Yes, you read correctly. I am not very proud to write this out, but I have to put that aside to ask for some opinions.

883L or not, once my bike passes the point of no return and I have to lay it down, I simply can't get it up. I've read technique after technique and have tried them all, but it all comes down to the fact that I do not physically have the muscle to use even the most well-thought out technique.

I thought it was just my approach, so the last time it happened I went home and I read more and more techniques once more, thinking I just needed to lift smarter, not harder.

Well, after spending a lot of time with my bike on its side in the driveway this morning (with the empty highway mocking me a few feet away), and trying every technique, I just realized that I just don't have the strength.

Here's the real question: I wonder if there's any possible mechanical solution to this. I was sitting there desperately wishing I could just jack up my bike to give me the extra help I needed to get it back to that point where I can manage it fine. Or perhaps there was a technique that I hadn't found that would work better.

Yeah, I know, at my height and age I should be more physically fit. But after a spell in the hospital I lost a lot of my muscle mass and haven't been able to get it back. So there I was. 5'10", 145 pounds, trying like crazy but nothing I could do.

I have to find a solution to this, because I won't always be able to get help.

Thanks for your understanding.

PS: I'm slightly saddened by my forum title. "Biker"?! Har har. Not at this rate.

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

i know you said you've tried a lot of different techniques, maybe you haven't seen this. Good luck.

The solution to this problem is probably solvable by taking the msf class. I am not sure why you need to learn to pick up your bike. You really need to learn to stop dropping it. When you can keep your bike up you will be able to ride it and enjoy it. Take the class and learn to keep your bike upright.

ditto what Ralph said.

I took the class already guys, that's why I got into riding. The issue is that when the bike is at a complete standstill and the full weight of it is present, if it leans over any little bit, my "point of no return" is a lot sooner because I lack a lot of upper body strength. Whereas most men wouldn't even have a problem straightening the bike out quickly when it starts to lean a little, I can't no matter how hard I pull and push and brace with my legs.

Sounds like you might want to get a crash bar. Having it will help because when the bike drops, it won't be as close to the ground (ie, already part way up).

I don't know this for sure, but it seems like it might help.

i know you said you've tried a lot of different techniques, maybe you haven't seen this. Good luck.

This looks really promising, I'll take a look right now. Thanks. I hope it helps, as this is super discouraging.:(

Sounds like you might want to get a crash bar. Having it will help because when the bike drops, it won't be as close to the ground (ie, already part way up).

I don't know this for sure, but it seems like it might help.

Yep, can't argue with that. These things are wicked top heavy. The Lindby bar is a good looking piece, it's not for everyone but it might help you out.


Bart

Maybe you need to lower the bike so you have better leverage. I think you need to figure out how to set your bike up so you can keep it upright.

Start working out....not trying to be mean. Just an idea.

The link oraznal posted is a good one. Read through it several times. Even print it out if you have to. Check out the slide show at the bottom of the page. Many different sized women picking up many different sized bikes so I know that you can do it IF you follow their instructions to a T.

I have to ask you though, are you riding within your limits? You said "once my bike passes the point of no return and I have to lay it down"....
Is the bike more than you can safely handle? Are you laying it down at slow speed manuevers or other? Did you drop the bike they provide at the safety course a lot? You may want to ride a smaller, lighter bike for a few months if you've answered yes to these questions. Better to practice safely than to hurt yourself and the bike trying to muscle a bike thats too much for you right now.

I gotta go with ralph on this you need to learn a better riding technique you are not the first new rider to drop there bike and wont be the last and I dropped mine last summer making a slow left hand turn and it was all my fault a guy pulled out infront of me and for some stupid reason I grabbed the front brake and over I went , I wasnt going 5 mph but was in a full lock turn I should of stood the bike up and then got on the brake but I didnt and I know better I have been riding since 1972 , so stick with it you will get the hang of it soon enough.

Thanks for the thoughts, everyone. Today was only the 2nd time I had dropped it. Both times were at virtual standstills, and when I couldn't straighten it while sitting on it, both times I managed to get both feet on the right side, grab the bike by the bars, and very slowly let it down.

I don't care about much but improving myself, so I can expect some setbacks in learning. I'm just wound a little tight, so it bugs me that I can't get it right away.

It sounds like the bike is too top-heavy for you. Some say that the Sportster is the hardest Harley to ride...that it requires more strength, yet more agility due to the nature of the weight distribution. If you go to a Harley dealer, you may find that a dyna or even softail is better balanced for you. Try sitting on a softail. They almost stand up by themselves when you sit on them. The Sporty, on the other hand, requires muscle to man-handle the tank which is up near your chest (at least on a non-xl).

As for techniques. The Pink ribbon ride thingy has the right idea. Lock the forks by turning them all the way, and use the strength in your legs.

There's comparitively little shame in claiming an old painful hockey injury and asking for help lifting the bike. Better that than slipping a vertebral disk or injuring yourself.

As far as controlling the bike at a standstill. Again, use your legs/feet. Muscling the bike is more difficult, and takes a lot more effort. Put your feet flat, use the strength in your lower extremities to keep it balanced. When it's time to go, rest the bike slightly on your right foot and leg together, shift into gear, and glide off.

To use a baseball reference, it's sort of like pitching - the technique is in the arm, but the strength and power comes from the legs.

I put a Lindby Bar on my bike a week before I dropped it.
The Lindby bar protected all but the mufflers and the handguard, and made it easier to pick up the bike, because you wan roll it up 35 degrees or so, just on the bar.

I don't think a HEAVIER big twin is the answer. You may come to the realization that you simply need a lighter bike than the current ride. There will come a day when you are far from help....we all drop 'em once in a blue moon. Crash bars or lowering may help.

I have the HD crash bar on mine. When I dumped it, (about a week after I put it on) I was so pissed off that I dumped it that I just grabbed the bars, and threw it back up, almost knocking it over to the left side. I'm about 200-215 not any "gym" muscle, just everyday muscle, but I know how to use my weight to my advantage. I was sore for about 2 days after I dumped it, partly becuase I dumped it, but mostly because I lifted a 500+ pound bike off the ground like it was a paper weight. I think the crash bar was helpful as it didn't go all the way down. Not to mention it saved my tank, bars, signals seat, air cleaner cover.....etc.

Hey Kode - just in case you don't know what we mean - this seems like it might be exactly what you need.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-SPORTSTER-ENGINE-GUARD-CRASH-BAR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35557QQihZ001QQitem Z110005849115QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I haven't been thru all of this thread but "having to lay it down" is to motorcycling as Russian Roulette is with an auto-loader. You will ALWAYS slow down faster with brakes. USE the front brake- many motor cops crash because they either don't know how or because it wasn't 2nd nature. Cover the ft brake lever w 2 fingers at all times! Over the cage is better than under it. Matt

The technique posted is a good one. It is also shown in action on the "fix my hog" Sportster dvd. A 100 lb woman easily lifts a Honda vtx 1300, using her backside and legs, she walks the bike back up. (why they used a Honda on a "fix my hog" dvd is the only part I didn't get :)

I have not read thru all the posts so i may be repeating. Three things:
[1] engine guard
[2] you must have the front brake on while you pick up the bike
[3] get the thing lowered front and back; it will be a much less comfortable ride but that is the compromise.

After I did a slow-mo drop at a stop, I put a crash bar on mine as well. Got a bad left leg!!!
Course, haven't had a problem since....:banana:banana:banana

Today was only the 2nd time I had dropped it. Both times were at virtual standstills, and when I couldn't straighten it while sitting on it, both times I managed to get both feet on the right side, grab the bike by the bars, and very slowly let it down.


I don't understand this. Your bike is going over before coming to a complete stop? And then I picture someone swinging a leg over, sidesaddle style, then trying to control the bike with the bars.

I went out to see what I do when the parked bike starts to lean to much. If it's going over on the side that I'm standing on, I instinctively locked the front brake with a hand on each grip, then put my hip into the bike (near the seat and tank) to use my body weight to keep it upright. (Granted I weigh almost 200 lbs)

If the bike was going over onto the opposite side that I was standing on, it was all upper body strength with the front brake locked and yanking back towards me. Obviously it's going to be harder to keep the bike up this way.

If I'm sitting on the bike then I lock the front brake and then press hard with the leg on the same side the bike is going over on. Example: the bike leans left, press hard with the left leg.

Earlier you mentioned that you don't have the upper body strength to hold the bike up once it starts to go over. You've got more strength in your legs than our arms.

Now since you said were almost at a standstill that implies that you were still moving. That is a riding technique problem that really needs to be addressed.

Be nice...she already admitted it was embarrassing.... :)

Lifting your bike is more leverage than muscle...after its down...

As far as keeping it upright, I will offer this one nugget that you may have forgotten from the class....

Use ONLY your rear brake in slow manuevers....period.

If your forks are turned at slow speed, and you hit your front brake, you're going down...fact...

Learn to love that rear brake in slow speed stuff, and it will get much smoother for you when you come to a halt.....meaning you won't have to fight the weight of the bike OR the force of inertia AND the effect of the friction, nevermind the turn at the steering head included....

Keep it upright!

:)

all you need is one of those medical alert alarms for when you and your bike has fallen and cant get up.:p
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/38/Lifecall-1.jpg/240px-Lifecall-1.jpg

Be nice...she already admitted it was embarrassing.... :)



Went back and re-read my post. I couldn't find the part where I wasn't being nice. Just trying to understand her problem since I can't actually see her ride.

I took the class already guys, that's why I got into riding. The issue is that when the bike is at a complete standstill and the full weight of it is present, if it leans over any little bit, my "point of no return" is a lot sooner because I lack a lot of upper body strength. Whereas most men wouldn't even have a problem straightening the bike out quickly when it starts to lean a little, I can't no matter how hard I pull and push and brace with my legs.

kode, maybe find out why you are reaching the point of no return. my buddie's wife laid down her bike right in front of me once coming to a stop. she just lost her footing and over it went. try spacing feet further out away from each other for better stability.

My wife has had two double lung transplants,and is facing a third.She is also a new rider,two years.She took the msf course.She is 5'8",135 lbs.The last transplant she had was an emergency,so they used any lungs they could stuff in her,she was unconscious and on a ventilator for a week waiting for a donor and probably would have died if she had to wait much longer.During this time she lost a lot of muscle tone,and she's already skinny to start with.Walking up stairs was impossible for a few days after she got home.But the weather was getting nice and she wanted to ride.Every day she would go to the garage which is in the basement,and sit on her bike .Then she would pick it up,then push it back and forth,then out in the driveway and back in.I had already lowered the bike an inch when I bought it to make it easier to pick up,even though her legs are long and her feet comfortably flat on the ground.She was ok riding my FXD,just lacked the upper body strength to hold it if it went too far.Before I took her to a parking lot to practice after the surgery,we used my bike for strength training.I fully agree that you should start strength training,not just upper body,but legs also.Learn to balance the bike a little better,parking lot practice is good for this ,and I would hope you have someone with patience who will help and support you in this.I feel that if you find yourself trying to catch the bike with your arms,your legs aren't doing the job.Also,does your bike have mid controls?I have a Sportster also, with mid controls and a tall seat height,and it's uncomfortable at stops on some uneven surfaces because the pegs force my legs out away from the bike.
Although it may seem that your bike is a bit too heavy for you at this time,you won't hear it from me!All my wife wanted since she was a little girl was a purple Harley,she really didn't care what kind.You should have seen the look she gave me when I teased her about getting a Rebel,hell my first bike (or 2nd,3rd 4th,5th,6th,or 7th)was neither new or a Harley!She was ,and is determined to ride her Sportster.It may be worth a phone call to ask a professional about exercises to help you with what you want to do,so you can do it safely.We've been there,and still are,and you can do it too.Good luck,and enjoy riding,Tim.P.S.The engine guard and saddlebags help protect the vitals,and your legs,when you go over.A little pricey,but worth it.

If I'm sitting on the bike then I lock the front brake and then press hard with the leg on the same side the bike is going over on. Example: the bike leans left, press hard with the left leg..

The 1st time my bike started to tip over, I was sitting on it at a standstill. I had the same reaction you described; I grabbed the front break, pushed hard with my left leg (both times the bike has gone left), and tried as hard as I possibly could to bring it back straight.

When I was growing up, I rode horses a lot, giving me a quick dismount reflex. So, as I'm trying to bring the bike up, and I see that my efforts are doing nothing, I quickly swing my right leg over and get my left leg out from under the bike to avoid being pinned. As I'm doing this, I'm also thinking about saving the bike, so I quickly use my arms on the left handlebar (the bike is virtually on the ground by now, so my legs don't matter) to keep it from contacting the ground from the fall. That's what I've meant by catching, because I haven't let it just tip over. I then slowly try to let it down to minimize damage.

Now, this morning's drop was me being an absolute idiot. I won't mention what newbie mistake I made (and was taught not to), but I'm sure it's not hard to guess. I guess I've endured enough shame at this point.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm going to keep reading on...

Those of you who have suggested lowering the bike: I've got an 883L. Can we go any lower? Will there be a marked difference? What are my supernoob lowering options?

I just went to the http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html wen site and WOW what a great tool. My wife is learning to ride her 03/883 I bought for her birthday and she is so totally intimidated by the bike it's scary. This web site has some great great tips for folks who are both intimidated and scared. I can't wait for her to go through the site

My wife has had two double lung transplants,and is facing a third.She is also a new rider,two years.She took the msf course.She is 5'8",135 lbs.The last transplant she had was an emergency,so they used any lungs they could stuff in her,she was unconscious and on a ventilator for a week waiting for a donor and probably would have died if she had to wait much longer.During this time she lost a lot of muscle tone,and she's already skinny to start with.Walking up stairs was impossible for a few days after she got home.But the weather was getting nice and she wanted to ride.Every day she would go to the garage which is in the basement,and sit on her bike .Then she would pick it up,then push it back and forth,then out in the driveway and back in.I had already lowered the bike an inch when I bought it to make it easier to pick up,even though her legs are long and her feet comfortably flat on the ground.She was ok riding my FXD,just lacked the upper body strength to hold it if it went too far.Before I took her to a parking lot to practice after the surgery,we used my bike for strength training.I fully agree that you should start strength training,not just upper body,but legs also.Learn to balance the bike a little better,parking lot practice is good for this ,and I would hope you have someone with patience who will help and support you in this.I feel that if you find yourself trying to catch the bike with your arms,your legs aren't doing the job.Also,does your bike have mid controls?I have a Sportster also, with mid controls and a tall seat height,and it's uncomfortable at stops on some uneven surfaces because the pegs force my legs out away from the bike.
Although it may seem that your bike is a bit too heavy for you at this time,you won't hear it from me!All my wife wanted since she was a little girl was a purple Harley,she really didn't care what kind.You should have seen the look she gave me when I teased her about getting a Rebel,hell my first bike (or 2nd,3rd 4th,5th,6th,or 7th)was neither new or a Harley!She was ,and is determined to ride her Sportster.It may be worth a phone call to ask a professional about exercises to help you with what you want to do,so you can do it safely.We've been there,and still are,and you can do it too.Good luck,and enjoy riding,Tim.P.S.The engine guard and saddlebags help protect the vitals,and your legs,when you go over.A little pricey,but worth it.

I cannot tell you how much of my experience I read in your story. I know what it's like to go through some horrible and long recovery processes and that horrible feeling of weakness, and defeat. I've always tried really hard to keep my head up, but I know that these recoveries affect every little part of one's life, and I'm so happy to hear that she's working hard to get right. Sadly I must say that I am not as blessed as your wife is with such a supportive husband. I am a little on my own on this one. However, I'm just speechless really.... I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only delightfully stubborn girl with a Harley. You and your wife have really inspired me, and I can honestly say that I'll think of her these next few weeks as I keep working toward my goal of being able to handle this bike.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Theres no way you'll be able to pick up your bike, and even if you can, its a bad idea. Your just going to strain yourself, especially at your size. Honestly, technique practice, and some weight training would do wonders. My mom dropped her bike a few times when she first got it, but she hasnt dropped it in about 4k miles, you really dont need to have the strength to pick your bike up. Just takes practice, i had one close call, but used my legs to drive it back up, it went to the left, and guess what MY LEFT KNEE SUCKS! so for the next couple of days it was really hurtin, guess thats what i get for installing carpet and stopping a 600 lb motorcycle from going down.

More than a decade ago I saw an elderly woman (like 70 or 80 y/o) whose ride of choice was a Goldwing, she kept small car scissor's jack in her saddlebag that could be placed under a crash bar in the event of a drop, she used the jack to raise the wing enough so that she could get on it and straighten it the rest of the way, put down the sidestand and then pick up the jack.

You asked for a mechanical method, that could be your solution. Use a jack to get past that point of no return.

Good luck,

Kev

Now, this morning's drop was me being an absolute idiot. I won't mention what newbie mistake I made (and was taught not to), but I'm sure it's not hard to guess. I guess I've endured enough shame at this point.


We've all been there. They may not be the same mistakes, but we've all done something that was embarrassing while on the bike. While the Sportster isn't the heaviest bike in the HD line up, it is still a heavy bike. You shouldn't be embarrassed in the least.

You're 5'10 so I'm not sure lowering the bike more is the answer. I agree with the post above about weight training being the solution. It's usually advised that anyone with a prolonged hospital stay try to regain that lost muscle mass.

Crash Bars would be a great investment. I think you would be a #1 canidate for those and it would be the best money you ever spent on your bike.. Do'nt let a mistake get you down, we all make them just remember your health depends a great deal on your ability to ride.

At 5' 10" I am sure your legs are long enough
that you are able to get both fleet completely
flat on the pavement so I wouldn't recommend
lowering the bike at all since most women who
get their bikes lowered, do it in order to get the
above results.

I just went to the http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html wen site and WOW what a great tool.

Very helpful stuff, but YIKES :wonderlan that granny in the miniskirt weirded me out. :frownthre

A bit off topic, but I've been riding two-up alot with my wife and on our last long ride, I was having trouble balancing when coming to a stop at red lights. It finally dawned on me that she was moving around and I gently asked her "WTF are you doing back there?".

"Shaking my legs out - one at a time." :doh

"Geez -- can you wait 3 more seconds until I'm STOPPED?!"

Well, after spending a lot of time with my bike on its side in the driveway this morning (with the empty highway mocking me a few feet away), and trying every technique, I just realized that I just don't have the strength.

PS: I'm slightly saddened by my forum title. "Biker"?! Har har. Not at this rate.

I think a lot of BIKERS have been there. Personally, I think strength in the legs is the key. Getting low and pushing up and out with those quads is what got me back up and running. I know its embarrassing, but thats all part of the deal...trust me, you have alot of company! Just try to figure out what is causing you to keep dropping it and attack it from that point. Just don't beat yourself up about it. If you're getting back on that bike afterward, you are a true biker! :)

Lots of good advice here. What I want to say is how much I admire you for not giving up. Hang in there, you'll get stronger.

I dropped my first Sporty back about 1967. Was late for work at my weekend job. I made a number of mistakes. The bike was a 61 XLH kick start only. I had just put it back together after a rebuild and customizing including a 6 inch over front end with stock rake. The Tilotson carb on the bike required a vent tube above the gas level in the tank. The original tank had a tube inside but the custom tank I used did not so being in a hurry to get it running I had used scotch tape to hold the tube to the riser intending to make a permanent fix later. The bike started right up and I took off quick not allowing it to warm up. I got down to the corner stop sign and the bike died. The tape had come loose and the vent dropped. The 61 also had manual advance but I was in a hurry and decided to start it in full advance. I was also wearing street shoes and not my normal boots. I also foolishly did not put the stand down. The bike backfired throwing me to the left with the bike landing on my left ankle. In those days I weighed 125 lbs and was 6 foot tall. I was 5:30 on a sat morn and no one was around. I laid there awhile in shock, stuck under the bike. I finally managed to get my right foot against the frame and push the bike off me, so mad that I pushed it all the way over. The bike wasnt damaged, just scratched a little. I put it back on the stand, fixed the tube and it started right up. Needless to say I never tried to start it without the stand again. I made a permanant fix for the vent tube that night. I think the crash bars are a good idea. In this case my leg acted like an engine guard. Im sure plenty of others on this board have dropped a bike so dont feel alone.

Lots of good advice here. What I want to say is how much I admire you for not giving up. Hang in there, you'll get stronger.

My sentiments exactly.

You've got a great attitude. Study the link on how to use your legs to pick up the bike. You can do it.

I bet there are plenty of old geasers who can't pick up their Road Kings. I hope you noticed in the post above how the saddle bags keep the bike up a little higher. The only idea I can come up with is to put on strong crash bars. Then have a metal tube welded on the side of the crash bars so that when the bike falls over you can slide a long cheater bar into those tubes and use it as a lever to lift the bike. I would guess the cheater bar may have to be 6 or 8 feet long. Maybe use a cable puller / come-along attached to the cheater bar and tie the other end to the car or something heavy. You might have to block the tires somehow so the bike doesn't just slide. You might be able to design the cheater bar so it breaks into sections and carry them in a saddle bag. A good welder / fabricator should be able to help you figure out the details. Maybe design custom crash bars so they won't let the bike fall all the way over. These are basic vehicle recovery techniques. I don't know if this will work for you, but other than getting a lighter bike, it's the best I can figure out for now. Have you lowered the bike to reduce falling over? One last idea, have the welder weld a screw jack to the end of the cheater bar to get it up the first foot or two.

Or better yet, design the cheater bar so that the end far from the bike is already two or three feet in the air.

I was reading this and had to share my experience. I learned to pick up a bike the hard way, sheer terror.
First, I'm 5' nothing and weigh 110. I was in the garage taking pics of my ole' man's 2003 Dyna Lowrider to send to him while he was in Afghanistan. I went to move the bike into the middle of the garage. When I went to set it, the jiffy stand wasn't down all the way (my bad) and down comes the bike.
What I did was squatted down with my back against the seat, one hand under the seat, the other on the hand grip and I slowly took a couple steps backwards to the standing position, bike upright. After making sure there was no evidence of my stupidity, I went and had a beer.
Moral of the story, it doesn't matter your size, if you do it right, you can pick up a bike. Oh yeah, and don't drop your bike.
Mo

Maybe you need to lower the bike so you have better leverage. I think you need to figure out how to set your bike up so you can keep it upright.


I agree with the quote above. It's what I had to do. I dropped my 883 Custom a couple times, all at stand stills, because the bike was too tall for my 5' frame. After I modified the rear shocks and seat, I have both feet on the ground and have racked up 600 miles in a month.
Hope this helps ya.
Mo

Be nice...she already admitted it was embarrassing.... :)

Lifting your bike is more leverage than muscle...after its down...

As far as keeping it upright, I will offer this one nugget that you may have forgotten from the class....

Use ONLY your rear brake in slow manuevers....period.

If your forks are turned at slow speed, and you hit your front brake, you're going down...fact...

Learn to love that rear brake in slow speed stuff, and it will get much smoother for you when you come to a halt.....meaning you won't have to fight the weight of the bike OR the force of inertia AND the effect of the friction, nevermind the turn at the steering head included....

Keep it upright!

:)


The rear brake at slow speed manuevering is your best friend!

Loco...

Well instead of lowering the sporty look at the other models. I know the bigger bikes do weight a little more but its all at a lower center weight, and basiclly the sporty's weight is high. The bigger bike might be easier to hold up since the center is lower. Plus the fact that most of the other models have a lower seat than the sporty too. Think of it this way, you have a 400 lb weight on a 3 ft stick... that can be alot to pick up for some of us. Or you have a 600 lb weight on a 2 ft stick. Doesn't seem like alot of difference but its physics, it is.

Try a sidecar... or a universal 3 wheeler kit...

everyone drops it.. as a Physical Therapy tech, we teach lift techiniques..lift w/ those legs, and strengthen your legs and abs, they will help you out when you need to lift something heavy i.e. bike or whatever else you need to lift (doesn't have to be a bike!)Good Luck...

I saw the pink ribbon technique..it's ok but....i think leverage wise it's a poor technique because you could fall over backwards, and i think that it is easier to lift the bike for a male or female if you are facing the bike. I think you will have better control of the bike. for one you can drop the kick stand easier if you face the bike once you get it up and there is less chance of injuring yourself w/ this technique. You are biomechanically more efficient and have a better chance of not injuring yourself.

I'm no one's idea of strong, but I can tell you the pink ribbon method shown earlier is the only way to pick up an 800 lb. Electra Glide. Ask me how I know that.

Despite the recent "girl bike/beginner bike" reputation, the Sportster is a terrible bike for new riders, short riders, and woman IMO because it is so top heavy. Low seat height is of little help when the piston jugs and full gas tank sit up so high.

For your own safety, find an experienced riding buddy to follow you and help advance your skills. Anybody can handle a bike at speed. It's much harder to ride it at a crawl or handle it at a standstill. You'll be learning until the day you hang it up.

and....

A DVD called Ride Like a Pro - For Women
It helped me help my wife after she took the MSF. She has a lowered 883L and is only 5'0". There's lots of good low speed practice drills.

the above ideas are good, crash bars, the righting technique, lowering the bike. Also stunt bikers have crash protectors that bolt to the back section of their bikes that keep them from touching the ground when dropped they stand out about 6" and will give you that much less distance to right it and also protects your bike from damage...ride hard, ride fast

I think working on your leg & back strength is your best & safest bet.A good Smith machine isn't expensive & doesn't take a lot of space.If you use it 3-4 times a week,2 or 3 weeks will make a big difference.~Tim

Sounds like you might want to get a crash bar. Having it will help because when the bike drops, it won't be as close to the ground (ie, already part way up).

I don't know this for sure, but it seems like it might help.

I agree it's easier to get it up if it's already part way up !!!:smoke :smoke



JASAC
(Just a smart ass comment):laugh

Ape hangers, real tall ape hangers...
Gives you an extra foot of leverage...


:-)
-Willy

Might not be a response you want to hear, but maybe a Sportster is to big a bike for you. You cannot continue to drop your H-D! Try things posted here, if they don't work...then your simply attempting to handle something that is to heavy for your abilities. Dave

Kitten my solution may seem a little sexist but here goes.

You need to wear a pair of sexy "Daisy Dukes" under your riding gear and when you're in a situation of not being able to right your ride then whip out those shorts and use your female charms to entice a passerby to give you a hand.

(batting your eyelashes and looking distressed may enhance your chances)


I tired this once myself but it seems that an ugly fat old guy is not that appealing.

The solution to this problem is probably solvable by taking the msf class. I am not sure why you need to learn to pick up your bike. You really need to learn to stop dropping it. When you can keep your bike up you will be able to ride it and enjoy it. Take the class and learn to keep your bike upright.


a little rough on the guy dont u think?

Everyone keeps saying to lower the bike, but at 5'10" there should be no problem being flat footed on the ground with pretty much any sporty.

9th July 06!! don't you guys think things may have changed some what since this thread was started. incidentally KK is a women, damn good looking one at that and one with a gorgeous smile. you might ask how she is doing instead of assuming that nothing has changed.

Hey KodeKitten,

I'm about the same height as you, and I'm sure I'd have problems keeping the bike upright if it got leaned over too far. Almost did loose it once. As others have said, Sportsters tend to be a little top heavy. The trick is keeping it upright as possible when standing still and slow speeds.

My wife is about 5'4". I got her a 883L for Valentines day a couple years ago. She's a fairly experienced rider, but when she went to drive off the lot, she dropped the thing. She was pretty embarassed, and disgusted with herself. I didn't actually see it happen, and by the time I caught up with her, a guy who saw her go down helped her pick the bike up.

Knock-on-wood, she hasn't dropped it since, and she's got a few thousand miles on it.

I think the crash bars is a good idea. Hopefully if you do get em, you won't need em.

The solution to this problem is probably solvable by taking the msf class. I am not sure why you need to learn to pick up your bike. You really need to learn to stop dropping it. When you can keep your bike up you will be able to ride it and enjoy it. Take the class and learn to keep your bike upright.

Don't you think that was a cheap shot? After you get a few more years/miles under your belt, you may understand that sometimes 'stuff happens'.

Ron

a little rough on the guy dont u think?

9th July 06!! don't you guys think things may have changed some what since this thread was started. incidentally KK is a women, damn good looking one at that and one with a gorgeous smile. you might ask how she is doing instead of assuming that nothing has changed.

Hey KodeKitten,

I'm about the same height as you, and I'm sure I'd have problems keeping the bike upright if it got leaned over too far. Almost did loose it once. As others have said, Sportsters tend to be a little top heavy. The trick is keeping it upright as possible when standing still and slow speeds.

My wife is about 5'4". I got her a 883L for Valentines day a couple years ago. She's a fairly experienced rider, but when she went to drive off the lot, she dropped the thing. She was pretty embarassed, and disgusted with herself. I didn't actually see it happen, and by the time I caught up with her, a guy who saw her go down helped her pick the bike up.

Knock-on-wood, she hasn't dropped it since, and she's got a few thousand miles on it.

I think the crash bars is a good idea. Hopefully if you do get em, you won't need em.

Boy oh boy! This thread has gotten dusted off a couple of times in the past 6 months, but that's my fault for making the title so mysterious....

Although I haven't replied to each and every one of you know that your suggestions are duely noted! A few were implemented such as the crashbars, and thankfully they haven't had a single use since this post, as I haven't dropped my bike yet again. There was only one instance when it went over, when I was doing a 1000 mile weekend, and had to stop at a small rural stop sign on the side of a very steep hill. My left foot tapped my peg just enough to pull the bike to one side, and gravity took over quite quickly despite my quick yank. Oddly, the saddlebags stopped the bike and the crashbars didn't! Gee, thanks!

However, I'm sure they are good to have, especially since I often go into empty parkinglots and practice U-turns and circles. In fact, I was at the local HD dealership this Sunday practicing in their MSF lot, doing figure eights over and over.

If you knew me personally, you would be amazed at how far I've progressed. I went from not wanting to sit on the bike on the kickstand, to riding the SHIT out of it every single day, rain or shine, one handed, no handed, sometimes even with feet on the speedo! (Not often, but it has happened). I don't mean to brag or anything... I just a perfectionist and have to keep reminding myself that I really am doing a whole lot better.

So, maybe I should end by listing what helped me do a complete 180 degree turn. Besides forcing myself to practice every single day (even when there were days that I thought I honestly wouldn't make it home alive), the Ride Like a Pro DVDs teach you to master the friction zone and that leant a huge boost in the feeling of stability.

I also found that traveling on the bike really helped, becuase not only did it boost my confidence significantly (almost all of this riding stuff is MENTAL I found), but it forced me to JUST DO IT. If I had to make a really sharp u-turn to jump from one gas pump to another and I was in the middle of a strange town with trucks going every which way, I had NO CHOICE. I couldn't freak out-- I just had to do it, and that REALLY helped. (Having a pack-loaded, heavy bike didn't hurt at all, lower center of gravity). I gained a HUGE sense of pride and ownership by taking a weekend trip.

I also had to constantly push my mental limits. I researched and familiarized myself with the physical limits of my bike, and when my mental limits were much stricter, I would constantly push my comfort zone in order to improve. It could have been little things, like purposefully counter-weighing and taking turns as sharp as I could while I was putting around town, or slam on the brakes on a deserted road to practice my emergancy breaking.

It's all in your head I've found. It's only been 6 months, and I know that when you get cocky, that's when you bite it, but I was a total 'fraidy-cat, and I turned out JUST fine. :)

Oh, and thanks for the kind words, gentlemen :) :)

The times I've dropped my bike have been when I come to an awkward, sudden stop, and end up with the front wheel turned too far. Then I attempt to save it by putting my feet down flat, but missing. When the bike starts to topple, I can't stop it.
:shhhh (To any guys who may be reading this) But that's never really happened to me. Honest.
Hey! It DOES happen! I once dropped a (rented!) Electra Glide full of gear, and with my wife in the back seat, :doh just as described above. Try picking up a fully loaded 'Glider! It took 3 men and a strong boy to get it back on an even keel.
But I've done it with my Sportster, too--Just as I was lining up to lead a club ride. Yikes! "I meant to do that"? Bad scene for a 'Road Captain'! You talk about embarrassed? :o But I digress....
I realise this thread was started to get some tips about picking your bike up, dusting yourself off, and starting all over again :p but I hope that, somehow, knowing how it can happen, and that it can happen to experienced riders, might help....
BTW--Like the man said, this thread's pretty old so, 'How ya doing these days?' Have you discovered any new techniques that we (ahem) 'older' bikers might be able to use?

"Hey, I'm NOT short. I'm perfect. It's my XL that's too tall!"

Our posts must have just passed one another on the way to the XLF!
Sounds like you're going good! Congraduations! :tour

maybe a lower seat, and suspension..wider handlebars if you can, they will all give you a little more leverage...and maybe some strengthening excersises too..

I hope your love to ride rules out. good luck!! :)

-dbd

Me and my wife had the same problems when we first got our 06 883 Custom I am also 5'10" and about 140lbs, this was our first bike. After taking the MSF classes and riding for a few weeks I have had no other problems with dropping my bike, I slowly adjusted to balancing the bike correctly and learning how to keep it steady. We had crash bars on for the first few months because I was scared to ruin the tank. My wife on the other hand was too short, she is only 5'2" and the bike was way too top heavy for her especially since her feet barely touched the ground. The problem is that our bike already has 11" shocks, we could not find anything lower. We looked into some shock re-locater kits, but were not sure how reliable those would be. We ended up getting her a Honda that was alot smaller and she loves it.

On another note... I would try taking your seat off and sitting on your bike. This will let you know how much more comfortable you would be with a smaller seat. I have a drastically smaller seat and highly recommend this if you have any balance problems while at a standstill.

An additional note: Being about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a long inseam, I realized that the inability to balance the bike wasn't a physical limitation. Apparantly, it's a common new rider symptom, and people often base their motorcycle purchase on wanting something light and low because they feel that's their major concern.

I HATE to admit it -- but I fell right into that.

On another note... I would try taking your seat off and sitting on your bike. This will let you know how much more comfortable you would be with a smaller seat. I have a drastically smaller seat and highly recommend this if you have any balance problems while at a standstill.


So tell us more about your drastically smaller seat. Or send us a pic.
Is it drastically more uncomfortable than the OEM?
I am thinking of taking my OEM to a local uphosterer and seeing if they
can't lower it by ~1" by carving out some of the foam....

EDIT: Aw sheesh, this is another one of those old threads that somehow got revived! I imagine the original author has figured it all out by now and is happily on the road...

As others have mentioned, the problem isn't picking up the bike, it's not dropping the bike.

It's not uncommon for new riders to have accidental horizontal parking experiences (I think I stole that from somebody here) in parking lots and driveways. At low/no speed is when bikes feel the "heaviest" and least balanced.

BUT you certainly don't want to keep dropping your bike so often that picking it up becomes a major goal. :) I haven't read through all the posts in this thread, so I might be echoing things that have already been said, but here are some of my suggestions in scattershot form:

1. Lower your bike (by way of a low-profile seat, shorter shocks, whatever) if you have to till you can firmly flat-foot it at stops.

2. If you have forward controls, consider changing to mid-controls. Many people find that gives them better control and balance at low speeds. I tossed my forward controls and went back to mid-controls for that very reason.

3. Always remember to stop with your bars (and therefore your front wheel) straight rather than turned to one side, and to stop s-l-o-w-l-y, not abruptly. The weight shift as you come to a stop can put you off-balance if your bars aren't straight, and the more abruptly you stop the harsher the weight shift will be.

4. Try putting BOTH feet down at stops instead of keeping your right foot on the brake, which leaves you stopping at a slight tilt. I always put both feet down. I'm short, and it allows me to keep the bike totally upright at stops.

5. Keep your eyes off the ground as you stop, other than a quick glance ahead to make sure you're not going to be stopping in a pool of oil or on cracked pavement.

6. Put on crash bars if you haven't already. They can keep your engine from getting scratched, and I suppose can give you better leverage if you're trying to pick it up.

All that being said, I have no idea if I could pick up my bike by myself. I've dropped it a couple times--not recently, knock on wood--but there was always somebody around to help. Actually, there was always some guy around who didn't NEED help, he just jerked it up off the ground like a bicycle while I watched! :D I'm familiar with the techniques, and I assume that if I drop it someday in the middle of nowhere I'll figure it out from necessity, but I'm not going to sweat it in the meantime.

Don't beat yourself up over this. But again, I'd concentrate more on figuring out why you're dropping it and how to stop than to fret overmuch about learning to pick it up.

is your bike lowered and can you flat foot it ! just a thought !

I dropped my 77 in a buddys driveway one day. I got off of it and forgot to put the kickstand down, and down it went. I dont think I could have picked it up if I wasnt pissed off. Glad to hear your doin better with this.

So tell us more about your drastically smaller seat. Or send us a pic.
Is it drastically more uncomfortable than the OEM?
I am thinking of taking my OEM to a local uphosterer and seeing if they
can't lower it by ~1" by carving out some of the foam....

To be honest with you, I bought a 1/8" sheet of metal, had a friend of mine plasma cut it out in the shape I wanted and mounted it on my bike. I have yet to upholster it... Everyone is always asking me "Doesn't that hurt?", but I really don't even notice it. If you want a nice low seat I would try getting something along the lines of a Saddlemen Profiler.

http://ohmygoshman.com/post_images/seat.jpg

Here's an article I found a few years ago. Maybe it will be helpfull, maybe this way of standing up a bike has been said, or maybe not to both. Here's the link.
http://www.msgroup.org/TIP075.html

I almost dumped mine at a BACA ride a few weeks ago. Was backing down a steep driveway (we were packed in like sardines) when the tire hit a large rock in the driveway. Threw me off balance just past that "point of no return" where you can't pull it back up (different for every person).

I have had to pick mine up twice. But I can pick it up by myself luckilly.

Like others have said... engine guards and saddle bags will give you some leverage. But you should not be embarassed to ask for help if you need it. If I had dropped my bike at that BACA ride I know I would have had 20 people there to help me get it back up.

Not that I think this is a viable option for most. I have an older (70-80) friend who rides an old dresser with a highlift jack wrapped in a towel and strapped to the back of his bike. He says it keeps him from having to tote one of those phones and he can still get out and enjoy the road which he doesnt get to do as much lately.

have you tried a 12 dollar spanner wrench to loosen the stock rear shocks? if you try this, pay attention to high pressure braking with bumps, speed bumps, and beware of bouncy take off's and soft burn outs!

If u cant pick it up, you shoud'nt be riding it.

Dont drop it there are lot of people who ride bikes that if dropped it would take 3 grown men and a boy to pick up. Just part of it. My Dad a big man dropped his Gold Wing in all places a ditch Had to pull it back it back up with a truck. Just try to keep it up if something happens it is nothing to be ashamed of it happens.

I might consider getting a jiffy stand extension. Then practice kicking it down fast at a light. It will go back up when you start. I wouldnt lean on the stand while at a light. Get stronger and use the stand as a crutch.

Sorry, what I learned first at driving (riding) school:
If you are not able to get up your bike - you wont be able to ride this bike. That means: to have it under control by all circumstances.:frownone Its a question of safety.

Thatswhy my suggestion: start with a smaller bike and try to become strong enough..
Good luck und best wishes,
Andreas!

Wow - who resurrected this thread? I was in the smartass camp that says "if you can't pick it up, then maybe you should stop dropping it!", but I'm blessed with long legs and never thought I'd come close to dropping a bike. Last summer, my wife and I rode out to a restaurant for dinner and pulled into a parking spot that had a drain grate in the middle. I thought that would be stable spot (not hot asphalt) to rest the the "jiffy" stand. But the grate was a drain and the parking spot was graded centrally to force water into the grate, so it was lower than the surrounding surface (like where my wheels were).

So I stop the bike, wifey dismounts, I lower the kick stand and start to dismount, and the bike leans...and leans...and suddenly I'm wrestling the beast back up. No it didn't go over, but I learned my lesson -- I don't dismount until the bike is holding it's own weight.

It's no shame if you can't pick up a sporty. I have a bad back and have trouble with a 40lb bag of dog food. But DO try not to drop it.... :)

Be nice...she already admitted it was embarrassing.... :)



Use ONLY your rear brake in slow manuevers....period.

If your forks are turned at slow speed, and you hit your front brake, you're going down...fact...



Keep it upright!

:)

Like Chuck said...This is..withoubt a doubt...The main reason people drop there bikes at low speed. Seems to always happen in a parking lot.

get a lighter bike

I might consider getting a jiffy stand extension. Then practice kicking it down fast at a light. It will go back up when you start. I wouldnt lean on the stand while at a light. Get stronger and use the stand as a crutch.

Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. A stand that is not up as you ride is a marvelous way to go down at speed when it catches on something--like the ground in a corner:doh

doh! sorry about that i have a habbit of responding to OP on current events. note to self stay out of old threads. thanks.

EERRRMMM......I think some folks just read the first page of the thread and then post......SHE'S GOT IT! SHE'S NOT DROPPING HER BIKE ANYMORE!:doh :doh :doh :doh :doh :doh :rolleyes: