Doesn't help you keep it up but there are some videos on the web explaining how the correct way to pickup a dropped bike. If you do it correctly you're using your legs, not your back. Worth checking out the videos.

I used to own a very tall, very top heavy three cylinder bike which was much harder to pickup than a Harley. Riding it off road meant dropping it once in awhile and I could barely manage to pick it up by myself, even with the knowledge and many years of experience picking up dirt bikes, especially off road where traction for your boots is poor.

 

I would vote yes on the engine guard and then you have somewhere to prop your feet when riding, I like mine.

 

Yes on installing a guard.

I installed them on mine. Easy to do yourself also. I did change out the nuts and washers though, the ones that came with it did not look like stainless. Quick trip to Lowes.

Are the u-bolts that connect to the frame ugly, YEP!

What it does add is a little more confidence though. If you drop it there is some protect to the controls and the side of your bike.

Ignore the people that tell everyone if you drop your bike you bought too much bike. I have a lot of friends with decades of riding experience. They have all dropped a bike at one time in their life.

And guess what every now and then you put your foot down and there is something there you don't expect.

There are several options for the HD guard. Chrome/black. HD now has a mustache style guard for the Dyna.

Get it if it makes you feel better. Screw the naysayers. I look at some bikes and think WTF were they thinking but I always tell them they have a nice bike.

 

understand that when you are pushing it, or sitting on the seat and backing it, or straddling it and moving it your odd's of tipping are at there highest. minimize those situations. and ill probably catch sh** for this comment but have the engine running and in gear with the clutch in whenever you are backing it. if it does start to go over you can feather the clutch and probably save it. use this technique at your own risk, if it go's bad and you accelerate through the garage wall and end up in the living room forget i ever told you to do it.

 

No answers there... wasted post full of assumptions.

OP try the lowered suspension and a lower seat.
Also forward controls give you more room to plant your feet on the ground.
Did the mid controls contribute to you loosing your footing?

 

I'm assuming you have very short legs, correct? You don't want to lower the bike too much as it will have negative affect on the ride quality ( unless you don't care about that ). Try getting a thinner/narrower seat, something that will allow your feet to be flat foot or close to it. Also try wearing boots with a thicker sole, many motorcycle boots have them. I also tend to push my bikes around on foot, not from the seat. Backing up with one hand on the bar the other on the seat, it's a habit I've formed over the years starting with dirt bikes. Watch how people that move bikes all day every day do it, it will more often than not be just like I said. That may have eliminated the first drop you had.

Where in Boston area are you?

 

Guess I'll add my two cents worth, here

I'm 6-2. I weigh 300 pounds. If my foot is on sand or gravel when I stop I can STILL come 'way too close to having a tipover.

This is a motorcycle. You ****NEED**** to pay very close attention to the surface of the road - not only when you stop, but while riding, as well !!!

These things will become old and unbreakable habits, with a few years of experience. All of us had to learn. The way to avoid these tipovers is to look at where your feet will go when you stop. If there is sand (etc.) you will be ready. And if you're ready, you won't drop the bike.

Missing sand/gravel while negotiating a turn WILL have more painful consequences...