Which side?
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Which side?
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?
Last edited by 1953riderforlife; May 5, 2012 at 05:23 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
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
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
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
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.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 2
From: S.E. Lower MI
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 3
From: Under a bridge
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 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.
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Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
I always heard it was "Bad Luck" to mount from the right ! 
Alot easier to Pinch "the boys" doing it that way !
Alot easier to Pinch "the boys" doing it that way !
Last edited by drukanfu; May 5, 2012 at 09:29 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,214
From: Oxford, Nc
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.)
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.)
