Bike pick-up-ability

[Crim]

Was wondering (as we all were - own up!) what bike, or bikes to buy when I won last weeks lotto - obviously didn't win but I would like to be prepared once I do strike it rich (note to self: start buying lotto tickets regularly)!
What I want to know is there a measure of a bike's mass and where abouts (height) it is - ie not how heavy it is but how heavy it is to lift it back up? I think my KLR might be lighter (just) than Padmei's old BMW but I reckon his would be a lot easier to pick up - the weight is a lot lower. Would also give you more of a steer on handling then wet weight I reckon too

[Eddieb]

Was wondering (as we all were - own up!) what bike, or bikes to buy when I won last weeks lotto - obviously didn't win but I would like to be prepared once I do strike it rich (note to self: start buying lotto tickets regularly)!
What I want to know is there a measure of a bike's mass and where abouts (height) it is - ie not how heavy it is but how heavy it is to lift it back up? I think my KLR might be lighter (just) than Padmei's old BMW but I reckon his would be a lot easier to pick up - the weight is a lot lower. Would also give you more of a steer on handling then wet weight I reckon too

I had to pick up the DR on Fishers Track in the weekend loaded with a weekends worth of luggage and facing downhill, it wasn't too bad actually, very do-able.

The airhead GS's are not too bad to pick up either, not so much cause the weight is low but because the cylinders act as a fulcrum so the bike is knee height before you are lifting any weight, still heavy beasts though and if facing downhill you need to spin the bike round on the cylinder first.

I had to pick the 950 up out of the Okuku river on my own the morning I left your place and pulled a muscle in my ribcage doing that. I did have 2 weeks worth of luggage, tent etc on board though.

[5150]

Fully loaded GS Oilhead by your self and on wet grass or clay.... Forget it!!!:no:

DR650 on the other hand is a feather comparing to the GS :apumpin:

[Big Dave]

Depends on the rider. Nothin' I can't stand up. Bikes too. :-)

[Gremlin]

As you mention, the weight figure doesn't tell the full story. It's how the weight is distributed, and also how flat the bike is. The more upright it is, when on its side, the easier it is.

Things like the big BMWs, with their boxer motors basically can't go flat, so it sometimes makes them a lot easier.

You can't really know without testing...

[DR650gary]

As you mention, the weight figure doesn't tell the full story. It's how the weight is distributed, and also how flat the bike is. The more upright it is, when on its side, the easier it is.

Things like the big BMWs, with their boxer motors basically can't go flat, so it sometimes makes them a lot easier.

You can't really know without testing...

I can help :yes:

You find them and I'll help you push them over :shit:

[5150]

As you mention, the weight figure doesn't tell the full story. It's how the weight is distributed, and also how flat the bike is. The more upright it is, when on its side, the easier it is.

Things like the big BMWs, with their boxer motors basically can't go flat, so it sometimes makes them a lot easier.

You can't really know without testing...

Tho with Beemer, like with any heavy bike, depends where you lay it down. On concrete or tarseal not that much of a problem. Pull my hernia but managed it. But on a slippery surface it took 3 of us to lift the GS up straight :eek5:

[slofox]

Rule 1: Never buy a bike you can't pick up when you (inevitably) fall off it...

[YellowDog]

It's not that hard....................

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k4MPyX0QCYw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Taz]

It's not that hard....................



On a flat showroom floor with a rubber mat maybe. On a steep slippery clay track it can be a little more difficult.

[Groins_NZ]

Sweet, she made it look easy.

Note to self: remember to have the side stand down!

[Gremlin]

I can help :yes:

You find them and I'll help you push them over :shit:
I don't need any help putting bikes on their side :facepalm:

[YellowDog]

On a flat showroom floor with a rubber mat maybe. On a steep slippery clay track it can be a little more difficult.


Yes it can be more difficult, but the principle is still the same.

Turning the bike around on the ground so that it won’t run away when you get it upright is ‘Step 1’.

[NordieBoy]

CRF150F for some it's a small bike but for others...
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CAUQj9_Mfck?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[YellowDog]

Well done that young man.

Great kid!

[bart]

CRF150F for some it's a small bike but for others...
>

That's exactly how I was going to explain it. Both hands on the bottom grip, pull the bar towards the tank and lift like shit. Brilliant vid. :clap:

[pete376403]

A KLR with a near full tank and a weeks worth of gear, on a gravel/rock/dirt hill (Porika track), with most of the mass downhill is "not easy" to get upright. Spinning the bike around so the tyres were on the downhill side helped a bit, but it was still hard work.

[That looks like fun]

You just cant help some people :facepalm: Showed the wifey the vid of how to pick up the bike :yes: She seemed impressed :woohoo: Offered to kick her bike over so she could practice :innocent:
Swelling should go down in a couple of days the Dr reckons :spanking:

[Woodman]

A KLR with a near full tank and a weeks worth of gear, on a gravel/rock/dirt hill (Porika track), with most of the mass downhill is "not easy" to get upright. Spinning the bike around so the tyres were on the downhill side helped a bit, but it was still hard work.

What is it about klrs always falling on hills so the tank etc is on the downhill side?

Picking up once or twice is not so bad, its when you have to do it multiple times in short succession is when the fatigue really starts setting in. Spinning it round works as long as you aren't too fussy about scratches.
I remember dropping my klr in the same place over and over and in the end just did not have the strength to lift it again. Then dropped umopoms 690 in the same place and it was like lifting air:crybaby:. Then picking up a kdx soon after was almost enjoyable.

[warewolf]

CRF150F for some it's a small bike but for others...D'ya reckon I could fit him in my tool kit? He looks like a handy thing to have around. :yes:

[warewolf]

I remember dropping my klr in the same place over and over and in the end just did not have the strength to lift it again. Then dropped umopoms 690 in the same place and it was like lifting air:crybaby:. Then picking up a kdx soon after was almost enjoyable.That's why I don't ride a KLR: can't lift the fcukers.

Riding my 115kg DR-Z250 was bad enough, picking it up and trying to get going again for the 6th time on the same greasy clay hill just rooted me. One of the great things about the 95kg 200EXC is that I can fall off it and pick it up all day long... Every kg counts.

[YellowDog]

Dropping a bike is no fun at all and is best avoided.

When your pride and joy hits the deck, that sinking feeling in your stomach doesn't go away until you have fully assessed the damage.

Then once you've stopped crying...................

[NordieBoy]

Dropping a bike is no fun at all and is best avoided.

When your pride and joy hits the deck, that sinking feeling in your stomach doesn't go away until you have fully assessed the damage.

Then once you've stopped crying...................

You must have a road bike.

[5150]

Captain Purplepants tip for the day: Don't drop your bike, then you won't have to pick it up.....:nono:

[Eddieb]

You must have a road bike.

Thats what I was thinking.

[slofox]

Sweet, she made it look easy.

Note to self: remember to have the side stand down!

Also remember only to fall off onto the side away from the stand...

[Woodman]

Dropping a bike is no fun at all and is best avoided.

When your pride and joy hits the deck, that sinking feeling in your stomach doesn't go away until you have fully assessed the damage.

Then once you've stopped crying...................

yeah...Na

ftcr

[Woodman]

That's why I don't ride a KLR: can't lift the fcukers.



:shit:Is that the only reason??????

[NordieBoy]

:shit:Is that the only reason??????

Well, that and the small tank.

[pete376403]

What is it about klrs always falling on hills so the tank etc is on the downhill side?

Gravitational attraction between the planet and something of similar mass