Crashing: This might be a stupid question but…

[Mr Free Market]

I have been riding bikes for just over 20 years & I have only ever had to “pick one up” – a GSXR750. Actually I didn’t have to pick it up – some very nice people stopped & gave me a hand, but I do recall that that even with 3 of us, it weighed a bl**dy ton

So having spent over 2 decades avoiding gravel in the same manner as any sane man avoids low alcohol lager I’m now about to sally forth on to the tracks & trails & to put no finer point on it, the inevitable is bound to happen

I feel assured that if this were to happen to you, your friends would come to your immediate assistance – my chums are more likely to be rendered incontinent with laughter & far too busy uploading videos of my “off” on to You Tube, to be of much use

Therefore, is there some dark secret of how you get an inanimate object that wet, weighs over 400 lbs (without luggage) back on to 2 wheels on your own? Or is it simply a case of once again, brute force & ignorance having to prevail?

[mark1150]

Have a look at this or give Lancaster Mick a PM. Once in have a look at some of the other videos, the one thing to remember is if it falls on the right get your side stand down before lifting, otherwise it will fall straight over onto the left.

[snaphappy]

Not wanting to sound all doom and gloom but those clips never show a big top heavy whale of an enduro bike laying on its side

I'm sure a Triumph Rocket or Goldwing are easier to pick up than Varadero / Tiger / super Ten ect

I've never had to pick my Dero up on my own and I'd probably call a recovery truck to bale me out if and when it happens and I cant get help

MrFreeMarket go with a couple of mates as you said it will happen dont risk putting your back out and really screwing your day
Just make sure their camera batteries are good and strong to get it all on video

[Jelly]

I was told that if for example your bike goes down on it's left side, you put your bars to full lock left, put both hands on the grip and lift, with your legs of course.

I'll try it, when I have to. :dry:

Great vids there, I wouldn't have thought about putting it in gear before lifting, top tip that.

[ipswichbiker]

Just make sure when you come off you have enough forward momentum to throw yourself clear. That way there is no crushage involved.

[Lancastermick]

Have a look at this or give Lancaster Mick a PM.
The one thing to remember is if it falls on the right get your side stand down before lifting, otherwise it will fall straight over onto the left.

Haha! Minky may be alluding to the fact that before I bought my current bike (bmw 1200gs) I requested the BMW dealer drop it on the floor so that I could have a go at picking it up. They were a bit confused at first but enjoyed the experience so much that they took photos! :huh:

With the right technique, bikes are actually quite easy to pick up mate. Plus, you're generally pumped with adrenaline from the drop so as long as you lift properly, the body can cope.

Enjoy the fall, once you've dropped it, you'll relax more and be less likely to drop it in the future.

[mark1150]

Have a look at this or give Lancaster Mick a PM.
The one thing to remember is if it falls on the right get your side stand down before lifting, otherwise it will fall straight over onto the left.

Haha! Minky may be alluding to the fact that before I bought my current bike (bmw 1200gs) I requested the BMW dealer drop it on the floor so that I could have a go at picking it up. They were a bit confused at first but enjoyed the experience so much that they took photos! :huh:

With the right technique, bikes are actually quite easy to pick up mate. Plus, you're generally pumped with adrenaline from the drop so as long as you lift properly, the body can cope.

Enjoy the fall, once you've dropped it, you'll relax more and be less likely to drop it in the future.

I've been called a few things in my time but........

[numptyspence]

I have dropped my dero a few times (honest never my fault)

Just use get your back to the bike and ass in the seat, and use your legs to do the work.

Its so much easier than lifting it any other way, once you have dropped it the first time. you wont be half as worried in the future.

[Barnman]

here is another good video on the subject

[video][/video]

And in case you can't make it go to about 4mins in for an alternative approach.

[CRAIGREVO]

Don't think about the bike being 400+ pounds, your not lifting it off the ground so its a fraction of that.

Here is OldGitRay Showing how its done with no adrenalin to assist him.

[video][/video]