on and off....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
without the tourpack mounted, i get on from the left, most times. with the tourpack on, it is easier to put your right foot on the floorboard, hold the right handgrip with your right hand, put your left hand on the tourpack, step up and over with your left foot and then just sit down.
oh forgot to mention, the tourpack is mounted forward in the solo position too......
oh forgot to mention, the tourpack is mounted forward in the solo position too......
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Yep, this topic comes up occasionally.
In 2000, while on my way to Alaska, I managed to fall while getting into a bath tub, and the following morning I was unable to mount my Ultra from the LH side and I thought my trip was over.
Just for the heck of it, I mounted my bike from the RH side and it felt so natural that I've been doing it ever since.
One of my riding friends had a knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago (left knee) and I convinced him to try the LH mounting and he steps on the RH floorboard, while grabbing the handlebar and leaning over the bike to mount.
For the Tri-Glide folks who may be having problems mounting your trike, try this method:
1. From the LH side of your trike, take hold of your handlebars and then place your RIGHT foot on the LH rider's floorboard and then step up.
2. Place your LEFT foot on the passenger's LH and then step up.
3. Lift your Right foot over the seat and depending on what works better for you, place your RIGHT foot on either the rider's floorboard or the passenger's floorboard and then lower yourself to the seat.
This seems like a new dance step until you get familiar with it but it makes mounting a little easier if you're having knee or hip issues OR just want to take smaller steps to get into the saddle.
In 2000, while on my way to Alaska, I managed to fall while getting into a bath tub, and the following morning I was unable to mount my Ultra from the LH side and I thought my trip was over.
Just for the heck of it, I mounted my bike from the RH side and it felt so natural that I've been doing it ever since.
One of my riding friends had a knee replacement surgery a couple of years ago (left knee) and I convinced him to try the LH mounting and he steps on the RH floorboard, while grabbing the handlebar and leaning over the bike to mount.
For the Tri-Glide folks who may be having problems mounting your trike, try this method:
1. From the LH side of your trike, take hold of your handlebars and then place your RIGHT foot on the LH rider's floorboard and then step up.
2. Place your LEFT foot on the passenger's LH and then step up.
3. Lift your Right foot over the seat and depending on what works better for you, place your RIGHT foot on either the rider's floorboard or the passenger's floorboard and then lower yourself to the seat.
This seems like a new dance step until you get familiar with it but it makes mounting a little easier if you're having knee or hip issues OR just want to take smaller steps to get into the saddle.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 1
From: West by God Texas
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 38,428
Likes: 896
If things are still unclear after watching the above video, I would suggest a trip to the local HD dealer on any of their many "Free Hot Dog & Cookie" Saturdays.
There you will be able to observe many geton/getoffers in their native habitat. Quite possibly, you will even have the opportunity to try it yourself, under their professional supervision.
There you will be able to observe many geton/getoffers in their native habitat. Quite possibly, you will even have the opportunity to try it yourself, under their professional supervision.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
This should settle this once and for all! This guy is a professional geton/getoffer and knows what he is talking about.
Harley Davidson Tips - Mounting, Dismounting & Passengers - YouTube
Harley Davidson Tips - Mounting, Dismounting & Passengers - YouTube
How come he doesn't know it is called a "Jiffy" stand?
Oh yea. I get on from either side and mostly get off on the right.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I get on and off my bike on the right side because, based on work related things, my left leg is more flexible and I can raise it higher than my right and also after I park, by getting off on the right side, I feel safer that way than getting off on the left side and having my back to oncoming traffic.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 275
From: Milton, Delaware
I don't seem to have a preferred side dismount, just whatever the situation dictates. I do tend to mount from the left more often than the right. It took a year or so to get used to it after getting rid of the bike that
had that lever on the right that Nailz mentioned. I don't know why I switched, no reason. Guess it was what most people were doing.
For those that stand on the right side foot board/peg and then swing their left leg over: be careful with the weight transfer. I once saw a guy do that and it was just enough of an unbalance that it lifted the kick stand just enough that the bike rolled forward and fell on it's left side, with the guy laying across it.
had that lever on the right that Nailz mentioned. I don't know why I switched, no reason. Guess it was what most people were doing.
For those that stand on the right side foot board/peg and then swing their left leg over: be careful with the weight transfer. I once saw a guy do that and it was just enough of an unbalance that it lifted the kick stand just enough that the bike rolled forward and fell on it's left side, with the guy laying across it.