Maybe a new bike with ABS is what the doctor orders.Would love to have one, but just can't afford it right now.
After reading what happened, It sounds like you were going into a blind corner too fast. I think riding the Connie is like riding a bull when you get in trouble. It's heavy and when brakes get locked up, you don't have much of a chance of staying on. I have read that when you lock up brakes, you need to lay it down. This might have helped, but I think that is near impossible to do, unless you do it all the time. I know I can't lay it down on purpose. As far as ABS goes, I wonder if ABS gives you a sense of more confidence to go faster.
Here are two things I learned
1. It doesn't matter how long you been riding, you still can get caught off guard.
2. Slow your speed into turns you cannot see ahead of. Don't assume a blind corner is okay.
Pat, what ever the case, I appreciate you taking the time to share this with us. (I am not criticizing you, I certainly don't think I am a better rider than you and this can't happen to me. I'm just trying to learn from it, so I can avoid this terrible experience) The best part is that you are okay.