challenges - crutches - insurance - harley

[hillcountryflt]

Been a challenging few weeks. Courtesy of a torn miscus in my knee, I ended up on the surgery table about 3 weeks ago. Been on crutches every since. Hope to be released May 8. During the time I acquired a few parts (awaiting shipment on some more). Nothing like having toys to play with, but the doctor says you can't, yet. Have hobbled out to the bump to pull up the remainder of the mat on the driver and passenger sides and spay some ospho, just for grins and play around with some vacuum hose routing.
Next big hit is that because of this knee, it is being recommended that I give up riding my Harley. Doctor, and I think, the knee damage was some improper stopping technique and resulting in that big ole Ultra pulling my knee out of place. So that is a real bummer. Had planned on another long run to the Davis Mountains this summer. I am definitely off of it for another couple of months and may end up having to sell her.
And finding insurance. Good grief. You would think insuring a $3500 truck would be easy. I have it under my Farmer's policy, but without comp (so no theft policy). The costs of comp seemed outrageous for my truck. It has more than state required. Did the usual on-line searching and because it will be used for some regular errands and is kept in a drive-way and not a garage means no other sources could be found.
There is my vent, expression of frustration.

[Mancar1]

I have lib and comp on the 68 thru AAA and it is really low priced as my 2nd vehicle. Course that is here and your there. Good luck on not only insurance but on your recovery.
Keep on Trucking...John

[DuckRyder]

Unless " improper stopping technique " is code for "ran into a tree" or "locked brakes - met pavement" I find it strange that one could tear a meniscus just riding an Ultra... I mean you aren't trying to flat track it right?

Then again, I'm not an orthopedic surgeon... so listening to me may be a bad idea, I will say that I know someone with a torn meniscus and their orthopedic has not suggested that they should give up motorcycling, just the smashing knees into pavement part of it... In fact, they all say get back on it as soon as you feel comfortable.

Let me just leave this here:

http://projectrushmore.harley-davidson.com/en_US/home

Anyway...

Crutches, walkers, wheel chairs and the like are a drag, heres hoping you are back on two feet shortly and able to do all that you wish...

[hillcountryflt]

Sloppy stopping technique at intersections - putting my left leg down too quick a few times was something I think contributed to the problem.
I just had my seat recontoured, so will see how that impacts my riding style in a month or two. Five foot seven with a 29 inseam riding a bike with about a 30 inch seat clearance. Supposedly this seat rework from Mean City will gain me about 1.5 inches.
Of course the other side would be getting rid of the Harley would give me more money to spend on the bump.

[DuckRyder]

I've been to Texas Hill Country, missed the bike greatly while I was there....

Anyway, hopefully you can unlearn the technique that may have caused the injury and modify the fit to be more suitable for you. There can be more to it than just the seat:

Fit Shop

Sometimes finding someone (IE a dealer) with experience in fitting bikes to people can be worth the additional cost...

As for insurance.

The insurance environment in TX is well, strange. There are some regulations that don't parallel well with other locals. You should discuss your particular situation with your agent, I believe most Texas policies carry a special limit on audio gear and truck customization so if you have expensive stereo or "customization" that bears consideration.

Contrary to popular belief, if you can support your value with documentation, you don't - in most cases - need a special policy for an old truck. You do have to understand that the value is what it could reasonably be sold for, not what you have into it. So if you have those two key elements (understand value and can support it) there is little to be gained by having a special policy. Generally too there are rating classifications for cars that are not regularly used for back and forth to school or work and less miles traveled per year. Be sure to ask.

[Mancar1]

I keep a good record of all cost of everything I put into the older Trucks/Cars that I have had over the years. It has paid off a couple times.
Documentation is your friend