bu66er!!

[2wheelsonmawagon]

Out last night doing advanced motorcycle training. On the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton, go for an overtake in approved IAM style. As I'm closing on the car at about 50+ and getting to the "contact point" chuffing great rock in the road, about fist sized, which I couldn't avoid (IAM observer agreed it was just tough sh1t) as it had been obscured by the car which straddled it without any change in direction. "Slight" browen trouser moment as front wheel lifts a bit (no wheelie merchant me!), thoughts flash through mind of horrific tank slappers. Wheel back safely on ground, things feel ok for a few seconds, then steering has a bit of a wobble, then stearing feels really heavy. Time for a quick pull in without using front brake and come safely to a stop. Inspect fron wheel and there's a huge ding in it.

Recovery people were truly crud and stubbornly refused to understand where I was despite pin point directions (I drive the same road to work every day so know it pretty well!). Took them over 2 hours to get to me and they had the incident recorded as "rear wheel puncture" - muppets. My IAM observer stayed with me the whole time - top bloke.

Upshot is new front wheel,over £330 from Aprilia dealer. Waiting for some responses from some breakers but a bit wary of what they pass off as "mint condition". Seen one on ebay which could be tempting. It's going to cost some in any event but I guess it could have been a whole lot worse.

Keep it shiny side up boys and girls

[Damiencbr]

Bad luck matey!

At least you staid on the bike!!!

D

[grant.d]

These things happen unfortunately. The way to look at it is you were not hurt and it could have been alot worse.

[crankedup]

Rotten luck, still at least you stayed on the bike. Most of the rubbish on our roads comes from the back of lorries, nothing angers me more than to spot lorries hacking along with loads of debris flying off the back. Illegal of course but no BiB on the roads to catch the *******.