Tip Over Scare
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
Every situation and experience is different. I have found that the two things that help prevent tipping over while coming to a stop or standing still are:
1. Keeping your head up and your eyes looking out and forward.
2. Not over using or misusing the front brake with the bars turned.
The way we are designed, the way we humans evolved, our eyes are side by side in the front of our face. As such we require a horizon for balance. When we drop our head, even for a second to look down or find the kickstand, we lose the horizon and then we can easily lose our balance and topple over.
Others will chime in with their experinces
1. Keeping your head up and your eyes looking out and forward.
2. Not over using or misusing the front brake with the bars turned.
The way we are designed, the way we humans evolved, our eyes are side by side in the front of our face. As such we require a horizon for balance. When we drop our head, even for a second to look down or find the kickstand, we lose the horizon and then we can easily lose our balance and topple over.
Others will chime in with their experinces
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 8
From: Yorba Linda, CA
True story from 30+ years ago. Bud and I riding home from a way too long night of partying in the hills of SW PA. Came to a stop sign in the middle of no where. Bud stops the 76 SG, bike falls on left side, bud rolls off. What happened dude??? Uhm, forgot to put my foot down. Oh. Picked up SG, got it started with a good push, and on our way. No harm.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
I don't know how long you have ridden a motorcycle but most people lay a bike down at some point. More embarrassing then anything. When I first started I had mine down frequently but then I was ridding a road bike off-road a lot. If you are really worried about the thought install engine and saddlebag guards. These will help keep the bike off your legs, help protect the bike and make it easier to pick-up.
I don't worry about much of anything when I ride. I do, obviously, pay attention to things that could really hurt if things go wrong such as a car wandering over into my lane, a car turning in front of me, a car failing to stop before hitting me or anything else to do with cars. The other things include oil or junk on the road, gravel in a curve, large furry animals (even small ones) getting hit by owls (that was exciting) etc. Falling over at a stop sign is way down on the list.
My daughter bought her motorcycle from someone who must have had similar paranoid feelings after dumping their bike because she found a four year old bike with 68 miles on it that had a very small amount of damage on one side. Bent clutch lever and a small scratch on an engine cover.
I don't worry about much of anything when I ride. I do, obviously, pay attention to things that could really hurt if things go wrong such as a car wandering over into my lane, a car turning in front of me, a car failing to stop before hitting me or anything else to do with cars. The other things include oil or junk on the road, gravel in a curve, large furry animals (even small ones) getting hit by owls (that was exciting) etc. Falling over at a stop sign is way down on the list.
My daughter bought her motorcycle from someone who must have had similar paranoid feelings after dumping their bike because she found a four year old bike with 68 miles on it that had a very small amount of damage on one side. Bent clutch lever and a small scratch on an engine cover.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 504
Likes: 9
From: KY
Yep I'm another garage offender. Thought the stand was down and started leaner it over so I could get off and it just kept going. Since I was on the bike I was able to lay it down nice and easy, get off, and pick it back up. But I felt like such a moron (and I was).... Now I double/triple check that the stand is down. Good lesson to learn in the garage instead of the parking lot in front of all my buds!
And... no, didn't develop any paranoia -- if anything, learning the lesson made me more confident that I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
And... no, didn't develop any paranoia -- if anything, learning the lesson made me more confident that I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa
Exactly what happened to me except at a stop sign and I have no clue how it happened, just started leaning to the left and I could not stop it but the whole thing was slow motion. It didn't even scratch or hurt the bike at all but it's sure made me aware of my abilities. I've riden bikes for over, well almost all my life now but none as large as this Harley, next biggest I had were '63 and'78 Triumph Bonnevilles, not nearly at heavy as my fxdc. Like everyone has mentioned, I just need to get back on and think clearly of the more important safety factors such as other drivers first. Thanks all who read and answered, it's almost brought my confidence back. Have a very Merry Christmas and Best of New Years to all!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 12
From: In a house down by the river
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
I dropped my 08 Fatbob when it was spanki'n new. I pulled into a parking stall and just before I stopped dead I hit the front brake (BIG MISTAKE) and fell right on my ***. Minor damage and before I got up a seasoned biker picked me up then the bike and said it happens to everyone sooner or later. Almost done it a couple more times and always the front brake . Need to dis-connect it...
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,128
Likes: 21
From: US poverty capital, california
Bought the wife an FXD for last valentines day...she had the bike 1 day, she was backing out of the garage and her foot slipped, the bike fell on her...she was under the bike for 3 hours before the neighbor came home and saw her....she ended up with a broken foot and refused to get back on the horse....traded it in (I put 100 miles on it bringing it home and taking it back) for a sportster that is a bit lighter for her......