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Deer strike at 45mph

9K views 80 replies 67 participants last post by  Radioactive 
#1 ·
At 7am this morning in 35 degree weather I was T-boned by a large deer. I was on my way home from work and fortunately was wearing my heated gear, including outer pants with armour in the knees. I was also wearing my bulletproof vest from work underneath my other layers. I was travelling 45mph when it struck me. I took a hard hit to the ribs and my left knee when she tried to climb on board with me.

I'm not sure how, but in spite of being hit so hard I was forced off the road into the grass, I was able to keep the bike upright and come to a stop gradually about 100 feet or more from where I was hit. I actually made it back onto the road and into a driveway where I came to rest. Maybe it was the old motorman training or maybe just good luck.

The damage to the bike is excessive. The front fairing is damaged and possibly the front forks bent. The driving lights were snapped off up front. The tank is pretty scratched up. The worst damage was to the rear. The tourpak essentially exploded and all the contents, including my duty belt, were scattered down the road behind me. I was dragging what was left of the tourpak behind me. The bags are scratched up as are most of the parts. At first glance I would guess the damage is probably in the range of $7,000 to $10,000 but that is strictly a guess.

The deer went down but upon limping back to my duty belt and getting my gun, she must of decided she didn't want to be dinner tonight. She bolted from the scene.

I had the bike towed in to HD Atlanta and they have already started working on the damage estimate. Progressive is also doing their part. Quite frankly, I would normally be extremely upset, however I am just so amazed and blessed that I walked away from this without more serious injuries. The bike can be fixed or replaced.







 
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#53 · (Edited)
This is about the third deer strike written up on here in just the last 2-3 months. I guess this further proves what has been talked about on here a lot over the last couple years ... that The Shark is no longer considered the ugly duckling in the Harley nest, that it's "The Bike" that everyone wants to ride ....even the woods critters!!!

On a more serious note, we're all very glad to know that you escaped what could have been a disasterous situation and will soon be back riding again. You'll never ride through that area again without being on high alert, scanning for deer. I hit one a couple years ago with my Tundra to the tune of $5,400. on a road I drive most every day and I still haven't stopped looking for more attack deer!
 
#55 ·
That is a big ouch. A few years ago we were heading from the dealership to rolling thunder at Ft. Washington HD. Now there were about 300 bikes and a doe ran into the middle of the pack and took out one guy. He did not make it as well as you did and we were only doing 30mph at the time. The motor units doing the escort were at the intersection just a few yards away and well,,, the doe didn't make it away from that TA scene!!!!
 
#63 ·
Wow!! Unreal.. So glad you're ok.. Like you and others have said.. Your bike can be replaced.. Training,, a lil luck,, and maybe a lil the Man upstairs looking out for ya.. Good luck in getting your bike fixed.
 
#64 ·
UPDATE: There isn't really much of an update. It's been a week since the crash. I spoke with HD Atlanta. The estimate is over $11,000 in damage but she said she 'thinks' they're going to repair it. She stated that the denim paint is "hard to match" so the estimate is based on replacing almost all the parts with new, ordered from Harley. Progressive did come out 'last week' she said, however I've checked their online system and there is no update. I just placed a call to the adjuster so I'm waiting to see what he says.

I'm really okay with it either way, I'm just happy to walk away from an $11,000 deer strike. Ribs are 100%, knee still a little sore and bruised but okay for the most part.

If they repair, I will be seeing if they can order the replacement parts in big blue pearl. If they repair, I will be looking to order, probably the road glide but in an ultra this time (instead of the custom and adding the trunk, etc), in big blue pearl.

Thanks all for the kind words. Keep your fingers crossed for me that it all works out in the end and I can get back on two wheels. It's killing me to see the sun shining today and not having a bike to ride.
 
#66 ·
Well, the final total from Progressive turned out to be $11,733.89. Minus the $500 deductible, they cut a check today for $11,233.89. I was a bit confused because they cut the check made out to HD Atlanta. When I called the guy he acknowledged it's MY money, not the dealerships, so he's cancelled that check and will be issuing one to me.

So, for those that are still reading, I would like to get some opinions. I'm just curious how others would proceed. As I see it, my options are as follows:

1. I have already spoke with the dealership about the possibility of signing the title on the bike over to them, signing the check over to them and paying the extra on a new bike. The one I was considering was a roadglide ultra that they have in the showroom. The hang tag on it shows about $22,500. They made an initial offer of taking the bike, the check and then me paying an extra $10,600 or so for the new bike. I threw these numbers around and ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT do that deal. The number I had in my mind was more in the $5000 out of pocket range (+ the $11000 check).

2. Repair the bike as written up on the estimate sheet. It includes replacing ALL the tins, even though none are cracked or dented, just simply scratched, replacing the tourpak with the smoked lights as it was etc etc. I can change the color to any color I want (it would be big blue pearl). There are also parts listed on the estimate that I am positive do not need to be replaced (for example, the jiffystand and spring at a cost of $134 and the split vision mirrors at a cost of $119.95). Although this is the EASY solution, there is so much waste in doing it this way as I'm literally paying for things such as a new front fairing at a cost of $501 and new bags at a cost of $1,516 when all they have is surface scratches. These prices apply to all the parts, I just used those 2 as examples. If doing this I would probably also pay a bit extra and have the front end chrome and the inner fairing color matched.

3. Have the dealer remove all the tins and have them custom painted at a reputable local shop. Have the dealer complete all the other necessary work such as replacing the front forks (really the only 'damaged' part) and install the tins after they are painted. By doing this I can pick any paint job I want (kinda still lean towards the big blue pearl as I love that color) but potentially save thousands in replacing parts that really don't need replacing. Another option would be watching craigslist or ebay for complete sets of painted tins as these are often available. Again, doing this I would probably chrome the front end and color match the inner fairing.

Also, if there are any of you that have used or work at any local shops in the Atlanta region, let me know. I appreciate any input
 
#67 ·
order the parts already painted ,factory finish,from either PC_PAIN or directcycleparts at a discount,install them yourself and spend the leftover on accessories.that would be my plan,especially since it's winter,you have plenty of time.

or you could go the custom paint route if you choose.

or you could take the check,use it for a down payment on a new bike at another dealership,or perhaps trade in your fixable bike.

can't blame ya for turning down these guys,sounds like they wanted you to pay full price for a new bike and just give them your old one!
 
#68 ·
Yea, I had considered Jon or another online source also. I have used him before with great success. Replacing the tins isn't exactly rocket science, I'm sure (those side covers sure are hard to snap on ha ha).
 
#70 ·
That does make me feel better....tenderloin is the best....happy thanksgiving
 
#71 ·
SCARY Story!,...
45 mph Impact is quite a BLOW!
The momentum HAD to keep you up-rite. Its amazing that it did. Scary Story!,...Have I stated that???
Tour-Pak X-ploding, is pretty wicked. Bullet-Proof Vest is now a Rib-Proof Deer Vest! :)!
Shuuuuu,.....
W-O-W!!!
Take ur Bike to Covingtons, Baggernation, or Sinister Ind.
Give them ur 12,000 check and tell them too build you a 26 inch Rideable Bad-Ass-Mutha,.. King Ass Stereo,...Killer Paint Job,..Stretched Tank ,.... Harley Davd-SON!!!
Woah-,...SCARY!?
Happy Turkey Day Man!
 
#72 · (Edited)
SharkBite, as it sounds like you are eyeballing a new bike anyway, here's what I would do.

Repair the bike as cheaply as you can. Buy parts from eBay or Craig's List and DIY what you can over the winter. Tins are easy to swap, and things like the forks that may be over your head, have an Indy do the work. Leave the small scratches if they are not too bad, and it will save you some money. I'm not suggesting you do a shoddy job, just keep the budget in check. Take your time, buy take off parts as they become available, and don't get carried away with extras. It could be a fun winter project as well.

Next spring when it's all done and riding season is starting, sell it yourself. You'll always get more for it than trading it in. I'm also not suggesting that you try and pull a fast one on a buyer. If they ask if it's been in a wreck, let them know. This may turn off some buyers, others it may not, you'll still have a clean title. Take your profit from the sale, and what's left of the insurance money, and head to the dealer. You are likely to do pretty well on a nine month old 2013, or wait and see what the 2014's look like.

Personally, I'd never be happy riding a bike that had as much damage as yours does. But that's just me, I'm a bit OCD...
 
#75 ·
I think this is good advice as much of it was. I am going to head to the dealer tomorrow and see what kind of offer I get on a new one when I sit down with them and crunch numbers. If those numbers don't work I will possibly have them do the only necessary work to make sure it's safe, which is minimal, and then just take my time either finding a set of tins for sale or a local (or not so local) painter. The ball is really in my court. Although I ride 12 months a year at least it's not 'prime' riding season.
 
#73 ·
Check this out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Davidson-Touring-Forks-Suspension-/281026872757?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item416e81c5b5&vxp=mtr

Nearly new forks for $350 Buy It Now or $175 opening bid. And that was just a quick search.

I bought a salvaged title 2001 FXDX about 7 years ago and rebuilt the whole bike from eBay take off parts. I picked up an undamaged tank for $300 and had the fenders color matched for $200 Took the scratched primary, point cover and some other parts to a powder coater and had then done in wrinkle black. Everything came from eBay. Took me about a year, but came out very nice and I turned a tidy profit. Here's the before & after pics:




 
#74 ·
forks are really easy with the service manual and a vise..I have the jim's fork holder for a vice,and used the monotubes,they simplify it even more.I got my powdercoated lower forks for less than 200 from ebay.everyone is cheaper on everything than the moco!

oh yeah,many machine shops can straighten fork tubes for cheap too! just takes a die and a press brake.
 
#76 ·
I spent my 'black friday' at the dealer negotiating and turning it into 'blue friday'. The bike has been replaced with a 2013 Roadglide ultra....here's the basics on the deal:

Initially when I asked if they had any interest in keeping my bike, my insurance check and working out a deal on a new one, the GM said absolutely.

The numbers they additionally came up with was me paying a difference of around $10,600. This wasn't anywhere near acceptable to me and I expected a low offer initially. This offer was conveyed to me by phone on wednesday. I had 'black friday' off of work so I set that day aside to try and play 'let's make a deal'.

After much negotiating the GM came to me and said that they were "all in" and could offer me a price difference out of my pocket of $6,779.19 out the door. I told him we were getting closer but that I was going to shop a few other dealers and just make sure the deal couldn't be sweeter. I told Jeff, the GM, that he knew I wanted to do business there as I had done so on my previous purchase and am always pleased with them. He acknowledged also wanting to do business. Before I walked out the door he sweetened the deal better. He brought the out of pocket amount down to a few dollars under $6,500.

The number I had in my mind that I wanted to get to was $6,000 so we were close. I told Jeff that I would do the deal IF they agreed to let me keep the following:

Mustang seat and backrest......$650
Ohlin 2-2a shocks......$600
Madstad windshield....$350
Adjustable crash bar footpegs.....$300
Split-Vision mirrors.....$120
Iphone/accessory mount.....$100
'Top Shelf bag organizers.....$100
Heated gear connector.....$20
Chrome license plate frame.....$20
Probably some other parts I forgot on this list.....priceless

So essentially, I was able to get them to agree to let me keep approximately $2,260 in parts that without a doubt I would have had to replace. In addition, I was allowed to keep the factory windshield and give them the cheesy 4 inch windshield that came on the custom originally. Additionally, I kept the seat of the 2013 and brought them the original seat from the 2010.

Obviously I could have fixed up the 2010 and came out thousands ahead if I did the repairs myself, had it done at a local custom shop or got the parts from one of our friends such as PC Pain. It however would have always been in my mind, as others have said, that the bike suffered $11,700 in damage. Ever since seeing the new blue color I loved it. By going with the 2013 ultra some of the advantages in my mind, over repair, were the fact that it was a new bike with 0 miles as opposed to the 18,000 miles I had on the 2010. The upgraded motor from the 96 to the 103. The addition of the intercom and cb on the 2013 (which I will use both). The other obvious 'improvement' is having that peace of mind that the bike is new, never damaged.

I put down a little. I also did get the 7 year (5 year really) extended service including tire/wheel after they agreed to discount it as they did last time (after giving them Kutter HD's online price). I paid for that outright and financed exactly $5000. At 3.99% the payment is $112 for 4 years. Without a doubt I'll pay it off early.

I'm happy with the decision to buy new. I feel that Jeff gave me a fair price where both they and I could benefit. Hat's off also to Mark Maria, the sales guy. He has been great as always. I love going in the dealership and always getting friendly hello's from the employees that all recognize me as a regular.

Knowing pics would be required I snapped a few. Thanks all for your advice and kind words





 
#78 ·
I would say you are a truly blessed man. I took a deer hit 2 months ago and didn't go down either. Mine wasn't nearly as bad as your is, about $3700 damage, as she hit me low and bounced off. I would chalk your not getting it worse to equal parts skill, being watched over (what some would call luck) and the choice of bike. Good luck, glad you're ok. Abe
 
#79 ·
sounds like they treated you more than fair , enjoy the new ride
 
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