Proper way to pick up a downed bike...

[kveloso]

I wanted to share a method another biker taught me about 15 years ago. I don't know how many of you are new to riding but during the first 7 to 8 years of riding, I had few instances that required that I pick the bike up after laying it down. Normally, the most instinctive method is to grab the handle bar and whatever part of the bike is accessible and lift it using mostly your back and part of your legs.

I had dropped my bike on our gravel driveway after loosing my footing and my friend saw the way that I was trying to pick up the bike and stopped me and then proceeded to demonstrate the proper way to lift a downed bike.

He was facing away from the bike and with his knees bent, one hand on the handle bar and his other hand on the grab rail by the seat and proceeded to lift the bike to a fully upright position.

What I immediately noticed was that the more than 80% of lift came from his legs with minimal strain to his back and upper body.

I used this same technique to assist another biker who had downed a gold wing at a local stop light. He couldn't lift it back up. I proceeded to demonstrate the "proper way to lift the bike" and he kept on thanking me.

Anyway, I wanted to share this experience in case anyone may need to pick up his bike. By the way, I'm 5'8" and weigh 175% but can still lift a downed gold wing in matter of seconds.

Hope this helps someone and possibly avoid a back injury.

Take care and ride safe.

[Targetbuster]

Wow, nice tip! Hope I never have to use it!!

[hot_shoe_cv]

HERE'S A wEb site that explains it more fully:
http://www.msgroup.org/TIP075.html

[BigJohn]

It works. Had to use it this afternoon, and several times in the past. Saves backs, shoulders and arms.

[kveloso]

That website is totally awesome!!! It explained the concept in very concise detail. Thank you hot_shoe_cv.

[troop]

Yep, and put bike in gear and also squeeze front brake when lifting as it will prevent rolling..

[OldStreak]

Wow, nice tip! Hope I never have to use it!!

ditto!

[Wicked96SS]

That method is demonstrated in the basic video by the guys that do "Ride Like A Pro"... I got the basic and Ride Like A Pro IV... good stuff!

[Frankt07]

i was taught that same technique too. thanks for sharing. hopefuly i wont ever have to use it

[jukief]

I've used that method before. It works really well. Even a small woman can pick up a large cruiser that way.

[fordboy200]

the proper way is to not down the bike....

[Redbeard]

the proper way is to not down the bike....

Smart A$$ in every crowd

[MeanGene]

Every once and a while someone posts something useful. Thanks
Always good to know how even if you never use it.

[tai42]

When I took the MSF BRC a couple years ago, the instructors taught us this same method. If you want to see a video demonstration, check out this site. (Scroll down to the bottom.)

[S.D.Willie]

Smart A$$ in every crowd

i think you give him too much credit. smart?? meh

[TxGypsy]

The easiest way is for 2 big guys to come pull you out of the mud and pick the bike up for you. Sigh...I hit a patch of pure bentonite clay today .....unbelievably slick stuff. Happened so quickly that I didn't realise the bike was going down until I was on the ground. Guess I was lucky I landed in soft mud. Didn't hurt the bike thank goodness. I've got a few bruises.

Thanks for the tip! Next time there might not be good samaritans there to help.

[jesse web]

Thanks for the good tip!

[Ronmac1118]

ok, if you lay it down on the right, just pull kickstand out and hold to the handle bars and put your foot and weight on the kickstand and the bike will come right up to you, makes it very simple and easy.

[E-J]

In all my years, I never... Thank you. This is great (!) advice with detailed direction. Did I say thank you?

[Crystalship1]

Road Star Clinic - How to Pick Up Your Motorcycle