Cat-astrophic evening

[Fireblade_Ro]

Crashed my Fireblade this evening after a cat decided to run through my front wheel...

I've trashed my kit.

Anyone with advice regarding womens kit/small kit??

My main issue is finding boots with an ankle flex (I'm 5ft4 on a standard height Fireblade) as I'm on my tiptoes when I stop at junctions.

Feeling pretty beaten up right now... but due to decent kit I have no broken bones and not a single scratch on me

[Blade]

That sucks, sorry to hear this but very very glad to hear you are OK which is the main thing.

Which year Blade is it I may have some spares ?

[Fireblade_Ro]

It's 2003... the 954. I've wrecked the rear brake lever and the engine casing... the crash bungs well and truly did their job and some scuffs to fairing/exhaust.

[Kwacky]

http://www.megamotorcyclestore.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is in Swindon, is that too far away?

All good ankle boots should allow a full range of movement. I've got Puma hypersport boots which are excellent, they saved my ankle in a crash.

[Frankie]

Oh no, get well soon. As for kit, I have not been into Reading bike shops for years, but I can suggest Infinity (Oxford) they are in Benson next door to the H cafe, worth a look, only 25mins from Reading, if you like they will post to you. The other place I have had good service is Oh Yer Bike @ Aylesbury.

Or a little further out is the people who took over the old George White building in Swindon. They all seems to have good selections of sizes.

[Fireblade_Ro]

I remember the shop by H cafe... they didn't have much womens stuff in stock when I last went there a few years ago, maybe they've got more tiny people stock now

[Frankie]

They did not have much of anything if I remember, but that was when they were an independent bike shop, they are now part of the Infinity mob. Worth a look here first http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; then go look if they have your sizes.

[DaytonAndy]

Is there a j+s anywhere near you?

[duke63]

Glad you are relatively OK. I think we all learn a bit more from every crash.

Bikes can be mended or replaced.

With human beans its not so easy.

How's the cat?

[D6]

Glad you're OK. Bloody cats.

[Mac]

Being in the states I can add nothing to the kit topic, but I'm sorry to hear about your bike. Very happy you're ok though!

[Fireblade_Ro]

The cat died... there were 2 chunks of the fluffy thing stuck to the bottom of my bike (which was easy to see being that the bike was on the floor... leaking oil and fuel everywhere)

There was a really nice police man that took it to the nearby houses and found the owner... gave them their cat back... felt quite bad for them but at the same time I could have been much less lucky "walking" away from this with no broken bones.

[Blade]

Sorry Ro I have no spares for a 954.

Have you considered discussing lowering the bike with a suspension company. A friend had it done on a zx10 years ago and they dropped it 40mm and he was so more confident on it.

[Bratty]

Glad your ok mate I have a spare set of levers off a 2008 Blade I think that we're given to me for my bike but didn't fit, if they will fit your bike your welcome to them.

[D6]

I would have no sympathy for the owner. Especially in your position, and what you suffered. That's the problem with cats over dogs.

[rocket]

I would have no sympathy for the owner. Especially in your position, and what you suffered. That's the problem with cats over dogs.

Totally agree I'm not a cat fan !!!! Old house we had neighbours that had cats. I put down a white stone path. After 2 weeks it was not white due too cat shit as they were using it as a litter tray. I dont think they would have been impressed with me if i took my dog round there house for a shit in their garden.

glad your ok Ro with regards to gear I'm not much help guessing it can be a pain to get gear in the right size as I'm pretty average and I struggle.

[Rossgo]

Very sorry to hearb this Ro. As for j&s thatb could be the one at Slough like I've mentioned to you in the other thread.

[Norfolknchance]

Sorry to hear of your accident, but ti could have been much worse.

I can't recommend anywhere round your way for kit as the last time lived out that way George Whites still had a place in Slough and Hein Garrick still existed. I have always found Sidis to be a very good boot,

[Fireblade_Ro]

I've had a few people tell me (While trying to be sympathetic to me and offer suggestions for avoidance in the future) that this type of accident is due to rider error/panic grabbing the front brake, or a confidence issue due to size/weight/height/power of the bike... I didn't even get near the brakes - or steer to avoid it for that matter... the cat jumped out about 5m ahead of where I was travelling... I had no chance.

It was like "Cat. Shit. Bang. Down" In a split second!

If anyone thinks a cat isn't large enough to destabilise a Fireblade then I'd like to see them hit something that size/shape and moving with their front wheel and not come off!!!

Sorry, rant over Just dislike that people think that it was an ability/confidence/being a small useless girl issue

Massive thank you to everyone with their support, and for the help with suggestions about replacing kit... I've decided to treat myself to a whole new set... even though the trousers didn't need to be cut off

[Fireblade_Ro]

Waaaaa!! Hole worn through the fairing into something important... leaked all of its oil out on the road...

Spot the issue with the rear brake lever...

Crash bung appears to have earned its place on my bike Did a very good job!!! Will be replacing with another set before my bike goes anywhere else.