alcohol not a factor.
Laid it over
Two conditions contributed to my experiences (notice the plural ending). Slight turn to the handlebars and grabbing more of the front brake than I should have. The down force on the fork cause by grabbing the front brake, coupled with the misalignment of the front tire to the bike causes a vector force (yes. I'm a former engineer) that effectively throws the bike away from the direction of the turn - just enough to cause a straining in the gut as you try to hold the bike up.
You are better off cooperating with the physics involved and spend your energy letting the bike down softly, then lifting it, preferably with the help of a good Samaritan or fellow rider. If a passenger is involved, make sure you coach them to step off as you lay it over.
Another point, don't be embarrassed. Dropping a bike just reinforces how big the motorcycles are that we ride. Would you rather be riding a small scooter that you could easily lift up some steps to park in your utility room.
You are better off cooperating with the physics involved and spend your energy letting the bike down softly, then lifting it, preferably with the help of a good Samaritan or fellow rider. If a passenger is involved, make sure you coach them to step off as you lay it over.
Another point, don't be embarrassed. Dropping a bike just reinforces how big the motorcycles are that we ride. Would you rather be riding a small scooter that you could easily lift up some steps to park in your utility room.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Agree with that answer. When you come to a stop, keep the bars straight ESPECIALLY if there is any slope at all. If trying to roll into the stop by steering in that direction, the momentum will tend to pull it over. And yes there is a point you will not be able to stop it, and trying will pull a back muscle. Yes and it took a while to heal. Just guide it over as gently as possible and get out of the way, in other words, don't have a leg still under it and trapped.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Yeah you guys saw my response after I just let mine fall over all I could say while it was on it side was F@#K about 20 times....mine suffered some damage right bag and front fender but now the news off of it and I can go on....... **** Happens
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 7
I almost laid my SG down the 2nd day of ownership! Walking the bike forward thinking...."this thing is too heavy", so I gave it a little gas and I forgot that the throttle by wire is more sensitive and has no lag and I almost dropped her. It was going and I grabbed the curve of the handlebar and used EVERY muscle in my body and somehow I kept it up. I did feel like I did a million sit ups the next day! I'm seriously thinking about the saddle bag guards for piece of mind.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
I also agree that it's something you have to chalk up to experience. Shouldn't do more than scuff the bottoms of the crash bars. You really did the right thing ultimately though. Once it gets past the point of recovery you have to just get out of the way. You'll only hurt yourself if you try to catch it or you might end up with part of your body under it. Obviously you'll try to avoid that sisuation in the future but if it;s going to go over, step aside and let it go.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
I had my wife along for a ride through the Jersey Pine Barrens.
On the way home, we had to stop at a T-intersection before making a right onto the highway (with a single lane in each direction). Rather than pull straight up to the intersection, I wanted to swing to the right to cut down on my entry angle (the traffic was moving quickly in both directions), but as I got closer, I noticed that the edges of the roadway were unpaved and very sandy. I quickly tried to change direction, at very slow speed, and could feel the SG starting to lean over. I was able to right us and avoid dumping it, but it took everything I had to do it. At that point, I was shaking, but at least we were back to the ill-advised right angle into the roadway. I waited for an opening, then made the wide right turn (partially into the oncoming lane) and got us home without further incident.
I now try to practice the SIPDE rules that are spelled out in our State motorcycle manual:
S = Scan
I = Identify
P = Plan
D = Decide
E = Execute
If I can master the SIPDE plan and my slow-speed maneuvering (I CANNOT maneuver at slow speeds), then I'll be much more confident in my riding skills and road awareness.
On the way home, we had to stop at a T-intersection before making a right onto the highway (with a single lane in each direction). Rather than pull straight up to the intersection, I wanted to swing to the right to cut down on my entry angle (the traffic was moving quickly in both directions), but as I got closer, I noticed that the edges of the roadway were unpaved and very sandy. I quickly tried to change direction, at very slow speed, and could feel the SG starting to lean over. I was able to right us and avoid dumping it, but it took everything I had to do it. At that point, I was shaking, but at least we were back to the ill-advised right angle into the roadway. I waited for an opening, then made the wide right turn (partially into the oncoming lane) and got us home without further incident.
I now try to practice the SIPDE rules that are spelled out in our State motorcycle manual:
S = Scan
I = Identify
P = Plan
D = Decide
E = Execute
If I can master the SIPDE plan and my slow-speed maneuvering (I CANNOT maneuver at slow speeds), then I'll be much more confident in my riding skills and road awareness.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
Me too. The first month I dropped my UC twice. Finally learn not to grab the front brake when the front wheel isn't straight at slow speeds. We've all done it!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Get the "Ride Like a Pro" DVD or email this guy below and ask for a copy of his "Motor Lessons". It used to be free and there is some good information in it. Then practice, practice, practice. Slow maneuvering in a nutshell is: stay off front brake, look where you want to go
MotorLessons@Ricochet.com