I suppose I should be embarassed, but I have no shame. About once a year I manage to do one. Chronologically, from 4 years to present.

1. Get to top of Arthur's Seat, GSXR750 bike roars past.. "Yahoo! someone to maraud on the way down!" me thinks. Quick U turn, touch the front brake (I know, you should use the rear brake during slow speed work). Splat me on the ground, pick up the bike and slink off home the back way. Damage report: Cracked mirror, broken indicator small scratches

2. Tyre is shagged, new one ordered so I'm doing burnouts everywhere. This one is on a gravel road (Yes, it will smoke on gravel if it is hard packed), though dumbo has front wheel on loose stones. I'm still standing there but the bike is wrapped in a fence. Non-biking audience saw this one, how embarassing. More slinking.. Damage report: Just some more minor scratches.

3. Bike coughs on cold morning, my arthritic old body doesn't work well in the morning and my foot will not lift off the peg (Fair Dinkum, I tried hard.). Kerplunk! (foot still on the footpeg! I'm feeling old.) At least no one watching. Damage report: Just left hand engine case has minor scratches. The old body makes a good scratch protector.

4. Get the bike out in the morning, the bloody dog gets out. I stand there yelling at it to get in. Next thing I know there is an amorous ZX6R lying on me. At least my fat little body kept the bike from getting scratched. Another lesson, don't leave bike in neutral pointing down hill on its sidestand. Damage report: Nothing!

Larry Hill