Bike pick-up-ability

**Crim** · 12th April 2011, 08:32

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** · 12th April 2011, 08:58

Originally Posted by 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

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** · 12th April 2011, 09:28

Fully loaded GS Oilhead by your self and on wet grass or clay.... Forget it!!!

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

**Big Dave** · 12th April 2011, 10:57

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

**Gremlin** · 12th April 2011, 12:32

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** · 12th April 2011, 12:58

Originally Posted by 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...

I can help

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

**5150** · 12th April 2011, 13:51

Originally Posted by 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...

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

**slofox** · 12th April 2011, 14:07

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

**YellowDog** · 12th April 2011, 14:30

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

**Taz** · 12th April 2011, 14:39

Originally Posted by YellowDog

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** · 12th April 2011, 14:50

Sweet, she made it look easy.

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

**Gremlin** · 12th April 2011, 15:03

Originally Posted by DR650gary

I can help

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

I don't need any help putting bikes on their side

**YellowDog** · 12th April 2011, 15:09

Originally Posted by Taz

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’.