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Animals on the Road

by Jean

Just found your site - so nice to see a woman on a sport bike! I have a Honda 599 and around here everyone is on a Harley with absolutely no protective gear so I stick out like a sore thumb. My questions are: avoiding animals on the roads-deer, dogs, skunks etc. We have a ton of deer around here and I have gone rolling and skidding down the road due to one. My bike and my knee were out of commission for about a month. I am much more afraid of another deer than a car. I have heard all kinds of stories - don't slow or swerve - just hit it. I do drive slow where I know they cross the road often but if one comes straight out of the ditch, it is on me before I even see it.

Also, lifting your bike after a fall. Is there a trick to lifting a sport bike compared to a larger cruiser. When mine is down, it is flat and I can't really get my rear down low enough to push against the seat, the way so many help videos tell you to do.

I am 5'4", 53 years old - this will be my 3rd summer of riding and I love it. I wear every piece of protective gear that I can and have built up my boots so I can be flat footed when I stop. I have no other woman to ask questions. I can ask the guys at the Honda dealership but what they say to do often doesn't help me out!

I really hope to hear from you. Thank you!!

Comments for Animals on the Road

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Apr 26, 2009

Animals and Drops
by: Anonymous

I haven't had to deal with deer yet but they are a problem here also. Several people I know have hit them and the outcome was bad. I watch very closely in areas I know they may be. Dogs, I just slow down so I can stop if have to. I have same problem picking mine up also its flat and can't get leverage. Hopefully I'm done dropping it so not an issue but one reason I don't like riding by myself. Let me know if you figure out how to pick it up.

Apr 26, 2009

Animals in Road
by: Sue A

I am glad I have never had to deal with this but I have had to deal with picking up a bike - mine isn't heavy at all but the two times I have dumped it I have been under it and I can't reach it in that position to get it off my foot.

I have seen the videos of course showing women lifting while standing backwards - I don't know if that works or not but I have heard it does from a few gals that I know who ride. Luckily for all of us we normally ride with others, men, and women alike and since the Phoenix Metro area is not like a country road there is always people around that will help.

I honestly can't see hitting a running deer, not in a car or on the bike - but .... never had to deal with it. Instinct would tell me to swerve like hell and hope for the best. I know the one thing I hear over and over and over again is to stay off the front brake, hard to do in a panic mode I know.

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