I just hope I do stupid s&%$ in the garage or driveway and not at 70 mph..

 

 

I have forgotten to put my jiffy stand down and my feet. Pretty humbling experiences.

 

I have been told by a few old time riders "there are only two types of motorcycle riders, those that have been down, and those that are going down". You just hope when it's your time to go down, it's not a bad one.
I have been down twice in the street and once in my driveway. Still here to talk about it, so I consider myself lucky.

 

Oh man that's a good one! Thanks for the chuckle.

YES bikes lay over at low speed all the time, that's what the engine guards and saddlebag guards are for. Walk around a dealership and feel the bottoms of the engine guards on used bikes for little tiny patches of abrasion and you'll feel better. Now a patch of abrasion below the derby cover on the bottom of the primary cover- that's a little more concerning.

 

I've pulled muscles in my legs and arms saving my bike from going down in my gravel driveway several times and once when I almost forgot to take my feet off the the floor boards at a red light after riding with a friend on the highway for some time. We both had a good laugh on that one and the next time we rode together he stepped on a oil slick at the same red light and started going down fortunately he was falling my way and I grabbed his handle bar which gave him enough time to get his footing and kept him from going all the way down. One thing I know for sure, It's a lot more fun to drop a bike when you have a friend with you because after he's done splitting his gut from laughing he can help you stand it back up.

 

Two of the worst sounds in the world, that usually are harmless...your toddler hitting the ground headfirst, and the sound of Harley metal hitting pavement (I think they use special metals...no other bike sounds that bad when it hits). Very few are "naturals", and there's probably no one out there that has ridden more than 5000 miles that hasn't had an "oh sh*t" or two. You're probably better off with the RK with the crash bars than you were with the sportster (I lost 3 damn mirrors off my first HD, a souped up 883 Hugger with a 1200 kit).
I know it's going to sound impossible, but just focus on the ride...that worry gets into your head and grows into a fear, which makes you not think clearly and forget basics, like putting a kickstand down (remember those 3 mirrors?). And remember, good friends will ALWAYS help you right it again, AFTER they laugh their butts off...we've all been there.

 

Coming off a sportbike getting onto a nightster with those little feelers on the mid controls.... I thought it was just hilarious to drag those feelers on the asphalt through turns... god had to remind me that this was a harley and not a gsxr1000, a left turn across a severley crowned road with a slight washboard was all it took. It wasn't the first time or the worst time I've layed one down, but it did slightly hurt physically and financially. Every time it happens you learn something

 

And just remember to keep this in mind RK10 http://www.metacafe.com/watch/232833...ed_motorcycle/

(It's posted in the stickies, but just in case you've never seen it)

 

I have never dropped a bike in over 42 years of riding on the road, dumped a few trail bikes before that but that was part of that game. I am not saying I am a better rider than others but I do things a little differently and that is I try to plan where I ride and where I park. If I want to park my bike I may ride another block or two to find a good level spot with a solid surface and enough room. I see some people will try to park in a place that is very difficult to save walking a little bit. As well when you are coming to a stop check out the road surface ahead of you, is it sloped, greasy looking, have pot holes. If it is try to find a better lane or avoid that road next time. Set up your garage so it is safe and easy to park. Get rid of clutter, make sure the surface is clean and dry and give yourself lots of room. Make sure your wife knows when to get on and off and how to do it safely. Keeping a Harley shiny side up is not about strength it is about technique and planning. You can do it, just take some time and plan a little better. Maybe another riding course wouldn't hurt either. One other thing is I am very careful who I ride with, if they don't know what they are doing I leave. Have fun and enjoy.