Can ya pick it up?

[Blackdog]

I was at the BMW Ralley today. While I was in the parking lot 2 Kawasaki Concourse 1300's pulled in and parked next to each other. As they were dismounting one guy forgot to put his kick stand down and fell over knocking the other guy and his bike down also. I ran over to help along with another bystander. The first rider said it takes 3 guys to pick his bike up, but it was still difficult for the 4 of us.

I've dropped both of my bikes in the past but I can pick them up myself.

What would have happened if these riders dropped their bikes at a busy intersection? What if they were in some remote place all by themselves?
Is it common for someone to buy a bike thay can't pick up?

[isiahstites]

My Electraglide was in the neighborhood of 800 lbs plus and I could pick it up by myself. I had to get really low and put my back to her and lift with my legs and then turn around.

Anyone know what the Kawi weighs? Old guy, young guy? Strong guy, weak guy?

Scott

[Blackdog]

They were both in their 50's. When they fell they all the way down. With a R series BMW or Harley with crash bars the bikes stay in more of a upright position making it way easier to pick up.

[isiahstites]

With a R series BMW or Harley with crash bars the bikes stay in more of a upright position making it way easier to pick up.

Good point!

[Sir Limpsalot]

The sound of splintering plastic always serves as a wake up call regarding side stands. I'll bet he doesn't do that again.

Si.

[vintagemxr]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Er4FFEQ8I


Sadly, I've had to do this and in my own driveway. 800lbs gets away from you so easily!

the other Doug

[BobFV1]

You should get those Kawi boys a couple of skirts.

http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html

[Dirty Doug]

Here's an interesting story along those lines. A good friend of mine is a highway patrol officer and he wanted to go into their motorcycle patrol department. He signed up for school and was off to Columbia in a few weeks after being accepted. The first day after a brief orientation they were all ushered out side where their motorcycles were waiting. All were lying on the ground and that was to be their very first test. If you couldn't raise the motorcycle by your self that was the end of your schooling. Jim said there were a few that went home the first day.

Dirty Doug

[jb44]

That's the main reason I sold my 1150 R... this geezer with a bad heart could no longer pick it up... and in the 5 years of ownership, I dumped that bike over more times than all previous bikes together.

Other Doug... I saw a 98 lb. woman in Daytona pick up a Goldwing using that method. I think she was stronger than I am...:icon_cry:

So far, I can still pick up my current bikes.

jb

[socalrob]

My GSA can be a handful to pick up. Several years ago I was up in the local mountains on a dirt road in some snow and dropped it and has having a hell of a time getting the bike up. Maybe a combination of altitude & terrible footing and the bike sliding around. I had not given up but was mighty happy when a guy came 4 wheeling along & helped me.

After that I hunted around and found a little high lift jack made for snow mobilers which I carry in my top case when I am going to be solo offroading. Of course since I have had the jack I have been able to pick the bike up rather easily everytime I have dropped it. I swear there are subtle differences in situations getting the GSA back up. Sometimes its easy peazy, other times its a bitch.

I sometimes think the Skert method works best for shorter folks, but it could be my technique.

At least having the jack as backup I KNOW I will get the bike up, even with an injured sholder or arm or leg.

[socalrob]

Here's an interesting story along those lines. A good friend of mine is a highway patrol officer and he wanted to go into their motorcycle patrol department. He signed up for school and was off to Columbia in a few weeks after being accepted. The first day after a brief orientation they were all ushered out side where their motorcycles were waiting. All were lying on the ground and that was to be their very first test. If you couldn't raise the motorcycle by your self that was the end of your schooling. Jim said there were a few that went home the first day.

Dirty Doug

Several years ago one of my ex gang member employees was crossing the street midblock. Two Glendale motorcycle cops (one a training officer, one a n00b) riding down the street decided my guy needed to be taken to task for the illegal street crossing. The n00b officer promptly dropped his bike during their U-turn. My guy rushed over to help the fallen officer pick it back up. The training officer was howling with laughter. The n00b got on his bike & the two cops rode off without saying a word to my guy.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Rob, trail riding alone on a GSA must be a great "characture builder"..

Si.

[vintagemxr]

I had my Aprilia Caponord tip over once, left the side stand on a soft spot. Managed to lift it by myself using the proper technique but it still wasn't easy. Thank goodness the previous owner had dropped it already and scratched it so I didn't have to feel so bad.

http://www.corgifan.com/forum/drat.JPG

the other Doug

[jamming]

I've known about the "trick" to pickup a heavy bike for quite some time. Leverage is your friend. The only problem you might encounter is that if the tires are on a soft surface and slide. You just need someone to put their foot on the tire to prevent it from sliding.

To answer your question, I can pickup any HD, Goldwing, LT, etc....no problem.

[GPM]

To answer your question, I can pickup any HD, Goldwing, LT, etc....no problem.

Yeah, but its totally unfair. Your center of gravity is only about 20 inches off the ground.

[jamming]

Yeah, but its totally unfair. Your center of gravity is only about 20 inches off the ground.

Yea, so what's your point? Being a short hairy troll of a guy DOES have it advantages.:rofl:

If your gonna be short, and I am, AND ride tall motorcycles, and I do...shit happens. You need to be able to deal with it..and I can.

[Blackdog]

Harry, can you pick up the Rocket?

[GPM]

Harry, can you pick up the Rocket?

This is my third one. Dropped the first two and left them where they fell.

[jamming]

Harry, can you pick up the Rocket?

Yea, but his Wife had to help. Ask him! :linzi:

[Gord]

If you ride one, you gotta be able to pick it up. Period.

I dropped my R1150R twice and picked it up by myself both times. I dropped my K1200S in a gas station in Marquette, Michigan last year. A guy at the pump next to me ran over to help me, but I said "thanks, I got it" and lifted the bike. The guy was surprised that a 500 lb motorcycle (and actually more because I was fully burdened with luggage) could be picked up by one person.

Those boys need to go back and study up on their technique!

[socalrob]

I dropped my R1150R in my drive once; very easy to pick up. My GSA should weigh within a few lbs of the R1150R, but feels much heavier to pick up, at least off road the twenty of so times I've had to do it. Have not dropped the GSA on pavement (yet).