road, the adrenaline flushed, my legs turned to flubber, and I nearly fell over.

 

[eram310]

Where in Wi did this happen?
Like the others have said, dear is the number one concern riding in the north parts of the USA, especially Wi.

 

[bmac]

Glad you made it through your ordeal quite well. If you live in Wisconsin the chances are you will have plenty of close encounters with deer.

I hit one on a VFR800 at 55 and also kept it upright as well while totaling the bike. The key was I simply tucked and stayed off the brakes. I hit him dead center and like you it spun around. In my case it hit the seat frame and bent that as well. Motorcycles want to stay upright and as long as the rider does not panic they can. Most peoples gut reaction is to slam on the brakes which in many cases is not a very good strategy.

 

[Koinz]

Damn, You do have horse shoes up your butt.

Glad your ok. As others have mentioned, could've been alot worse.

Engine Guards may have saved the right side, but who knows, it could've made the crash worse too.

Terrifying when you see it last second and not being able to do anything about it. Good luck on the repairs.

 

[BravoBravo]

Good you (and your Tenere) made it out of that situation relatively unscathed! The wood rats are everywhere. The closest I came (so far) to a deer collision was thirteen years ago in northern Michigan, and that was at 10:30 in the morning. They are most prevalent at dusk and dawn, but they can show up any time!
About five years ago, I purchased a Hornet electronic deer alert, which I have now used on several bikes. Last month, I encountered a large buck on a county road. He was about 100-150 metres away, looked up as I approached, and ran off the road. I cannot be certain, but the impression I had was that he heard the high-pitched whistle that is projected ahead of the bike. I won't take anything for granted, but this is just one more preventive measure. I believe it probably works more effectively than air-activated whistles, since it does send the sound forward. For about $100, including shipping, I think they are worth a try. I have no connection with this company, but here is a link to the info in case anyone is interested. http://www.xp3hornet.com/
Has anyone else used the Hornet? If so, what is your opinion?

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[terrysig]

Been there done that (hit on other side of S10). glad you are ok.

 

[barkingllizard]

its good you are okay,
I had a friend, since passed due to cancer, who went down when a deer jumped in front a concrete barrier in front of her...

since then I always wear a full face helmet AND have added deer whistles on the Tenere...

in MY experience, THEY REALLY DO WORK, but not all animals crossing your path are deer.....

http://www.amazon.com/Bell-22-1-01000-8-Black-Deer-Warning/dp/B000CC4O58

 

[clint64]

Glad you came out ok. Never hit a deer but have come close a number of times. Damn things are everywhere.

 

[Bigbore4]

I hit one in 2007, same deal. High noon and sunny, didn't go down. Generally you do not expect to see them mid day.

Glad you are OK. The Wiley woods rat is a nasty beast.

 

[Ramseybella]

Where in Wi did this happen?
Like the others have said, dear is the number one concern riding in the north parts of the USA, especially Wi.

I think these things push each other into traffic on purpose, like the Geico Car Insurance Squirrels..

 

[Maxified]

Stinkin' forest rats...

Glad you are OK & wish you the best with repairs/settlement.