motorcycle superstitions
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Getting off on the left side isn't superstition. There are logical reasons for it. 1. The hot pipes are on the right, 2. If you catch your foot on the sissy bar or seat when you get off on the left and pull the bike toward you, the jiffy stand will still hold the bike up. If you snag and pull the bike to the right, over it goes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
just the other night i was dropping a girl off at her house, and i asked her to put the passenger pegs up when she got off. she asked why and i told her its bad luck to ride with the pegs down and nobody on the seat. i have heard that my entire life. she thought i was crazy to put it mildly. anyone else ever hear of this? or any other things they believe in similar to this?
I also only get on and off onthe left side, same as when dad taught me to ride a horse years ago. "the left side is the right side, and the right side is the wrong side"
I also only get on and off onthe left side, same as when dad taught me to ride a horse years ago. "the left side is the right side, and the right side is the wrong side"
- if you crash having the pegs folded can help protect you from injury from them
- a bike is easier to mount from the left side if it is on the side stand
They mention both in most rider courses.
Another one.... shut off the engine with the kill switch first before removing key .... allows you to balance bike with both hands with the engine running and more easily park in gear. Also trains your brain to reach for the kill switch with your right thumb when you need it without having to consciously think about it - and not be stumped for 2 minutes trying unsuccessfully to start your bike because it is turned off and you never thought to turn it on.
Last edited by fat_tony; Aug 30, 2011 at 09:21 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 5
We all have belief's even the smart ones who have answered so far .... and that is that we will all return safely from our ride every time ... (SOME DONT EVER) .... and to me that's the only belief system worth having!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
Getting off on the left side isn't superstition. There are logical reasons for it. 1. The hot pipes are on the right, 2. If you catch your foot on the sissy bar or seat when you get off on the left and pull the bike toward you, the jiffy stand will still hold the bike up. If you snag and pull the bike to the right, over it goes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
i have never heard a superstition about the rear pegs being down..it must be true thou..every bike i have been around with the pegs down has taken a bite out of my shins..i worked on bikes for 13 years and have been around them all my life..every bike i ride/ fix/ move/ or just have to be around for some reason, the first thing i do is flip the rear pegs up..worse then a trailer hitch receiver..
...my bikes have always had a bell on them.. don't know if it helps or not,im not going to be the one to find out
...my bikes have always had a bell on them.. don't know if it helps or not,im not going to be the one to find out
Last edited by j1mmy; Aug 30, 2011 at 11:33 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
