The embarrassment is immediate. Then there's that sickening feeling when you see your bike lying over on it's side. It's even more painful when it's new. But that's not the worst. Assuming no major damage to bike or body, shattered confidence can be the most disabling outcome from a dropped bike.
While no one wants or expects their bike to tip over, it will happen to even the most experienced riders, usually while stopped or during slow speed maneuvers. Ironically, it happens very quickly. Once you've passed the tipping point, you don't stand a chance of keeping it up. The good news is that other than the damage to pride, there is usually very little injury.
With the first 10,000 km under my belt, I was proud that there was nary a scrape on my beautiful new bike. And then we were over. My drop happened because of improper slow speed control. After stopping to let the driveway clear, I proceeded with a slow right angle turn on a bit of a grade. Overly cautious, I held back on the throttle and ended up stalling it during the turn. We were over before I could say damn! I relate this story not because I'm particularly proud of it. Rather, it's to encourage new riders for whom dropping their bike can be devastating.
There's a saying that the best offence is a good defense. By far the best defense is to know how to manage your bike during those situations most likely to result in a spill. It's also wise to be prepared for the inevitable so that when it happens, you know how to react. Rather than letting it get the best of you, here's what to do:
10 reasons why bikes tip over (in no particular order).
Be prepared. Practice your skills in a parking lot, free from distraction. If you drop your bike in traffic, you'll be able to react quickly, minimize the embarrassment and be on your way before too many people notice.
While no one wants or expects their bike to tip over, it will happen to even the most experienced riders, usually while stopped or during slow speed maneuvers. Ironically, it happens very quickly. Once you've passed the tipping point, you don't stand a chance of keeping it up. The good news is that other than the damage to pride, there is usually very little injury.
With the first 10,000 km under my belt, I was proud that there was nary a scrape on my beautiful new bike. And then we were over. My drop happened because of improper slow speed control. After stopping to let the driveway clear, I proceeded with a slow right angle turn on a bit of a grade. Overly cautious, I held back on the throttle and ended up stalling it during the turn. We were over before I could say damn! I relate this story not because I'm particularly proud of it. Rather, it's to encourage new riders for whom dropping their bike can be devastating.
There's a saying that the best offence is a good defense. By far the best defense is to know how to manage your bike during those situations most likely to result in a spill. It's also wise to be prepared for the inevitable so that when it happens, you know how to react. Rather than letting it get the best of you, here's what to do:
- Shake yourself off and get up - unless you've managed to jump clear. Then you're already up and just need to shake yourself off.
- Turn off the engine using the kill switch. Follow up by turning off the ignition as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Make sure there are no fluids leaking, especially gasoline.
- Take charge of the situation. You got yourself into this pickle; now get yourself out! This helps restore confidence too.
- Engage help if it's available. Fortunately, my friend was right there and lent a hand - and manpower. And he took direction well.
- Make sure the bike is in gear. The last thing you want as it gets upright is for it to start rolling.
- Since my bike was on its right side, I put the side stand down before lifting it - just in case we "over" lifted.
- Clear the ground so you have good foot traction,make sure no fluids have spilled and use one of two methods to upright the bike. (More on the specifics in a future post.)
- Back into it using your legs to provide strength, or
- Cock the wheel in the direction of the lift and then complete a two stage lift. Surprisingly easy and the method we used.
- Make sure the bike is stable and assess it carefully for damage.
- After taking a few deep breaths, get back on and continue your ride. Learn from what happened and avoid a repeat.
10 reasons why bikes tip over (in no particular order).
- Forgetting to put the side stand down before dismounting.
- Stalling and losing your balance.
- Loosing your footing while at a stop. Loose gravel, sand, or a simple pebble can cause this. So can putting your foot down in a pothole.
- Sidestand sinks into hot pavement and no longer supports the bike.
- Leaving it running while on the sidestand on an uneven surface. My previous bike was carbureted and needed to be warmed up. I left it running while on enough of a downward slope that it vibrated forward, the sidestand came up and over it went.
- Improper technique while putting the bike on or taking it off the center stand. It can also happen if the bike is on the center stand on an uneven surface. Or hot pavement.
- Applying the front brakes during a slow speed turn.
- Stopping suddenly and losing your balance.
- Losing good judgment due to fatigue.
- Not knowing how to effectively manage the weight and maneuver your bike while it's stopped.
Be prepared. Practice your skills in a parking lot, free from distraction. If you drop your bike in traffic, you'll be able to react quickly, minimize the embarrassment and be on your way before too many people notice.
Things to Consider Before Trying Something New:-
With the calendar ready to flip over into a new year, many resolutions are being made. What are we going to do differently this year than we've done other years? What new things are we going to try? What have we always wanted to do but never gotten around to it? Maybe this is a milestone year and we're feeling self-induced or external pressure to make a change.
Although we can have the bravest and best intentions, it pays to do a little soul-searching before we take the plunge into anything. Although often there's no time like the present, sometimes circumstances make waiting advisable. Empowerment means taking control of our destiny, and sometimes that means saying no.
While the points below refer to motorcycling, insert whatever big step you're thinking of taking and consider these 10 things before committing:
Riding is an exhilarating, freeing and rewarding experience. But it's not for everyone. If it's not for you, it's not empowering and you won't experience those pleasures -- until you redirect your interest to something that IS for you.
Although we can have the bravest and best intentions, it pays to do a little soul-searching before we take the plunge into anything. Although often there's no time like the present, sometimes circumstances make waiting advisable. Empowerment means taking control of our destiny, and sometimes that means saying no.
While the points below refer to motorcycling, insert whatever big step you're thinking of taking and consider these 10 things before committing:
- Cost of a motorcycle. Whether you buy new or previously owned (strongly advised for a new rider), there is a significant cash outlay. Consider not only the initial purchase price but also any customization you may need/want, accessories - like saddle bags, gas consumption, storage, maintenance (more below).
- Cost of Gear. Good quality gear is a must for safety. You may pay more for something that combines function, fashion and fit. You're worth it! At a minimum you'll need boots, an abrasion resistant jacket, gloves, helmet and preferably riding pants. While you can get by with the basics to get started, you'll also want to add rain gear and riding gear suitable for different weather conditions.
- Insurance. Shop around before you purchase. There is considerable variation between insurance companies. Factors that influence the price, and sometimes even availability, include your age, experience, riding courses, driving record, model type, size and year.
- Reason for wanting to learn. If it's because in your heart this is something you really want to do, then you'll find a way. If you're considering it only because someone else wants you too, then stop right now. It will never work. You won't enjoy it and risk harming yourself or someone else. Besides, there will be something else that does fit you better and you're missing out on that while doing something you have no desire for.
- Maintenance. Motorcycles are mechanical and need routine and periodic maintenance. While it's fun, convenient and easy to do some of it yourself, not everyone has the interest, tools or space to do so. Shop time can easily run close to $100/hour and since good mechanics are hard to find, you may have to wait -- not a nice thought when you're ready to go on vacation. Research the cost and availability of replacement parts, especially on used bikes
- Companionship; finding others to share your experience. Initially, it can be daunting to try something that no one in your family or social circle participates in. Eventually you'll meet like-minded others and a whole new world will open for you.
- Storage. Ideally, motorcycles should be stored indoors. At minimum, they need to be kept covered when not in use. In most of Canada and much of the US, winter weather precludes us from riding. Unsheltered winter storage is hard on bikes and to be used only as a last resort.
- Research. There are lots of self-proclaimed gurus out there. Although many will give good advice, others can mislead while their confidence misleads you into thinking they know what they're talking about. Forums can be good but most times you don't know the calibre of the contributor. Ultimately, it boils down to safety. There's very little between you and you're in control. Make well-informed decisions, even if it takes longer.
- Location: finding places to ride. Living in a big city has it drawbacks. Riding in rush hour traffic or a busy downtown is not fun and much riskier. Getting to those scenic back roads that are meant for riding can be a challenge. You may need to start at off-peak times or find a friend who resides in a more suburban or rural setting and will let you park your bike there.
- Time: finding time to ride. You need to ride to keep your skills sharp. It's also better for your bike. If you don't have the time, then perhaps its better to wait a season or two until you do.
Riding is an exhilarating, freeing and rewarding experience. But it's not for everyone. If it's not for you, it's not empowering and you won't experience those pleasures -- until you redirect your interest to something that IS for you.
