I had my left hip replaced about 2 months ago and I'm ready to start riding again. When I went out to the garage to see how it feels to get back on the bike I realized that I can not mount from the left as I used to because of the weight I have to put on my new hip. It looks like I will now be mounting from the right side. Frankly I've never thought about this before but now it feels unnatural. So, the question, is there a protocol for which side to get off and on?

 

Motorcops mount/dismount from the right. Most other folks seem to mount/dismount from the left unless they're properly trained

 

Are you kidding? "Protocol" to be able to ride your bike after a left hip replacement?

My personal experience was that MSF Basic course teaches mounting from left side of bike; motor cops mount/dismount from right as Dawg said; and, since I thought motor cops are the best riders, I adopted that approach along with taking somewhat similar riding classes over the past 7+/65K miles. It was very early in mounting/dismounting from the right that a very long time Harley rider/buddy told me I was embarassing myself from doing this, and I blew him off.

Do what works for you.

Carl

 

I've always mounted/dismounted from the left, it feels more natural. But, you gotta do what ya gotta do if you want to keep riding. If it were me, and it came down to not riding because I had to do things 'differently' or adapt to keep riding....I'd adapt in a heart beat. I wouldn't care what others thought and I wouldn't feel it would be necessary to explain myself. It may be a bit awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly.

 

I mount/dismount on the right. I find it easier. The right side is higher when on the stand. When I mount from the right, I can lift my left leg high close to my body and let my leg go down as it moves across the seat down the slope towards the left. When I use to mount from the left, I had to keep my leg high the whole time to get it over the higher right side.

 

I mount/dismount from the right. Have been since I learned it that way from some good instructors. Better access to the handlebars and controls and a good habit to be in if you dismount road side. You can also slide your left leg through the seat a little easier from the right side.

BTW I had my left hip resurfaced in January (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing). Had a few unrelated complications but have been riding for a month. Doing physical therapy to regain range of movement and strength. I did learn (the hard way) my strength is not where it needs to be yet.

 

Motorcops dismount/mount on the right for safety because it's away from traffic during a traffic stop. They are trained to always mount/dismount on the right so it is natural and feels unnatural to use the left. Nothing to do with the experience, professionalism, or expertise of the rider.

I mount from the right in my garage but generally from the left everywhere else. I say do what ever you're most comfortable with because it really doesn't make a difference.

 

I always heard it was "Bad Luck" to mount from the right !
Alot easier to Pinch "the boys" doing it that way !

 

Just started doing it this year.

Usually mount left. Then when parking, turn the forks left and lock them. Dismount right using the locked handlebar to pull me up with my right hand, then stepping off to the right,(to assist my bad knee.)

 

I don't think about mounting or dismounting from either side. Hell, if I'm feeling frisky I jump on from the back...