Steep Mo.Fo. Driveway!

**fyrgem** · 14th March 2013, 09:12

Ok, I need some advise on how best to get down a steep driveway without falling off my bike or hitting the BMW parked at the bottom.

(I'm sure with practice I'll get the hang of it)

speed bump at the start just to keep things interesting.

Thought going up was the issue, nah, that's easy.

After my ride last night (still getting used to the new bike) I thought I'll head down in second using both brakes, apparently not fast enough. Hit the speedbump, stalled and settled to just walk the F'er down.

Am I going about this the right way and just need to practise? or am I missing something

Thanks!

**TheTengTheory** · 14th March 2013, 09:26

Originally Posted by fyrgem

Ok, I need some advise on how best to get down a steep driveway without falling off my bike or hitting the BMW parked at the bottom.

(I'm sure with practice I'll get the hang of it)

speed bump at the start just to keep things interesting.

Thought going up was the issue, nah, that's easy.

After my ride last night (still getting used to the new bike) I thought I'll head down in second using both brakes, apparently not fast enough. Hit the speedbump, stalled and settled to just walk the F'er down.

Am I going about this the right way and just need to practise? or am I missing something

Thanks!

You could sit on it and roll it down. I have a steep entrance to my garage and I find sitting on the bike with my two feet for balance and my one hand on my brake lets me back it down easily. Just don't let your speed build up. Though in my 1million years of experience and the steep bits I have done, I find sitting on the bike but going an a slow pace is easier than walking it. First gear perhaps? Should be able to clear the speedbump without stalling in first.

**Dragon** · 14th March 2013, 09:27

Originally Posted by fyrgem

Ok, I need some advise on how best to get down a steep driveway without falling off my bike or hitting the BMW parked at the bottom.

(I'm sure with practice I'll get the hang of it)

speed bump at the start just to keep things interesting.

Thought going up was the issue, nah, that's easy.

After my ride last night (still getting used to the new bike) I thought I'll head down in second using both brakes, apparently not fast enough. Hit the speedbump, stalled and settled to just walk the F'er down.

Am I going about this the right way and just need to practise? or am I missing something

Thanks!

How steep is the driveway?

I go down the carparking building which is pretty steep and with 3 speedbumps at the bottom

I just leave it in 2nd touch the brakes lightly just before the bumps and go over them with alittle throttle

Might help with a pic?

**nodrog:Me** · 14th March 2013, 09:31

Give it a big rev and drop the clutch.

**jellywrestler** · 14th March 2013, 09:32

Originally Posted by fyrgem

Ok, I need some advise on how best to get down a steep driveway without falling off my bike or hitting the BMW parked at the bottom.

(I'm sure with practice I'll get the hang of it)

speed bump at the start just to keep things interesting.

Thought going up was the issue, nah, that's easy.

After my ride last night (still getting used to the new bike) I thought I'll head down in second using both brakes, apparently not fast enough. Hit the speedbump, stalled and settled to just walk the F'er down.

Am I going about this the right way and just need to practise? or am I missing something

Thanks!

move ya arse back on the seat and try rear brake only

**aderino4** · 14th March 2013, 10:02

Rear brake will be your friend; don't grab the front.

Locked rear wheel is easier to control than lock front wheel.

**Zedder** · 14th March 2013, 10:04

Yep what the J wrestler said.

Go somewhere safe and practice low speed handling too mate.

**avgas** · 14th March 2013, 10:26

Do it while waving. KB Wave if you wish.

**Disco Dan** · 14th March 2013, 10:44

red line it, drop the clutch and go for it

**george formby** · 14th March 2013, 11:10

Originally Posted by Zedder

Yep what the J wrestler said.

Go somewhere safe and practice low speed handling too mate.

Yup, riding & stopping or turning going down a hill on the brakes is effectively the same as doing it on the flat at slow walking pace. We had a steep drive way, going down was easy, stopping at the bottom was the bit that plays with your head. Doing a 45o turn at the top, letting the bike "fall" down the drive was mind over matter too.

Soooo, both brakes, 1st or 2nd gear, clutch covered & slowly ride down. Look for & think about the spot you stop or turn & where you go from their so your approach & speed is correct. Head up, don't look at the front wheel. Hills are just flat bits on a slant.

**Banditbandit** · 14th March 2013, 11:14

I'll roll it down with the clutch in (I have a steep drive and thats what I do now) ... use the rear brake as required ... and yeah, sit a litle back on the seat ..