Picking up a dropped bagger
Now that I ride a bike that weighs close to 800lbs, the question spun through my head, "how the hell do I pick this mother up if I drop it?"
Nobody drops bikes on purpose, and I'll confess that I've felt a little less than 100% stable during some garage maneuvering, putting the wife's ample butt on the back, etc. If it goes down, it would be a bummer for a variety of reasons, but the most immediate priority (barring any injury of course) would be to set it up right again.
I'm 5' 7", 165 lbs. I know there's a technique to this so that even a 5' 2" 120 lb woman could do it, or so I've heard. I figure the time to get this question answered is BEFORE I need it - heaven forbid.
Can somebody enlighten me?
Thanks and ride safe.
Nobody drops bikes on purpose, and I'll confess that I've felt a little less than 100% stable during some garage maneuvering, putting the wife's ample butt on the back, etc. If it goes down, it would be a bummer for a variety of reasons, but the most immediate priority (barring any injury of course) would be to set it up right again.
I'm 5' 7", 165 lbs. I know there's a technique to this so that even a 5' 2" 120 lb woman could do it, or so I've heard. I figure the time to get this question answered is BEFORE I need it - heaven forbid.
Can somebody enlighten me?
Thanks and ride safe.
Unless you are in a remote location, it seems like anybody in sight will help you pick it up. The other story I have heard is that dropping it gets your adrenaline going so much that you could practically throw the thing across the road.
Trust me - I hope never to have to try. It looks like it would be no easy task.
I went to the thread provided by the link Kess posted. It seems straightforward enough, but I can't help but envision simply pushing the dropped bike along the ground. I don't know what will give the tires their ability to "bite" the ground and allow me to pivot the machine up. Just the rubber's inherent traction?
Anyway, it probably will work, but it sure looks like it would be mighty tough.
I went to the thread provided by the link Kess posted. It seems straightforward enough, but I can't help but envision simply pushing the dropped bike along the ground. I don't know what will give the tires their ability to "bite" the ground and allow me to pivot the machine up. Just the rubber's inherent traction?
Anyway, it probably will work, but it sure looks like it would be mighty tough.
There is a way to pick your hog up if you drop it. I was getting some riding lessons from a state trooper friend of mind, and he laid down his ultra and pick up then we laid down my RKC 06 and I pick it up. You put your butt on the seat grab the rear crash bar in one hand and the handle bar in the other. Depending on what side the process is the same except if it is opposite the kick stand should be down. Bend your knees and walk it up. I also got the DVD ride like the pros and yes a 120 lb woman did it.
Trending Topics
I dropped my EG Classic within an hour of leaving the dealership. Just had to get it out of the way, knew it would happen sooner or later, so I did it sooner. Seriously though, it did happen like I said with my wife on the back. Good thing she was with me coz I needed all 5'2" and 120# of her to help get it upright again. Dang, I knew there was a reason I married her 30 yrs ago.
I thought it was because of my age that I quit having kids... but now I think it was the two times I had to pick up my bike in the past ten years. I use to also have a much deeper voice... now I can sing tenor also where I use to be base.
These "hogs" really make you think before you pull over, or when and where you drop your kickstand... Tough choice: pull way off the road with an incline on the shoulder, or stay on the edge and hope some sleepy jerk does not hit ya. I almost even refuse to pull over in gravel. I ride 90% solo with no else around, so really have been in a fix over the years twice. The buddy system is great, but if not be very selective on where you pull off.
HogBack
These "hogs" really make you think before you pull over, or when and where you drop your kickstand... Tough choice: pull way off the road with an incline on the shoulder, or stay on the edge and hope some sleepy jerk does not hit ya. I almost even refuse to pull over in gravel. I ride 90% solo with no else around, so really have been in a fix over the years twice. The buddy system is great, but if not be very selective on where you pull off.
HogBack
Like callieblue, I also have the Ride Like A Pro DVD by Jerry "Motorman" Palladino, a Florida motorcycle officer. In the DVD he has a petite woman pick up an HD touring bike by herself. The trick is to push your butt against the seat while facing out to the side away from the bike, both feet on the ground, with one hand on the handlebars and one on the saddle bag guard. Then, while bracing yourself against the seat, push with your legs and "walk" the bike up until it is upright. Remember to put the jiffy stand down before lifting if lifting from the right side.
I would highly recommend his video. It offers good riding tips as well. www.ridelikeapro.com
No, this is not a paid advertisement.
I would highly recommend his video. It offers good riding tips as well. www.ridelikeapro.com
No, this is not a paid advertisement.


