Should I file an insurance claim or...?

[admin]

I have a extra kickstand if your looking down the line, I picked it up on ebay for 35.00 and don't need it.

[j2x]

I have a extra kickstand if your looking down the line, I picked it up on ebay for 35.00 and don't need it.

thanks!  I appreciate your offer and nearly everyone's very positive and encouraging support.  I learned two wonderful things this morning:

1: My insurance premium, I use Progressive, would very likely NOT increase if I filed a claim, even though this is considered an "at-fault accident" since I have 2 points already on my policy from a nearly 3-yr old moving violation.  The sales agent ran my quote through her computer with the accident and the moving violation and my premium stayed the same.  Of course, she isn't a claims adjuster and so can't guarantee this and I can't talk to an adjuster without filing a claim, but she licensed and was pretty confident of her findings. 

2: My autobody mechanic finally called me back.  They're going to cut the twisted tube crossmember out, fab a new tube of a similar profile, weld it in, prime and paint it, and reinstall my kickstand- for $250 ALL IN.  That's only $75 more than what I was quoted for just re-bending the member back to it's original shape. 

I AM SO HAPPY!  My wife cried last night when I told her we might be paying $500 (my insurance deductible) to get this repaired.  Needless to say, she was very happy to hear the exceptional news.

Thanks again for all of your well-wishes and good ideas.  I never gave up.

-james

[Bob E.]

Glad to hear it is working out for you at a reasonable cost.  That's probably the best way to repair it. 

And congrats on the baby.  I can sense the tiredness and frustration in your posts.  As a dad with 2 and 4 year girls old at home, I can only say "hang in there."  It gets alot easier after the first 3 months.  That's when you can start giving them cereal and they sleep longer at night because they aren't so hungry all the time.  At least mine did.  Then at about 12-15 months, it starts getting harder again because they start walking and once they're mobile...watch out!!  Then at 2 or so, they start talking, which is cute for awhile until they won't shut up.  Then about 4, they start back-talking and it goes down hill from there.   But I still love 'em.

[admin]

good to hear on finding someone to fix it and at a decent price too.   should be able to do that in one or two days max for ya and then your off and riding again so you can unwind from being a new father.  Find someone close by you trust to maybe watch the baby for an hour or two and take the wife out too for a nice relaxing ride, it will do ya both good for sure.  Nothing like a little time away on a bike to de-stress one self I always say and do.    Good Luck and Happy Parenting!

[ossvalk]

James

Glad to hear things are working out which if we just step back and breathe a few  times often is what happens.

I survived so far one daughter now 23 a 21 yr old daughter now in college (*she is still givin mom all she is worth) and my 18yr old boy just left for college this morning with my wife

wish I could have taken off from court to go with them

You will be riding again in no time.

Evan aka Oss

[NITRO]

Good to hear that things have taken a change for the better. It certainly does seem that things never come at you one at a time, but all at once. Better days ahead!

And congrats with the little girl!

[timmer]

Great news James, now go change a diaper! 
Your family fun has just began.

take care............

[timk519]

Congrats on the good news, and for not letting a sour lemon get you down.

Have fun being a dad!

[Challenger]

I know of one in my area that was heated and straightened, then a piece of angle iron was layed across the frame and the kick stand bolted back on. been that way for several years now without problem.  I believe he hopped a parking lot barrier and damaged his.

[j2x]

James

Glad to hear things are working out which if we just step back and breathe a few  times often is what happens.

I survived so far one daughter now 23 a 21 yr old daughter now in college (*she is still givin mom all she is worth) and my 18yr old boy just left for college this morning with my wife

wish I could have taken off from court to go with them

You will be riding again in no time.

Evan aka Oss

everyone thinks I stopped riding... sorry if I ever implied that.  Just because my valk has been at the mechanic for 2.5 weeks now doesn't mean I haven't been commuting every day on my KLX thumper.  ;)  My wife even let me escape on a 6-hr 200 mile ride on Madeline's one-week birthday with a couple guys from Pashnit (also on my KLX).  Doubt I'll see any overnight rides until next spring, but I'm just as happy all told. 

thanks again for all your support. 

james