A FASHIONABLE PICK UP

Last month we addressed the proper techniques to use if a bike drops at slow speeds under about 4 mph. (Score one for gravity!!). Now let’s focus on picking the bike back up.

If possible, try to get some assistance. Motorcycles are heavy and Harleys are certainly no exception. There is no sense or honor in hurting ourselves unnecessarily.

However, if we find ourselves in this predicament where we must pick up the bike alone, then here is a test proven method that makes the pickup much safer and easier. The trick is to actually push the bike up using the largest muscles in the body, our legs:

• The first thing to do is to make sure the ignition and fuel valve (if carbureted) are turned off.
• At this point, if our bike is lying on a incline, turn it around, if possible, so the tires are facing down hill.
• Make sure the bike is in gear.( this will help prevent the bike from rolling as it is pushed up.)
• Lock the kickstand in the down position if the bike is on its right side
• Lock the front wheel and fork in place using the fork lock if the bike is on its left side
• While facing away from the bike, lean against the seat so that the bottom half of your rear is firmly planted against the seat.
• Plant you feet firmly, keep your feet about a shoulder width apart and a little bend in the knees.
• Get a good hold of a securely attached part of the bike on each side of you. (A hand grip or saddlebag guard will work well. Stay clear of hot bike parts.)
• Now as you begin to push against the seat with your legs, begin to walk backwards and lift just a little with the arms.
• As the bike approaches vertical, try to lower the kickstand with your foot if the bike was on its left side.
• If the bike was on its right side, the kickstand should have already been set, so just let the bike slowly settle down onto the kickstand. (Remember, if your bike is fuel injected, you may have to turn the large ignition switch on and off three times slowly to reset your “bank angle” module, otherwise the bike will not start.)

So there you have it, an easy method to a fashionable pickup. This particular skill we hope nobody will have the need to use, but should know how to execute if the need does arise.

In the mean time,

Ride Smart, Ride Safe and Most of All Have Fun.

David

11/06