If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide. - The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you. - The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills. In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more. By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills. www.MCrider.com/Member

@jamesmonica4510

2 жыл бұрын

I had a near drop when coming to a stop light. Went to put my foot down and my boot lace got caught either on the peg or something. I sways tuck my laces in now. Fortunately the lace gave way just before that point of no return and I was able to save it. It took all the strength I had in that leg (which isn't much admittedly) and so I was lucky. My heart skipped a beat though. Immediately pulled over and tucked the laces after that near debacle. I'm sure I still looked foolish none the less. 😀

@mattthomson1689

Жыл бұрын

Awesome video, on point for slow riding skills. ‘Back in my day’ (before fuel injection but during ever-present common sense) I test rode every bike I ever worked on, both before, sometimes during, and always following service. I usually hand-delivered all service work. Anyway, it occurs to me now, that rear brake adjustments AT THE PEDAL are not always easy nor quickly accomplished. Still, rear brake pedal position CUSTOM-FIT FOR THE RIDER remains critical to best results for slow speed performance as well as higher speeds. Proper pedal height provides best accurate, speedy access to both the brake pedal and/or the roadway. Riders must include frequent high performance maintenance standards to this system, well beyond merely checking for a braking light. Ride safe, always. 🎢

As soon as you learn not to drop your bike 100 different ways, you'll find the 101st.

Everyone can ride at speed. The best riders are good at going slow. That's where control and knowing your bike comes in.

I am going back many years. Can you remember when we had to use maps to figure out where we were going. Anyway, my wife and I were out of state, it was night time, the icing on the cake was detour after detour. I found us in the middle of nowhere Iowa. Pitch black, looking in every direction you couldn't even see lights from a nearby town. The gas light came on, and I Knew I had 30 miles till empty. I decided to pull off at a crossroads with street signs so I could pull out a map and use my headlight to figure out where we were and hit the closest town for gas. I pulled off, had my left foot down, right foot on the break. Had my wife hop off, went to switch to put the kickstand down and it turned out I was to close to the ditch, fell over, ditch was deep enough, that my bike was almost upside down. Felt like I got slammed to the ground by a pro wrestler. Had my foot pinned between the head and the ground. Bike still running, it was such an awkward angle I got caught I couldn't reach the switch. My wife kind of panicked yelled out what do I do. I said relax. I pointed, hit the kill switch. She said, now what. Relax. I wiggled my foot back and forth till it dug out enough to slip out. I was watching the little bit of gas leaking out the cap. My foot was killing me, between the heat of the head and wiggling it out. Just then a pickup stopped and two guys got out. I threw out the kickstand and it took 3 of us to pick up. Picking an 800 pound bike is one thing, but from upside down in a ditch, unreal how heavy it got. The guys told me how to get to the gas station, called the gas station asking them not to close till I could get there since it was the only one within 50 miles and closed in ten minutes. You can't beat small town people. After filling up, guy gave directions to the main highway and got me back on track. As I pulled out, he turned out the lights to the station, and that was 20 minutes after closing time.

When you do drop it, stand back for a moment before doing anything. The bike 'aint gonna fall any further and the damage is already done so nothing to be gained from rushing to pick it up. Think first.

@AlibifortheAfterlife

5 жыл бұрын

Can vouch. Dropped my bike the day after I bought it and frustratedly hoisted it back up. Barely noticed the point where I stopped pulling it and it started pulling me the other way, but luckily 230lbs of me was enough weight to keep from breaking the _other_ mirror lol.

@NatsumeKonno

4 жыл бұрын

When the bike falls you get a boost of adrenaline rush seeing it fall. It helps it get up. But yea it both bad and good.

@ScottSmithPhotos

4 жыл бұрын

@@NatsumeKonno Absolutely a great tip - as I descibed in my comment, the one time I've dropped a bike, I felt like my chest was going to explode. I was shaking from adrenaline and should have caught my breath before trying to get her back upright.

@rowlinstoned3715

4 жыл бұрын

I know... its so funny how we wanna snatch it up emediately as if it'll do less damage. 3 second rule don't apply to that one lol

@allgasnobrakes919

4 жыл бұрын

Jason Swader Well You do kind be want to AVOID any of your fluids LEAKING OUT...

age 70, I must have had a drop to equal everyone of those years. Learn to develop a thick skin if you want to ride. A good sense of humour also helps too...so who's perfect?

@michaelscott356

4 жыл бұрын

72 here! Same, same. 😀

@thomasseeley4043

3 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU!!! At 68 with 5 drops in the last two months (all my fault) I don't feel so bad. Keep your sense of humor.

@bobburt9410

3 жыл бұрын

69 years. Riding 1 week. So far so good.

@michaelfrascati7610

3 жыл бұрын

@@bobburt9410 what are you riding a Grom? A 250?

@bobburt9410

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelfrascati7610 Honda Shadow 750

Last May I was turning at walking speed on an incline with my Goldwing when I dropped it. But that that wasn't the worst thing... Trying to pick up the bike against the incline it started to roll downhill so I had to put more strain on myself trying to hold the bike when I had a heart attack! I was flighted to a hospital in critical condition, now I have had 9 stents many surgery's and a pending pacemaker and have not had the strength to get back on the bike yet. BTW I've been riding since I was 16 when my parents made me take a CHP MC training lessons in 1979. Since then I have taught several MC classes and up till last year took yearly refresher courses and rode 24,000 miles a year with countless close calls but NO accidents! Training is an absolute must and your videos are a great way to keep up on being alert. Thanks again!

@piggysister01

3 жыл бұрын

Hoping all is well with you now, Dan, and you're riding again. Best wishes.

@patriot4723

3 жыл бұрын

You were lucky that those drop happened. The heart attack would happen finally but maybe in a way that you wouldn’t access to hospital or worse if happened during sleeping. I wish you health and happiness. Hope you ride again soon.

@GeocaverDan

3 жыл бұрын

@@patriot4723 Thanks 😊

@annegutzmer9325

2 жыл бұрын

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

After 30 years hiatus I got a cruiser and thanks to you and others showing me what not to do I haven’t dropped it and certainly still am very careful

Re 'head and eyes up', I took a master control course from MotoMark1 in NC and one of the classroom experiments involved trying to balance a broom with the end in the palm of your hand while watching your palm. Impossible. But if you look at the top of the broom, then it's easy.

@allgasnobrakes919

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Graham almost like the stand on one leg theory!! Close your eyes and do it and it’s very difficult to maintain BALANCE

Yep, dropped my Honda Fury about 2yrs ago. Grabbed too much of the front brake on a gravel surface. The funny thing is, I was teaching my wife what not to do and I ended up doing it lol!!!!!!

@ugetridofit

5 жыл бұрын

@George Thomas, good one ;)

@0Turbox

5 жыл бұрын

No ABS?

@blackbirdpie217

5 жыл бұрын

A perfectly executed demonstration.

@rainmouse2

5 жыл бұрын

@@0Turbox I wish I had abs

@rexmapes7908

5 жыл бұрын

Guess there is nothing wrong with demonstrating the point you were making to her...just how you planned right?!

One month old 19 road glide special. Wife watching me leave for a ride ... uneven driveway... front brake ...looked down for a split second from a stop and bike went right over. The funnier part was me trying to pick it back up, luckily just watched a video two days before. Wife had a good laugh... not me however.

I think that most, if not all, of us have experienced the “low speed/front wheel turned” slow-mo drop! 😖

@joshabreu1156

3 жыл бұрын

I did today. F

@onOnewheel_jay

3 жыл бұрын

i did the other day lmao

@pulgarcito3030

2 жыл бұрын

It sucks!

@user-yc6ob3xv8f

2 жыл бұрын

3rd day of a new bike, trying to do a u-turn in my gravel driveway 😅

@CefStuff

2 жыл бұрын

Happened to me this afternoon. It was embarrassing!

Toll booths can be a very dangerous place to have to stop... they are covered in oil from cars and trucks stopping to pay the tolls and leaking oil... if need be I will pull up close to the basket I put my foot up on the curb if there is one... just pulling away can be like riding on ice... don't let the vehicles behind you make you hurry up... do what is necessary and stay safe

@tonyswheels1003

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah that is a trap. Fortunately here in Australia all toll booths on toll roads have been eliminated by electronic tags on vehicles right accross the country linked to your bank account the best part is motorcycles are FREE! !

@7316bobe

5 жыл бұрын

The diesel bowser at the filling station is a trap too. Old spillage on the concrete and then on your tyres makes for a slippy time as well. Fill up with petrol and avoid the diesel bowser area of spillage.

@Bi0i0iB

5 жыл бұрын

Are you sure Tony? I have to pay on my bike - in NSW they read your number plate and deduct from your 'tag balance' @@tonyswheels1003

@tonyswheels1003

5 жыл бұрын

@@Bi0i0iBThanks Dean, now you got me wondering. I will check out my next monthly account to make sure or give them a call - could just be a Qld thing?. The main thing is it is worth the $$s to not have to stop - I was having a break from riding when we had to handle the coins - that would be right pain with gloves and then missing the basket thingy we had in Brizzy with the only change you had! Doesn't bear thinking about. Cheers Tony

@glennchristianrobinson7334

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Big Bob. Great tip. I never considered that. Once I almost dropped my bike in a car wash place on the soapy and oily cement when pulling in. I was lucky I didn't go right down though.

Second or third trip with my R1200GS, needed to pick up some stuff for my wife's new bicycle, turned left onto the pavement in front of the shop, steered to the right to straighten out the bike and used the front brake. Nice and slow drop to the right, much to the entertainment of the bicycle shop. "why don't you take the engine off, maybe you could handle it then...

Riding through grass at 3mph & too much front brake. It was nice grass, I just stayed there and took a humiliation nap.

@CB-xf6jc

4 жыл бұрын

same exact thing happened, but with left brake

@jegie

4 жыл бұрын

Adam Goldman lol

@carolbutler1698

4 жыл бұрын

😂

One tip you left out, especially for folks with big bikes. If it does start to go, LET IT GO. One of our Goldwing club riders severely injured his back (slipped a disk) by trying to stop it from tipping over. Unless you're the Hulk, it's doubtful you're going to be able to stop a 900 lb bike from falling.

@kevinparsons913

5 жыл бұрын

Nooby Vapor , yep. When it’s going, it’s going. Keep your foot out of the way too. Then, gather yourself and pick it up.

@garbinator09

5 жыл бұрын

Kevin Parsons - After I fail over on my Goldwing in front of many riders, very next week I practiced falling over on my own yard grass just to teach my brain to keep my feet planted on the floorboards. You are exactly right sir. At the time I worked in the oilfields, I learned quickly about heavy metal suddenly falling on the body or while its in your grasp.

@matthewnickels7315

5 жыл бұрын

Very true let it go down try and catch it not only do you hurt yourself but now you just used all your strength you will need to get it back up.

@williammyers907

5 жыл бұрын

I broke 3 ribs trying to keep it from going down. Now I tuck and roll.

@markkulyas2418

5 жыл бұрын

I dropped my new bike twice and after it happened I thought to myself, why the heck didn't you at least try to stop it from hitting the ground so hard. Thanks for making me feel better for just getting out of the way, now I don't feel so bad.

I dropped my bike because of not putting the sidestand down....lol what a bad mistake.

@lm2487

5 жыл бұрын

what happened to your girlfriend? did she stop riding? she dropped her bike a lot.

@Davidmaccc

5 жыл бұрын

Atleast he has a GF

@7316bobe

5 жыл бұрын

@@Davidmaccc Actually a BF

@The63chicky

5 жыл бұрын

Did the same the other day. Mind was elsewhere. I usually look to make sure it's down. Not that day.....duh!!

@JimmyBackbeat

5 жыл бұрын

I did the same thing. I usually put the side stand down right when I get to a stop. This time I didn't, I was occupied with my gloves and my phone, once I was done with that I was about to get off the bike. So I put it on the side stand, only it wasn't there....

Dropped my 850Ib Indian at the Crossroads of the world , 43rd and Broadway " Times square " !! . Hot hot day with traffic , bike overheated ( V-twin ) and shut down as light was turning green . Cars,trucks honking ny drivers screaming, frazzled i go to get off bike to push to curb, yep forgot kicky stand and slowly down she went . Don't try stopping an 800lb bike ,almost pulled a hammy . Now top that for embarrassing venues folks . That's right where the Ball drops on new year's and fortunately didn't drop mine 🤣

@MCrider

5 жыл бұрын

I think you win for location.

@hughkilgour4172

5 жыл бұрын

When I was a beginner rider I dropped my bike because of the camber on the road and putting the wrong foot down

@trey631

5 жыл бұрын

At least you didnt drop it in front of the Naked Cowboy.

@yamaha2704

5 жыл бұрын

I dropped my Yamaha at the Alcatraz overlook in sand in front of a bus load of Japanese tourists... they were taking pictures I said Japanese bike!! Lol

@ml4102

5 жыл бұрын

@@hughkilgour4172 yup I've done that... not a good feeling..

When I started riding back in high school, (late 70’s) me and my friend road our bikes into town one Saturday night. As we pull up to the busiest intersection of town where everyone hung out, my partner stops his Yamaha 650, looks at me and slowly toppled over to the other side. Everyone breaks out laughing! He picks his bike up quicker than you can blink an eye and takes off like gun shot! (Boom! Gone!) I ketch up to him about a mile out side of town and asked him what happened. He confessed he forgot to put his feet down.....just plain and simple forgot!!

@manis8569

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂

Nah, never happened. Those scuff marks on my mirror and bar end ... must have been somebody else brushing up against it. LOL

@iceman0502me

5 жыл бұрын

Oh, those scuffs and scrapes are from an extremely narrow tunnel!

@raymunchieftain4170

5 жыл бұрын

Me too !!!!!!

@jefferyjennings428

4 жыл бұрын

Lol

@dynamitemilk360

3 жыл бұрын

nope they were from the extreme lean angles you've been hitting

MCrider, 1st off thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for riding. I've picked up some great tips as a relatively new rider(not young but new). The other day I rode to a very near by parking lot to practice slow speed maneuvers and emergency braking after watching a couple videos. I felt great. I worked on u turns, figure 8s, very slow turns exct. for more than half hour with pretty good success. With head held high I headed back home where as soon as I tried a u turn in my driveway I had a brain fart! I pulled the clutch all the way in while squeezing the front brake and turning the bars hard left and looking down. Instant plop to the concrete! I stood up, pride crushed by the clunk of a honda goldwing GL1200, scanning the neighbors to see how many were watching me be a bone head before picking up the bike to waddle in back into the garage! Oh well.....I live to ride another day!

@carlloud1187

5 жыл бұрын

Been riding 'many years' now, but the one thing I vividly remember the Safety Course Instructor said all those years ago: "If you look down... you're gonna go down"

@patrickvoo

4 жыл бұрын

I just dumped my bike yesterday in an empty parking lot while trying to work on slow speed turns - but as I reviewed this video I'm pretty sure it was a combination of coming to an almost-stop with my handlebars turned AND looking down! :(

@johncoe6304

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you're ok Ice!

Been riding for 40 years. I can count the number of drops on one hand. One memorable incident occurred when I got ran off the road by an idiot driving an automobile. I didn't drop it, but when I went to put my right foot down after stopping... nothing there (drainage ditch overgrown with weeds). I went completely over (180 degrees, up side down) and the bike landed on top of me with my head under water. It's true what they say about superman strength adrenaline rush. Lesson: Look before you plant your feet!

@Fred82muchPi

5 жыл бұрын

I ride a bike that I can not flat foot. This is one of my lessons at every stop....to examine my landing area. Your situation tells the story with more excitement. Glad you are ok

@ugetridofit

5 жыл бұрын

Dang, Kurt! I am glad you were able to get out from that.

@scottthornton9237

5 жыл бұрын

That's the first time i ever, that a motorcyclist requiring scuba gear to park! Glad you are still with us!

@nedgetchell2004

5 жыл бұрын

Whoa and Wow! Yes, glad you made "out from under..."

@michaelhartman5485

5 жыл бұрын

Amen Brother...look where you are putting your feet down...I was not paying attention one day and while putting my right foot down, there was a deep pot hole...down I went...

Anytime I get a new bike I immediately drop it so I know how it feels going over!😛

I took an advanced course a few months ago (that MC Rider recommended here in DFW). The instructor (a motorcycle cop), says to keep your feet pointing more out than forward when your feet are down. This way, if you DO start dropping it, you have far better leverage, as well as the easier ability to move your foot out so as not to crush your ankle.

I have to admit I've had a few. I think some of the contributing factors have been getting back to riding late in life and starting back with too much bike, particularly a bike that is very top heavy. Most of my drops where as a result of a bad habit I had from years of riding bicycles, which is putting my right foot down on the stop. It is natural on a bicycle, because you mount a bicycle from the left, so you sweep the kickstand up before mounting and you put your left foot in the toe clip with the pedal up and the first pedal push is on the left while you swing your leg over the bike to the right. When you come to stop, you just naturally keep the left foot in the clip and take the right one out to support the stopped bike. Of if you are going to dismount, the right leg is free to swing over to the left side of the bike and the left foot comes out of the toe clip last. Works great on a bicycle. It is a disaster on a motorcycle. Most of the time when you stop, say at a light, you are on a road that is crowned for drainage. So especially if you have a tall, top heavy bike if you put your right foot out to support, the road on the right side of the bike is farther away from the saddle than the road on the left. If the crown on the road is pronounced enough, the bike can already be on its way to a drop by the time your foot hits the ground and with a top heavy bike, you may not be able to stop it. I have learned to always support the bike with the left foot at a stop and the problem seems to be solved.

In 1981 I rode my brand new Harley from the dealer to a gas station and pulled up at the pump. There were some ladies watching me so I took off my helmet and hung it on the mirror and started to dismount. Then that feeling hit me that I’d forgotten to put the kickstand down and I wrestled it gently to the ground. The laughed. I haven’t done it again since. 😆

Confessing my only drops. Same place. Twice. I pull onto the sidewalk, in front of my house, going through the driveway so I can back up *into* the driveway and past my gate. During parts of the year, my giant Live Oak trees love dropping acorns. They sit on the sidewalk. Yah, like a box full of marbles.

@frankeggers4024

5 жыл бұрын

Out of town, in my brother's driveway, I dropped my Honda VFR 800 when my right boot slipped on wet and slippery pine needles. I think it was the frame slider that caused the compound fracture of my right leg, just above the ankle. I now have a titanium rod and 5 screws in the leg, but it seems as good as new. However, the accident left me permanently nervous about stopping on imperfect surfaces.

The first couple of months I owned my bike, I would put the kickstand down like you would a bicycle. I would get off, hold the bike up with one hand on the bars and one on the seat, and then put the stand down. I can't believe I did that for so long. Fortunately never dropped it though.

@votpavel

4 жыл бұрын

thats actually how i do it while rolling it in and out of the shed,it works perfectly

Yet another really useful lesson- thanks Kevin. I started riding again about 18 months ago after a 40+ year pause. Your lessons 1) make me wonder how I survived riding in the 60's and 2) are giving me new skills and knowledge that are making riding safer and more enjoyable. I'm the guy you mention who takes the course, starts riding again and buys a 700lb. behemoth to re-learn on (Suzuki VL1500). I'm comfortable on it now thanks largely to your lessons which I consider my training wheels.

I dropped mine a few months into riding due to wind... I got caught in a terrible wind storm her in North Phoenix and just and I started i gust that was easily over 40 mph hit me. I didn't have the experience to "maybe" stop myself, but I went down anyways. Guy behind me helped me pick it up and was also a rider. He said that was one of the craziest things he had ever seen and didn't think there was anything I could have done to stay up. So that made me feel a little better.

Good topic Kevin, and one that is often overlooked. It can happen so easily. Nice job!

Thank you for making me feel a whole lot better, and I am not the only one.. Thankyou for everyone who commented on their little episode... Looking at the bigger picture, this is laughable when out on the road it can get a little more serious, and that's where I hope all of us really practice, so we can always ride again... Thank you

We traded in my 05 Deuce and our 15 fat Bob for my new 2019 Street glide. My husband has 2018 heritage classic he loves the bike I love my new bike but yesterday experience tipping it over as I attempted to u turn and as I watched the segment I definitely learned that you need to make sure the surface where your planting your feet is a good surface. I planted my feet and those little gravel pits that we’re on the road was enough for me to have the front of the bike turn slightly left and to my frustrating dismay I tipped it over thankfully no damage to metal very slight little scratch on the left bag. But very frustrating. Kevin I’m learning a lot from your segments thank you very much I’ll be practicing U-turns on Wednesday!

Dropped mine years ago, exactly as you described- wheel turned, front brake, heavy bike. Down we went, there was no saving that heifer from falling once it started to go

@whitecranecanada

2 жыл бұрын

me too..broke my ankle unfortunately

I dropped my bike twice today lol, once in the staples parking lot making a slow turn. The other at a corner stop sign. Unbelievable lol

As always, another great rider tip. Speaking from personal experience I have successfully tried all of the dropping methods you mentioned, at one time or another. Some of them were so good I repeated them. Talk about embarrassing! Another reason to keep your head in the game at all times.

My drop story might have a few good teaching points, so I will share... My wife and I were two up on my ST1300 enjoying a great trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was the end of a long day and we got off the parkway to fuel up. After getting fuel, we heading back to the parkway. The entrance was a short, steep ramp with a stop sign at the top, When we came to the stop, the bike just started over and quickly got to the point of no return. I think the tip over was due to : Being tired at the end of a long day. The steep hill caused the bike to stop sooner than I was expecting. Having the handle bars turned in preparation for the right hand turn at the top of the ramp. Luckily my wife had the instincts to jump off and the only thing damaged was my pride. The ST1300 has great tip over protection, go very little damage there. Thanks for the great video.

😞 I would tell my drop story, but I can't swallow my pride just yet Kevin. 😁

@pacopetepnw3434

5 жыл бұрын

C'mon @Toby H >>> now you have to share! >>> could not be as bad as dude @ 01:52 lol

@Ark1j

5 жыл бұрын

1:52= a few too many 🍺🍺🍺??

@DavidReagan

5 жыл бұрын

I had just purchased my new bike, had it delivered at my local dealership, was in talking to the guys at the store they're all telling me how beautiful it is and I need to take good care of it... Drove over a chunk of ice and dropped it right in front of the glass doors.

@tobyh3681

5 жыл бұрын

@@pacopetepnw3434 Thinkn' bout it. 😁

@BobC777

5 жыл бұрын

Your are brave to tell that story !@@DavidReagan

I dropped my bike at near 0 mph while taking a U turn. And I wondered how in the blazes it happened. Now I saw this video and I have to say, thanks to you Kevin, I realized what happened..... It was the "handlebar turned and front brake applied" mistake.... Anyways, great video as always...... Thx a ton.....

When I first started ridding again after a long time off I pulled to my first light and was so happy I was out ridding I was looking ahead and wheel straight with a big smile on my face and just tottaly forgot to put my feet out. over I go like you did in your chair. I got up and see this guy accross the light fall over in his car laughing. Thanks for all your great tips, I have been riding since I was a kid, and you still teach an old dog new tricks. thanks for a great set of videos, I'll try and buy your guide. The only reason to be embarrassed in life is if you don't learn. especially from mistakes. cheers.

@robfris5332

4 жыл бұрын

Having just bought a scooter after a break of, er, 50 years, and finding Kevin's wonderful advice, I'm hooked on this website. What's made me write, from Wales in the UK, is a story that was told me years ago. This guy had pulled up lights in his car. A motorcycle pulled up alongside and immediately fell over. The driver got out to help and found the rider lying on the road . . . laughing. He explained that this was his first ride after removing a sidecar.

The video and your commentary on the chap dropping his bike on his driveway “contemplating his decisions in life” had me roaring with laughter. Great tips Kevin.

First of all... just accept that if you ride long enough you're eventually going to drop your bike. Heavier or tall bikes it'll happen faster... smaller bikes it'll take longer but will eventually happen. The saddest drop story I have was when I picked up my new Multi from the dealer there was an older gentleman who had just bought a really pretty black K1600. He'd never even sat on the bike much less ridden it and he dropped it trying to maneuver it from the left side... (got away from him to the right). I saw it happening in slow motion but was too far away to help and I felt really terrible for the guy. Scratched up the pannier, dinged the bar and mirror, some lower fairing scrapes... really crappy. I tend to avoid maneuvering the bike while not in the seat... and if I DO maneuver from the side I always lean the bike into my hip so there's positive pressure against me - don't be tempted to hold the bike balanced (even though that intuitively might seem like the way to do it).

@raybrensike42

5 жыл бұрын

BMW's tend to be high seated, and they are not as light as they used to be. What ever happened to the light tourer?

@naminator5531

5 жыл бұрын

I dropped my brand new k1600 on my maiden voyage. I was taking the scenic route home to allow for break in when I stopped at an overlook to take some pictures. The area was sloped slightly to the right. When I got back on the bike I pulled the bike upright to kick the stand up and my right foot slipped on some gravel. I caught the bike but it was too far over and 750lbs was too much to hold. Was able to pick it up, but the damage was done. Scratched up the side bag and the edge of the front fairing.

@EdwinMaldonado995

5 жыл бұрын

I dropped my Suzuki c90 in the garage before pulling out to the driveway on the second day of owning it.. I was looking down and to the right but I cant remember why lol. I'm 5"7 180 lbs. Luckily it didnt get a scratch on it, thanks to the painted garage floor surface.

@burnerjack01

5 жыл бұрын

@@naminator5531 Just bought one myself. Coming off a totaled bike at the end of the season last fall, I ordered some crash bars for it from R&G Racing (through Solomotparts). I've convinced myself to leave the bike in the garage until I can get these bars on the bike.

@stephenyanacek1763

5 жыл бұрын

I t

Waited for this topic for a while!!

I sometimes found putting the bike on the centre stand a problem, particularly if the road had a slight camber as the bike had to be level with the road surface. More than once it fell away from me. The solution: use the side stand but make sure the bike is pointing the right way to compensate for the camber.

Great Subject Kevin! With 50 years of riding, reading down on the comments, been there and I can't add to anything. Looks like everyone has it covered! Till the next drop, Ride Safe!

Thanks for sharing your story, Kevin! Here's mine: I wanted to go for a ride, so I mounted it, put up my kickstand and wanted to start it up. Nothing happened, because the battery was flat. Unfortunately I forgot, that I had put up my kickstand about half a minute before, so when I tried to put the bike's weight on it, there was none. And there we lay, me and my poor bike XD

@awuma

Жыл бұрын

Some bikes have an interlock which prevents starting if the kickstand is down...

Good one! I dropped once after trying to park under a shade tree in the desert. I was quite fatiqued. I pulled up with the tree to my left, started to lean to the left, fumbled getting the kick out and the weight of the bike caught me by surprise. Lesson was dont start to lean in anticipation until your kick is secured and dont drive fatigued.

@patjoyce

5 жыл бұрын

Or try a Bar Lean against the tree, if you can get close to it with the roots etc.

@stevelloyd5785

4 жыл бұрын

I just imagined falling into a cactus.

My Uncle rode Motorcycles from the day he was old enough to get his lisence. After he came back from Vietnam he became a motorcycle officer for the county Sherriff in Ohio. He road a K1000 as his duty motorcycle, and loved it. One day, after pulling a double shift he stopped for a cup of coffee on his way home. He got off the bike, went inside and came out, finished his coffee then got in his bike and when he went to put up the kickstand it was already up. He had never set the kickstand!

Exactly as you described! turning front wheel into staff carpark applied front brakes to slow down hit some loose fine gravel and over I go..work mate came over to see if i was ok and those looking out of the office had some free entertainment , now i always use the back brake for turning at slow speed , nothing like learning the hard way

Humbling topic. I came to a stop on top of a large pavement arrow. (The kind painted onto the surface).⬆️⤴️. I was wearing boots with a good Vibram tread. Whew! I barely caught it. Great video as usual! Jon

busted my tail using the front brake,had it turned and flopped over,embarrassed the crap outta me,still not over it,but getting there.felt like the whole world saw me.keep front tire straight when using front brake at stops,dummy!i tell myself this now.musta been deaf before.thank you kevin.

@bootstrapjesse

5 жыл бұрын

It happens to all of us eventually. Glad you are OK.

I have dropped a Bike before, sure I did. But this is real humor. Where is the camera? I love it. Thanks for a burst of full scale laughter.

Kevin, been riding almost a year now, did everything right according to you and a friend's advice, bought gear, a cheap honda 600 that was older, which i learned on. Just bought my first harley and dropped it in the kroger parking lot over the weekend. Huge shot to my pride and ego haha. still don't exactly know what i did, but i'm pretty sure i had the wheel turned still after backing from the parking spot. How ironic i get on youtube to see this video. Your videos have been an incredible help to a new rider like me, and I wanted to thank you. I'm constantly using your advice to practice my skills. I'm an Air Force NCO and father of four, practice and safety definitely puts my wife at ease. Thanks again. Joe F.

Great absolutely funny start. Maybe I should not be laughing it could happen to me. However I am out of breath and still laughing.

Had 3 drops over the years, no real damage just embarrassment. Worst one was setting off with the disc lock on🤬🤷🏻‍♂️. Bought a reminder cable the very next day😁

@bootstrapjesse

5 жыл бұрын

Dang. Didn't every do that again I bet! Glad you didn't get hurt.

@brno221973

5 жыл бұрын

Jesse Fitzgerald Haha, no not yet & it’s been 4 years. Still time though🤭😬

@mabigail5833

5 жыл бұрын

Haha! I’ve done that before now when a guy was staring at me - I went to set off with my lock chain still attached around my wheel. Man it was embarrassing

I dropped my brand new Super Tenere last year : I thought I had done everything according to the book, but I parked on cobblestones - my side stand slid along the cobblestone it was on and folded back when it reached the corner between four stones. All I could do was slow down the drop and pray for my crashbar to do the rest.

HI FROM THE UK. Wish I had seen this topic yesterday . Today I turned into a parking space on my Triumph Trophy 1200 with a little front brake and handle bars turned to the right ,came to a rolling stop front forks came up down she went. Biker helped me stand it back up lost a bit of coolant and broke indicator cowl so got off lightly. Thanks for the advise cause now I know what I did wrong. EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!!

When I first ever rode I ran into an electric fence, I didn’t drop the bike but the fence dropped me.

@Bigtexbbq

5 жыл бұрын

Nathan McIvor bet that was a shocking surprise

@georgeporteous8201

5 жыл бұрын

A short but energizing ride.

@OutbackOutlaw

5 жыл бұрын

Tex I was only 8 so it was a good thing I wasn’t charged up!

@OutbackOutlaw

5 жыл бұрын

George Porteous my nickname became bat flattery

@robertferguson1447

5 жыл бұрын

lol

I’ve had a few with my Road King and Ultra. I pulled up to a red light last year and it was like my right leg gave out and down I went. Not a freaking soul jumped out to help so I took my sweet time. Always remember to drop the kick stand if you drop on the right side. 😎😎

Hey kevin great video ! Had almost dropped my st1300 when leaving a paking lot because of uneven pavement .Slowly was leaving a parking lot and had to stop for traffic and tried to put right foot down and the ground on that side was a few inches low and bike leaned over to right and was almost unable to hold bike from going over . Wow that wakes you up !!! So watch for uneven road . Tnx Joe from buffalo ny

At a busy intersection in Midland TX back in 96, a car had just dumped its load of oil from Western Auto no replacing the oil plug after an oil change. I came to a stop prior to the puddle but still put both feed down in oil and did the freaking splits and rolled off the bike. Now completely coverd in oil I couldn't get enough traction with my feet to get the stinking bike back up...... that was fun.

With my wife on the passenger seat, I pulled up to a Wendy’s. Turning left into the parking space, I braked w the front brake while the front wheel was turned left. Down we went. My wife was amazing. After tumbling down, she put both feet on the saddlebags, pushing while I, back to the bike, gripped the bag bar and handlebar. Together we got that Ultra back on its feet. (Now my wife loves to tell how her husband dumped her..) 😆

Just passed my licence in the UK and headed out early one morning to practice slow speed turns. Lost faith at one point and did all the wrong things, bike slowly went to the ground and I managed to step off OK. I hadn't practised picking up a larger motorcycle so struggled. Then a tiny old lady walking her dog in the countryside walked past the empty car park saw me struggling and asked if I needed a hand. I felt bad saying yes but she was a great help :-) Later that day when I got home I got a rug out and carefully laid the bike down a few times to practice picking the bike back up so I knew I'd have the technique right in future. I'd watched a load of videos where they said about getting your backside as close to the ground as possible but that didn't work for me, I do better with the 'Harley' method I've seen where you rest your bum on the top edge of the seat before lifting. Having that sorted has been a great help because I know if I do drop the bike it'll be no big deal. One thing I've learnt since learning to ride is that everyone has a bike drop story, so don't sweat it if it happens.

Oh I so nearly dropped my bike in a petrol station (gas station) I did the splits and just saved the bike. Much to my friends amusement. I had grippy bike boots too but diesel on concrete is worse than ice! Please please everyone be aware of tiny diesel spills at the pumps. Great light hearted video Kevin. Top job. Oh you missed one out. Lots drop bikes while cleaning push forward from wrong side and stand pops up. Doh

I saw my neighbor drop his Harley in his driveway one night. I'm pretty sure he had been drinking. That's a pretty scary thing alcohol and riding don't mix.

@GrtSatan

5 жыл бұрын

You don't believe the customers at "Biker Bars" are drinking coffee do you?

@donjonson9587

4 жыл бұрын

Comment posted 7 months ago. Yeah seems about right. Your neighbor is no longer with the living is he?

Chivalry is not dead! Being a gal who has dropped her bike once or twice...find it comforting to know guys will come to my rescue. I don't have highway bars and my 800 lb bike is too much for me to right on my own. I'm 68 with bi lateral knee and hip replacements. I'm not as strong or agile as I use to be so the whole squat and push the bike up doesn't work for me. Thanks guys❤ thanks Kevin for all your advice.💟

I took the riding course at Harley Davidson and dropped the bike doing just what you explained here. They instructed us to use both brakes, but failed to explain how to properly use them. I had the front wheel turned a little and came to a stop and used too much front brake and dropped the bike. When they asked what happened I really couldn't explain because I didn't know what I did incorrectly. I was unable to finish the course on the second day because it happened again. I feel as though the instructors should have figured out my wheel was slightly turned and I was stopping. After watching a video a few weeks later I realized what I had done incorrectly. I have been practicing on my own in my neighborhood and in parking lots. I haven't dropped the bike since. Thanks to you and everyone on KZread for teaching us the correct and safe way to ride....at no cost!

Came to the stop light and when I went to put my right foot down I didn’t realize that the kickstart on my 89 Yamaha was out. Next thing I knew I was down. And my foot was caught couldn’t break free. Luckily the man next to me saw the whole thing and got out of his car to help me. Was embarrassing and scary at the same.. 🤦🏻‍♂️😅

just bought a Harley deluxe and as I was leaving the dealer I turned to the right, low speed and grab the front break just a little but that was all it took, went down like a rock. What was really bad was my salesman and a tech were watching. They helped me get the bike up. I managed to gather my wits and was able to leave without too much of a red face. Tom West

One major reason for stationary drops is pillions dismounting when the driver is not ready or the pillion has not been properly instructed in the correct procedure.

Dropped my Super Tenere two weeks after I got it. Dead end on a steep narrow uphill road. Managed to get it turned around on a off-camber driveway. As I celebrated, I put my downhill foot down... Tried to hold it as it stretched my arm like a rubber band. As it went over, I was catapulted over the bike. A Captain Kirk shoulder roll saved my brand new helmet. Thought I got out unscathed. Two weeks later I was feeling it....

I was riding up Card Sound Road out of Key Largo, FL with a group of European guys I had come across on the road who invited me to fall in with them. It started to rain a little and the group pulled over to put on rain gear, I already had mine on. When we came to a stop my right foot landed on some wet grass and after about 10 seconds, down I went nice and slow. Several guys came over to help me pick up my bike, a 98 Shadow Tourer. No damage to anything other than my ego. At the time I didn't have waterproof footwear so I was wearing the booties that Tour Master makes to keep your footwear dry. Needless to say I went out right after that trip and bought some real nice riding boots, non-slip and some of the most comfortable footwear I've ever worn. Thanks for your videos!!

Had the brake disk lock still on the bike when I took off. Huh...they work pretty good for keeping a bike from going forward. Who knew?

Speaking of embarrassing moments... Arriving at work as a security officer at a local Mall, admiring a gorgeous Harley next to me in a motorcycle parking area made me forget to lower my kickstand. I realized the kickstand was not down when after attempting to dismount the bike and realizing there was no kickstand support felt caused me to have to lower the bike to the ground after passing the lean angle of no recovery. Two ladies had to help me raise the bike back up. Absolutely embarrassing. Luckily the two ladies were available and the incident was not recorded on the malls' security cameras. After sharing the incident with friends, I've acquired the the nickname ..."kickstand". My Springfield weighs @830lbs. I've learned not to admire other good looking bikes while dismounting my own.

@MCrider

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, Kickstand. 😉

@The63chicky

5 жыл бұрын

The lean angle of no recovery....lol!! Been there.....

@blackhawk2475

5 жыл бұрын

@@The63chicky Oh yes... Just have to do it ONCE... and you'll never do it again...lol

@Bigtexbbq

5 жыл бұрын

Can’t lift your own bike? That is embarrassing having two women help you.

@blackhawk2475

5 жыл бұрын

@@Bigtexbbq True... At the time, I would have appreciated the help from 2 cripple crabs without crutches!!!

Oh dude that guy droppin had me giggling out loud. The music just made it funnier.

Been watching you for 2 months...thank you for giving me some great tools for this new rider

Wow...and I thought it was just me..😗. I put engine guards on my Vstrom as a farkle; but they sure have come in handy...uh, more than once. Thanks everyone for sharing.

So what motorcycle driving school does he work at? This guys great

I was a relatively new rider and taking an intermediate class, and when the group was done with one session another rider shouted something at me. It turned out he was apologizing for almost sideswiping me but I couldn't hear him so rode a few feet closer. There was a patch of very fine sand where I stopped that I failed to notice as I was looking at the other rider. I put my foot down on it and slid like it was grease. I went down before I knew what was happening. I felt like an idiot but a couple of other riders ran over and lifted my bike and made sure I was OK, which I was, save for my bruised ego. Someone kindly said, "dude, I can't even tell you how many times I've done that." It helped.

Hi Kevin. Yes… I was in Fort Worth a couple of months ago, near Marion Sansom Park. I approached an intersection on a slightly declining (and slightly canted to the right) road for a right turn. I stopped with my front wheel turned slightly to the right and put my feet down too late. The ground wasn't exactly where I thought it would be under my right foot (due to the slanted road which I had never been on) and when the bike began to feel unstable, I looked straight down, and down we went! A young girl stopped to check on me and actually helped me pick up the bike (she was an angel). It scared me, but I went right back to the parking lot and started practicing low speed maneuvers. I’ve also gone over your vids on the subject. MotoJitsu has some fantastic demos on the topic as well. I’ve been back riding again one year this month after a 30 year hiatus. I learn something new each time I ride (which is 4-5 times per week). I am high risk statistically at this stage; so I’m being extra careful and remaining humble. Thanks again for all the videos.

More wisdom from MCrider, thank you Kevin, developing good habits is what it is about, the more I practice the better I get and more fun it is! Happy days. If you wear good clothing the low speed drops hurt less but your pride still stings as I did recently, falling of at about 5 mph, a caring pedestrian asked if I was ok, I thanked her and said it was just my ego that had taken a bash.

Yuup. Here's my drop story: I pulled into a station to fuel up. As I stopped, I noticed the most gorgeous gal across from me gassing her car. I sat ogling her out the corner of my helmet for a short time, and I'm guessing you know where this story is going. Yuup, forgot to put the kickstand down! Lol I was young and riding a sportster. I was so embarrassed, adrenalin kicked in and I stood up that sporty like a toothpick.

@justmyself1000

5 жыл бұрын

Had a drop or 2 looking at a female!

@leslieaustin151

5 жыл бұрын

justmyself1000 when I did a (car) advanced driving course here in UK, we were told “remember Triple C - Crumpet Cancels Concentration”. It’ll do it every time.... Les

I’ve done #4 a number of times... on my Gold Wing, my R-6, and even on my dirt bikes. Great advice man! Keep it straight.

Yessir! I had my fair share of dropping bikes. Here's three that comes to mind: 1. Took my brand new Harley Sportster for a few days country trip. Rain was possible so I had impregnated my boots with some goo, that turned out to be based on silocone. First red light, putting down my left foot it just slowly slid out from the bike on the asphalt. Turned out the sole was all greased up with silicone. Down went the bike. 2. Walking up to my then new Trimuph Daytona T595 parked by the curb, I happened to be walking behind the most ravishing blonde you'd ever saw. I jumped on the bike eager to impress her with my lovely tripple sound. Put the bike in first gear and hit the throttle. Only to realize I've forgotten my front brake disk lock. That trip lasted for some four inches before I lay flat on the ground. Embarrased? You bet!!! 3. Last summer sitting on my ZZR1100 I was rolling down my garage strip onto the street outside. Engine running, first gear engaged. When entering the street I leaned sharply right to turn into the street while letting out the clutch. That's when my engine stalled. Bike instantly came to a stand-still and the whole package - me included - hit the ground! I'm 72 and thought I was beyond dropping bikes, but obviousely you're never too old for that... ;) And thank's for great and instructive videos!!!

After 4 years riding, I dropped mine for the first time in the supermarket car park. Used a disc lock on the front wheel, got talking to someone, forgot. Rode off and bang. Man down. Damage wasn't too bad, just my pride. Sh*t happens.

@silentrunning1218

5 жыл бұрын

I use a disc look that makes an audible alarm tone if it recognizes a moving while locked. So it would have been triggered as soon as you try to sit on your bike.

@votpavel

4 жыл бұрын

yeah after riding myself for 3 years its kinda still easy to mess up,cars are stupid proof so little you can do wrong there(on modern cars that is) but if i mess up i just ignore it and move on

Yep dropped my carbed 883 trying to run the fuel out. Right in a uturn guess what?? Yep. Fuels gone! And down we go.

Thank you Kevin for all the great information and your service to motorcyclists everywhere. I've been riding a long time and one thing I've learned that applies to motorcycling and many other areas in life, "Thinking you know is not conducive to learning." Every time I watch and listen I learn from you. I'm beginning my contribution to Patreon today.

@MCrider

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tyler, I appreciate it.

U-turns on an incline without counter-balancing are an excellent way to drop a bike too. I've done it twice now in 5 years, some people never learn...

@votpavel

4 жыл бұрын

did it last year,u-turn going right on an incline ,i thought i could do it but i just got the heavy bike resently so down i went

Yesterday I was cleaning my chain and I dropped my Kawasaki z1000. I had it on one of those stands where you can roll the back tire. I was behind the bike turning the tire and it fell over. Luckily nobody saw me drop it and there was no damage to the bike

I had handlebars turned to right on off camber slope and dropped my bike.

Yep. Been there done that. Most embarrassing time. Stayed next door to a close friend at an RV park. Was attempting to work around his vehicle through a 6" drain channel in rocks, with steering slightly turned and using front brake. Back wheel planted in channel at the same time a hit the front brake. Sha layed over in the direction of the bars and set ascue on the crash bars. When I looked at my friend , he and his wife were both laughing hysterically.. Not an excuse, but I was only six months after having my MSF class. I'm three plus years into full time biking, and I still see myself almost making rookie mistakes frequently, but having watched so many of your vids, I am become more and more aware everytime I ride. I thank you for all you do.

Dropped mine last week on my first lesson on a bike more than 125cc. Was stopped at traffic lights when I came off. Instructor was right behind me and said that I looked down. Good video. Thanks

Next week you should have a video about picking up the bike after you drop it

Lol, glad you did that on a Yamaha! You can't do that on a Harley, it doesn't look cool!!!

44 years old, planning on buying my first biker soon. Learning allot from you.

My first bike stalling at intersections and having to fire it up again was the most embarrassing thing with other drivers getting impatient. Thank G_d for full face helmets.

@votpavel

4 жыл бұрын

stalled mine just yesterday and i been riding for almost 3 years now,its just happens and i didnt even care

When I first started riding I glided up to an intersection in 4th gear and came to a stop. When it was time to go I rolled on some throttle and released some clutch and bounced and bucked until I fell over. Ever since then I behave like I have OCD checking to make sure I'm in first several times at every light.

I dropped my bike forgetting to put the kickstand down, scratched my stator... 🤦🏽‍♂️

Dropped mine at least ten times, mostly in busy crossroads during rush hour 🥴 but nobody ever told me why it happens. Handlebar not being straight and heavy use of front break, those are my mistakes. Thanks Kevin!!

Thank you i used the front break in slow speed while turning and my bike fell multiple time. I have bought a new Tiger 800 and it is heavy. Now i know, how to deal with it. Thank you so much