Unexpected benefit of crash bars

Eville Rich

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2016
Messages
464
Location
Wisconsin, USA
I installed Altrider lower and upper crash bars lat summer. Today I discovered an unexpected benefit. I was riding along our local urban highway in the middle lane. On an overpass, a turkey was in the side, standing. It decided to make a run across the three lanes. Had enough time to consider an evasive manoeuver, but given traffic and likelihood of hitting it anyway I decided to just shave what speed I could (going 65 mph, shaved 5). The turkey apparently liked the look of my yellow S10 (who doesn't) and went in for a close look. Bang.

The bike took it like a champ. No issue with handling. I rode over some part of the turkey and hit it with other parts . All the happened was an auxiliary light got knocked out of alignment and I got feathers stuck in the crash bar. I'm pretty sure that without that crash bar I'd at least have had the right plastics get dislodged to unknown effect and possible hit the turkey with my boots or leg, which would have been bad. As it was, the crash bar took the hit and pushed the turkey to the side, keeping the turkey from hitting more fragile stuff or me. I was able to stay steady.

Impressed with both the bike and the crash bars. Might have also hit my Altrider sump guard, but couldn't really tell.

Stay safe out there.

Eville Rich
2016 S10
 

Dons 1911

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2020
Messages
266
Location
Rathdrum, Idaho
Those stupid, indecisive turkeys are as dangerous as deer up here where I live, if not more so. Glad it wasn't very eventful for you, coulda been worse! Go AltRider!

EDIT--- Yes, the yellow ones are worth a closer look!
 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,817
Location
Joshua TX
Also watch for vultures. Especially the one that have been feeding. They can't take off, and gain altitude as quick as before they ate. Which will put them at about chest/windshield height.
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Joined
May 22, 2011
Messages
8,227
Location
Tupelo, MS
BTDT with the vultures. Ugh. Crash bars rock. Rumbux did things to traffic barrels that have to be seen to be appreciated. Launched like the freaking shuttle!
 

Madhatter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
3,846
Location
buda texas
turkeys are pretty amazing birds . able to launch from zero to flying speed straight up like a rocket in a second or 2 . big tom weighing 25 lbs plus , damn powerful ballistic missile .
 
Top