How to drop and pick up a motorcycle

[frankenduck]

To start with, how to drop your bike.  (Not on purpose, of course.)

Being heavy and topheavy bikes, especially the LT, they have "tipping points" of lean beyond which you will simply not be able to keep it from taking a nap.  If you're on the bike and you realize that you're past the tipping point, get your downside leg out of the way and exert what force you can to make the fall as gentle as possible.


Next, how to pick it up without giving yourself a hernia.  There's several videos on The Internet demonstrating how to pick up a dropped bike. 

Here's a few examples:




OK, the first one is funny because she says you should drop your bike on a flat surface.  Like you're going to choose where you drop your bike. :lol:

To be honest, I've never tried this with a K but the principle is sound I believe and applies to all bikes.

The one time I dropped my fully loaded up for touring LT (angled pavement, foot slipped on gravel when I stopped) I was somewhat amazed that I picked it by just bending over and picking it up "normally." It may have had something to do with adrenaline and the fact that the just filled tank was pissing gas all over the place. :lol:  I was actually aware of the proper technique at the time but got caught up in the heat of the moment and just he-manned it back up.

Or ask for help.  Just make sure that whoever helps you doesn't grab bodywork and rip it off of the bike.

If you've dropped it with the system cases installed then chances are that the latch that holds the case to the rail has come loose or completely popped off.  Be sure to check that once you have the bike righted. That can be riveted back on with a $15 pop riveter from the hardware store.

Also check to make sure that the downside mirror is still firmly mounted.

If you drop it on the right side then be sure to deploy the side stand prior to righting the bike.

[Barry in IN]

I dropped mine today picking one of the kids up from school.  She hopped on before I was remotely aware she was even ready to get in, and it was like someone kicked it out from under me.  Boom. Down.


Aha! sez I.  I watched videos in how to do this.  I'll just pop it right up.


I readily admit to being lame, weak, and crippled, but when I tried the "sit and lift" technique shown above, there was no way.   After a lot of struggling, I got the tires to touch the ground, but was then wore out.  A second person came and with his help, we tossed it right up.  But just me?  Nope. 


A difference I see watching the videos is mine (K75s) appeared to fall farther over than what's shown.   It looked beyond flat, if that makes sense.  No tragkorbs btw.     Another is the handlebars might be narrower and allow less leverage, which may not be a big factor, but isn't helping. 


Just my hard fought observation. 

[johnny]

greetings...

the successful solo method requires a few el jolgorio tepeztate mezcals...

j o

[Barry in IN]

School parking lot. They get all weird about that, the squares.  Then again, it WAS the last day. Things do loosen up then.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Being as I'm bearing down on 70 and recently being in a crash I don't think I can lift any of my bikes without a healthy dose of Adrenalin.  I recall reading an article on picking up your bike that said if you can't pick it up right away, lay down on the ground next to the bike. 

When I dropped my K75RT in Nebraska on an Iron Butt run I couldn't pick it up with all the stuff I had strapped to it, so did the lay down thing.  I don't think it took a minute before I had two guys in pickup trucks offering to help out. 

It works!!!

[Past-my-Prime]

Trolling old topics. While awaiting my Honda Moly 60 to be shipped in preparation for a spline lube which this group has convinced me I need to do (plus waiting for the new to me Vintage 22 L top box; pictures to follow when installed)

Anyway, I've been thinking of packing a small jack in the top box. Because when loaded, my top heavy machine is v e r y hard to pick up.

Hell, I am starting to have problems getting it onto the center stand!  (Must be me, getting old).

[Martin]

I've just updated my K75 stand to the later K100/K1100 straight leg stand and it is easier to use. Added benefit is they don't suffer from internal rusting that can cause them to collapse.
Regards Martin.

[BlitzenGruv]

Yeah, I've watched all those videos of women picking up Harley tractors. Not happening with my K100, not in that manner. The seat on the K is too high and the K is not sitting at an angle on its floorboards, it's flat on the ground!
The last time it fell over I was lucky that there was something on that side of the bike to keep it from going completely flat. Eventually I was able to put my floor jack atop a couple of 10x2 boards and use the top shock mount as a jack point to get it up far enough for me to right it.
BTW: Once, in my drunken youth, I was able to lift my Trident off of my left ankle and stand it up. But it only weighs about 470 lbs..

[Martin]

I had a cop in the middle of Elizabeth St Melbourne pick my Lightning off my leg after I dropped it at a set of lights. He suggested I get training wheels. I'd only had the bike about an hour and  a combination of braking hard, leather soled boots with the steel plates and a wet road was my downfall. It could of been worse the next set of lights was the start of the bike district. I used to be able to get my Brick up but not so sure these days.
Regards Martin.

[Soggz]

Slightly different dropped bike accident.
Had the rear wheel out of my Honda CX500, up on the centre stand,forgot it was out,(duh). Pushed the bike forwards and dropped it down onto the swing arm.
Try picking that thing back up, back onto the centre stand  I did it, but as mentioned, the Adrenalin helped...

[The Mighty Gryphon]

If you can't summon the adrenaline to lift a dropped brick, do as I do and lie down next to it.  It will only take a minute or so for someone to stop and ask if you need help.  Then jump up and ask them to give you a hand.  Don't explain why you were lying there, just thank them profusely and get on your way.

[BlitzenGruv]

   Another is the handlebars might be narrower and allow less leverage, which may not be a big factor, but isn't helping. 

Yeah, them ape hangers give you a lot more leverage.