And, I really don't see the big deal. Well... ok let me clarify here, it was while I was practicing , (ride like a pro courses). I'm still trying to make that 18' u-turn and key hole and its giving me fits. getting close though. Anyways, I read all the time of people dropping there bikes and making like its a big deal. I guess yes, in front of my chapter, i'd be a bit embarrassed, but thats why i'm practicing in the empty parking lot, all the tough maneuvers.
Am I missing something? I've layed my baby over a half dozen times, a minor scratch on the underside of the engine guard is all I got. Are there some hidden concerns I should be aware of that i'm not? Other than that, its just not that big of a deal to me. As a matter of fact, i'd go as far to say if you haven't dropped your bike, you ain't riding/practicing enough! Flame on!!

 

You do realize that you're talking predominantly to a large group of garage queen owners, don't you?

 

Well I guess practice makes perfect, though I'm able to do those U turns without dropping my bike, I can see where it's very easy to do. I might have an advantage in that I've been riding over 40 years and started on dirt bikes, I can't even count how many times I dropped those, lol.

 

 

Guess I need to put more miles on. Only got 46,000 miles on my never been down StreetGlide.

 

HAha... yes now I would not even presume that those of you with 100,000 miles and 40 yrs experience riding dont practice or ride enough... I'm a newb at this, and just can't imagine "never" leaning the baby over to the guards when practicing... ever? come on...

 

Dropped mine in the keyhole also. Lowered my eyes for a second and that was it. No damage except my pride. Set it back up and started all over again. Made it through the second time. Dont look down and you will make it. Several other bikes went down also in various other manuvers during the Ride like a Pro class. May take it again this year, worth the money IMO.

 

I've done the RLAP course every year for the last 3 years. Dropped it in the circle the first time I took the class. I started to feel like I was going over so I did the exact thing you're NOT supposed to do - I pulled in the clutch. Plunk.

Haven't dropped it since.

Head and eyes, head and eyes, head and eyes. Stay off the front break, slip the clutch, and oh yea, head and eyes.

Our local RLAP guy here in Central NC lets alumni take the class over for $50.00. Money well spent.

 

When we practice we put pieces of hoses on crash bars with duck tape. Stops the the damage. While coming out of keyhole find a fixed object at the opening to look at when coming out. The key is to look where your going not at the cones.

 

Stiggy, "garage queens"...ouch.