“nah, I’m getting to old not to be doing this” As a 69 y/o nomad living full-time seven years in a trailer, that comment says it all and got you a new subscriber. Happy n Safe Travels!
The best I can do is 3-4 months on the road here in Canada. Or with returning to Canada. Winters damn. May have to look at staying south for a year. Thanks for coming along.
Of course this happened only a minute and a half after it started to pour and I was starting to get off the road. Hald hour after the accident I was back on the road and within another half hour I was totally dry. Was that kind of day.
Wow! So glad you've made it through that! Your spirits are still high & you made it a mission to keep enjoying what you're doing and ride! Blessings to you sir! 🙏🏾👍🏾😎
I've only had 1 spill on a bike, but several close calls in a 4 wheel vehicle. Sometimes things happen very quickly and unexpectedly. Pick up the pieces and go on. Thanks for the videos. Enjoying your journey.
My worst crash ever was on black ice in a van. This was as quick but not as catastrophic. The van was a write-off. I always feel that if you can, you keep on.
Not much you could have done differently to avoid that crash. I enjoyed your thoughts on it and admire your determination to ride on. Why not, we only go this way once and must try to enjoy every min we can. Keep on updating your videos so I can get through this winter without losing my mind.
The video editing keeps me from going crazy in the winter lol. I'll just keep presenting what happened on my trip with some after thoughts... no white washing, no making things looks too easy. Hopefully also showing some of the joy and awe of being on the road for months at a time.
You’re a lucky man, Jim!! Heavy rain on dry pavement can feel like riding on ice. Glad it was just a slight mishap and didn’t interfere with your trip. Cheers
When you went down my heart stopped I am so happy to see you continue your trip. I am a couple years older than you and like long cross country trips but I don,t camp out.I am sorry to say I laughed watching you get on and off your bike at fuel stops I have the same issues I always said the hardest part of riding was getting on and off my Kawasaki Voyager. Stay safe Jim.
Yes, throwing a leg over isn't the same as it was in my 30s. I will admit that I had an "oh sh_t!" moment as I started to go down and the thought that the trip was over. Once I saw the bike and trailer had none to little damage and that the worse I had was sore ribs and shoulder, I knew I was just going to keep going. I didn't camp as much as I should have this trip. going to make up for that this coming summer.
Jim, I've been on the road since 1984, and too have had some very close calls. That's a part of motorcyleing, and we all know this as we travel down the highway.... Stay safe and God Bless!!
Glad you're ok and the added bonus of an excuse for buying a new jacket......speaking as someone who doesn't drive, (so its motorbikes all year round), it's the only upside to a spill....after a blind man drove through me on the wrong side of the road, I bought a 4 season jacket with full D3O armour and its been a revelation....I kept putting it off and the crash forced my hand....good hunting🏍️💨💨💨💨🍻👍
Glad you got though your accident. Luckily I did have my Transition 4 jacket with me as I knew the mesh was not going to work in the Rockies or the fall part of the ride. I made it work in the heat.
Glad you didn’t get hurt and good for you for not giving up on the trip thanks for sharing and keeping it real take care Jim see you on the next video hope you’re having a wonderful week
I just wonder if a car tire on front and rear wouldn’t have prevented that from happening . When looking at my front cycle tire , I can see how it would be good on dry curves but it sure looks like it would be slick , without much of a contact patch and the added drag of a trailer on slick , wet , and oily pavement , would be very difficult to control . Definitely was an oh s - - t moment and that is all it took . So glad you’re okay and can carry on . I am 83 and can only imagine the thoughts that would have been going through my mind . 😮
I have thought about running a car tire on the rear strictly for economics. I would never run one on the front. Here's the funny thing, I've always felt that car tires, due to their flat profile on the pavement and lots of contact are more susceptable to hydroplanning than motorcycle tires that cut through the water instead of riding on top of it. There were a lot of factors that would be hard to replicate. The trailer always is a factor. It will slightly hold you back or slightly push you. The amount of sudden rain on a very oily section of road. Only having a few thousand kilometres on this bike and not as used to it's braking as I was with the ST1300. It happened and I don't blame it on any one thing. At least I was able to get up and ride away. That's all that is really important.
As you went down I thought about the telephone pole coming up. Glad you are ok and were able to continue. I have experienced hydroplaning in our roads on a very similar Goldwing (1984 - 1500cc). Pavement rutting in areas where there is high truck traffic is a problem. Ride safe!
The road was very slick. You can't really tell from the video that the road dips and trucks downshift a lot as they get to the rise. Might have been years of transmission fluid laid there.
To me that seems like classic symptoms of aquaplaning. In that downpour your tyre couldn't process the amount of water it was trying to deal with and it lost contact with the road when a layer of water built up and lifted it. Shit happens! Keep riding. Glad you are okay.
I think there was transmission oil on that section. Slight top of hill and trucks downshifting. It was too wet for me to really investigate and I just wanted to get back on the road. Yup, shit happens and you just get up and keep going.
I really feel like I can learn from you as a rider with only three seasons of riding under my belt. Also, I don't think you could've avoided that spill . Even if you only used your rear brake, I think when it's that slippery out the trailer would have pushed you around anyway. Glad you're okay .
Howdy from east Tennessee! The important thing is you're OK and were able to continue your adventure. Looks like a new jacket may be in order. A minor detail all things considered. My Dad always said, never give up, keep going till you can't go anymore, then go a little farther! Thanks for Sharing.
Luckily I did have my other jacket with me. Wore the mesh one a few more days before I finally dumpstered it. Yes, t'was only a scratch. Keep on going.
I’m glad you’re ok and didn’t let it stop your trip. Stuff happens and we deal with it and move on . Keep the shiney side up and the dirty side down .✌️
Hey Jim, I was enjoying your video and thinking about your phone getting wet but never expected you to go down. That sure was fast and there was nothing you could have done to change things. A little fuel, oil or coolant on the wet surface is bad and most times hard to see. It's great to see you never had any serious injuries and were able to get back on the road quickly. Catch you on your next video.
I'm usually pretty good in the rain. Hit a lot of it the first month of travelling this summer for sure. May not be so good on teflon, bacon greased roads though. Yup, made it through another season. Starting to plan for the next one.
@@curtiscollins2174 I rode through northern Michigan in 2022 on my "106 Days on the Road" I would like to do the shore roads around Lake Superior so maybe I'll be back in 2026.
Well, I did have a nano second of doubt sitting in the road, totally soaked and with my back to the overturned trailer. Once I knew I was ok and everything else was in pretty good shape, there was no question of not continuing.
@ cant sayI blame you for thinking of quitting after you crashed I would of too.I just got back into riding myself as well as my wife.take care and stay safe out there.
@@neilwilliams5173 I couldn't think about quitting for long. I would have had at least a 5 day ride to get home. 5 days back or 5 days forward? Always pick forward.
First off. I enjoy your vids. you articulate your thoughts and whats going on nice and clearly. I also like the way you always explain your route and location as well. Complete with maps...nice. Im also an old guy on a bike...A Harley Ultra ....also pulling a pop up trailer. Ill be 68 this spring. I like your attitude relating to misshapes such as this one...and your last as well. You pick yourself up and get back on that horse! Im still recovering from a fairly serious dirt bike crash in Sept that resulted in surgery. Some question my intent to continue dirt riding but....NOT stopping. That would not be a step towards death ( or at the least a walking dead old person) but more of a giant leap. So...not happening. But I feel I do have to criticize your one statement when you claimed you didnt do anything wrong. Now While there were some complicating circumstances you still have to own it...and learn .from it. I rarely use my front break in the rain...or any slippery condition. That said... I dont mean to beat you up too much. Youre fairly new to that bike. Every bikes breaks and traction characteristics are different. Accept the error and learn from it. I noticed Watching your vids of this trip...(from the rear veiw camera) makes me think your front end is a little (or alot) on the light side. Now Im pretty sure you have your trailer hitch weight setup percentage wise to the trailer weight in the ball park at 10 to 15%. So if you cant lighten your hitch weight I would make sure your rear suspension is as stuff as possible. This will help transfer weight to the front end. I also notice at times you seem to struggle some with the weight of this bike. Understandable given its heavy. I also know you need a fairly heavy bike because the trailer. But if you dont gel well with this bike over this trip I would suggest a slightly Lighter bike but with good torque for pulling. Im thinking bigger v twin. While Im partial to Harleys (Im thinking Heritage or Road King) but there are also metric cruisers that would do the job....and somewhat cheaper as well. The advantage with these types of bikes is not only their weight but their low center of gravity....thats huge. I know you may have already considered these types of bikes....Im just sharing my thoughts. Anyway...thanks again for sharing your trips with us. And Keep getting back on that horse!! : -)
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I don't think the tongue weight is excessive, works out to about 13% of trailer weight. Rear shocks ar pumped up to close to max. Maybe I am a little light on the front. Maybe a little. Totally true that I am still getting used to the bike. At this point I only have about 2000 km. on her and a thousand of that pulling the trailer. Getting used to her brakes after coming off an ST1300 with ABS. I'm running on a very tight pension budget so an old Goldwing was perfect fro me to get. It actually has a very low centre of gravity and handles well but can be awkward in a parking lot as I get used to her. I will probably run her for a couple of years now that I have 25,000 km. riding her.
There weere a few lovely hours late morning and into the start of the afternoon. Half hour after the accident I was totally dry and it was sunny right up to setting camp. Unfortunately I did not have any cameras running after due to mouont and/or camera damage.
Hey Jim, I still drop in once in a while to see how you're doing. I can't figure out what went wrong in that fall either, but the bike behaved like it was in deep water, so must have been a loss of traction issue. I'm glad to see you were ok and able to get back on the road right away. Don't worry about the jacket, that's what they are designed to do. Better the jacket gets wrecked than you. We do break easier when we get older so we got to be careful. The trailer may have helped with the fall because of the pulling on the back when you hit uneven and very slippery ground. I wonder if you should consider another brand of tires if it's in the budget. Keep those two wheels down buddy!
Glad to see you get back once in a while. I do the same. I went through nasty rain storms on those tires and they were fine. It looks like there was transmission fluid imbedded in the road there. A crest that the trucks downshift on.
The way it looked, I would say the rain brought up some oils on the road, and you just had the misfortune of hitting it at the wrong time. I’m sure happy your jacket was the only thing to get really hurt! I hope there wasn’t much damage to anything else…
Damaged the lens of one camera. Chin mount came off but fixible. Side light on the trailer and a few scratches on the trailer and bike engine guards. That was it.
That rain came down so fast and heavy. Was just going to pull into the service station at the bottom of the hill. I was very relieved to be on the road half an hour later.
Jim, I have an FJR1300a and a Shoei GT Air helmet. If you don't recognize me, I'm the old guy that's traveled over 3/4 of the United States. When you mentioned having trouble with fogging, it struck a chord with me, and well I thought you might get something out of the solutions I've found. First of all my helmet has an inner shield that snaps in on my Shoei's face shield. It's supposed to prevent fogging, but it doesn't. What I have found to work is using RainX on both the inside and outside of my helmet face shield, not using the inner snap-in shield, and RainXing my bike's windscreen, and then riding with my face shield open to the first detent. The first detent on my helmet shield has the shield open about a half inch. It seems very effective, Jim, and even more so if the helmet vents are open. I can't imagine riding at all with either the windscreen or my face shield fogged up, and the RainX works marvelously to sheet the rain droplets off of both, and halt the fogging. There's also a FogX product that I've tried once, but it didn't seem to me to be any better than just using RainX. Maybe I'm "whistling Dixie" to be telling you all this, as you've probably tried every scenario, but if you have maybe some young "whipper-snapper" biker in his forties, that's new to the road will get some good out of my words...... maybe save him or herself from an accident. Ya know friend, even when I can't travel, your videos are great escapism....... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ! Speakin of highly....... I like a little snort of spirits to warm my cockles, in camp at night too. My preferred is Seagrams V.O. whiskey.
Hi Greg. I left my RainX in the carpentry shop at the theatre. I do use it most of the time. Keeping the shield cracked a little helps while temps are equalizing between the cold outside air and the warm breath. In my scuba diving days we used to spit on the inside of the mask but I don't think that works as well for the helmet visor lol. All and any advice it good. Even better when I don't forget something when I hit the road. The day after that incident, a friend gave me a spray bottle of purple stuff, Shine 5 Armor? that does pretty good as a bug remover/rain protector but I don't think it as good as the RainX.
Wow glad you are ok! That shocked the crap out of me I was not ready for that. You have a great mind set and I hope I have the same if/ when that happens to me. I guess there are no real electric brakes for a trailer that small. Stay safe and I’ll be watching and learning from your adventure
I had my worries when I was sliding on the road lol but all in all, the bike, trailer and I came out alright. A 15 year old jacket was all that was lost in the end. The trailer is somewhere between 450 and 500 lb. fully loaded. Not really a contender for electric brakes and the axle/suspension also makes it harder. Now, if I was pulling a loaded Time Out camper at 650-800 lb. I would seriously look at them. They would not have helped me in this situation.
Glad you're OK. After watching the video a few times, it looked like you broke traction when you down shifted. Glad you were able to continue your trip.
I've looked at it and listened to both cameras a few time. I don't think I downshifted before I went down but I did let of the throttle. Whatever it was the pavement being like a teflon pan drenched in bacon fat did not help.
I watched the "oops" part several times, and every tine it looks like the bike just decided to drop down. Very glad it wasn't serious, but it definitely sucks that it happened. But hey, everything happens for a reason, and I guess it was time to retire that jacket. 😂
Wayne, I'm still not 100% certain why I went down so fast and in that manner. Whole lot of little factors with the big ones being the sudden tons of rain and the very slick surface. Didn't even have a chance to say "SH-T!". I was very relieved ten minutes later after inspecting the bike, the trailer and myself. Helmet had a slight scratch but no actual impact. Luckily I did have my Transitions 4 jacket with me and I made that work even on hot days later on.
Too bad about the mishap, jump on and go!! Seems like I heard a little hard rain or hail on the last second or two. Ride safe Jim and just go and give er!
The rain was very hard. Fast moving storm. One of the fastest and heaviest showers I have been in. Stopped about 10 minutes after the accident and I was dry a half hour later while riding to my campsire.
Great video as usual, the accidents was road issue for sure , but the rain on these roads cam be bad with the oil etc, making it very slippery....I agree with your assessment on that one . .
I've had lots of time to think about it and the video to watch of course. I could avoid all accidents if I stayed home and watched TV but I am not going to do that. Still more scared of slipping in the bath tub.
Glad your ok Jim. Freakish accident. I do remember learning during my MSC training quite a few yrs back that the pavement is at its slipperiest at first rain. Thats because of the oils left behind from vehicle's. I use extreme caution for the first 30 minutes of rain until these are washed away. And yes we Americans like our firearms, me included. Take care.
Well aware of the effects of first rain and I am always careful especially on highway entrance/exit ramps and on painted lines. This storm was so quick. Of course I was just trying to find a place to get off the road.
I had a very similar experience going down on my Triumph Tiger 660 Sport, but this was in dry road conditions. What happened to me as I was going around the turn on some North Carolina backcountry roads and was also in the center of the lane. What I didn’t realize as I was going around this corner was very fine road grit that was impossible to see in that center area between the two tire lanes. I wasn’t going fast and I wasn’t hot dogging around the corner, but I went down in a very similar fashion. After I pick myself up off the road and looked around. I went back to the spot where the bike did go down and then could see that grit. This has changed my riding habit a little bit. What I have done and what I have taught myself to do is basically ride in the left tire lane all the time. I don’t cross over when going into right hand turns. I simply stay in that left tire lane all the time. For me, it has been a good habit to get into as I don’t have to then think about what the road conditions are, as in your instance, they were wet in that center part of the lane was slick. Now it is pretty much second nature just to drive in that tire lane. I didn’t quit writing either, although numerous people encouraged me to stop. I have just changed my writing style ever so slightly, and I think that has been the right thing to do.
I usually also follow the track of the driver's side wheel in a car. In this instance I was starting the move to the right so I could go into the service station at the foot of the slight hill. There was a discoloured strip of pavement. That's where it got slippery.
Glad you came out of it well. It's good that you are keeping going. I am a few years older than you and they would have to shoot me to get me to stop riding and pulling my camper trailer. Spilled diesel will make the road like ice when wet. Ask me how I know. LOL
There is always a hazzard waiting out there to get us. We can't worry too much about those. Glad to hear you are still riding and camping. Somedays I am more afraid of getting into the bath tub.
Front motorcycle tires are shaped like the bow of a boat and do a fairly good job of cutting surface water. Similar to a couple of other comments I question the effect of extra weight (trailer ball and loaded side cases) on tthe front suspension. Does loading the rear of a Goldwing with a loaded trailer ball reduce weight/pressure on the front wheel? If it does the front wheel will lock up sooner than normal, particualrly under reduced friction conditions (rain/ice/smooth road surface) and the absence of ABS and integrated brakes. 98% of the time this wouldn't be a noticeable issue until the roads are wet. Moreover, the road doesn't appear to have much of a crown to drain water. I think your comment of not front braking very hard is true. Under the circumstances amounting to a "perfect storm" it wouldn't take much pressure to lock the front wheel.
I actually feel safer on the bike in heavy rain most of the time than I do in a car because I know I am cutting the water better and less prone to hydroplanning. Certainly the weight of the trailer tongue etc. may lighten the load on the front wheel a little. I went through a number of storms this past summer and did not have any other problems in the wet. This section of road was definately extra greasy. Anyway, a lot of factors. As you put it "a perfect storm".
I agree with the slick road surface Jim. That Wing has linked brakes so I don’t think you could have over applied the front lever to cause that or we would have noticed the front end dive some.
In retrospec, I really don't think I touched the brakes until after the fall started. Was still getting used to the brakes and the linked brakes worked well in every other situation. Heavy rain and mountains. Was definately slick Brian, caught me totally by surprise. Didn't even have time to utter an expletative before I hit the road.
Jim; Great video except for the part where you scared the hell out of me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Been so cold here my ride won't even start til I put some heat on it!!! We are doing fine here. Just winter!!! Yuck!! Hope all is well with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! God Bless safe ridin rubber down
Scared me too! Still only a dusting of snow here and temps right at freezing. Glad you are doing well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's back at you guys. Gotta start dreaming of next spring.
@ less weight on front because of weight on hitch. Touch front brake before weight has transferred to front on low grip surface. Bars just wash away, no chance of recovery once front wheel locked. 👍🏻🇨🇦
I really don't think that was the issue. I run about 60 lb. which is 13% of my trailer weight. Was through lots of rain and standing water over the summer. Up and down mountains. Through a lot of twisties. Handling was not a problem. Slick road surface and the rain were the main factors.
Note to self: Stay off the front brake in any kind of wet conditions.... The road may have been slick, but front brakes will make it even worse. Obviously, glad you're ok. Ride on.
Hi Jim,your old Beemer 750 was a /5 was it a "long frame" or "short frame". Mine was a 1970 or 71 with the short frame so it took the snaller battery. After a nice trip down to Natural Bridge Va i sold it in 1982 and bought my first Westfalia VW camper, a 1972 aircooled van. Have a nice day. Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border
Mine was a '70 with the short frame I do believe. Memory is not bad just so full of too much lol. I know my friend had one with the other frame and mine seemed to handle the twisties better so I am sure it was short. It was a sweet bike. Sold me on big tanks, long distances and shaft drive. Certainly pass thru your area a lot.
Definitely slippery pavement. Freak accident. Happened to me once coming home from work on a winding road in Pelham Ontario. Truck lost its oil pan and I came around a bend and saw the oil on the road otherwise I’d have gone down. Glad you made it through!
Glad you saw the oil. It doesn't take a lot to lose traction and it can take one by surprise. I was very happy when I did an assessment of bike, trailer and myself and saw we could continue on.
@@OldGuyonaBike After thought, that bike has linked brakes I believe, you probably already thought of this, but your front probably locked up when you were applying the brakes since you high sided.
I'm like a news channel... you see the same thing too many times. I had 3 incidents last tour. Not bad for 25,000 km. I think a trike might have gone down on that slippery road too. Not ready to go that route. Will consider a side car in a few years.
@@michaelwest4525 Thanks for watching them. I do enjoy making them even though it is a lot of work. I'll be looking for an economical sidecar rig in the next few years. If the opportunity comes up I will get one.
Glad you were OK. I've seen at least 3 of your slips and slides now. You know how People are curious, what if you should make a special video explaining all your Crashes. 😲 I am watching more of your video this evening Sir. I know one day you will come visit meeee. 😺
@@AngelFaceMotoRider You probable saw my update snippets with crashes shortly after each one. Now doing the long edits of the trip so you will see them again. Got to admit I went looking for you last summer to tel you I would be passing thru nearby. For some reason, I could not find you. I hit southern Alberta and I did say hello to Red Rider at Toad Rock MC Campground. Maybe next tour our that way in 2026?
Sorry that you could not find me. 😞 I thought I would get your message here in Comments if you sent it. My email addy is listed in my about section, but I will admit I RIDE in Summer and do RUclips in Winter.
Hi Jim just a thought what kind of tires do you run and how worn are they? Like your videos. I ride a 2002 gold wing . Just love it. I like going long riding. Just the cost and my own thinking get in the way 🤣🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸.
I had brand new (1500 kms on them) Shinko SE890s front and back. Especially made for the GL1500/1800. They were pretty good until I replaced them while on the trip. I had gone through heavy rain in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia on them and I don't fault their rain handling at all. Greasy greasy road. This was my longest trip to date. I was 3 months on the road. Get out for wekk long trips. They don't have to be too expensive. I'll plan another really long one for 2026.
At 18:20, immediately before the crash, your speedometer drops quickly and considerably. It's as if you hit the rear brake and the rear locks up. That may have caused the accident.
That section of video was slowed down by 20% for dramatic effect. Watching the original footage with no music under it, I can hear me easing off the trottle which would give the drop in RPM. Not saying that I didn't add a little front brake but the drop seems to mostly be from the trottle. Contributing factors for sure but would not have resulted in the crash if not for the very slippery surface.
Jim watching your accident I was wondering if there could have been some spilled diesel fuel right there. I've ridden my FJR up to 80 mph in pouring rain on the interstate and never ever experienced hydroplaning..... Although if you were going uphill under throttle maybe the front end got a little light pulling the trailer ? I was an aircraft mechanic with Delta Airlines for 32 years. In college I studied physics as well as aeronautics. What's unique about motorcycles, they have a much smaller tire contact patch than cars, which commonly experience hydroplaning....... If you have quality tires that are suited for rain riding, I believe your bike is less likely to hydroplane than a car is, and here's why; If you look at the contact patch of a car tire to the pavement, it's likely going to be somewhere in the vicinity of 48 sq-in. times two, for two front wheels, is 96 sq/in. The curb weight of a 2017 Honda Civic sedan is 2923 lbs. Assuming a typical weight distribution of 53% over the front axle, the weight that has to overcome the standing water on the road is 1549 lbs. total or 775lbs. per wheel. That means that each 48 sq/in. contact patch has to keep 775 lbs on the pavement and not "skipping on water", for the tires to keep the vehicle under control. That's 16 lbs. per sq./in. A motorcycle tire and bike by comparison has a front tire that has a contact patch of somewhere around 15-18 sq/in. Your bike is probably about 1300 lbs. with you and gear, actually on the bike. Weight distribution for a 2016 Goldwing is right at 50/50, but let's say loaded, with trailer tongue weight its 48/52. That's about 624 lbs on the front wheel. Assuming an 18 sq/in contact patch, your front wheel, that means that there's 35 lbs. per sq./in. to keep that tire on the pavement, and not skipping on water. In other words there's twice as much weight per square inch on your Goldwing front tire than there is on my 2017 Honda Civic sedan. Also that motorcycle tire is much more rounded and suited for diverting the water, than a car tire is. This is why I believe you may have hit a spot of spilled raw diesel that's very slippery when wet, or you were accelerating up hill pulling the trailer and it caused the front end to be much lighter than usual.
That Greg, was the best scientific explanation for what I have felt for years. I always feel safer in the rain on the bike than in a car. Always thought hydroplaning was easier in a car because of the flat tires. One of the reasons why I am hesitant about going "darkside". Later in the trip I got caught in lots of rain and never felt the bike wanted to hydroplane. This felt like I was on bacon grease on a non-stick pan. One problem with action cameras, as they are mounted and view the road parellel to it's surface, one does not get an appreciation for hills. I mentioned that in one of my snippets this ummer. This was the top of a small crest and then goes downhill. The first guy to reach me, I don't think I was stopped lol, told me that trucks geared down at that crest and he felt there was lots of tranmission oil on that section. It made great video and I was back on the road within half an hour, so, all good.
That being said, his rear wheel is like the front brake to the trailer. With it being that slippery out , the trailer may have pushed the bike around even if just pressing the back brake .
@@marathon1972 The trailer will always push a little and one wants to keep it straight off the back of the bike. Once you are sideways it's all about fate lol.
@@gregvidito3383 You have to be constently be aware of the trailer. At highway speed you don't feel it so being aware is important. Accelerrating it will be a bit of a grag and when slowing down it will want to push hyou a bit. The Mini Mate is not bad for weight compared to some of the larger tent trailers. The way it has let me keep camping far outwieghs any negatives in my opinion.
Jim, you probably know by now that when it starts to rain you should never ride in the center of the lane. I had a friend ride in the center of the lane when it started to rain. Yup he went down when he tried to brake.
So well aware about the centre line especially on entrance and exit ramps. Also the damn painted lines. In this case I was gently moving over to get off the road at the bottom of the hill. The slippery part was just right of the centre line. Damn fast lol.
shit happens , glad your ok, you are giving me the ambition to start doing more with my bike at 74, when it rains thats when i take my break , can't see as well ,and you probably would have seen that discolouration on the pavement keep going, ? whats it like to pull a trailer
That rain came down so quickly and so much of it. I was just moving to the right of the lane to turn into the service station at the bottom of the hill when I went down. Nevere saw the discolouration until I looked on Google maps. I think the rain made it blend in. If I can find shelter or a restaurant I will often sit out a rain storm. Rain on my windshield, my visor and sometimes my glasses fogging up makes it a good idea to get off the road as soon as possible. I find it fine hauling the trailer. Takes a while to get used to and you can never forget it's there. Knocks down my gas mileage by maybe 15% but ups my camping experience to 150%. Glad to hear you are still riding. Get out as much and as long as you can.
We're on a tight budget. I think I'll be running this ol 1500 for a few years now that I have gotten a bit more used to it. The extra weight of the brakes does not make sense on a Mini Mate. If I was running 600-800 lb back there I would consider it.
That was a "First Gear" mesh jacket. I am still wearing the "First Gear" pants I bought at the same time. It's a wonder they still fit lol. I had my "TourMaster" Transitions 4 jacket with me so that's what I will be wearing once the mesh goes in a dumpster.
Sir, just wondering if your trailer has a swivel hitch? When I pulled a trailer, I always thought that it might be the most useful in this type of situation. Fortunately I never had to put my theory to use.
I don't have a swivel hitch. I don't know it it would have helped in this situation. The trailer went sideways and I think it would have flipped anyway. The Mini Mate is really tough. Very little damage. I dropped the bike a few more times over the three months and did get a new $20 coupler when the ball retainer got out of shape.
"Fault". We're so obsessed with that word these days. Sometimes it's just an accident. Sometimes, simply, "shit happens". You never said how the bike fared?
I was back on the road within half an hour. I think that says it. The trailer got more scratches than the bike. I do beat the bike up more later on but you'll have to wait for those videos. I owe her some tender lovin' care this winter.
My thoughts. First 10 to 20 mins of rain the roads are really slick.so the worst thing you can do is use the front break. Not saying you dont use the back break. But it should always be your first. Dry pavement use both. It looks like your front wheel locked up for a split second and put you down. When im on the road and rain starts. Braking. Your front brake should be last.
I'm well aware of the first rain bringing oil to the surface especially on off/entrance ramps. I was told that the trucks often downshift at that point as there is a small hill so maybe some transmission fluid as well. I don't recall putting more than a touch of pressure on the front brake when it slide out. Testiment of how slippery it was.
@ you likely are aware . the goldwing 1500 has integrated brakes if i remember correctly the left front calliper engages with the rear brake pedal. Any additional front breaking when slippery or on a slick corner will lock up the front wheel. Also coming from the prairies when im riding in the eastern provinces smog emissions build up on the road and the first few minutes of rain will make the road surface terrible. Not criticizing you but just things to remember one 70 year old to another. And from one that pulls a trailer too. That little extra push from the trailer. Doesn't help. Was wondering also. How much weight is on your hitch. To much will remove traction from the front tire. To little and it will whip. You likely have it all figured out but knowledge shared is knowledge non the less. Ride safe ride often. Never to old to ride. But you get old if you dont.
@@jerryterpstra-yo8nl After 25,000 km pulling the trailer with the Goldwing I think the setup was good. Running 60 lb. +/- 2 on the tongue which is 13% of my trailer weight. Rear shocks were set high. Went through a lot of water over the trip and did not feel light in the front. Was impressed how well it handled in the twisties. I knew they brakes weree linked. I thought the front brake lever puts some pressure on the rear. Now you have me thinkiing. Will have to check that out before next season. Would be good to know the ratios. I might have gone off with the wrong assumption.
Never ever drive in the middle of a lane or the hump in the middle ,even when changing lanes in the rain is so dangerous on a bike ,you loose 60-70% of traction on a bike and It doesn't matter how many years experience one has on a bike . If it does start to rain I always pull over and wait it out. Cheers and be safe
I went down only a minute and a half after it started to pour as I was making my way to the right side to stop at the service station at the bottom of the hill. Can't get off the road much quicker than that. The camera really does flatten out the hill, not steep but definately a hill. The slippery part was actually at the right third of the lane.
A little late to the show here Jim.......just catching up on vids...........holy wow....I just bought two guns from that Gun Dealer online of course........great to see the actual store front..............yup be an ass at the border and it will make for a BAD day...........Wow......was not expecting that.........that line on the road you discribe as old oil looks like a small rut to me Jim.......it looks like a rut that was filled with water and a slight touch of the front brake you hydro planed the front tire and down you went thats my best guess..........the jacket did its job and you were lucky........onward and upward Jim..
It was more than hydroplanning. Wasn't anything like our Newfoundland ruts. The first guy to help me up said trucks left transmission fluid a lot as they downshifted going down the hill. The camera does not make the hill look like much. Anyway, lots of factors but at least I was able to get back on the road in half an hour or less.
I saw ZERO rider error in your part….OTHER than avoid riding in rain….just not worth it, especially pulling a trailer, in my opinion…glad you’re OK, and you have the right idea: you’re too old to NOT be riding…❤
That storm came up and swept through so fast. As pilots say "Any crash you walk away from is a good landing." When I stop riding I will definately get old.
It converts your bike do I think you need one? No do I think it will help you? Yes I just thought I’d let you know. There’s another version also called instant truck. They allow to convert your two wheeler to a trike and still pull trailer and unconverted wait if you don’t want the truck it gives you more stableness like a trike and actually it’s a little bit better because you have two wheels always in the back on the grout because she still have your main wheel.
@ sorry sometimes my phone doesn’t type what I say and my arthritis doesn’t allow with my fat fingers to hit the small keyboard so I apologize for the confusion. I hope I cleared that up later. Let me know. I’ll be glad to help you. I do drive a spider because there are arthritis in my hands and I enjoy it and I know there are expensiveso I was looking for maybe another solution for you if you want it if you don’t want it that’s fine. It’s your call. I’m not saying you need it. I’m just saying it will help you.
I was actually right of that when the bike slipped out. I think the oilly part here was that discoloured line on the pavement which I could not see in the wet. In general youi are right. Stay where the car tires ride and not where the engine drips.
I know I've seen 80... missed Texas last year. With the trailer I really don't like above 70 mph and try to find alternative routes. These days I don't have to make up so much time.
“nah, I’m getting to old not to be doing this”
As a 69 y/o nomad living full-time seven years in a trailer, that comment says it all and got you a new subscriber.
Happy n Safe Travels!
The best I can do is 3-4 months on the road here in Canada. Or with returning to Canada. Winters damn. May have to look at staying south for a year. Thanks for coming along.
Much respect to you sir. They always say the road is the most slippery when the rains starts. Especially in the middle of the lane. Glad you’re ok!
Of course this happened only a minute and a half after it started to pour and I was starting to get off the road. Hald hour after the accident I was back on the road and within another half hour I was totally dry. Was that kind of day.
Wow! So glad you've made it through that! Your spirits are still high & you made it a mission to keep enjoying what you're doing and ride! Blessings to you sir! 🙏🏾👍🏾😎
Can't let a little incident hold me back. I was lucky and have a lot more miles to travel. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
I admire you and your videos even more.
Thank you... I just try to keep going.
I’m so glad you are ok. Really enjoying your adventure. . I’m looking forward to the next video. Take care.
Will try to have the next video less dramatic.
I've only had 1 spill on a bike, but several close calls in a 4 wheel vehicle. Sometimes things happen very quickly and unexpectedly. Pick up the pieces and go on.
Thanks for the videos. Enjoying your journey.
My worst crash ever was on black ice in a van. This was as quick but not as catastrophic. The van was a write-off. I always feel that if you can, you keep on.
Ah yes, back on the horse, and get on with the trip! That’s fantastic!
Glad you’re ok. Keep it going, enjoy your ride.
Not much you could have done differently to avoid that crash. I enjoyed your thoughts on it and admire your determination to ride on. Why not, we only go this way once and must try to enjoy every min we can. Keep on updating your videos so I can get through this winter without losing my mind.
The video editing keeps me from going crazy in the winter lol. I'll just keep presenting what happened on my trip with some after thoughts... no white washing, no making things looks too easy. Hopefully also showing some of the joy and awe of being on the road for months at a time.
Man!! You're my hero. Good self control and better attitude. I feel identified with you. Keep it up Bro.
Glad you are coming along. If we can get up and keep going, all is good.
Old Guy on the bike . I always enjoyed your ride. Keep it up. Victor from South Africa.❤❤❤
Thanks Victor, I'll keep them coming for you.
You’re a lucky man, Jim!! Heavy rain on dry pavement can feel like riding on ice. Glad it was just a slight mishap and didn’t interfere with your trip. Cheers
In a lot of ways Cal, it look much more dramatic and worse than it actually was. Still surprised me.
So glad you didn’t get hurt and was able to continue your adventure:)
I was sure glad too lol. Only a few bruises and not enough to discourage me.
When you went down my heart stopped I am so happy to see you continue your trip. I am a couple years older than you and like long cross country trips but I don,t camp out.I am sorry to say I laughed watching you get on and off your bike at fuel stops I have the same issues I always said the hardest part of riding was getting on and off my Kawasaki Voyager. Stay safe Jim.
Yes, throwing a leg over isn't the same as it was in my 30s. I will admit that I had an "oh sh_t!" moment as I started to go down and the thought that the trip was over. Once I saw the bike and trailer had none to little damage and that the worse I had was sore ribs and shoulder, I knew I was just going to keep going. I didn't camp as much as I should have this trip. going to make up for that this coming summer.
Jim, I've been on the road since 1984, and too have had some very close calls. That's a part of motorcyleing, and we all know this as we travel down the highway.... Stay safe and God Bless!!
The moment you get scared of those close calls is the time to seriously think of taking up knitting. Thanks for coming along.
Glad you're ok and the added bonus of an excuse for buying a new jacket......speaking as someone who doesn't drive, (so its motorbikes all year round), it's the only upside to a spill....after a blind man drove through me on the wrong side of the road, I bought a 4 season jacket with full D3O armour and its been a revelation....I kept putting it off and the crash forced my hand....good hunting🏍️💨💨💨💨🍻👍
Glad you got though your accident. Luckily I did have my Transition 4 jacket with me as I knew the mesh was not going to work in the Rockies or the fall part of the ride. I made it work in the heat.
Glad you didn’t get hurt and good for you for not giving up on the trip thanks for sharing and keeping it real take care Jim see you on the next video hope you’re having a wonderful week
Been a great week Tom. Was sore for a few days but the gear did it's job.
I just wonder if a car tire on front and rear wouldn’t have prevented that from happening . When looking at my front cycle tire , I can see how it would be good on dry curves but it sure looks like it would be slick , without much of a contact patch and the added drag of a trailer on slick , wet , and oily pavement , would be very difficult to control . Definitely was an oh s - - t moment and that is all it took . So glad you’re okay and can carry on . I am 83 and can only imagine the thoughts that would have been going through my mind . 😮
I have thought about running a car tire on the rear strictly for economics. I would never run one on the front. Here's the funny thing, I've always felt that car tires, due to their flat profile on the pavement and lots of contact are more susceptable to hydroplanning than motorcycle tires that cut through the water instead of riding on top of it. There were a lot of factors that would be hard to replicate. The trailer always is a factor. It will slightly hold you back or slightly push you. The amount of sudden rain on a very oily section of road. Only having a few thousand kilometres on this bike and not as used to it's braking as I was with the ST1300. It happened and I don't blame it on any one thing. At least I was able to get up and ride away. That's all that is really important.
Keep on trucking there young man u got this don't give up I need something to watch
What you survive gives you material to edit all winter. Lots of videos coming down the chute.
Good deal my friend
As you went down I thought about the telephone pole coming up. Glad you are ok and were able to continue. I have experienced hydroplaning in our roads on a very similar Goldwing (1984 - 1500cc). Pavement rutting in areas where there is high truck traffic is a problem. Ride safe!
The road was very slick. You can't really tell from the video that the road dips and trucks downshift a lot as they get to the rise. Might have been years of transmission fluid laid there.
To me that seems like classic symptoms of aquaplaning. In that downpour your tyre couldn't process the amount of water it was trying to deal with and it lost contact with the road when a layer of water built up and lifted it. Shit happens! Keep riding. Glad you are okay.
I think there was transmission oil on that section. Slight top of hill and trucks downshifting. It was too wet for me to really investigate and I just wanted to get back on the road. Yup, shit happens and you just get up and keep going.
Glad you’re ok….gotta ride your ride….👍
Yes, one has to ride their own ride and hopefully keep riding.
Thank God you’re OK!! Safe travels my friend, until the next episode!!😊
Safe, off the road for the winter. So whatever happens in the next 3 noths of videos, it didn't do me in.
Love watching your adventures with your whole bike rig setup, sorry you went down, keep on rocking , power to you
Incidents happen. I rode away so it all is good in the end.
I really feel like I can learn from you as a rider with only three seasons of riding under my belt.
Also, I don't think you could've avoided that spill . Even if you only used your rear brake, I think when it's that slippery out the trailer would have pushed you around anyway. Glad you're okay .
Wow! Quite startling!! Good the bike didn't fall into you. I know you made it home safely. Take care. 🙏 😉👍
Yes the bike missed me as did the trailer when it tiped over. The trailer did push a wave of water over me though.
As always, well done, and as always, I'm glad you are okay!
Can't white wash it, gotta just tell my story and I am so glad there are so many who come along.
Well that was a shocker, wasn't expecting that at all. Glad to see you picked yourself up and brushed yourself off and keep going🎱
I even was totally dry by the time I got to the campground two hours later.
Oh my goodness so glad you are ok
A few bruises and a ruined jacket, but yes, OK.
I'm glad you're ok Jim. Keep on truckin and enjoy yourself. Be safe !
There were some tough days on this trip. This was not the worse. The good days far out weighted them.
Well thank goodness you are alright. I had to shut my eyes as you went down. Take care.
I'm ok with watching it as I know I came out alright. It is pretty dramatic though.
Howdy from east Tennessee! The important thing is you're OK and were able to continue your adventure. Looks like a new jacket may be in order. A minor detail all things considered. My Dad always said, never give up, keep going till you can't go anymore, then go a little farther! Thanks for Sharing.
Luckily I did have my other jacket with me. Wore the mesh one a few more days before I finally dumpstered it. Yes, t'was only a scratch. Keep on going.
Hey! I’m from Western North Carolina! Right next door to you!😂
@@Motoramblings I probably was closer in the fall on my way home. Gotta figure an easier way to communicate where I am in closer to real time.
@@OldGuyonaBike No worries, it’s hard enough to plan your travels without having to worry about your followers!😂😂
@@Motoramblings Hey neighbor
I’m glad you’re ok and didn’t let it stop your trip. Stuff happens and we deal with it and move on . Keep the shiney side up and the dirty side down .✌️
Exactly. Don't overthink, or over worry. Just keep doing it.
Hey Jim, I was enjoying your video and thinking about your phone getting wet but never expected you to go down. That sure was fast and there was nothing you could have done to change things. A little fuel, oil or coolant on the wet surface is bad and most times hard to see. It's great to see you never had any serious injuries and were able to get back on the road quickly. Catch you on your next video.
The road surface was definately slick. A few bruises aren't going to keep me from traveling.
You are Ironman m'y friend !!
My ribs said different but I do bounce back. Not as high as when I was a young fella of 50 but I do bounce back.
Same thing happened to me (many years ago), I’ve learned that when it’s raining, to not use the front brake at all… glad you & the bike are ok!
I'm usually pretty good in the rain. Hit a lot of it the first month of travelling this summer for sure. May not be so good on teflon, bacon greased roads though. Yup, made it through another season. Starting to plan for the next one.
Just subscribed to your channel. Really enjoying your content. Well done from. Been riding 60yrs. Myself so can appreciate your journeys sir..
Got me beat, I've only been riding for 52 years now. Thanks for coming along. I certainly plan to make it to 60+ years riding.
@OldGuyonaBike awesome. Really admire your style sir. Perhaps if you travel close to Michigan we could ride a few miles together. Safe travels..
@@curtiscollins2174 I rode through northern Michigan in 2022 on my "106 Days on the Road" I would like to do the shore roads around Lake Superior so maybe I'll be back in 2026.
@@OldGuyonaBike you've got my name if your in up Michigan in 2026. Always enjoy meeting new riders although I normally travel solo like yourself..
Bless you sir for your courage keep on riding.
Well, I did have a nano second of doubt sitting in the road, totally soaked and with my back to the overturned trailer. Once I knew I was ok and everything else was in pretty good shape, there was no question of not continuing.
@ cant sayI blame you for thinking of quitting after you crashed I would of too.I just got back into riding myself as well as my wife.take care and stay safe out there.
@@neilwilliams5173 I couldn't think about quitting for long. I would have had at least a 5 day ride to get home. 5 days back or 5 days forward? Always pick forward.
First off. I enjoy your vids. you articulate your thoughts and whats going on nice and clearly. I also like the way you always explain your route and location as well. Complete with maps...nice.
Im also an old guy on a bike...A Harley Ultra ....also pulling a pop up trailer. Ill be 68 this spring. I like your attitude relating to misshapes such as this one...and your last as well. You pick yourself up and get back on that horse! Im still recovering from a fairly serious dirt bike crash in Sept that resulted in surgery. Some question my intent to continue dirt riding but....NOT stopping. That would not be a step towards death ( or at the least a walking dead old person) but more of a giant leap. So...not happening.
But I feel I do have to criticize your one statement when you claimed you didnt do anything wrong. Now While there were some complicating circumstances you still have to own it...and learn .from it. I rarely use my front break in the rain...or any slippery condition. That said... I dont mean to beat you up too much. Youre fairly new to that bike. Every bikes breaks and traction characteristics are different. Accept the error and learn from it.
I noticed Watching your vids of this trip...(from the rear veiw camera) makes me think your front end is a little (or alot) on the light side. Now Im pretty sure you have your trailer hitch weight setup percentage wise to the trailer weight in the ball park at 10 to 15%. So if you cant lighten your hitch weight I would make sure your rear suspension is as stuff as possible. This will help transfer weight to the front end.
I also notice at times you seem to struggle some with the weight of this bike. Understandable given its heavy. I also know you need a fairly heavy bike because the trailer. But if you dont gel well with this bike over this trip I would suggest a slightly Lighter bike but with good torque for pulling. Im thinking bigger v twin. While Im partial to Harleys (Im thinking Heritage or Road King) but there are also metric cruisers that would do the job....and somewhat cheaper as well. The advantage with these types of bikes is not only their weight but their low center of gravity....thats huge. I know you may have already considered these types of bikes....Im just sharing my thoughts.
Anyway...thanks again for sharing your trips with us.
And Keep getting back on that horse!! : -)
I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I don't think the tongue weight is excessive, works out to about 13% of trailer weight. Rear shocks ar pumped up to close to max. Maybe I am a little light on the front. Maybe a little. Totally true that I am still getting used to the bike. At this point I only have about 2000 km. on her and a thousand of that pulling the trailer. Getting used to her brakes after coming off an ST1300 with ABS. I'm running on a very tight pension budget so an old Goldwing was perfect fro me to get. It actually has a very low centre of gravity and handles well but can be awkward in a parking lot as I get used to her. I will probably run her for a couple of years now that I have 25,000 km. riding her.
Once in the states, you had some blue skies!!
There weere a few lovely hours late morning and into the start of the afternoon. Half hour after the accident I was totally dry and it was sunny right up to setting camp. Unfortunately I did not have any cameras running after due to mouont and/or camera damage.
@ I understand that!
All I have to say is you are my HERO 😊
Thanks Victore!
Hey Jim, I still drop in once in a while to see how you're doing. I can't figure out what went wrong in that fall either, but the bike behaved like it was in deep water, so must have been a loss of traction issue. I'm glad to see you were ok and able to get back on the road right away. Don't worry about the jacket, that's what they are designed to do. Better the jacket gets wrecked than you. We do break easier when we get older so we got to be careful. The trailer may have helped with the fall because of the pulling on the back when you hit uneven and very slippery ground. I wonder if you should consider another brand of tires if it's in the budget. Keep those two wheels down buddy!
Glad to see you get back once in a while. I do the same. I went through nasty rain storms on those tires and they were fine. It looks like there was transmission fluid imbedded in the road there. A crest that the trucks downshift on.
The way it looked, I would say the rain brought up some oils on the road, and you just had the misfortune of hitting it at the wrong time. I’m sure happy your jacket was the only thing to get really hurt! I hope there wasn’t much damage to anything else…
Damaged the lens of one camera. Chin mount came off but fixible. Side light on the trailer and a few scratches on the trailer and bike engine guards. That was it.
@ That’s amazing, it looked bad
Ride on!
Safe riding my friend, glad you are safe and well.
Tahnk you for coming along. I made it back and will be spending the winter editing so I guess I made it back ok.
Wow Jim after watching that video I am thankful that you are ok. Wet conditions and heavy rain are definitely not a good mix for road oils and such.
That rain came down so fast and heavy. Was just going to pull into the service station at the bottom of the hill. I was very relieved to be on the road half an hour later.
Good on you mate. Love your vlog.
Thanks for following.
Jim, I have an FJR1300a and a Shoei GT Air helmet. If you don't recognize me, I'm the old guy that's traveled over 3/4 of the United States.
When you mentioned having trouble with fogging, it struck a chord with me, and well I thought you might get something out of the solutions I've found.
First of all my helmet has an inner shield that snaps in on my Shoei's face shield. It's supposed to prevent fogging, but it doesn't. What I have found to work is using RainX on both the inside and outside of my helmet face shield, not using the inner snap-in shield, and RainXing my bike's windscreen, and then riding with my face shield open to the first detent. The first detent on my helmet shield has the shield open about a half inch. It seems very effective, Jim, and even more so if the helmet vents are open.
I can't imagine riding at all with either the windscreen or my face shield fogged up, and the RainX works marvelously to sheet the rain droplets off of both, and halt the fogging. There's also a FogX product that I've tried once, but it didn't seem to me to be any better than just using RainX.
Maybe I'm "whistling Dixie" to be telling you all this, as you've probably tried every scenario, but if you have maybe some young "whipper-snapper" biker in his forties, that's new to the road will get some good out of my words...... maybe save him or herself from an accident.
Ya know friend, even when I can't travel, your videos are great escapism....... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ! Speakin of highly....... I like a little snort of spirits to warm my cockles, in camp at night too. My preferred is Seagrams V.O. whiskey.
Hi Greg. I left my RainX in the carpentry shop at the theatre. I do use it most of the time. Keeping the shield cracked a little helps while temps are equalizing between the cold outside air and the warm breath. In my scuba diving days we used to spit on the inside of the mask but I don't think that works as well for the helmet visor lol. All and any advice it good. Even better when I don't forget something when I hit the road. The day after that incident, a friend gave me a spray bottle of purple stuff, Shine 5 Armor? that does pretty good as a bug remover/rain protector but I don't think it as good as the RainX.
@@OldGuyonaBike Thanks for the tip on the Shine 5 Armor, friend. Be safe.
Wow glad you are ok! That shocked the crap out of me I was not ready for that. You have a great mind set and I hope I have the same if/ when that happens to me. I guess there are no real electric brakes for a trailer that small. Stay safe and I’ll be watching and learning from your adventure
I had my worries when I was sliding on the road lol but all in all, the bike, trailer and I came out alright. A 15 year old jacket was all that was lost in the end. The trailer is somewhere between 450 and 500 lb. fully loaded. Not really a contender for electric brakes and the axle/suspension also makes it harder. Now, if I was pulling a loaded Time Out camper at 650-800 lb. I would seriously look at them. They would not have helped me in this situation.
Great video and perspective after the crash!
I'm just glad I was able to ride away after. Gear did it's job.
0:28 yes, that could run your day for sure! So sudden….
Surprised the heck out of me!
Glad you're OK. After watching the video a few times, it looked like you broke traction when you down shifted. Glad you were able to continue your trip.
I've looked at it and listened to both cameras a few time. I don't think I downshifted before I went down but I did let of the throttle. Whatever it was the pavement being like a teflon pan drenched in bacon fat did not help.
I watched the "oops" part several times, and every tine it looks like the bike just decided to drop down. Very glad it wasn't serious, but it definitely sucks that it happened. But hey, everything happens for a reason, and I guess it was time to retire that jacket. 😂
Wayne, I'm still not 100% certain why I went down so fast and in that manner. Whole lot of little factors with the big ones being the sudden tons of rain and the very slick surface. Didn't even have a chance to say "SH-T!". I was very relieved ten minutes later after inspecting the bike, the trailer and myself. Helmet had a slight scratch but no actual impact. Luckily I did have my Transitions 4 jacket with me and I made that work even on hot days later on.
Wind gust?
@@Channel11Original Nope.
Too bad about the mishap, jump on and go!! Seems like I heard a little hard rain or hail on the last second or two. Ride safe Jim and just go and give er!
The rain was very hard. Fast moving storm. One of the fastest and heaviest showers I have been in. Stopped about 10 minutes after the accident and I was dry a half hour later while riding to my campsire.
Same thing happen to me , I was going straight and the water hit and the ground hit , simplely hydroplane
Great video as usual, the accidents was road issue for sure , but the rain on these roads cam be bad with the oil etc, making it very slippery....I agree with your assessment on that one . .
I've had lots of time to think about it and the video to watch of course. I could avoid all accidents if I stayed home and watched TV but I am not going to do that. Still more scared of slipping in the bath tub.
Glad your ok Jim. Freakish accident. I do remember learning during my MSC training quite a few yrs back that the pavement is at its slipperiest at first rain. Thats because of the oils left behind from vehicle's. I use extreme caution for the first 30 minutes of rain until these are washed away. And yes we Americans like our firearms, me included. Take care.
Well aware of the effects of first rain and I am always careful especially on highway entrance/exit ramps and on painted lines. This storm was so quick. Of course I was just trying to find a place to get off the road.
Glad no bing too injured and stay safe!!!
Dealt with sore ribs for close to 2 weeks but nothing broken and no real bruises.
I had a very similar experience going down on my Triumph Tiger 660 Sport, but this was in dry road conditions. What happened to me as I was going around the turn on some North Carolina backcountry roads and was also in the center of the lane. What I didn’t realize as I was going around this corner was very fine road grit that was impossible to see in that center area between the two tire lanes. I wasn’t going fast and I wasn’t hot dogging around the corner, but I went down in a very similar fashion. After I pick myself up off the road and looked around. I went back to the spot where the bike did go down and then could see that grit.
This has changed my riding habit a little bit. What I have done and what I have taught myself to do is basically ride in the left tire lane all the time. I don’t cross over when going into right hand turns. I simply stay in that left tire lane all the time. For me, it has been a good habit to get into as I don’t have to then think about what the road conditions are, as in your instance, they were wet in that center part of the lane was slick. Now it is pretty much second nature just to drive in that tire lane.
I didn’t quit writing either, although numerous people encouraged me to stop. I have just changed my writing style ever so slightly, and I think that has been the right thing to do.
I usually also follow the track of the driver's side wheel in a car. In this instance I was starting the move to the right so I could go into the service station at the foot of the slight hill. There was a discoloured strip of pavement. That's where it got slippery.
Glad you came out of it well. It's good that you are keeping going. I am a few years older than you and they would have to shoot me to get me to stop riding and pulling my camper trailer. Spilled diesel will make the road like ice when wet. Ask me how I know. LOL
There is always a hazzard waiting out there to get us. We can't worry too much about those. Glad to hear you are still riding and camping. Somedays I am more afraid of getting into the bath tub.
Front motorcycle tires are shaped like the bow of a boat and do a fairly good job of cutting surface water. Similar to a couple of other comments I question the effect of extra weight (trailer ball and loaded side cases) on tthe front suspension. Does loading the rear of a Goldwing with a loaded trailer ball reduce weight/pressure on the front wheel? If it does the front wheel will lock up sooner than normal, particualrly under reduced friction conditions (rain/ice/smooth road surface) and the absence of ABS and integrated brakes. 98% of the time this wouldn't be a noticeable issue until the roads are wet. Moreover, the road doesn't appear to have much of a crown to drain water. I think your comment of not front braking very hard is true. Under the circumstances amounting to a "perfect storm" it wouldn't take much pressure to lock the front wheel.
I actually feel safer on the bike in heavy rain most of the time than I do in a car because I know I am cutting the water better and less prone to hydroplanning. Certainly the weight of the trailer tongue etc. may lighten the load on the front wheel a little. I went through a number of storms this past summer and did not have any other problems in the wet. This section of road was definately extra greasy. Anyway, a lot of factors. As you put it "a perfect storm".
It was an odd incident but I am glad you didn’t get hurt Jim. Cheers amigo
My side was a little tender for a week Edison, but not enough to stop me from having a good trip.
I agree with the slick road surface Jim. That Wing has linked brakes so I don’t think you could have over applied the front lever to cause that or we would have noticed the front end dive some.
In retrospec, I really don't think I touched the brakes until after the fall started. Was still getting used to the brakes and the linked brakes worked well in every other situation. Heavy rain and mountains. Was definately slick Brian, caught me totally by surprise. Didn't even have time to utter an expletative before I hit the road.
Jim, it looks like you were in the center of the lane where oil accumulates and becomes slippery when mixed with water.
I was just right of centre where the discoloured pavement was while moving over to get off the road at the bottom of the hill. It was just slippery.
Jim; Great video except for the part where you scared the hell out of me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Been so cold here my ride won't even start til I put some heat on it!!! We are doing fine here. Just winter!!! Yuck!! Hope all is well with you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! God Bless safe ridin rubber down
Scared me too! Still only a dusting of snow here and temps right at freezing. Glad you are doing well. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's back at you guys. Gotta start dreaming of next spring.
Respect!
You just have to take what life throws at you and bounce back.
16:10 you did get a lot of rain to start this trip!
I'm due for a few days in a row without rain.
You locked the front wheel. 👍🏻🇨🇦
Maybe? I think I started to go down when I barely touched the brake... hard to tell in the moment and of course the old Goldwing has no ABS.
@ less weight on front because of weight on hitch. Touch front brake before weight has transferred to front on low grip surface. Bars just wash away, no chance of recovery once front wheel locked. 👍🏻🇨🇦
Could be the trailer tongue weight taking weight off of the front tire.
I really don't think that was the issue. I run about 60 lb. which is 13% of my trailer weight. Was through lots of rain and standing water over the summer. Up and down mountains. Through a lot of twisties. Handling was not a problem. Slick road surface and the rain were the main factors.
Glad you are okay!
So am I lol.
Note to self: Stay off the front brake in any kind of wet conditions.... The road may have been slick, but front brakes will make it even worse. Obviously, glad you're ok. Ride on.
Good advice. Was still getting used to the bike... my instints from the ST1300 were to trust the ABS which, of course, was not on the old Goldwing.
Hi Jim,your old Beemer 750 was a /5 was it a "long frame" or "short frame".
Mine was a 1970 or 71 with the short frame so it took the snaller battery. After a nice trip down to Natural Bridge Va i sold it in 1982 and bought my first Westfalia VW camper, a 1972 aircooled van. Have a nice day. Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border
Mine was a '70 with the short frame I do believe. Memory is not bad just so full of too much lol. I know my friend had one with the other frame and mine seemed to handle the twisties better so I am sure it was short. It was a sweet bike. Sold me on big tanks, long distances and shaft drive. Certainly pass thru your area a lot.
Definitely slippery pavement. Freak accident. Happened to me once coming home from work on a winding road in Pelham Ontario. Truck lost its oil pan and I came around a bend and saw the oil on the road otherwise I’d have gone down. Glad you made it through!
Glad you saw the oil. It doesn't take a lot to lose traction and it can take one by surprise. I was very happy when I did an assessment of bike, trailer and myself and saw we could continue on.
@@OldGuyonaBike After thought, that bike has linked brakes I believe, you probably already thought of this, but your front probably locked up when you were applying the brakes since you high sided.
@@scottfarraway34 Well, definately the front slid out from under me. I do have to look more into how the brakes are linked.
After all the crashes... I think it's time ya move to a Trike! :) Glad you are OK!
I'm like a news channel... you see the same thing too many times. I had 3 incidents last tour. Not bad for 25,000 km. I think a trike might have gone down on that slippery road too. Not ready to go that route. Will consider a side car in a few years.
I think a sidecar would be a great alternative . You sure know how to make a riveting video .😊
@@michaelwest4525 Thanks for watching them. I do enjoy making them even though it is a lot of work. I'll be looking for an economical sidecar rig in the next few years. If the opportunity comes up I will get one.
REF: 17:10 not again 😲 I was just watching away and didnt expect that.! I need to watch more to see what happened next.
Good to see you pop into the feed. I wasn't expecting that either.
Glad you were OK. I've seen at least 3 of your slips and slides now. You know how People are curious, what if you should make a special video explaining all your Crashes. 😲 I am watching more of your video this evening Sir. I know one day you will come visit meeee. 😺
@@AngelFaceMotoRider You probable saw my update snippets with crashes shortly after each one. Now doing the long edits of the trip so you will see them again. Got to admit I went looking for you last summer to tel you I would be passing thru nearby. For some reason, I could not find you. I hit southern Alberta and I did say hello to Red Rider at Toad Rock MC Campground. Maybe next tour our that way in 2026?
Sorry that you could not find me. 😞 I thought I would get your message here in Comments if you sent it. My email addy is listed in my about section, but I will admit I RIDE in Summer and do RUclips in Winter.
@@AngelFaceMotoRider 2026!
Hi Jim just a thought what kind of tires do you run and how worn are they? Like your videos. I ride a 2002 gold wing . Just love it. I like going long riding. Just the cost and my own thinking get in the way 🤣🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸.
I had brand new (1500 kms on them) Shinko SE890s front and back. Especially made for the GL1500/1800. They were pretty good until I replaced them while on the trip. I had gone through heavy rain in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia on them and I don't fault their rain handling at all. Greasy greasy road. This was my longest trip to date. I was 3 months on the road. Get out for wekk long trips. They don't have to be too expensive. I'll plan another really long one for 2026.
never give up Jim
Not in my nature. To borrow a line from Monty Python's Spamalot "I'm not dead yet!"
At 18:20, immediately before the crash, your speedometer drops quickly and considerably. It's as if you hit the rear brake and the rear locks up. That may have caused the accident.
Wait. I mean the front brake and wheel.
That section of video was slowed down by 20% for dramatic effect. Watching the original footage with no music under it, I can hear me easing off the trottle which would give the drop in RPM. Not saying that I didn't add a little front brake but the drop seems to mostly be from the trottle. Contributing factors for sure but would not have resulted in the crash if not for the very slippery surface.
How light is the load on the front tire.
I don't think I am too light in front. What's not apparrent in the video is this was also heading down a slight hill. Just very, very slick.
Would traction control on a newer generation bike have saved you? Thanks and great series.
I don't think so. The road was very slick here. Much more going on than just 1/2" of water running down it.
Jim watching your accident I was wondering if there could have been some spilled diesel fuel right there. I've ridden my FJR up to 80 mph in pouring rain on the interstate and never ever experienced hydroplaning..... Although if you were going uphill under throttle maybe the front end got a little light pulling the trailer ?
I was an aircraft mechanic with Delta Airlines for 32 years. In college I studied physics as well as aeronautics. What's unique about motorcycles, they have a much smaller tire contact patch than cars, which commonly experience hydroplaning....... If you have quality tires that are suited for rain riding, I believe your bike is less likely to hydroplane than a car is, and here's why;
If you look at the contact patch of a car tire to the pavement, it's likely going to be somewhere in the vicinity of 48 sq-in. times two, for two front wheels, is 96 sq/in. The curb weight of a 2017 Honda Civic sedan is 2923 lbs. Assuming a typical weight distribution of 53% over the front axle, the weight that has to overcome the standing water on the road is 1549 lbs. total or 775lbs. per wheel. That means that each 48 sq/in. contact patch has to keep 775 lbs on the pavement and not "skipping on water", for the tires to keep the vehicle under control. That's 16 lbs. per sq./in.
A motorcycle tire and bike by comparison has a front tire that has a contact patch of somewhere around 15-18 sq/in. Your bike is probably about 1300 lbs. with you and gear, actually on the bike. Weight distribution for a 2016 Goldwing is right at 50/50, but let's say loaded, with trailer tongue weight its 48/52. That's about 624 lbs on the front wheel. Assuming an 18 sq/in contact patch, your front wheel, that means that there's 35 lbs. per sq./in. to keep that tire on the pavement, and not skipping on water.
In other words there's twice as much weight per square inch on your Goldwing front tire than there is on my 2017 Honda Civic sedan.
Also that motorcycle tire is much more rounded and suited for diverting the water, than a car tire is.
This is why I believe you may have hit a spot of spilled raw diesel that's very slippery when wet, or you were accelerating up hill pulling the trailer and it caused the front end to be much lighter than usual.
That Greg, was the best scientific explanation for what I have felt for years. I always feel safer in the rain on the bike than in a car. Always thought hydroplaning was easier in a car because of the flat tires. One of the reasons why I am hesitant about going "darkside". Later in the trip I got caught in lots of rain and never felt the bike wanted to hydroplane. This felt like I was on bacon grease on a non-stick pan. One problem with action cameras, as they are mounted and view the road parellel to it's surface, one does not get an appreciation for hills. I mentioned that in one of my snippets this ummer.
This was the top of a small crest and then goes downhill. The first guy to reach me, I don't think I was stopped lol, told me that trucks geared down at that crest and he felt there was lots of tranmission oil on that section.
It made great video and I was back on the road within half an hour, so, all good.
@@OldGuyonaBike Glad you were ok. A real inspiration for many to pick up and carry on.
@@twmclean1 I'm just really stubborn. I can take a few bruises lol.
Must have hydroplaned or hit an oil slick when the road gets wet that center line where the oil is gets like ice
I was just off centre where the pavement had a different colour. Definately oily slick. Had no problems in other water situations on the tour.
@@OldGuyonaBike you're as tough as that old Honda! A great combo!
So you must have touched your front brake when the tire slipped. Been there, done that!! Hope you were not injured. Be safe!
Touched is the operative word. I don't think I've ever hit anything as slippery. Bruised shoulder and ribs but fine other than that.
That being said, his rear wheel is like the front brake to the trailer. With it being that slippery out , the trailer may have pushed the bike around even if just pressing the back brake .
I have never towed anything; the dynamics must be real different, especially in bad weather.
@@marathon1972 The trailer will always push a little and one wants to keep it straight off the back of the bike. Once you are sideways it's all about fate lol.
@@gregvidito3383 You have to be constently be aware of the trailer. At highway speed you don't feel it so being aware is important. Accelerrating it will be a bit of a grag and when slowing down it will want to push hyou a bit. The Mini Mate is not bad for weight compared to some of the larger tent trailers. The way it has let me keep camping far outwieghs any negatives in my opinion.
Forget super Dave Osborne. Super jim is the man takes a licken. Keeps on tiken you go old man 😊
Loved Super Dave. Laughed into my coffee seeing that.
Jim, you probably know by now that when it starts to rain you should never ride in the center of the lane. I had a friend ride in the center of the lane when it started to rain. Yup he went down when he tried to brake.
So well aware about the centre line especially on entrance and exit ramps. Also the damn painted lines. In this case I was gently moving over to get off the road at the bottom of the hill. The slippery part was just right of the centre line. Damn fast lol.
@@OldGuyonaBike Plus because rain and water do not mix.....the rain pushes / displaces the oil and not its a slick....glad your ok.
shit happens , glad your ok, you are giving me the ambition to start doing more with my bike at 74, when it rains thats when i take my break , can't see as well ,and you probably would have seen that discolouration on the pavement keep going, ? whats it like to pull a trailer
That rain came down so quickly and so much of it. I was just moving to the right of the lane to turn into the service station at the bottom of the hill when I went down. Nevere saw the discolouration until I looked on Google maps. I think the rain made it blend in. If I can find shelter or a restaurant I will often sit out a rain storm. Rain on my windshield, my visor and sometimes my glasses fogging up makes it a good idea to get off the road as soon as possible. I find it fine hauling the trailer. Takes a while to get used to and you can never forget it's there. Knocks down my gas mileage by maybe 15% but ups my camping experience to 150%. Glad to hear you are still riding. Get out as much and as long as you can.
Find an old 1800 with ABS breaks.
Consider putting brakes on the trailer.
I have a Friend that did that, It helps.🎉🎉
We're on a tight budget. I think I'll be running this ol 1500 for a few years now that I have gotten a bit more used to it. The extra weight of the brakes does not make sense on a Mini Mate. If I was running 600-800 lb back there I would consider it.
Can you share the brand of your 15 year old faithful jacket? Was the replacement the same as well? Thank you.
That was a "First Gear" mesh jacket. I am still wearing the "First Gear" pants I bought at the same time. It's a wonder they still fit lol. I had my "TourMaster" Transitions 4 jacket with me so that's what I will be wearing once the mesh goes in a dumpster.
Sir, just wondering if your trailer has a swivel hitch? When I pulled a trailer, I always thought that it might be the most useful in this type of situation. Fortunately I never had to put my theory to use.
I don't have a swivel hitch. I don't know it it would have helped in this situation. The trailer went sideways and I think it would have flipped anyway. The Mini Mate is really tough. Very little damage. I dropped the bike a few more times over the three months and did get a new $20 coupler when the ball retainer got out of shape.
Tally-ho, your lucky.. we're lucky... - more of your trip. 👍🏼
I keep my guardian Angels busy.
"Fault". We're so obsessed with that word these days.
Sometimes it's just an accident.
Sometimes, simply, "shit happens".
You never said how the bike fared?
I was back on the road within half an hour. I think that says it. The trailer got more scratches than the bike. I do beat the bike up more later on but you'll have to wait for those videos. I owe her some tender lovin' care this winter.
My thoughts. First 10 to 20 mins of rain the roads are really slick.so the worst thing you can do is use the front break. Not saying you dont use the back break. But it should always be your first. Dry pavement use both.
It looks like your front wheel locked up for a split second and put you down. When im on the road and rain starts. Braking. Your front brake should be last.
I'm well aware of the first rain bringing oil to the surface especially on off/entrance ramps. I was told that the trucks often downshift at that point as there is a small hill so maybe some transmission fluid as well. I don't recall putting more than a touch of pressure on the front brake when it slide out. Testiment of how slippery it was.
@ you likely are aware . the goldwing 1500 has integrated brakes if i remember correctly the left front calliper engages with the rear brake pedal. Any additional front breaking when slippery or on a slick corner will lock up the front wheel.
Also coming from the prairies when im riding in the eastern provinces smog emissions build up on the road and the first few minutes of rain will make the road surface terrible. Not criticizing you but just things to remember one 70 year old to another.
And from one that pulls a trailer too. That little extra push from the trailer. Doesn't help.
Was wondering also. How much weight is on your hitch. To much will remove traction from the front tire. To little and it will whip.
You likely have it all figured out but knowledge shared is knowledge non the less.
Ride safe ride often. Never to old to ride. But you get old if you dont.
@@jerryterpstra-yo8nl After 25,000 km pulling the trailer with the Goldwing I think the setup was good. Running 60 lb. +/- 2 on the tongue which is 13% of my trailer weight. Rear shocks were set high. Went through a lot of water over the trip and did not feel light in the front. Was impressed how well it handled in the twisties. I knew they brakes weree linked. I thought the front brake lever puts some pressure on the rear. Now you have me thinkiing. Will have to check that out before next season. Would be good to know the ratios. I might have gone off with the wrong assumption.
Never ever drive in the middle of a lane or the hump in the middle ,even when changing lanes in the rain is so dangerous on a bike ,you loose 60-70% of traction on a bike and It doesn't matter how many years experience one has on a bike . If it does start to rain I always pull over and wait it out. Cheers and be safe
I went down only a minute and a half after it started to pour as I was making my way to the right side to stop at the service station at the bottom of the hill. Can't get off the road much quicker than that. The camera really does flatten out the hill, not steep but definately a hill. The slippery part was actually at the right third of the lane.
@@OldGuyonaBike At least you came out ok ,maybe a broken ego ,and of course a lesson learned.
@@uneetudiant a few bruises and a total soaking, but yes I came out of it ready to continue riding.
A little late to the show here Jim.......just catching up on vids...........holy wow....I just bought two guns from that Gun Dealer online of course........great to see the actual store front..............yup be an ass at the border and it will make for a BAD day...........Wow......was not expecting that.........that line on the road you discribe as old oil looks like a small rut to me Jim.......it looks like a rut that was filled with water and a slight touch of the front brake you hydro planed the front tire and down you went thats my best guess..........the jacket did its job and you were lucky........onward and upward Jim..
It was more than hydroplanning. Wasn't anything like our Newfoundland ruts. The first guy to help me up said trucks left transmission fluid a lot as they downshifted going down the hill. The camera does not make the hill look like much. Anyway, lots of factors but at least I was able to get back on the road in half an hour or less.
👌
I saw ZERO rider error in your part….OTHER than avoid riding in rain….just not worth it, especially pulling a trailer, in my opinion…glad you’re OK, and you have the right idea: you’re too old to NOT be riding…❤
That storm came up and swept through so fast. As pilots say "Any crash you walk away from is a good landing." When I stop riding I will definately get old.
It converts your bike do I think you need one? No do I think it will help you? Yes I just thought I’d let you know. There’s another version also called instant truck. They allow to convert your two wheeler to a trike and still pull trailer and unconverted wait if you don’t want the truck it gives you more stableness like a trike and actually it’s a little bit better because you have two wheels always in the back on the grout because she still have your main wheel.
Now I understand. Will be looking at a sidecar rig in the next few years so I can be old and eccentric and not just old.
There a trike cover my want look at Tow-Pac
Not sure what you are saying... you have a trike cover? You want a trike cover? You think I need one?
@ sorry sometimes my phone doesn’t type what I say and my arthritis doesn’t allow with my fat fingers to hit the small keyboard so I apologize for the confusion. I hope I cleared that up later. Let me know. I’ll be glad to help you. I do drive a spider because there are arthritis in my hands and I enjoy it and I know there are expensiveso I was looking for maybe another solution for you if you want it if you don’t want it that’s fine. It’s your call. I’m not saying you need it. I’m just saying it will help you.
@@marbolt1 I have trouble with voice to text too. I'll look at a sidecar first. Maybe get a dog too.
lesson dont ride the hump where the oil and brake fluid gets deposited
I was actually right of that when the bike slipped out. I think the oilly part here was that discoloured line on the pavement which I could not see in the wet. In general youi are right. Stay where the car tires ride and not where the engine drips.
80mph in idaho 85mph in texas
I know I've seen 80... missed Texas last year. With the trailer I really don't like above 70 mph and try to find alternative routes. These days I don't have to make up so much time.