dismounting a bike

[slimjim444]

It never even crossed my mind to use the right side. I assumed that since it's leaning to the left that would be the way to get on. Tonight when I get home from work I'm going to try the right side. Tomorrow I'll probably take the tank off and fix the dent I put in it with my foot trying to get on from the right side.

[drivenrhythm]

Originally Posted by slimjim444

It never even crossed my mind to use the right side. I assumed that since it's leaning to the left that would be the way to get on. Tonight when I get home from work I'm going to try the right side. Tomorrow I'll probably take the tank off and fix the dent I put in it with my foot trying to get on from the right side.

ROTFLOL!!!

Swinging my leg over taught me that my feet are bigger than I thought.

On second thought...it doesn't look so big in this shot. Just step through and you won't hit anything.

[peregrine]

I mount up to ride, just like when I ride horses, on the left. No reason really; other than my bike preferrs this. (I haven't been kicked yet.)

[Mean Gene]

Left side or my iron horse bucks and kicks.

[JRBL1A1]

9/10 from left for both mount and dismount. The 1/10 is the left side is obstructed by something. This comes from the old habit formed while riding horses.

[tomslusher]

Originally Posted by Franber

I vault over the rear of the bike, sort of like you used to see in the old 'Trinity' movies when they jumped on to the back of their horse.....

Another "Trinity" fan. Two (or three if you count "boot Hill", which is not nearly as good) of the best spaghetti western movies of all time. Bambino could kick Brock Lesnar's a$$ with one smack atop his head.

I think I need to watch the movies again, now that your brought it up.

No one could eat a pan of beans like Trinity.

tomslusher

[Wizard900SE]

Originally Posted by buschboy

I always get on and off the left(clutch). Don't know why. Maybe hangs around from mounting horses??

Im the same way, nvr thought about it till you brought it up tho LOL

I grew up riding horses and I guess my bike is now my steel horse.

[davidcl]

I am sure everyone here knows this... but, if you turn the handlebars to the right.. standing up your bike takes about 1/4 the muscle... I know they teach it in the courses but, sometimes we forget!!! Oh, and the left side for me.

[ChevelleSSLS6]

being 5'6" I wonder how I'd mount some of the dirtbikes out there. Seat height is way too high for a guy like me. I guess I'd park the dirtbike under a tree and drop onto it from a treebranch.

And getting off the mc, I'd probably hop off and watch it 'ghostride' into a group of kids playing in the street since parents don't tell the kids to stay out of the road anymore.

As for my low-slung 900c, kickstand side. Nice and comfy.

[vulcan_dude]

Left side for me, unless space limitation dictates the right. When I have a tall bag on the passenger seat, I turn the handle bars straight or to the right before I mount, to get more room, then I have enough space to swing my right foot over the front seat.

[mittens01]

Call me crazy, but this thread is just about as ridiculous as the thread not long ago about what type of facial hair one should sport while riding.

The technical answer (as taught in the MSF class) is to mount/dismount from the left, and it makes sense. By theory, you're right foot should be on the brake pedal when you mount/dismount, meaning that your left foot is the one that's on the ground, so it makes the most sense to climb off in that direction.

Personally, I feel a bit awkward getting on or off from the right, but much like the facial pubes question, go with what's comfortable for you.

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by mittens01

Call me crazy, but this thread is just about as ridiculous as the thread not long ago about what type of facial hair one should sport while riding.

The technical answer (as taught in the MSF class) is to mount/dismount from the left, and it makes sense. By theory, you're right foot should be on the brake pedal when you mount/dismount, meaning that your left foot is the one that's on the ground, so it makes the most sense to climb off in that direction.

Personally, I feel a bit awkward getting on or off from the right, but much like the facial pubes question, go with what's comfortable for you.

Blasphemy!!!!!!!
and technically that thread's still going strong...

but i agree with you about the on/off position.

the bike leans to the left when parked, so it's easy to step over it and place both your hand on the brake lever and your foot on the brake pedal.
There's no way you can drop the bike when getting on from the left because the sidestand is secure, you just put your leg over and then you can stand the bike up to sit on it.

i have got on from the right before and it feels like if i sit down too hard or accidently catch something with my foot, i'll bump the bike off the kickstand and drop it before my feet are planted on the ground ready to try and save it.

[DanL]

Originally Posted by chadfo

I always mount and dismount on the left. I do it mainly because it's easier because the bike is leaning that way. With many bikes I think it's also safer because you are less likely to touch the hot exhaust pipes on the dismount.

Same here. Though sometimes I hop on from the right side if the bike hasn't been running.

[agentfox1942]

Originally Posted by mittens01

Call me crazy, but this thread is just about as ridiculous as the thread not long ago about what type of facial hair one should sport while riding.

The technical answer (as taught in the MSF class) is to mount/dismount from the left, and it makes sense. By theory, you're right foot should be on the brake pedal when you mount/dismount, meaning that your left foot is the one that's on the ground, so it makes the most sense to climb off in that direction.

Personally, I feel a bit awkward getting on or off from the right, but much like the facial pubes question, go with what's comfortable for you.

I never thought it would go this long, but thanks everyone. It's nice to have some easy "conversations" that can also be informative and fun. If my right foot is supposed to be on the brake, how do I swing it over the bike to dismount from the left? I'll continue to mount dismount on the left side (unless the step-stool I use gets pushed to the right side.

[MrClean]

Originally Posted by drivenrhythm

I thought about mounting from behind...like the Lone Ranger on Silver, but the sissy bar changed my mind.

Admit it, it changed your singing voice too. Well, nothing ventured nothing gained!

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by mittens01

Call me crazy, but this thread is just about as ridiculous as the thread not long ago about what type of facial hair one should sport while riding.

The technical answer (as taught in the MSF class) is to mount/dismount from the left, and it makes sense. By theory, you're right foot should be on the brake pedal when you mount/dismount, meaning that your left foot is the one that's on the ground, so it makes the most sense to climb off in that direction.

Personally, I feel a bit awkward getting on or off from the right, but much like the facial pubes question, go with what's comfortable for you.

Like asking what is the "proper" way to wave to other riders, what style/color of clothes etc....pretty amazing sometimes.

[drivenrhythm]

Originally Posted by MrClean

Admit it, it changed your singing voice too. Well, nothing ventured nothing gained!

Moved me to the soprano section in the choir, but at least it has me closer to the half of the choir that smells good.

[drivenrhythm]

Originally Posted by mittens01

Call me crazy, but this thread is just about as ridiculous as the thread not long ago about what type of facial hair one should sport while riding.

The technical answer (as taught in the MSF class) is to mount/dismount from the left, and it makes sense. By theory, you're right foot should be on the brake pedal when you mount/dismount, meaning that your left foot is the one that's on the ground, so it makes the most sense to climb off in that direction.

Personally, I feel a bit awkward getting on or off from the right, but much like the facial pubes question, go with what's comfortable for you.

Topics like this break the monotony. We take ourselves too seriously sometimes. Besides, I have some experience in the "facial pubes" department.

[Ruger]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

For me, it is more comfortable to mount-dismount the cruiser from the right side, but with my fairing and apes, I would hit the mirror if I tried mounting from the left... but I'm also 6'3".

Dirtbike and the Honda CB750s, I mount from the left, and this is technically the "correct" side as you are doing.

Cops train to mount and dismount from the right because that is the side opposite traffic.

+1

Always away from traffic. Right side. I'm so used to it now I don't even think about it. One advantage of getting off on the high side is that if you get off on the low side and forget to put down the side stand the bike falls on your leg.

[Jerrysea]

I mount and dismount my bike on the left side unless there is a safety issue with traffic. If stopped on limited access hiway right side. Usually when parking the bike on a normal street (sidewalk adjacent to street) I back the bike in and get off the left side. I am 6/0 and on most bikes left or right is not an issue as to height of the bike. Never tried some of the taller sport bikes.