Going Down Sucks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
That being said, high-siding at 5mph, rain or not, sounds like more of a control issue than anything else. As much as I hate to, I have to agree with DB here and suggest that a rider's course might be a good way to spend his time off.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
I guess that's partially true, but having a knowledge of the "do's and don'ts" ahead of time definitely helps.
That being said, high-siding at 5mph, rain or not, sounds like more of a control issue than anything else. As much as I hate to, I have to agree with DB here and suggest that a rider's course might be a good way to spend his time off.
That being said, high-siding at 5mph, rain or not, sounds like more of a control issue than anything else. As much as I hate to, I have to agree with DB here and suggest that a rider's course might be a good way to spend his time off.
I don't think it is physically possible at 5mph. You don't have enough forward momentum to get launched like that and you wouldn't be leaned over either so the bike wouldn't violently thrash around. It would just tip over at 5MPH.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,365
Likes: 24,250
From: NC, USA
Bikes can be fixed or replaced. So long as you're alive to tell the story that's what counts.
Put this one in the category of "Why I own vivid black".
I've heard nightmares of getting CVO parts and especially the paint.
Put this one in the category of "Why I own vivid black".
I've heard nightmares of getting CVO parts and especially the paint.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
Highside is when the rear tire looses traction, gets out of line of travel then regains traction snapping the rear tire back in line of travel. Tends to "launch" the rider off the bike. Could be from the road (wet, oil, etc.) or locking the rear wheel while braking then unlocking it. At slow speed it would just cause you to flip onto it's side.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
I always assumed high-siding was getting launched from the bike up and over; for example, when leaned over in a fast turn you grab the rear brake, start to skid, and then suddenly let off the brake. It will attempt to upright itself and run straight and your own forward momentum throws you in the air.
I don't think it is physically possible at 5mph. You don't have enough forward momentum to get launched like that and you wouldn't be leaned over either so the bike wouldn't violently thrash around. It would just tip over at 5MPH.
I don't think it is physically possible at 5mph. You don't have enough forward momentum to get launched like that and you wouldn't be leaned over either so the bike wouldn't violently thrash around. It would just tip over at 5MPH.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
Crashing Sucks
It absolutely does suck. 2 1/2 years later, I'm still paying for one, also in rain. Unlike you, I was doing 70mph. Yes, I knew even then I should be slowing down! Maybe it's good but I have no memory of it. I've been told that road was a blood mess with craters for pot holes. Strange thing, that road got fixed immediately after and the reckless driving citation was dropped. I personally think someone saw a law suit coming. They did get lucky cause I'm not that kind if that's what they thought. I do wish I knew just what happened though. Last I remember is riding into an absolute downpour and "starting" to back off. I had been riding in rain for an hour already so it wasn't like it just started.
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
Well, back when I took riders edge we were shown those sample videos as well.
The advice was, "Avoid doing this at all costs. It can be hazardous to your health and almost guarantees a ride in an ambulence." Outside of getting hit, it is right in front of running off the road in a curve as one of the worse things to go wrong. Not only will you go for a nice ride but when you get thrown, the bike is also likely to be right behind you and heading your way
The advice was to ride out a lowside slide rather than let go of the rear brake when your rear wheel starts skiding and fish-tailing when leaned over in a turn. I guess you need to have the presence of mind to do all this, however. First rection is probably going to be, "Oh sh&% and then you subconsciously let go of the brake as an impulse reaction to the skid." It's hard to practice for something like that as you can't mimic this scenario without actually doing it.
The advice was, "Avoid doing this at all costs. It can be hazardous to your health and almost guarantees a ride in an ambulence." Outside of getting hit, it is right in front of running off the road in a curve as one of the worse things to go wrong. Not only will you go for a nice ride but when you get thrown, the bike is also likely to be right behind you and heading your way
The advice was to ride out a lowside slide rather than let go of the rear brake when your rear wheel starts skiding and fish-tailing when leaned over in a turn. I guess you need to have the presence of mind to do all this, however. First rection is probably going to be, "Oh sh&% and then you subconsciously let go of the brake as an impulse reaction to the skid." It's hard to practice for something like that as you can't mimic this scenario without actually doing it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
Anyone on this site with dirt bike experience can understand about high-siding. You don't have to be going very fast - just have to allow the wrong things yo happen at the right time.
Anytime the bike is in a slide it is possible for it to suddenly stop sliding and launch the rider over the opposite side - and that's when you get sideways on purpose (in the dirt) throttle wide open. On the street if you're sideways (sliding) it's usually not on purpose which kind of makes it a different animal indeed. The rider usually tries to do a panick-correction (off throttle) which leads to the bike high-siding. I can see it happening at 5 mph (on wet road) easy.
Anytime the bike is in a slide it is possible for it to suddenly stop sliding and launch the rider over the opposite side - and that's when you get sideways on purpose (in the dirt) throttle wide open. On the street if you're sideways (sliding) it's usually not on purpose which kind of makes it a different animal indeed. The rider usually tries to do a panick-correction (off throttle) which leads to the bike high-siding. I can see it happening at 5 mph (on wet road) easy.
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