Dropped Valk, Opened issue with the NHTSA on Handlebar Lock

[duckee]

Unfortunantly I dropped my 2003 GL1500 last night.  I Normally lock the handlebars when I park the Valk but apparently didn't last night.  When I went to take off I put the key into the steering lock and turned it, but instead of unlocking the steering I locked it thinking that it was previously locked.

I started the bike and rode for about 30 feet before I realized that the bars were still locked since steering was not required because the departure direction was the same direction that the bars were locked in.  By the time that I realized that the bars were still locked I had already started to lean into the turn and could not keep the bike up.  Dropped her at approx 5MPH.  Damaged the right case guard, right muffler cover and muffler tail cover.

I have since opened a issue with the NHTSA because there is no way to tell if the bars are locked by looking at the lock itself.  You turn the lock 180 degrees to lock or unlock the bars.  If the lock/unlock was only 45 degrees that would be a clear indication of the status of the lock.  But since this is not the case the lock itself should provide a clear indication of the bars being locked or unlocked.  Normally I would try to move the bars or the tires as I forget the status of the lock, but Honda should make this a fool proof process (since apparently I am a fool) I have owned this bike since new for 6 years now and this is the first time this has happed, and I had never previously though about the lock itself since it has not previously been a issue.  This lock is a poor design on Honda's part because of the lack of a indicator or interlocking mechanism.  I looked at the 2009 cruiser and they still use the same lock as the 2003 Valk.  This has not been a problem for other Honda bikes because the ignition switch is also locking mechanism which mean that that bars have to be unlocked before the bkie can be started.

I wanted to post this so that this does not happen to fellow riders.  I did about $311.00 worrth of damage according to the HDLPARTS list.  I will post again once I hear from the NHTSA.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

 I see one person at fault.
Good luck.

[Willow]

I always, well almost always, turn the front wheel to straight forward before starting.

Those who attempt to acheive fool proof staus will be amazed at how ingenious fools can be,

The "almost always"?  Well that's why I do that. Several of us have been there.

If one would turn the key in the wrong direction to unlock, why would you believe one would notice the angle of the key?

[redflash]

Ya know, every time they try to make something idiot proof, along comes a better idiot.

Never mind the NHSTA, sue Honda!   

I'm sorry you made a mistake in judgement and got a few scratches on your ride and your dignity. Glad you weren't hurt.

Better idea than any so far: come up with a workable solution and sell it to Honda.

[duckee]

Well I don't know that one would notice the angle of a key, but one would notice a red dot or indicator pointing toward the word lock on the lock housing.  Which is ithe way that the ignition lock combos are setup.  There is a reason why there is writing on the ignition lock combo or the ignitions switch housing of cars and trucks.

This was a easy mistake and I'm sure that I'm not the first to make it.  One cannot justify a lock with no indicators on it just because my situation did not happen to you.  If one subscribe to that argument then why have a ignition lockout on the kickstand when it is still in the down postion?  It is all about safety regardless of how much common since a person may or may not have.

Although one may have a reason for pointing the handbars straight ahead most people would lean the bars toward the kickstand.  My only reason for posting is to attempt to bring light to my situation in hopes that others don't do the same.

[BF]

Maybe it's just me, and I'm begging for someone to steal my Valk, but I rarely, if ever, use the steering lock.  Besides, I usually straigten up my bars before doing prettly much anything on my bike.  That includes riding off into the sunset. 

[DavRed]

And this type of thinking is why I can not see my ladder for all the stickers!!! As with any power equipment. Read the manual before operating!

[duckee]

Yes I should have checked the lock again, but I swear that I had previously locked it.  I should have straighten the bars as well but the direction that I was going was from the overhang at my office to a hard left turn from the overhang so I didn't attempt to steer until it was to late.

Like I said in the 6 years that I owned the bike this is the first time that something like this has happened, but you can bet it won't happen again.  I think at one time or another every rider does a bonehead thing, but I have taken full responsibility but Honda does not get off quite so easily.

[ptgb]

Wow, I guess people here are much nicer (read, diplomatic) than me...

Are you serious?!?! You forgot to unlock your forks and that is somehow Honda's fault?!?!?

This is one of the main reasons this country is in the shape it is in... people wanting to blame others for their lapses of judgement or failure to do what they are supposed to...

Make sure you sue them too...

To each his own... I am entitled to my opinion of this situation, and to post it here, as you put it out there originally...

Your wrong... plain and simple... suck it up and move on...   

[R J]

I have been buying bikes and riding them since 1950, I have yet to this day ever lock the firking forks......

Are you aware of how easy it is to break that stupid assed little lock?  Apparently not or you'd of done it before ya went over.

All that damn fork lock is good for is to keep the honest ones from stealing it, however, if they want the bike bad enough, they just grab ahold of them and set em in a pickup and drive off...........

Go to Sturgis sometime and watch how easy they are stolen......  If you have to rely on the fork lock, then you need a cable to run through the frame and around a lamp post........

[duckee]

Nice.... First I'm faulted for locking instead of unlocking the handlebars.  Then I'm faulted for using the lock in the first place.  You guys are all over the board.  The fact is that the issue is documented which is the purpose of the NHTSA if there are enough issues documented guess what they will investigate further.  If there aren't enough reports of this happening to other riders then we all get to move on.

I have already accept responsibility for the mistake that I made, but I also have the right to bring this to the attention of NHTSA or even Honda for that matter.  It is kinda of funny that when I went to the Honda shop today he sited three cases that he knew of for this exact same thing on Honda cruisers.

I would recommend less warning stickers on the gas tanks and elsewhere on the bikes and a little ink on the locking mechanism.


It sound like Honda's tag line should've been "You don't meet the nicest people on a Honda"

[ssober]

While you are at it get a light on the dash that says "put you feet down" when you get going too slow and how about a light that says to put the sidestand down when the bike is stopped.

These people are not being mean and I am not trying too but come on.  You have taken responsibility for your action but the next thing is the dash is too busy.  You know how many people have driven off and warped rotors from disc locks but you know it is their fault.  This is kind of like having the guns outlawed because you shot yourself.  

Get over it, you screwed up and it is not your job to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.

it is your right to report it but less gov't interaction is what we need.  This will be added to motorcycle accident and if we keep this up they will all be riding pc bikes or none at all.

Maybe send suggestions to honda r&d with a solution. 

[franco6]

seems to me if you don t straighten the steering before starting the bike youre gonna crash! steering staight. both hands on the bars, both feet on the grond ,now turn it on and asess the situation.think safe be safe! don t drink!

[valk2128]

I always unlock my Valkyrie and straighten my handle bars before starting out.

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.”   (Douglas Adams)

[Grandpot]

ACCOUNTABILITY !!!!!

We are all accountable for our own actions.  At least that's how it should be.  If you are not alert enough to realize your forks are locked, maybe you should leave your bike parked.

It is impossible to legislate common sense.  We don't need anymore Nanny State regulations.

Read the moto below this email.

[3W-lonerider]

you know..i work in the equipment rental industry and know first hand about companies trying to make things idiot proof. it can't be done. because right behind the idiot that caused more stickers or more safety features on a machine is another idiot that that is dumber yet. before long i think we're gonna see stickers on mowers to not put your hands or feet under the deck while engine is running..thats right there already is.stickers for that. or a sticker saying do not check fan belt tension while engine is running..well duh' i think theres one for that to..i really find it amazing how people can blame their own leck of judgement on somebody else to make themselves feel less stupid. if you were that concerned about not being able to tell if it were locked or unlocked. they have an invention now..it's called a paint pen..you could've bought one and put your own dot on the locking mechanism.

[Oss]

great idea

Dont they know that I am too comfortable sittin back and daydreaming to put my feet down, let alone move the right foot to the brake,

Sorry you dropped the bike

We have all done similar dumbass stuff.  next to the Valk on the wall of my garage is a generous amount of foam for if I should happen to forget to put the kickstand down.

this one is all on you

Always straighten your bars before riding just like you straighten em up before stopping for a light or stop sign.

otherwise see HOW TO RIGHT A DROPPED VALK article.

[Chrisj CMA]

This story doesnt sound credible.   The lock on a Valkyrie front end cannot be locked in the straight position.  The bars must be turned quite a bit before the lock will engage.  I doubt I could ride 2 feet much less 30 without knowing the thing was locked.

I have sat on the bike and got ready to ride forgetting the bars were locked........as soon as I touched the grips it was obvious....you have to be REALLY not paying attention to not notice that, and then get 30 feet fighting an uncontrollable turn wondering why?   I dont think so

[MP]

I agree with Chris.  Try it some time.  They are locked at FULL LOCK.  Stand the bike straight up,  at full lock, then try to ride 30 feet, WITHOUT NOTICING IT IS LOCKED!

Me thinks it is a made up story. You would have to be on crack coke to not notice that!

There is not way Honda, or anyone else, could idiot proof a bike enough to keep this guy safe.  And, the training wheel part number for him is  BE-2438- AN-5678-IDIOT. That way, in case he forgot to look, it is on two wheels, and might fall over.  Honda better fix that too!

MP

[PharmBoy]

Duckee, don't get defensive with this group.  They are the most generous, experienced, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, independent, outspoken,intelligent group that you are apt to find anywhere in the motorcycle world.  If you need help, information, parts, a web site, or a friend, someone here will step up to help you.  By the same token, if they think that you are wrong, they will tell you that you are wrong.  That is what I value in my friends.  If I am wrong, I want to know about it and I prefer hearing about it from my friends.  I have not lived long enough yet to make all my mistakes, but I am well on the way!  When I make my next one, I will assure every one that I will take full responsibility for it without blaming someone else and hopefully learn something in the process.  I think that it's called "Personal Responsibility", a quality that I find sorely missing in the general population today.

I sincerely doubt that anyone here is very upset.  We just have a way of telling each other what we think about almost anything and everything.  We do not all agree on any one subject that I have yet seen arise here.  That makes us a healthy group.  Each of us can gain a bit of knowledge from what the others in the group have to say.  I am very glad that I found this organization.  It has been much more to me than just a place to find "Valkyrie Facts"...JTL  

[Robert]

I have to agree with the bulk of the replys, if you cant keep your ride safe then maybe you shouldn't ride. I guess thats why pilots do a precheck. I have left the lock on and started the bike and went to straighten the wheels only to find I had left the lock on all without moving. I have only put it on 2 times since I owned the bike. There are limits to what can and should be done to warn you on how to operate something. Sorry I cant see that its anything but a lapse of memory and more than likely if you had the thing designed even with a dot you would have forgotten to look at it, so it will be the same result. I look at all the disc locks that people have left on and tried to ride away only to do a stoppie or worse lay the bike down, even with a tag on the handle bars telling them its there. If lawyers really smell blood I can see it now, do you own a disc lock have you been injured? It would take a major redesign on the Valk anyway to accomplish a idiot proof system. I also include myself in this category when I leave the lock on. Suck it up and move on. I want to say just something to you personally, You said that you don't meet the nicest people on a Honda well in your case maybe thats so. Most here own up to doing something that can be dangerous and take personal responsibility to keep things as safe as possible. Plus when you do something stupid and want people to agree with you that its someones else's fault, then your out of luck. They see people who cannot cut it on a reasonable skill level as maybe the best decision would be not to ride. Just like to fly a plane needs to have a certain level of competence. If you are running to government for stickers or safety, the very ones who have run every single program and business into the ground, that has been slowly usurping our rights that mandated air bags only later to find they actually kill people, then that just confirms that you are really not thinking clearly. Just opening the door for a lawyer to make some money on the backs of a manufacturer that will eventually trickle down to us by raising the price on insurance and the manufactured product. I see it as people like you seem to think that everyone has the same problem and doesn't realize that most easily cope with things that cause you to look outward instead of inward. I have never heard on one Harley rider complain about the steering lock which some do have a lock like ours. I would really like to see a rough tough Harley rider maybe a hells angle complain about the lock. Save your battle for something thats worth it and know that the people on this board don't put up with stupidity but will give you the shirt off their back in real problem times.

[Master Blaster]

Classic, BooHoo, its not my fault.  Whine Whine.  I love it except for the lets involve the government in my stupid mistake.  Bet you voted for Hussien too.

[fudgie]

Wow. Just wow. 
I might write Jim Beam and blame them for dropping my Valk at a rally. 

[Kingbee]

Buy a Rune!  When you turn the ignition on, it unlocks the fork lock.  Idiot proof.

[Ricky-D]

Absolute rookie! Regardless of the years riding, brain is not keeping up!

To think the NHTSA would be interested is folly.

I suggest selling the bike and staying in the four wheel crowd.

[BamaDrifter64]

This bozo just registered with the board about 20 minutes before he made this post....so either he's just having fun with us and messing with the board....or he is a friggin' card-carrying DNC idiot who probably can't tie his own shoes....and blames that on the shoe mfg'r, the education system and his "abusive" parents....either way, someone that I totally want to ignore and be nowhere around...

[Ken Tarver]

I agree with ChrisCMA and MP.
just normal balancing at slow speed is going to require some movement of the bars in way less distance than 30'.
the only folks I know who would start off from a full lock position would be cops in a rodeo competition, it's just not something done one would do routinely

[SgtBunny]

Wow. Just wow. 
I might write Jim Beam and blame them for dropping my Valk at a rally. 

Sorry fudgie...you can only blame them for being an alcoholic.

[Airetime]

Unfortunantly I dropped my 2003 GL1500 last night.  I Normally lock the handlebars when I park the Valk but apparently didn't last night.  When I went to take off I put the key into the steering lock and turned it, but instead of unlocking the steering I locked it thinking that it was previously locked.

I started the bike and rode for about 30 feet before I realized that the bars were still locked since steering was not required because the departure direction was the same direction that the bars were locked in.  By the time that I realized that the bars were still locked I had already started to lean into the turn and could not keep the bike up.  Dropped her at approx 5MPH.  Damaged the right case guard, right muffler cover and muffler tail cover.

I have since opened a issue with the NHTSA because there is no way to tell if the bars are locked by looking at the lock itself.  You turn the lock 180 degrees to lock or unlock the bars.  If the lock/unlock was only 45 degrees that would be a clear indication of the status of the lock.  But since this is not the case the lock itself should provide a clear indication of the bars being locked or unlocked.  Normally I would try to move the bars or the tires as I forget the status of the lock, but Honda should make this a fool proof process (since apparently I am a fool) I have owned this bike since new for 6 years now and this is the first time this has happed, and I had never previously though about the lock itself since it has not previously been a issue.  This lock is a poor design on Honda's part because of the lack of a indicator or interlocking mechanism.  I looked at the 2009 cruiser and they still use the same lock as the 2003 Valk.  This has not been a problem for other Honda bikes because the ignition switch is also locking mechanism which mean that that bars have to be unlocked before the bkie can be started.

I wanted to post this so that this does not happen to fellow riders.  I did about $311.00 worrth of damage according to the HDLPARTS list.  I will post again once I hear from the NHTSA.

THERES A LOCK =?? I don't ever remember using the fork lock but what you experienced is commonly called "Pilot Error"   Kind of like using a wheel lock and forgetting that you left it on, no ones fault but your own. Gotta give you credit though as I don't know of anyone else that would actually do that and then think that it is someone elses issue, good luck...

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Sorry but I agree with others.  This story is a bunch of BS from someone with nothing else to do.  No way this happened.  Just delete the entire thread.

[R J]

Classic, BooHoo, its not my fault.  Whine Whine.  I love it except for the lets involve the government in my stupid mistake.  Bet you voted for Hussien too.

I'll bet he also tries to reproduce and if he is lucky it happens, God help us...

[R J]

I agree with ChrisCMA and MP.
just normal balancing at slow speed is going to require some movement of the bars in way less distance than 30'.
the only folks I know who would start off from a full lock position would be cops in a rodeo competition, it's just not something done one would do routinely

Hey Ken, don't say we would do that, we always straightened the bike up and then went into manuevers.....

[SgtBunny]

I once had a beautiful black and gold 920 Midnight Virago that I loved and adored....not nearly as much as my Valk though.

One day while riding around the parking lot of the local Hardees my front wheel caught an edge created where the asphalt had sank below the edge of the concrete drive through creating about a 3 inch lip.  I was going very slow and the bike flopped right down onto the pavement doing about $600 in damages...not to mention the HUGE amount of embarrassment to my pride.

Long story short, the first thing I wanted to do was have Hardees pay for the damages due to not properly maintaining their parking lot.  After a couple of days, i realized I was not pissed off at them but pissed off at myself for being so darn stupid to not pay attention to my surroundings.

Hopefully you will do the same and realize that the embarrassment was terrible at the time but you will set back and laugh at yourself like I do now every time I think or tell the story.

[duckee]

Yea I know I have nothing better to do then to make up a elaborate story, and drink booze at work.  As I stated earlier I parked the bike under the overhang at my office, and the bike was backed into where it was parked.  Nothing but a roof piller, and water feature  to the right which means that the only option was to cut sharply to the left where the bars where already positioned unless I actually wanted to take out the buildings the roof piller or ride into the water feature.

As stated previously I have already taken responsibility, but you know what it was like I just got on the bike and rode away.  I turned the key believing that I was unlocking the bars, and while looking at the key turning 180 degrees you know what if there was a indicator showing that I was locking the bars this would have been avoided.  I don't understand how that fact is so easily discounted.  Yea I should have actually checked the bars to verify that they were unlocked, and I normally do by either attempting to move the bars or the tire, but would've could've should've.  That is hind site now and I have learned what could have been a even more expensive lesson.  I don't blame Honda for my action and that was not my intent, but how difficult is it to have a indication.


Someone bought up the gun issue earlier talking about accidently shooting themselves, but even a gun has a indicator showing when the safety is on or off.  maybe the safety indicator does not belong guns if I subscribe to the idea that because you didn't have the same accident happen to you then it's not a problem.  If you look around you equipment is based on indicators but yet one is not needed for a lock that could potentially cause a accident?  This same  person also brought out the idea that it is not my job to save lives.  Come on that makes no sense, in the fact that the NHTSA is specifically hosting a website to try and save lives.  It may not be my job to save lives but it is my responsiblity to report a potential safety issue, and let the NHTSA run with or not, but I have done my job.  Yea it ws only $311 worth of damage, but that is not my point.

And actually I have been a member of this forum/site since I bough my bike new in 2003, but have'nt posted here in years.  When I tried to post I kept getting i.d. does not exist, so it was just easier to create a new i.d. which still goes back to the same email address that I orignally used in 2003 to create my i.d.

As stated earlier I love my valk and am the original owner, never been down once except on the sidewalk of my office building in a 5MPH crash.  This is just one of the many bikes that I own, and have never had a problem with any of the other bikes, because guess what they either have a indicator illustrating when the bars are locked or the lock is built into the ignition.

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

Ditto Pharmboy! Well said!   

[Duey]

/

[Ken Tarver]

yea R J....maybe i didn't detail enough.....i didn't intend to make that sound as if in a full lock AND leaned way over........I have seen in the competition though an exercise where the LEO's are facing a curb from x distance and they are required to make a 90* left or right turn from a stop. The distance from the curb would require them to be at full lock or near close to it to be able to execute the manuver.
I know I can't do it at the distance from the curb they do. Well, maybe if I practiced as much as they do.
I love watching those guys in motors ride the competitions.
Ken

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I pretty much learned the first day of owning the bike,that turning the key forward,locks the forks.
When I do put the key in,while on the bike,and the key doesn't turn the correct way,I immediately know weather the bike is unlocked or not.
I'm glad your ok,with minimum damage,but even filing a claim,seems like sour grapes.

[Bagger John - #3785]

Never assume - always verify, as others have pointed out.

Before you fire the motor, inspect the bike - even if you've just gotten off and re-fueled.

Bars go lock to lock then back to center, then you hit the starter button.

For those of you who use a disc lock - you DID take the thing off prior to starting up and riding away...right?

[Robert]

big blunder.
Startet up the bike and got a big surprise as the front wheel locked up and skid a few cm before it stopped.
Then I understood what I had done. F.......
Well, took of the lock and couldnt see any damage right away, and took the bike for some braketesting. No lugging at all when braking so I was beginning to think that I had been a lucky ******* this time.
But later I noticed that my brake handle was acting a bit funny. I had to pump the brake a couple of times before it was its usual pressure after driving some km. And when I looked down at the right brake while driving I noticed that the brake was wandering 1-2 mm left and right. ****!!
Up on the senterstand, weighing down the back so front wheel was in the air, and aligning with at screwdriver on the brake disc. About 1,5 mm at a point just between two bolts, where the brake lock evidently had been.
Well, it couldnt get any worse, so I picked up a longnosed plier and carefully and bit for bit tried to bent it back. AND IT ACTUALLY WORKED!! Can't measure any difference when using the screwdriver test, and when looking at the disk spinning it.