2014 Limited - preparing for the inevitable - dropping the bike
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
Dropping a bike is not an inevitable event. I haven't dropped a bike in 40 years of riding. Be careful and pay attention to what you are doing.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Plainview, NY
I dropped mine in a gas station, the whole station is on an incline, the pavement was wet, put my left foot down and out it went... On a good note, they have a tip sensor that shuts the engine right off.
I'm a pro at picking them up, after going through the motorcycle school I went through you became very proficient at picking up from either side and even getting the ones that landed upside down back on 2 wheels, lol.
I'm a pro at picking them up, after going through the motorcycle school I went through you became very proficient at picking up from either side and even getting the ones that landed upside down back on 2 wheels, lol.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 114
From: Drummondville, Qc, Canada
Dropped the Goldwing 20 years ago on the gravel.
**** happen but don't let fear keep you away from riding. This fear will keep you on the edge.
To much fear makes you unconfortable but will keep you away from dangerous situations... to much confidence is more dangerous!
**** happen but don't let fear keep you away from riding. This fear will keep you on the edge.
To much fear makes you unconfortable but will keep you away from dangerous situations... to much confidence is more dangerous!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Dropped mine when I parked on uneven ground, went to put my left foot down and there was an additional inch or two before my foot touched, once it started going over there was no stopping it. Did some damage to lowers and engine guard along with bent handlebars. Still don't know how I picked it up, didn't practice the preferred method I have seen in the you tube videos but it was back up in a jiffy.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
Always have the passenger dismount before maneuvering the bike into/out of a parking space.
Don't ever hit the front brake with the fork turned, you will go down.
Always double check your footing before leaning the bike over to put on the stand. DON"T forget to put the stand down!
If you do loose it while standing still, try to put the bike down as gently as possible. I've seen zero damage done to a buddies 2014 Limited when he gently laid it down in a driveway like this. It's a bitch to get back up but it will rest on the engine guard and floor board if it's "put" down rather than "dropped" down.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 337
Likes: 269
From: Central Florida
Here’s another perspective. First, lay your bike down (carefully) so you know how to pick it back up. Trust me - the first few attempts you make to pick it back up will have you cursing me. But eventually you’ll figure it out.
This all assumes you are healthy enough to pick up your bike. It also assumes you have crash bars.
LEO’s assigned to motors are the best trained riders there are. They’ve all dropped a bike more than once. Don’t fear the drop just know what to do if it happens and it’s no different than approaching a busy intersection.
This all assumes you are healthy enough to pick up your bike. It also assumes you have crash bars.
LEO’s assigned to motors are the best trained riders there are. They’ve all dropped a bike more than once. Don’t fear the drop just know what to do if it happens and it’s no different than approaching a busy intersection.
