Best way to prep her for training drops?
#1
07-24-2018, 05:56 AM
Best way to prep her for training drops?
I want to do some training with my '12 Switchback during which I expect to drop her (slow turns etc.). I fitted a Lindby engine guard but have nothing in the back in that regard (unlike my FLTRU). The saddlebags I would take off so they'll be a non-issue. But I would prefer not to completely ruin the engine guard and possibly add some more protection to the back area. So far I have never dropped the FLD so I don't know how she will be resting with the front guard and nothing in the back?!
I am assuming that any soft(ish) material such as pipe insulation or any sort of cloth, styrofoam etc. will be too soft and not doing any actual protecting. I cannot find anything that is hard yet flexible enough to put around the guard although I envision some durable plastic pipe that I could cut/saw open on one side and force it on. Just can't seem to find what I have in my head as any such stuff is either too narrow like sprinkler pipes or too wide such as gutter pipes. Any ideas? Also, what - if anything - should I do for the rear area? Thanks!
I am assuming that any soft(ish) material such as pipe insulation or any sort of cloth, styrofoam etc. will be too soft and not doing any actual protecting. I cannot find anything that is hard yet flexible enough to put around the guard although I envision some durable plastic pipe that I could cut/saw open on one side and force it on. Just can't seem to find what I have in my head as any such stuff is either too narrow like sprinkler pipes or too wide such as gutter pipes. Any ideas? Also, what - if anything - should I do for the rear area? Thanks!
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moparnut72 (07-25-2018)
#2
07-24-2018, 06:10 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Try something like this. Slit it length wise and hold it on the crash bars with some hose clamps. Should work. Available up to 3" dia.
https://www.jmesales.com/continental...fer-hose-only/
https://www.jmesales.com/continental...fer-hose-only/
#3
07-24-2018, 07:11 AM
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#4
07-24-2018, 07:24 AM
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07-24-2018, 08:16 AM
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2goldens (07-25-2018)
#7
07-24-2018, 08:19 AM
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"Dropping your bike" shouldn't even enter your mindset. If it does, then you're already mentally beat. Unless of course, you're a new rider (or, a really old rider.) It's good to practice PLP's. Every rider should do what they can to increase/maintain their skillset. It just needs to pay off once...
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#8
07-24-2018, 08:33 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Pool-noodles hose-clamps etc may prevent scratches.
I'd be more worried about "bends".
Also no mention of hand levers, bars or grips which in my
mind are the first to get damaged in a fall.
I think I'd get a rental bike with its full over stated insurance.
Or join a race school/ driver training school/ stunt rider school.
FWIW, OP's post, to me, just raises so many black flags and potential fails.
Good luck in your project.
I'd be more worried about "bends".
Also no mention of hand levers, bars or grips which in my
mind are the first to get damaged in a fall.
I think I'd get a rental bike with its full over stated insurance.
Or join a race school/ driver training school/ stunt rider school.
FWIW, OP's post, to me, just raises so many black flags and potential fails.
Good luck in your project.
#10
07-24-2018, 08:46 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
If you don’t want pool noodles stuck to your guard, go to a sports store and get some pre-wrap (like you’d use under ankle tape), and also get some of the tape used to wrap hockey sticks. The pre-wrap sticks to itself so it’ll be easy to wrap the bar and then run the hockey tape over that.
It’ll be cheap, very durable, won’t leave any marks on the bar when you take it off and also won’t look like you’re trying to take your bike swimming.
I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the rear if there’s no bags on. You’re practicing slow speed maneuvers so your reflexes will help slowly guide the bike to the ground and the engine guard will keep the bike at an angle and it shouldn’t really flop all the way over onto its side.
It’ll be cheap, very durable, won’t leave any marks on the bar when you take it off and also won’t look like you’re trying to take your bike swimming.
I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the rear if there’s no bags on. You’re practicing slow speed maneuvers so your reflexes will help slowly guide the bike to the ground and the engine guard will keep the bike at an angle and it shouldn’t really flop all the way over onto its side.
Last edited by Cygnusx51; 07-24-2018 at 08:48 AM.