Am I the only one...

[ghostrdr]

That can't pick up my bike when it tips over? I've dropped it a couple of times while pushing it around the driveway. Not hard, I've always been able to ease it down but I can't pick it up by myself. I'm dreading this happening late at night when I'm alone. Is there a trick I need to know or should I head for the gym?

[Champ87]

You can't get away from the fact that it's a heavy motorcycle and could easily be 20 or 25 kg heavier with full bags. I dropped my Triumph a couple of times when I lost my footing at 0 mph. I found that turning my back to the bike to pick it up gave me good balance and allowed me to use the strength in my legs.

I think I got that from a YouTube video. As with all things YouTube, some of the videos are worthless nonsense but some show good pick-up techniques or small tips that will help.

[dieseldad60]

Been there with my fully loaded BMWK1300LT. I dropped it 3 times the first weekend out after I got it. All in parking lots, low to no speed. I found the trick is a champ87 says... turn your back to the bike and use your legs. Even that can tire you out. Gets harder depending on the side you are on. If you can put the kickstand down prior to picking up I would.

After the 3rd drop that day I told my daughter who was with me.... if I drop it again, I am leaving it where lays. :-) Never dropped that bike again, ever.

[JustinP]

Stand backwards, crouch down, and grab by the handle grip and grab rail closest to the ground. Lift with your legs.

[Burmashave]

Yup, turn around and drive with your legs. I dropped my Versys off the sidestand into a shallow ditch after making a stop to take a picture of a Bald Eagle (mistake). I had to get the bike out, so got behind it, crouched as low as I could, braced my back against the bike, and DROVE, DROVE, DROVE with my legs to get it back up.

[Snakes709]

Make sure you lift with your back in a twisting, jerking motion.

[Burmashave]

Make sure you lift with your back in a twisting, jerking motion.

Remember: Use your back as a lever.

[Snakes709]

All joking aside, look up videos on how to properly pick up a bike. Saw a demo at a bike show. This women picked up a police cruiser bike that was like 800lbs and she was about 110lbs soaking wet. Picked it up no problem. I dropped mine but 3 guys picked it up as i was busting my. Knuckles up, punching the ground.

[steadly2004]

I dropped my bike once. Like a months ago. Trying to turn too tight and used the front brake while too slow. Never let go of the clutch and ithe engine didn't stop. I had it up before the guy ahead of me had a chance to turn his head (he was parking too)

Anyway had it back up in like 2 seconds..... Lots of adrenaline.... Hahha. Like a mom picking up a car with her child in danger.... Hahahhah. Hardest part was putting my left leg over because the parking lot was tilted and I never approach the bike on the right side.

[ValkryieX]

There is a great video that demonstrates this online by Motojitsu on youtube.

Here is the link -