Poll
Question:
Have you dropped your bike?
Option 1: Yes
Option 2: No, not yet
Option 3: Boobies
We all know there are two types of riders: the one's that have dropped their bike and the one's that will drop it. I was curious about this percentage from the members of our board.
Dropped as in crashed or dropped as in dropped? I've done both... [laugh]
...plenty ;D
Quote from: scooby on August 08, 2008, 01:22:14 PM
Dropped as in crashed or dropped as in dropped? I've done both... [laugh]
Both would qualify as a drop, regardless of speed. ;D
Quote from: DucAtomic on August 08, 2008, 01:18:56 PM
We all know there are two types of riders: the one's that have dropped their bike and the one's that will drop it.
I don't agree with this statement.
Crash maybe. Drop never.
I've only crashed at the track.
oh i've dropped a few.
never at speed, always in a stupid parking lot situation.
one of those was enough to shatter my left ankle though
gravel in the road.
went down at about 40 mph.
I voted (oYo)
Quote from: DucAtomic on August 08, 2008, 01:18:56 PM
We all know there are two types of riders: the one's that have dropped their bike and the one's that will drop it. I was curious about this percentage from the members of our board.
Dropped their current bike or dropped one ever?
Quote from: m0t0g0th on August 08, 2008, 02:25:21 PM
Dropped their current bike or dropped one ever?
Dropped one ever. The reason I put the poll up is that when I see ads for bikes for sale it seems that the majority (like 80%) are listed as never have been dropped. This is in no way scientific but I was curious about the percentage comparison. Though one could argue that a crashed bike wouldn't be listed for sale, so that may blow this whole experiment anyway. In that case the vote for boobies wins.
never dropped/crashed a bike, and i dont plan on it
Quote from: DucSteve on August 08, 2008, 02:35:30 PM
never dropped/crashed a bike, and i dont plan on it
I don't think anyone plans on it. But if you're like me and have an 18 wheeler force you off a bike, the bike is gonna drop. Something will happen at some point. :-\
Quote from: DucAtomic on August 08, 2008, 02:34:42 PM
Dropped one ever. The reason I put the poll up is that when I see ads for bikes for sale it seems that the majority (like 80%) are listed as never have been dropped. This is in no way scientific but I was curious about the percentage comparison. Though one could argue that a crashed bike wouldn't be listed for sale, so that may blow this whole experiment anyway. In that case the vote for boobies wins.
That 80% works if someone has had 4 bikes and dropped their starter only?
For me it would be 66.6%. Haven't dropped the monster, *knock head*.
BOOBIES.
ive never dropped it personally, but i have come out of the mall before to find it laying over because the stand sunk into the ground. and ive crashed it, and i think one of my brothers dumbass friends dropped it.
i changed the stock bars to clipons and noticed they were bent, and a week later my brothers friend said he really liked the way the bike rides so im pretty sure he dropped it. and now for some reason he keeps trying to buy it from me (not for sale) but wont ever come up with the money i want.
I've dropped two out of two bikes.
I went down at about 20 mph on my current bike (gravel!!!) >:(
I went down a couple of weeks ago trying to avoid someone who decided to turn in front of me.
It does seem like a lot of bikes for sale have "never been down", I see that very often on low mileage bikes. So they have "never been down" in the entire 1000 miles that they have been ridden [thumbsup]
Quote from: DucAtomic on August 08, 2008, 02:34:42 PM
Dropped one ever. The reason I put the poll up is that when I see ads for bikes for sale it seems that the majority (like 80%) are listed as never have been dropped. This is in no way scientific but I was curious about the percentage comparison. Though one could argue that a crashed bike wouldn't be listed for sale, so that may blow this whole experiment anyway. In that case the vote for boobies wins.
Well, now that you've qualified your initial poll question I would have to change my answer to "YES". I haven't dropped the current one but had plenty of "drops" both on and off the track on my previous bikes.
Voted No, Not yet....but I have dropped my Honda Shadow...In high school...But the Duc is virgin.
dropped my first bike in a soft gravel shoulder while learning (old 500cc honda shadow)
recently had a relatives bike fall over on me (kickstand went tits up as i was dismounting)
i voted for boobies
Quote from: herm on August 08, 2008, 05:11:51 PM
dropped my first bike in a soft gravel shoulder while learning (old 500cc honda shadow)
recently had a relatives bike fall over on me (kickstand went tits up as i was dismounting)
i voted for boobies
+1 for dropping the poor shadows....good bikes...mine is still hanging around...I'm actually searching for the key right now...make the beast with two backsing lost it....bloody keys growing legs...
I voted "boobies"
I never dropped my bike but one time a car hit it while parked and the other time I got rear ended by a boobie...
I have some crappy luck with these dumb little things...
[drink]
I dropped 1 out of 3 bikes but in reality I didn't spend as much time on the bikes I didn't drop ;D
I am sure it would just have been a matter of time.
I've dropped or crashed almost every bike I've owned, hell I've highsided my Honda Ruckus, but I would never drop my Monster!
Quote from: woodyracing on August 08, 2008, 06:05:59 PM
I've dropped or crashed almost every bike I've owned, hell I've highsided my Honda Ruckus, but I would never drop my Monster!
please elaborate on how you highsided a ruckus.
i always worry about going down. dropping it to me is one thing. but going down is a tottaly different matter. maybe you should adjust the pole to show that comparison.
the ron [evil]
Out of the last five street bikes, dropped one, one time. Dirt bikes...many, many times.
my parents house has a large shop on a hill behind the house. The driveway from the shop is blacktop and goes steep downhill and into a left hairpin at the bottom to curve back towards the house. bit too much speed, dragged the footboard, bike slid, rear wheel went into the grass and caught in a hole or something. Got a couple feet of air but only going a few mph it was nothing major.
Ruckus now has sliders:
(http://woody-racing.com/sliders2.jpg)
and yeah, I have a problem... lol
Had to put yes, In my driveway as pulling out. One of those WTF moments. Sand and Rock will do it to ya.
Dropped it once. Came close twice. Biggest problem is I can't pick it up. Soooo embarrassing.
Quote from: mbalmer on August 08, 2008, 08:26:53 PM
Dropped it once. Came close twice. Biggest problem is I can't pick it up. Soooo embarrassing.
God, I really hate that. I can't pick mine up without throwing my back out. It is def. embarrassing.
Dang this lack of upper body strength! When my daughter dropped her Ninja 250, I couldn't pick that one up either. My husband came out and picked it up as if it were a bicycle. He's not even particularly big/strong. Yeah, I get jealous.
Quote from: mbalmer on August 08, 2008, 08:38:00 PM
Dang this lack of upper body strength! When my daughter dropped her Ninja 250, I couldn't pick that one up either. My husband came out and picked it up as if it were a bicycle. He's not even particularly big/strong. Yeah, I get jealous.
We could hire a guy to follow us around for the sole purpose of pickin up the bike (and to look good doing it).... ;D
Okay, but make sure they expose butt crack when the bend down. It will give us something to laugh at and take some of the embarrassment out of dropping the bike.
Deal! [thumbsup]
There should have been an option for "dropped bike 2x" or 3x, 4x, 5x... I might have had to hit the 7x button. I've lost count.
I park my bike on the streets of downtown fairly often, and people are just not very careful about hitting it. :'(
The good news is that my bike is to the point where there isn't really any new damage now when it falls, but it still looks nice enough.
The percentage of bikes I've owned that I have never dropped is: 0%
But, on the bright side, I've gotten very good at paint and body work.
But I voted "Boobies"
...well, DUH!, like THAT was even an option...
Merry Christmas.
Yes.....and yes Probably more info than I need to give, but..
97 GSXR 750 crashed/jumped-airborne/totalled
03 CBR 600RR dropped
02 GSXR 600 dropped
06 CBR 600RR dropped and crashed
2006 S4R Monster No
2005 CBR1000RR No
Triumph Bonneville No
2004 R6 No
happy to have just dropped, rather than crashed
Bought a brand spanking new 907ie back in 1991 - my first bike.
Dropped it the next morning doing a U turn. Hadn't even owned it 24 hours yet.
Havnr' dropped a bike since but I have had a few fall over for various reasons. My 900ss fell on a guy who decided to sit on it just to see how it felt. Pinned him down, he needed help to lift the bike off of him.
Bike got one little nick on the fairing, he hurt his ankle. I figure the bike won that one!
I've not dropped it but do I have to vote yes if my wife has dropped it? Something about being jealous I don't know.
Thankfully never dropped the Monster (Knocking on head - Closest thing I have to wood nearby) I dropped my 1st bike about 5 or 6 times, it made me paranoid about watching where I put my feet when pulling up, and to always avoid sand, gravel and oil in general.
But to be safe I put on Crash knobs, just in case it does take a tumble, weather it's my fault or a fault of the well known dickhead factor of the general public. [bang]
Quote from: JBubble on August 08, 2008, 08:39:26 PM
We could hire a guy to follow us around for the sole purpose of pickin up the bike (and to look good doing it).... ;D
Ladies, I will happily volunteer to follow you around and pick up whatever happens to fall over [evil] or out!
And FYI, I am a plumber by trade, which means I have an incredible buttcrack!
Leghumping aside,
I have dropped every bike I have owned, all but one of them while standing still!
does it count if I 'dropped' it trying to avoid a drunk pedestrian who wanted to play chicken?
Andy
lift with your legs foo. anything else is axin' for trouble fo sho'.
I have dropped every bike I've owned as well, except for my current ride. I hear the clock ticking even while she sits in the garage.
Quote from: Privateer on August 09, 2008, 06:38:38 PM
does it count if I 'dropped' it trying to avoid a drunk pedestrian who wanted to play chicken?
Andy
Yes. This is a no fault thread :P
One of my 4 bikes has been down 4 times. 3 minors and 1 major get off. Working at not adding to that record . Dolph
Quote from: Bun-bun on August 09, 2008, 04:30:04 PM
Ladies, I will happily volunteer to follow you around and pick up whatever happens to fall over [evil] or out!
And FYI, I am a plumber by trade, which means I have an incredible buttcrack!
Isn't there something about it ain't true without pictures?? (okay, never mind).
Quote from: mbalmer on August 09, 2008, 10:01:03 PM
Isn't there something about it ain't true without pictures?? (okay, never mind).
+1!!
My first bike I dropped several times as I learned to ride it, each time at slow or no speed. :(
My second bike I had totaled for me courtesy of a left turning frat boy in daddy's new corvette. [bang]
Third bike was sold having lived it's entire life "never been dropped". [thumbsup]
Current bike is pristine [bacon] (although I almost dumped it last week taking it out of the garage when I didn't have the kickstand all the way down) I voted Boobies! - anything else would send my Karma into a tail spin and I'd be writing a story to all y'all tomorrow about how I dropped my monster. Must please the riding gods above all else - polling be damned! [moto]
Quote from: c_rex on August 09, 2008, 07:17:49 PM
lift with your legs foo. anything else is axin' for trouble fo sho'.
+1. If you think you're too weak to lift a bike, you're wrong. Do a web search for "lift fallen motorcycle".
The 3 bikes I've owned have seen the ground, but never crashed. My monster has touched down at least 5 or 6 times -- my fault on 2 of those. I lost hold of my first bike trying to get it on its center stand. That's why I always recommend a cheap, old bike to start out.
Quote from: mbalmer on August 09, 2008, 10:01:03 PM
Isn't there something about it ain't true without pictures?? (okay, never mind).
Trying to get me banned?
I would, but the majority of the men would be repulsed, and the rest of the men, and all of the women would be ruined for any other buttcrack for life.
It's just not worth all of the heartache it would cause.
Quote from: cmorgan47 on August 08, 2008, 01:28:44 PM
oh i've dropped a few.
never at speed, always in a stupid parking lot situation.
one of those was enough to shatter my left ankle though
Two screws in my right ankle incurred walking an FJ1200 out of my garage. :-[
None of them were mine, but I dominoed a whole line of new bikes at the Honda dealer on Mass. Ave. in Arlington, MA.
I asked the saleman if he would roll one out for me to sit on and told to me to just get on it in the line. I did -- my sneaker slipped on his shinny floor -- and I took about 10 bikes down.
I just said, "I'm sorry. This is really embarassing and I'm leaving." And I did. Never went near that store again. I even changed brands!
I answered yes, dropped one of 5 (my first) when I was young and drunk at about 40mph into a curb. Since then no issues. So I guess I'm at 20% Not bad considering that was 1984 in Florida (read slick roads after rain) showing my age. Worked out good, ended up going to a Halloween party as a guy that just totaled his bike!
I've got about a 50/50 split on crashed/dropped bike out of the 8 (street) bikes I've owned.
All the dirt ones have been crashed. ;D
If the majority of Ducs weren't dropped over time Ducati would be out of business and you know it. They probably make so much money on those gas tanks.
Quote from: mbalmer on August 08, 2008, 08:26:53 PM
Dropped it once. Came close twice. Biggest problem is I can't pick it up. Soooo embarrassing.
Drop low, use your hip, lift with your legs... I think technique is more important than strength...
Quote from: eesnas on August 10, 2008, 06:16:32 PM
Drop low, use your hip, lift with your legs... I think technique is more important than strength...
I'm going to have to disagree with that LOL -I can't pick my duc up to save my life! I've dropped it twice-the first time about 15 minutes after we bought it in '99(that was just so, so sad) and two guys had to stop and pick it up for me(I had stalled it and I lost my balance while stopped at a stop sign) and then about a month later I was pulled over for speeding and I was so nervous that as soon as the cop walked away from giving me a warning, I dropped it from sheer nerves I guess. That was probably the worst embarassment ever-I was about in tears from that one. The cop was laughing and he picked the bike up for me. *sigh* ;D
My husband has dropped it three times at low speeds, so he dinged it up more than me, at least! On gravel once when I was riding pillion(the first few months we owned the bike), and twice on the way to work due to idiot cagers.
Most all of this stuff happened when we hadn't been riding long. Poor bike. LOL
Celeste
I hope this doesn't start an argument but I think it can be different for women. Guys are naturally bigger and stronger (see? I'm not a feminazi). My bike weighs more than twice what I do. I can try and try and try, using the techniques y'all have suggested and I just cannot pick it up. I'm no slacker either, I work out and was recruited for Div. 1 athletics.
That being said, I'm gonna empty out the tank and have someone help me put it on the ground and try some more in a non stressful situation.
mine was a drop not a crash.
dropped the first day i had my license in a friends dirt driveway :-\
zero damage [thumbsup]
i couldn't pick it up either :(
I've had my bike for over two months so far and I noticed that I've been careless and a little to comfortable lately, having a couple of close calls recently. :-[
Quote from: MonsterLove on August 11, 2008, 11:32:08 AM
I'm going to have to disagree with that LOL -I can't pick my duc up to save my life! I've dropped it twice-the first time about 15 minutes after we bought it in '99(that was just so, so sad) and two guys had to stop and pick it up for me(I had stalled it and I lost my balance while stopped at a stop sign) and then about a month later I was pulled over for speeding and I was so nervous that as soon as the cop walked away from giving me a warning, I dropped it from sheer nerves I guess. That was probably the worst embarassment ever-I was about in tears from that one. The cop was laughing and he picked the bike up for me. *sigh* ;D
...
Celeste
It
is technique and it is time you learned it.
This url connects to an illustrated (and videoed) account of 118 lb, 5'3" Carol picking up a 600 lb BMW with a 31" inch high seat.
http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html (http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html)
There was a guy at Americade at Lake George a few years ago that was teaching women riders how to pick up a loaded Gold Wing using the same "back-to-the-bike" technique.
This url is from the Minnesota state motorcycle safety course. It shows two ways, back to the bike first and a front to the bike system for smaller bikes. The back to the bike has some additional safety pointers over Carol's pinkribbon site.
there's not a "low/high side" option :-\
so i just picked dropped.
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 11:37:59 AM
My bike weighs more than twice what I do.
so does mine.
i'm a dude.
-dropped my s4 within 3 days of owning it, only damage sustained was miniscule tank dent that I've since learned to live with, bent shifter + bruised ego. [roll]
-2 drops where I was able to "ease" it down + use my body as a pillow, no damage done. [thumbsup]
Quote from: cmorgan47 on August 11, 2008, 12:18:33 PM
so does mine.
i'm a dude.
And you have way more muscle mass than a chick. You're not feeling what any of us girls who have dropped a bike and haven't been able to pick it up feel.
I feel like we're looked down on because we can't pick up our bikes. Can some girls pick them up? Sure, I bet there are some that could. But those that have posted here so far can't.
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 11:56:26 AM
It is technique and it is time you learned it.
Thats great information and thank you for it. I would suggest you phrase this first part a little differently. "it is time you learned it"? Not the best tone if you wanna help somebody.
Flame away guys.
Almost shouldnt have voted. Thats kinda like jinxing yourself :-\
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 01:39:46 PM
And you have way more muscle mass than a chick. You're not feeling what any of us girls who have dropped a bike and haven't been able to pick it up feel.
not trying to fight. seriously.
just saying it's technique. i certainly cannot dead lift 400 lbs, but i can get it back up...
similarly, my wife used to be unable to get her scooter on the center stand cause she was trying to just hold the stand in place with her foot and muscle it up. once she learned to just hold the bars in place and use the leverage that the stand provides, it was easier and she can do it.
nobody's trying to make you feel bad, just sayin, there's a way to do it. and learning it may help to not make you feel that way again.
peace
oh, and we do have that "i'm not askin for help" rush that helps us.
100th dropper!
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 01:39:46 PM
Thats great information and thank you for it. I would suggest you phrase this first part a little differently. "it is time you learned it"? Not the best tone if you wanna help somebody.
Hey, I'm a sensitive guy, I can take a little constructive criticism. How about if I rephrase as "it is time you quit embarassing the guys you ride with"? [evil]
I weigh 140 pounds and throw a ball like a girl. I learned the backward trick
after I laid down a 550 pound FJ1200 loaded with camping gear while waiting to load a ferry in Canada. As the line of autos built up behind me, I had to get help from a guy who only spoke French and couldn't figure what I was trying to get him to do. On a subsequent trip, after the lesson, I laid the same bike down in a gravel parking lot with almost exactly the same load and I stood it back up and rode off. There is, incidentally, a reason why I downsized to a 695 Monster and camp with only 20 pounds of gear -- don't want to embarras the guys I ride with, you know. ;)
Tommy T.
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 02:59:27 PM
How about if I rephrase as "it is time you quit embarassing the guys you ride with"? [evil]
Are you serious?
If so, you're completely wrong. I've ridden with several members on this board and none of them are embarrassed to ride with me simply because I can't pick up my bike. I don't imagine that when Tini rode with ducpainter and everybody at DiMBY they were embarrassed to ride with her.
That's absolutely make the beast with two backsing ridiculous.
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 03:13:42 PM
Are you serious?
I'm the 65 year old whose avatar is himself jumping in trees on a snowboard. I think we should have a poll as to whether I am serious, ironic or sarcastic -- or just a plain jerk. Not only am I a sensitive guy, I always put the toilet seat down.
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 03:28:47 PM
I'm the 65 year old whose avatar is himself jumping in trees on a snowboard. I think we should have a poll as to whether I am serious, ironic or sarcastic -- or just a plain jerk. Not only am I a sensitive guy, I always put the toilet seat down.
You are so cool. I wanna be just like you when I get old. That way everybody will like me.
i dropped my first bike twice while rolling. mainly because i was a novice on top of a 500lb bike and i was on my toes. haven't dropped the monster at all. no high speed crashes.
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 03:28:47 PM
I'm the 65 year old whose avatar is himself jumping in trees on a snowboard. I think we should have a poll as to whether I am serious, ironic or sarcastic -- or just a plain jerk. Not only am I a sensitive guy, I always put the toilet seat down.
not sure if you're trying to brag, but going off a ramp through some trees is not something to toot your own horn over.
Quote from: hyphen on August 11, 2008, 05:12:29 PM
not sure if you're trying to brag, but going off a ramp through some trees is not something to toot your own horn over.
Dude, he is so freaking cool. We should all hope to be like that.
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 05:13:46 PM
Dude, he is so freaking cool. We should all hope to be like that.
one can only aspire to attain such awesomeness and badassery.
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 03:13:42 PM
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 02:59:27 PM
Hey, I'm a sensitive guy, I can take a little constructive criticism. How about if I rephrase as "it is time you quit embarassing the guys you ride with"? [evil]
I weigh 140 pounds and throw a ball like a girl. I learned the backward trick after I laid down a 550 pound FJ1200 loaded with camping gear while waiting to load a ferry in Canada. As the line of autos built up behind me, I had to get help from a guy who only spoke French and couldn't figure what I was trying to get him to do. On a subsequent trip, after the lesson, I laid the same bike down in a gravel parking lot with almost exactly the same load and I stood it back up and rode off. There is, incidentally, a reason why I downsized to a 695 Monster and camp with only 20 pounds of gear -- don't want to embarras the guys I ride with, you know. ;)
Tommy T.
Are you serious?
If so, you're completely wrong. I've ridden with several members on this board and none of them are embarrassed to ride with me simply because I can't pick up my bike. I don't imagine that when Tini rode with ducpainter and everybody at DiMBY they were embarrassed to ride with her.
That's absolutely make the beast with two backsing ridiculous.
I read what he said as "I'm a small dude who can't pick up a bike and get embarassed when I have to do it so please learn how so I don't have to"
Giggle.
/threadjack
Hey, you've got a 696 right? Did the dealer actually tell you about the coil issue or did you have to ask about it?
Quote from: hyphen on August 11, 2008, 05:12:29 PM
not sure if you're trying to brag, but going off a ramp through some trees is not something to toot your own horn over.
The question posed was "are you serious." The response was to suggest that a 65 year old whose reputation as an out-of-bounds snow boarder is his best claim to fame is perhaps not a person who expects to be taken as "serious." Especially not when the little-devil-with-horns emoton was added to the original comment.
Jeez, I'm the one who admitted that I knocked over a whole line of bikes in a showroom.
Tommy T.
Quote from: JBubble on August 11, 2008, 05:33:04 PM
Giggle.
/threadjack
Hey, you've got a 696 right? Did the dealer actually tell you about the coil issue or did you have to ask about it?
me? haven't noticed the problem. stock exhaust and chip.
Quote from: cmorgan47 on August 11, 2008, 05:35:53 PM
me? haven't noticed the problem. stock exhaust and chip.
Cool. Was kinda wondering how Ducati was going about that. I was an owner of a 695 with burned engine paint that was a known problem that it took Ducati forever to admit to.
/threadjack done
Um...I voted wromg. I thought you meant dropped your current bike (which I haven't). I do have multiple drops on other brands, though.
Why is it everyone likes talking about dropping their bikes, anyway?
Quote from: AndrewNS on August 11, 2008, 05:48:40 PM
Um...I voted wromg. I thought you meant dropped your current bike (which I haven't). I do have multiple drops on other brands, though.
Why is it everyone likes talking about dropping their bikes, anyway?
Like the initiation rights at Skull and Bones at Yale -- it's a form of bonding.
Quote from: DucAtomic on August 08, 2008, 01:18:56 PM
We all know there are two types of riders: the one's that have dropped their bike and the one's that will drop it. I was curious about this percentage from the members of our board.
Of the eight bikes we currently own, five of them have been dropped by me or my wife, whether it was at a standstill or while moving.
Edit - I guess I should add that between the two of us, we have over 300,000 street miles on motorcycles and she has a paralyzed left leg.
Refuse to participate that last time I did something like this I dropped my first bike. So to please the biker gods I will not vote anything but boobies. Love them more anyway
-panthro
I think a better poll would have been this:
How long was it before you dropped each of your bikes for the first time?
< 1 week, < 1 month, < 6 months, < 1 year, < 3 years, < 10 years, never.
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 03:28:47 PM
I'm the 65 year old whose avatar is himself jumping in trees on a snowboard.
Thanks for clarifying that....I had no idea what your avatar was...and I am being serious! [beer]
Thanks for this thread, I no longer feel bad.. :) ;D ;)
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 11, 2008, 11:56:26 AM
It is technique and it is time you learned it.
This url connects to an illustrated (and videoed) account of 118 lb, 5'3" Carol picking up a 600 lb BMW with a 31" inch high seat.
http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html (http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html)
There was a guy at Americade at Lake George a few years ago that was teaching women riders how to pick up a loaded Gold Wing using the same "back-to-the-bike" technique.
This url is from the Minnesota state motorcycle safety course. It shows two ways, back to the bike first and a front to the bike system for smaller bikes. The back to the bike has some additional safety pointers over Carol's pinkribbon site.
I have seen a few different photo and video accounts of small women picking up touring bikes, such as this one.
The thing is, because of the side cases (and in this case, the engine), the bike is already up at a considerable angle.
(http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/images/115-1572_IMG.jpg)
I think it is much easier to lift a bike from 45 degrees over to upright, than it is from flat on the ground to 45 degrees.
I did try this technique after reading about it, on one of my GS500F parking lot drops.
I was not able to do it. I totally exhausted myself trying to get it up from lying flat on the ground and had to flag someone down for help.
I'm not saying that I am not capable of lifting a bike. Just that I don't think this technique is the only answer.
(BTW, every other time I dropped a bike, someone was immediately on hand and jumped to help me, so that was my only opportunity to try so far.)
I dropped my bike! I was riding my dual sport along some hard pack dirt and all of a sudden I hit a patch of deep sand and dropped it. To my credit, I was going slow and it is a hell of alot easier to blast past the sand pits than to crawl through them. Luckily my bike weights in at 270lbs and my max deadlift is 560 lbs! ;D
Quote from: msincredible on August 12, 2008, 06:02:27 PM
I'm not saying that I am not capable of lifting a bike. Just that I don't think this technique is the only answer.
check out technique II (http://roadstarclinic.com/content/view/82/123/) here. could be eaiser.
not trying to bag on the ladies here, but it seems like a pretty important skill to have.
what would happen if you were alone?
[edit]
really, step 1 is critical here. "Take a few minutes to calm down."
Haven`t dropped present bike yet, all previous ones were dropped or crashed [thumbsup]
I have dropped, crashed several other bikes but not this one (knock on wood) now that i am older i tend to pretty cautious now. But yes i dropped my Honda while i was sitting on it at a dead stop talking to some girls i just saw at a store once, that had to be the most squidley time.
Quote from: msincredible on August 12, 2008, 06:02:27 PM
I think it is much easier to lift a bike from 45 degrees over to upright, than it is from flat on the ground to 45 degrees.
I did try this technique after reading about it, on one of my GS500F parking lot drops.
I was not able to do it.
I'm sure that the move is easier on those bikes propped up on saddle bags. For one reason, you are correct that more weight has to be lifted the nearer the center of gravity of the bike is to the ground. For a second, you are also correct because the manuever itself is a bit more awkward when the seat is clear down at ground level. Notice that the Minn. page says put your butt
or your back against the seat. You have to get down really low with your back against the seat to start and you have to find something down under the tail that you can take hold of. Get your feet near your butt and push, but don't think push in terms of standing up, think push back into the bike at an upward angle.
As the bike goes through about 45 degrees, ckeck where you body is with respect to pushing it and adjust as needed so that your butt is not lower that the edge of the seat, otherwise the chance of pushing the bike right on over the other way is pretty good.
I think having this taught in person by someone who understands the motion is really helpful.
Tommy T.
Quote from: cmorgan47 on August 13, 2008, 06:33:56 AM
check out technique II (http://roadstarclinic.com/content/view/82/123/) here. could be eaiser.
not trying to bag on the ladies here, but it seems like a pretty important skill to have.
what would happen if you were alone?
[edit]
really, step 1 is critical here. "Take a few minutes to calm down."
Thanks, I agree the squat may be easier than the leg press.
Well, I hope there is no next time, but unlikely, so I guess I will try that out the next time. (hope I didn't just jinx myself) :-\
Quote from: msincredible on August 13, 2008, 07:48:19 PM
Well, I hope there is no next time, but unlikely, so I guess I will try that out the next time. (hope I didn't just jinx myself) :-\
Think positive, you WILL be able to do it and there WON'T be a next ime
Quote from: Carman on August 13, 2008, 08:11:40 PM
Think positive, you WILL be able to do it and there WON'T be a next ime
Thanks :)
Quote from: msincredible on August 13, 2008, 07:48:19 PM
Thanks, I agree the squat may be easier than the leg press.
Well, I hope there is no next time, but unlikely, so I guess I will try that out the next time. (hope I didn't just jinx myself) :-\
do or do not; there is no try
Still doubt I could get my bike back up on my own, but if you read all of the suggested methods, they all suggest you find help before you try it on your own anyway. And if I'm alone? I always have my cell phone with me so I'm not going to worry about it. I never ride it anywhere where there aren't any people around anyway, so I don't think that will ever be an issue. Not saying I won't try the suggested techniques while I'm waiting for help, perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised. ;) You never know!
Celeste
You have to let me change my vote now. i have dropped bikes plenty just not the one I have now.
+1 to what Celeste said.
technique III, the force method.
1) rent empire strikes back
2) pay close attention to the degobah scenes
"it's too big"
"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not."
//lifts spaceship with mind
"i can't believe it"
"that, is why you fail."
Ever think that maybe something just isn't possible? For pete's sake, just drop it. If we can't do it, then we can't do it. If we can, then we can.
Quote from: JBubble on August 14, 2008, 12:13:38 PM
Ever think that maybe something just isn't possible? For pete's sake, just drop it. If we can't do it, then we can't do it. If we can, then we can.
sorry, just made me laugh
Quote from: JBubble on August 14, 2008, 12:13:38 PM
Ever think that maybe something just isn't possible? For pete's sake, just drop it. If we can't do it, then we can't do it. If we can, then we can.
Idk, I think you should let guys spout off on how one
should be able to do it. Then when they need to prove it, they can hurt their backs.
Quote from: someguy on August 14, 2008, 12:57:13 PM
Idk, I think you should let guys spout off on how one should be able to do it. Then when they need to prove it, they can hurt their backs.
Oh, good plan. [thumbsup]
Quote from: JBubble on August 14, 2008, 12:58:13 PM
Oh, good plan. [thumbsup]
And, if I'm ever around when you drop your bike, you know I am going to HAVE to lift it up no matter how flat to the ground it may be or how top heavy it may be loaded or how bad the footing may be. I'm just going to HAVE TO DO IT. ;)
Quote from: Tommy T. on August 14, 2008, 01:59:34 PM
And, if I'm ever around when you drop your bike, you know I am going to HAVE to lift it up no matter how flat to the ground it may be or how top heavy it may be loaded or how bad the footing may be. I'm just going to HAVE TO DO IT. ;)
You go right ahead dear. I'll stand back and look pretty.
Discovered technique #3! :D
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=9215.msg155075#msg155075
Quote from: msincredible on August 14, 2008, 09:32:43 PM
Discovered technique #3! :D
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=9215.msg155075#msg155075
[laugh] [clap]
After a fairly checkered history of having dropped most my bikes more than once each, I just took a defensive step and installed SpeedyMoto frame and axle slidders on my little 695 Monster.
Before doing the installation, I laid the bike down on some pads to see how it might fall. After installation I repeated the process. In a carefully controlled laid down, the slidders protect everything except the muffler, mirror and bar ends (which already have a small replaceable bullet).
Techinque 1 was easy to apply using the handlebar and the exposed, curved grab bar under the passenger pillon.
The suprising change is that the slidders make it much easier to pick the bike up because they make the first 15 degrees or so just a matter of teeter-totting the bike back to a position where the real lifting begins. Using technique one, I could easily get the first 15 degrees with no real effort to accomplish or to hold. It was easy to hold the bike at that angle while changing my contact point and foot position for the final raise. The final raise went quite smoothly after I had adjusted.
I had laid it down on the right side and had the kick-stand out to catch it on the left. Going the other way, one must be careful not to push right on past straight up as you are leaning back against the bike and in the vertical position it will just keep going very easily.
The SpeedyMotos took me about 1/2 hour to install, mostly looking for the correct tools in my somewhat disorganized shop. You need two 15mm sockets. I happen to have two metric sets but that doesn't mean that both of them were neatly arranged on a bench with all of the pieces present.
Tommy T.
Now I feel jinxed!
Never dropped a street bike(monster), but have crashed hard on dirt (Husqvarna) back in the olden days when I rode Enduros and stuff. I miss the old days!!!
Quote from: TCK! on August 08, 2008, 01:25:14 PM
I don't agree with this statement.
Crash maybe. Drop never.
I've only crashed at the track.
Yeah, what the hell? I dropped the first bike I learned to ride, but I learned from that. Hell, I wouldn't buy a work of art like a Ducati Monster if I hadn't learned enough not to drop it. If I ever drop my Monster I would cut my leg off so I could kick myself in my ass repeatedly.
Quote from: darkattackdog on August 17, 2008, 07:34:35 PM
Yeah, what the hell? I dropped the first bike I learned to ride, but I learned from that. Hell, I wouldn't buy a work of art like a Ducati Monster if I hadn't learned enough not to drop it. If I ever drop my Monster I would cut my leg off so I could kick myself in my ass repeatedly.
[roll]
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3151.0
Quote from: darkattackdog on August 17, 2008, 07:34:35 PM
Yeah, what the hell? I dropped the first bike I learned to ride, but I learned from that. Hell, I wouldn't buy a work of art like a Ducati Monster if I hadn't learned enough not to drop it. If I ever drop my Monster I would cut my leg off so I could kick myself in my ass repeatedly.
Let us know when you drop it.
Though it's possible you might not.
But only if you never ride it.
Quote from: msincredible on August 17, 2008, 09:16:40 PM
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3151.0
GREAT list! I missed that thread.
I can add two more to it:
Sleeping on the bike while waiting for a ferry and making a sudden movement when the ferry horn sounds for loading.
Walking the bike in first gear from its shed out to the street, in the snow. (Broke my ankle on that one.)
I've dropped 4 of my 5 current bikes. Nothing major, not bad, but dropped :P