Do you HAVE to go down???
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix area
My guess is that the majority of riders have went down at some time, (including myself) I would like to think that I learned from that experience and that it won't happen again, but in reality, it could easily happen at any time whether I am at fault or not. It is very unpredictable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
I have been riding since the spring of '72,45 bikes & 18 Harleys later & I have never crashed! I have, however, been down TWICE as a passenger, back before it was cosidered gay for a guy to ride biotch. I have had 3 unbelieveable close calls, all due to to some stupid nimrod in a car,but always managed to steer out. Just sheer dumb luck,prolly 'cause I am over-cautious. Had too many friends die on their sleds, so I take no chances.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: germany
been riding since 78'; I've crashed on dirt bikes many times pushing the envelope racing motocross and enduros....but have never dropped or crashed any of my street bikes.......I let my dad ride my fatboy back several years ago....he got tangled up in the heal shifter at a stop sign and dropped it within 100 yards of getting on it.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Been ridin' since '73, had the need to seek medical treatment on three occassions, still walked away from all. Now there have been several other tiny incidents, mostly my ignorance, but no damage to me, minimal to the bike, like bent footpeg mount, etc.
I highly suggest you just get it over with! Go down the road, get her up to about 80, slam on the brakes, skid her sideways and let her go! Not only will you cure the wonder of "when", but you will also get a first hand experience of how tight you can pucker the backside. 
I highly suggest you just get it over with! Go down the road, get her up to about 80, slam on the brakes, skid her sideways and let her go! Not only will you cure the wonder of "when", but you will also get a first hand experience of how tight you can pucker the backside.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46,845
Likes: 22,534
From: Land of the Free, Home of Jack Daniel's
You don't have to be moving to go down. You could stop at a stop sign and your foot slip out..... Down you go......
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
No, you don't "have to" go down.
I have two brothers and a friend that bought bikes and never went down. Combined they probably went less about 1000 miles on their bikes before they sold them. One of them never went over 40 MPH.
So I know for a fact that there are 3 people who rode bikes without "going down".
I also know several guys who claim to never have dropped a bike, even though I saw there bikes on the ground at one time or another. I know one guy who was pinned against the wall of his garage when I lifted the bike off of him. First words out of his mouth were, that was a close one, I thought I was going to drop it.
I have two brothers and a friend that bought bikes and never went down. Combined they probably went less about 1000 miles on their bikes before they sold them. One of them never went over 40 MPH.
So I know for a fact that there are 3 people who rode bikes without "going down".
I also know several guys who claim to never have dropped a bike, even though I saw there bikes on the ground at one time or another. I know one guy who was pinned against the wall of his garage when I lifted the bike off of him. First words out of his mouth were, that was a close one, I thought I was going to drop it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 2
From: South County, CA.
Been down a few times, Never any serious damage (Knock on Wood) I don't think about it, All I can do is try my best to avoid it, but even if I do everything right it only takes one other person to mess that all up.
