Now I Lay Me Down...
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 542
Likes: 5
From: New York
Funny thread.
Anytime I have read or heard someone say "I had to lay my bike down" I always kind of thought - No frekkin way and what are you nuts- but I don't say anything because I'm also thinking that maybe they had to ? Glad I read this thread because I know that others are thinking laying down the bike might be wacky. FWIW, I'd rather maneuver the bike and or brake properly.
Never laid down a bike but I flew over a car one time. I braked as much as I could and went over top of the car. I felt that If I had "Layed the bike down" I would of slammed into the car and I would be dead. ...Just sayin
Anytime I have read or heard someone say "I had to lay my bike down" I always kind of thought - No frekkin way and what are you nuts- but I don't say anything because I'm also thinking that maybe they had to ? Glad I read this thread because I know that others are thinking laying down the bike might be wacky. FWIW, I'd rather maneuver the bike and or brake properly.
Never laid down a bike but I flew over a car one time. I braked as much as I could and went over top of the car. I felt that If I had "Layed the bike down" I would of slammed into the car and I would be dead. ...Just sayin
Last edited by Totally Bored; Jul 4, 2012 at 07:50 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 12
From: Haymarket, VA
For those of you who are in the "I had to layer down" camp, here's a few pointers I learned years ago. I highly recommend practicing these steps, so when that moment comes that you have to "layer down", you will encounter few if any problems. 
1. Point your front wheel in the direction you want to slide.
2. Stomp on the rear brake to induce a rear tire skid.
3. Use body english to command the sliding rear tire to kick out to the right side.
4. Keep your upper body upright as the rear wheel starts to come around and the bike starts to go from vertical to horizontal.
5. Quickly pull your left leg up to your chest while shifting your weight to your right leg.
6. Simultaneously grab whatever part of the right side frame that is handy and pull.
7. If all has gone well, you are now clear of the road and riding on top of your motorcycle while it's sliding on it's left side.
8. Jump up on your feet, knees bent, keeping feet, hips and shoulders in perfect alignment. Now your surfing boys and girls. If conditions allow, feel free to express yourself in the surf mode. ex. wave to the passing traffic, whirl your bandana in the air, lick your finger and make a sizzling sound when you touch your ***, etc..
9. Dismounts are optional: ride it until you stop; hand spring to a double back flip over an SUV; dismount early and outrun the old lady that cut you off in her Mercedes; grab yourself, whatever, it's your moment.
1. Point your front wheel in the direction you want to slide.
2. Stomp on the rear brake to induce a rear tire skid.
3. Use body english to command the sliding rear tire to kick out to the right side.
4. Keep your upper body upright as the rear wheel starts to come around and the bike starts to go from vertical to horizontal.
5. Quickly pull your left leg up to your chest while shifting your weight to your right leg.
6. Simultaneously grab whatever part of the right side frame that is handy and pull.
7. If all has gone well, you are now clear of the road and riding on top of your motorcycle while it's sliding on it's left side.
8. Jump up on your feet, knees bent, keeping feet, hips and shoulders in perfect alignment. Now your surfing boys and girls. If conditions allow, feel free to express yourself in the surf mode. ex. wave to the passing traffic, whirl your bandana in the air, lick your finger and make a sizzling sound when you touch your ***, etc..
9. Dismounts are optional: ride it until you stop; hand spring to a double back flip over an SUV; dismount early and outrun the old lady that cut you off in her Mercedes; grab yourself, whatever, it's your moment.
Thats some funny sh*t right there!
Last edited by streeteagle; Jul 4, 2012 at 08:07 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: NY
I've done both, each one with entirely different circumstances. Time and space is everything and no two accidents are ever the same. Still, trying to stay upright and control is the best option. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
I've never purposely laid down a bike and never will. just my 
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Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Most motorcyclists have heard at least one story about someone who claims he was forced to lay down his bike to prevent a potentially fatal crash. In many cases, however, these stories end with broken bones, head injuries, and totaled bikes. So it's only logical to wonder whether this is truly the best technique for avoiding accidents.
The motorcycles you see today are much more technologically advanced than bikes of the past. In fact, motorcycle brakes were once so bad that riders could often stop better by sliding or tumbling off the bike. Back in those days, practicing how to lay down your bike was actually a standard part of learning to ride.
The motorcycles you see today are much more technologically advanced than bikes of the past. In fact, motorcycle brakes were once so bad that riders could often stop better by sliding or tumbling off the bike. Back in those days, practicing how to lay down your bike was actually a standard part of learning to ride.
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