Ha ha ha! This infamous incident was bound to happen! But when it did, I am fortunate that I was decently slow and no (absolutely none) damage done to both bike and me!
For those who don't know, Scarlet Fever is my Oct '03 Wine Red DTS-i 180 (first batch of DTS-is with 18" wheels and old Bajaj logo). This morning after realising it was already late, decided to get the insurance transfer work (for the car) done at Tata-AIG instead of heading straight to office. So found the office on Millers' road. Was a bit miffed at having to pay the NCB component the earlier owner had claimed back to the company as per policy. Finished this and was heading to work from my place. Just as I passed by, as luck would have it, support under my right leg went and my foot was scraping the road. Managed to balance and come to a stop. Walked back and picked up the peg. Then started looking for the bolts which must have come loose. There were 2 holes in the peg, so atleast one bolt should be around. Didn't find any! Then went back to the bike and saw the chassis underneath. What surprised me was that instead of two vacant sockets, there were the remnants of both bolts. Like studs. Just that their heads had sheered off. One was sheered off much earlier, while the other just now (looked fresh). Looked at the peg holes. One sure was dirty (indicating head had come of long time back) while the other clean and fresh! Anyway thanked providence for the luck. Rode home (which was around the corner) using the rear right footpeg for the right foot, left the bike home and drove to work. Now I am wondering how would these bolts be replaced? Gonna be tough work to take them out from the chassis with no heads to hold them! Riding to Venkat's (15+ km) is also gonna be a precarious exercise without the rear brake. Will have to do it during non-rush-hour! Cheers, Glifford.
