Collided with a deer

[Dave]

About 3-1/2 weeks ago I had a deer run into me while on a ride. I was going about 35mph on a small backroad when, without warning, the broadside of a deer was making contact with my windshield. It was in mid-leap and my body took most of the impact; the headlight and anything below that never impacted the deer. I went down almost immediately on my right side and according to my riding buddy behind me, I ended up rolling over. End result was six fractured ribs, fractured scapula, and punctured lung. Ambulance arrived quickly and after spending time in two different emergency rooms, ended up spending three days in a San Antonio hospital - couldn't convince them to take me to Austin about another hour away. I sill feel a bit battered and am a bit stiff and sore. Should make a quick recovery but ribs won't fully heal for another 4-5 weeks.

This is actually the second deer-motorcycle collision I've experienced. I went through something similar but not quite as severe in 2006 which totaled my last Voyager XII. Deer-motorcycle collisions are not exactly rare here in central Texas but I never expected it to happen to me twice. The deer here are small but they're so numerous they're nicknamed "forest rats".

Only good thing is that I'm now replacing my 2014 R1200GS that had 130k miles on it with a new 2020 R1250GS.

[cushman eagle]

I am sure glad you made it out of that accident as well as you did

[VoyKimmer]

I had a similar crash with a deer in 2012 on my 2002 voyager xii. I was heading north thru Wisconsin to U P Michigan and then up to Lake Superior . I was passing a semi on rt 141 at about 75 mph and after passing and settling back in my lane an 8 point buck leaped out of the forest right in front of me. I hit it broad side launching me off the bike and flipping the bike end over end. The bike actually passed me as we were rolling down the highway and thru the ditch. As it turned out I was pretty messed up for a while and I rebuilt the bike. I now have two air deer wistles and the Hornet Electronic Deer Avoidance System on both my bikes.

[voyager55]

It's been proven by various States DNR departments that deer avoidance systems are a waste of money. They don't work

[cushman eagle]

It's been proven by various States DNR departments that deer avoidance systems are a waste of money. They don't work

I have read that too,but I have seen deer run away many times when I approach them with my bike, that has them on

[VoyKimmer]

It makes me feel more comfortable riding so it’s worth it to me. Haven’t seen a live deer since installing mine back in 2012.

[Dave]

It's been proven by various States DNR departments that deer avoidance systems are a waste of money. They don't work

I agree. The previous owner of my 94 Voyager had mounted a set of deer whistles on it. I remember approaching a deer grazing on the road shoulder. The deer was oblivious to me until I downshifted. The change in engine tone finally got its attention.

[HMB Don]

Dave
Bummer, happy your alright. Best part is the new Beemer that your healthy and able to ride.

[Dave]

Dave
Bummer, happy your alright. Best part is the new Beemer that your healthy and able to ride.

But the 2014 Beemer only had 130k miles on it

[Dave]

Had a follow up visit with orthopedic doctor Thursday. Fractures are healed. Still some sore shoulder muscles but they're improving. Most of the stiffness and soreness is when I get up in the morning.