Monkey

Question: What are the critical points of inspection after a lowside crash to check for? I am trying to learn the mechanics of my bike (I know very little at present) Any advice on what I can learn personally (my bike has already been checked out mechanically) So I can trouble-shoot any existing glitches I'm encountering.
Be easy with me guys...Im a girl trying to learn for myself! I can view the exploded view of my 07 Ninja 250R...consult manual, etc. Maintenance etc.
Im looking for additional points to consider, of what might need a closer look after right-sided lowside. Left side got a bit too as it flipped after the slide.
I hope this huge question is understandable, I'm new to being responsible for my own bike....so I have to soak up the knowledge of others!

SpiceBot

I would first check any hard points that made contact with the asphalt, like bar ends, foot pegs, etc. and check any joints associated with those parts for cracks. After that, make sure your fairings have not completely broken at the screw points. I would also inspect your front rotors to make sure they didn't get bent or broken by any high points on the ground. The front forks would be good to check and see if they were bent at all. Also, make sure you didn't pick up any gouges in your tires in the slide (those are kind of important).

To put it shortly, if it keeps you off the tarmac, make sure it's working right

Anything I'm leaving out?

Sorry to hear about your meeting with the ground, but it's good to hear it hasn't scared you off!

Mithras

Since both sides were damaged you need to check everything.

Remember TCLOCKS from the MSF course?

Every component of the bike must be inspected for anything other than normal. Even if it's a little squeak when you move a part if it wasn't there before the accident it needs to be addressed.

I'd advise taking pics and posting them if you can't get an experienced mechanic to take a look at the damage.

Depending on the severity of the accident some parts that don't look "that bad" might still need to be replaced.

tophyr

1. Anything that touched the ground (you'll be able to see scratches/marks/whatnot)
2. Anything that touches anything that qualifies for #1
3. Anything that touches anything that qualifies for #2
...

et cetera.

Depending on the severity of the crash, the most common "crash items" are fairings (obviously), exhaust cans, footpegs, handlebars, control levers/throttle tube, subframes (your seat section), fairing stays (your control unit mounts to it), and engine case covers. Inspect each of these for bends/breaks/cracks (cracks and leaks especially on the case covers). The less-common, more-expensive crash items wheels, fork tubes and your swingarm - inspect these for cracks and bends as well.

If all the above checks out fine, you're pretty much good. Basically, take the above steps and repeat them up to your comfort level/patience limit

Mithras

Check your oil level...if your bike flipped there's a good chance it's low on oil now after eating or barfing some out during and after the crash.

I really think you should have an experienced rider/mechanic show you the points of interest on your bike. None of us are going to do you that much good by making guesses of what's damaged.

Post up a request for experienced riders with good mechanical knowledge related to construction of the bike and of typical damage resultant of crashes who live near you...then offer a six-pack for their services of an inspection. I'd say that any decent rider would do it for free though...just to help.

Monkey

You guys are Awesome!! That helped mucho! I'm sending you all cyber-beer as we speak! LOL
(ps. I do have a live-in master mechanic/experienced rider. And hes awesome! And he'd prob do it for one beer and a wink..LOL However, I like/need to figure things out on my own....Plus Im truly the only one who can tell the pre and post accident changes in my bike and all your info helps me to go inspect tell my brain hurts. Afterall...it just may be my own ass I'm saving out there =)

bubba_zenetti

your balls. if you have not ground them off on the tarmac, you still have a pair. get back on your bike and ride it like you stole it

Mithras

umm...bubba....you do realize you're addressing a female rider right?

bubba_zenetti

no shit?

my bad. in that case, make sure your snap did not come undone

Monkey

LMAO!! It's all good.... No worries bro, I took it as a compliment in a figurative way LOL still have my bits and pieces, thankfully. Snap...Check!

SMOKE

hey. Start with fluids, connections, forks for leaks and double check your worK.
I'm glad your bike is back up!! How's the shoulder? I still got a small pinch. Get well soon!!

Monkey

Hey Bud! Thnx for that! So far I have been checking it all every chance I get, so far everything keeps checking out sound. Now I just have to worry about the cosmetics--still wasted, but that's ok! I'm riding her!

Shoulder? Well, I can finally straight arm raise up to my head before I get the pinch in my ribs and shoulder! Knee still really swollen...my physical therapist would be Pissed if she knew I was riding already, so mum's the word! LOL
Glad to know you are better too (5th/6th weeks got to be the charmer!)