Dangers of a still bike

**BiK3RChiK** · 19th February 2008, 18:15

Originally Posted by WanderBird

Aww thanks - I feel better now

Actually I don't think it is that I can't pick it up, so much as I don't have the technique right. I am going to get a couple of strong fellas, lay it down ( the bike that is!!) & prove, one way or the other, if it is a question of technique

Second thing that bothered me was the number of cars that drove around me. Sheez, I dunno, maybe cage drivers are just like that, but it is not something I would ever do

Hmm... yes. Maybe I should be shown the correct way to pick my bike up too. Lucky for me my hubby was on hand when I dropped it the once and only time!

Yeah, I'm surprised that so many drove around you too. I would definitely stop and try to assist in any way I could and I know my hubby would too. We wouldn't hesitate! They must have been late for appointments or something...

**H00dz** · 19th February 2008, 18:44

My mate has an RF900 which he dropped constantly at low speed, turns out the bike was set up for a taller rider and he fixed it by lowering it slightly... dont know how he did it but it worked......Pity really cause it was funny as hell when he did it!!!!

**The Lone Rider** · 19th February 2008, 18:51

Originally Posted by Subike

Wet grass seems to be the one thing me and my bike dont like.
Tends to make it slide sideways when doing strange things late at night after consuming too much alcahol. mmmmmm
Must remember...........grass not good when drinking.
Sore leg next day from weight of bike lying on it

You should give them a link to the video people took that night

**Learner Zealot** · 21st February 2008, 15:56

Have dropped my bike once in my short (6 month) riding experience. Thankfully I bought the bike off a guy who was smart enough to have oggy knobs on there - barely a scratch on the mirror and handle bar. Without them I would have made a mess of the plasic housing around the radiator. It was a good reminder for me not to grab the front brake cornering no matter how slow you're going - though in this instance it was either that or risk hitting cage driver who decided to accelerate rather than have me cross his lane. Felt like a real dick though having the front wheel slip out like that rather than having a bit of patience.

**Mint Sauce** · 4th March 2008, 05:21

Isn't it good to know you are not alone on this!

I am quite new back to riding after a long gap and with my first tall and fairly heavy bike. First time I dropped it was trying my first bit of gravel, having only ever ridden seal previously. Found myself in a tight spot I wasn't confident to manoeuvre at low speed. Tried to 'paddle' it round on tippy toes (bit short on the bike) and down we both went. Quite a grunt to lift it up.

Second time I was out on my first full ride off the seal in the Lees Valley with Transalper and FQ. Taking a tightish RH I lost concentaration, looked where I didn' want to end up (should know better from mountain biking); stuffed the rear brake pedal, RH handguard and first set of scratches on the front mudguard, the crash bars and panneir racks saved it being more expensive. Picture down below!

A few weeks ago after a ride on the Banks and a stop for a coffee I came out to the bike and was just manoeuvering it around to a start position and I let it slip off the point of balance. Braced to hold it and heard and felt an explosion in my right calf. The result physiopherapy for the last few weeks and banned off the bike. I have my final session with the physio today and hopefully will be back on the bike so that I can do my first planned multi day trip on the bike, which I had to delay, to the Catlins.

Anyway picking up on the questions realting to parking the bike. I found the attached link very helpful

http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/to...p?TOPIC_ID=213

With regard to picking the bike up. I was shown the following technique to make it easier and to save the back (very important in my more progressed years). Stand with your back to the bike (seat and handle bar end!), crouch, grab bars with one hand and grab rail or the like with the other, lift with legs as per weight lifters, as the bike starts to come up dig in the heels and walk the bike up by pushing your butt against it (leverage effect), take this last step at an easy pace so that you do not end up pushing the bike over and find yourself sitting on top of it.

Anyone got any good tips for interesting roads or places down in the Catlins?

**Bren** · 4th March 2008, 05:38

i have dropped at low speeds a couple of times...i try not to do it now...cos it makes ya look stoopid...

Originally Posted by Mint Sauce

Anyone got any good tips for interesting roads or places down in the Catlins?

all of them

**Rhino** · 5th March 2008, 18:13

Originally Posted by Mint Sauce

With regard to picking the bike up. I was shown the following technique to make it easier and to save the back (very important in my more progressed years). Stand with your back to the bike (seat and handle bar end!), crouch, grab bars with one hand and grab rail or the like with the other, lift with legs as per weight lifters, as the bike starts to come up dig in the heels and walk the bike up by pushing your butt against it (leverage effect), take this last step at an easy pace so that you do not end up pushing the bike over and find yourself sitting on top of it.

That is the way I was taught to pick em up too. Managed to get the Wing upright the one and only time it lay down on me (luckily while stopped, so no damage.) I managed to get 400kgs vertical again, but it was a struggle.

ALWAYS use your legs to lift a bike, otherwise you may knacker your back.