Drop It

Whatever the reason it’s always bad when you drop your bike.  Not being able to pick it up just adds to your embarrassment.  There are some secrets to picking it up no matter what size you are.  I would like to share those secrets in this tip.

So you've come to a rolling stop, and BAM! your bike falls over.  Sometimes it's because you're tired.  Sometimes it's because you lose your footing.  There are many reasons for dropping a motorcycle.  I am referring to a slow tip over not a crash.   You just fell over and are not hurt.

It is important that you pick it up as soon as possible.  There are many fluids that could possibly spill out:  gasoline, antifreeze, and the worst -battery acid.  So collect your embarrassment as quickly as possible and move to the side the motorcycle has fallen to.  If it is the left side (clutch lever, gearshift) grab the left handlebar grip.  Rotate the handlebar clockwise to the right hand stop.  The “stop” is a term for when the handlebar stops moving.  It comes in contact with a metal tab.   As the handlebar reaches the right hand stop you will have stability and enough leverage on the handlebar to lift the motorcycle.  That’s the secret.  This is indicated by the accompanying photographs.

It may be a good idea to practice this with a friend before it actually happens.  From the left hand side of the bike rotate the handlebar clockwise to the stop.  Grab the handlebar grip and lower the motorcycle close to the ground. Then return it to its upright position.  Your friend can spot you.  If you want to practice further, do an exercise from the right side where you rotate the bar counter clockwise to the stop and lower it to ground and upright it.

This was an exercise we practiced in my classes with future technicians who worried about dropping motorcycles and picking them up.  Usually as a group we chose the smallest technician to pick up the biggest motorcycle we had, usually a GL 1800.

This is one of those things it's good to practice before it happens to you and you do not know what to do.

Here's hoping to give you a wave from the oncoming lane!

Ross