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[kraut]

it's not all that easy as those videos suggest if the bike is on it's left side and on uneven surface - as mostly in real life 

So never forget to kick in the 1st gear before picking it up.

[2harleys]

Any bike is easy to pick up with the right technique. I saw a guy in the ride like a pro class I attended pick up his Ultra Classic at least 10 times during the four hour class.

If I did not know how to pick up my bike I would not leave the house. 

It would be better not to leave the house until you know how to keep it up-right on two wheels. Just an idea.

[T-Hawk]

Knowing the Ultra was 300lbs heavier than my Wide Glide...  I laid thick pieces of cardboard under each contact point and gently put the Ultra down on it's left side... using the technique as mentioned in previous post... I managed to lift her back up... mind you I wouldn't call it an easy task... but it most certainly can be done.  I think the trick though is to hope that if it happens during a real world encounter... neither your legs nor shoulders are injured.  Safe Riding Everyone.  I'm counting the days.  

[FreestateSE3]

it's not all that easy as those videos suggest if the bike is on it's left side and on uneven surface - as mostly in real life 

So never forget to kick in the 1st gear before picking it up.

You notice that all of the videos show the techinique on a pretty level, and paved surface.  It is not quite that easy if you are on a gravel surface, with terrible footing, and the bike is laying downhill.  Sometimes, brute strength or a helping hand is required.... 

[Ironhorse]

Well there are some things you can do if the surface is tilted or less than ideal. If the bike starts rolling make sure it's in gear. If you can't get it in gear, take your jacket off, roll it up and wedge it under the back of the rear tire to keep the bike from moving. If the surface is uneven, and you are having difficulty raising the bike, consider using a "temporary support". Take your helmet and set it down by your feet. As you raise the bike up 4, 6, 8 inches or whatever, kick the helmet under the bike. This will hold the bike up while you reset your body and grip into a better pick up position. I don't advocate using a helmet in a manner not intended, but once again these are small things you can do when you are by yourself.

As for the rider who dropped his bike 10 times in class, I applaud his determination. In his effort to improve, he was no doubt pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.

[ultrafxr]

It would be better not to leave the house until you know how to keep it up-right on two wheels. Just an idea.

That is true but chit happens.  Dropped mine about ten years ago pulling into a gas station when someone backed up quickly without looking.  Made me stop with the front wheel past the dip going to the parking area and the rear wheel still on the pavement.  Needless to say when I went to put my foot down the ground was farther away than my leg was long and over she went in slow motion.  Not a crash, just a gentle settle to the left.  

Glad you have a perfect riding score (I guess  ) but in the real world sometimes things happen to the best riders in spite of their skill.

[Skillet]

Right on.

[2harleys]

That is true but chit happens.  Dropped mine about ten years ago pulling into a gas station when someone backed up quickly without looking.  Made me stop with the front wheel past the dip going to the parking area and the rear wheel still on the pavement.  Needless to say when I went to put my foot down the ground was farther away than my leg was long and over she went in slow motion.  Not a crash, just a gentle settle to the left.  

Glad you have a perfect riding score (I guess  ) but in the real world sometimes things happen to the best riders in spite of their skill.

It was only said to put a little humor on the posting.  Lightnen up a little and smile. I have been on a motorized bike of one type or another, with a LEGAL motorcycle liscence for about 48 years, and have ridden well over 250 thousand miles on two wheels. I and probably everyone on this site realize chit happens. I for one have been in two wrecks over the years that were both while sitting still at a red light, and hit from the rear. Both times I needed help up-righting the bike, as I was laying in the road. Sorry, but I do not remember saying anything about having a perfect riding score (although those are the ONLY accidents I have EVER been involved in). I was stupid many years ago and left a front wheel lock on an Ultra at a motel. Lightly laid it over, and adrenaline helped me up-right the bike with NO problem. It helps when you look up and see everyone with a smirk on their face. At my age, I can only hope I do not have to up-right the Ultra by myself, but if it should happen, I do know the technique. The question is ----- are all of the circumstances going to line up in my favor?

[Jasray]

they say confession is good for the soul, so I can say that I have layed over several bikes with the largest being the road glide I had last.  All of those events took place during cross country rides and all took place on sandy or gravel roads.  You would think I would learn my lesson and stay off those roads, but I guess I like to tempt fate.  The technique they teach does work on a nice flat dry pavement road, but Lord help you if you go over on uneven gravel/sand.  To make matters worse, I had removed the crash guard off the bike for a "sportier" look.  Trust me it didn't look to sporty laying over on the handle bars.  I'm a big guy, but it took three of us to get that beast vertical again.

[Porschestan]

When I got back to riding again after a 30+ years of hiatus, I started practicing on a 1200 sportster custom (don't laugh) I needed to get my "feet wet again".  Anyway, while practicing very slow speed maneuvers in a nice parking lot the bike just fell over.  I should have just jumped off, but my instinct was to stay on to muscle it back up! Now it was not 900 lbs, but felt like it to me then.  Anyway, not a scratch on the brand new bike, but injured my shoulder while pushing it back up...still going for physical therapy almost a year later!

Lesson 1, if it's going to fall over jump off and let it
Lesson 2, try real hard not to fall!

[Sledge]

Day before yesterday I was on the way home and dropped mine within a block of the house.  Beach Boulevard was full of blown sand and when they cleaned it up they pushed a foot deep layer into the turn bay.  I have to take this route since I live on the beach road.  The median crossover was also dusted with an inch or more of sand.  I had managed this turn before with the sand but today some ahole was right on my butt and I couldn't slow enough.  Sure enough once onto the median crossover the bike started to slide and went out from under me as I turned left.  Down I went.

Thanks to the stock front and rear guards no damage was done except to scuff them and a half inch of the lower edge of the left fairing lower.  A bit of road rash on my knee, scuffed my left boot, and separated a couple ribs but nothing serious.  By the way, NEVER take off those guards, they will protect your bike from serious damage and keep your foot/leg from getting stuck underneath in a situation like I encountered.  A new front guard is 196 and the rear is 60 from hd if I choose to replace 'em, cheap compared to new saddlebags and fairing lowers and everything else that would get ruined in a side slide.

I have picked up my previous bike, an '03 ultra before wth no trouble but this time I was on an incline with the bike on the left side.  Also don't have the handy passenger grab rail I had used before.  Plus the sand made it impossible to get a secure footing.  I'm 6 feet plus and 195 pounds but it wouldn't budge.  Nice technique at Ridelikeapro but if your fully loaded dresser is on a downhill incline on a sandy surface you can forget it.  Thankfully some folks stopped immediately to see if I was hurt and to help.

After 30 years of riding I have dropped mine a total of 4 times and only once from my own stupidity.  If you get into a situation where you can't possibly pick it up yourself get the helper to stand on the topside footboard and pull on the handlebar while you push from the other side.  Easy to stand it up that way.

Now for the paint fix:  Does anyone know where to get paint to match the rio red other than the little 60 bux bottle of touch up that hd sells?  (I have a call in to House of Kolor and if they get back with a good match I will post it.)

Thanks

Sledge

[danner55]

I happy to hear you are all right. Good luck getting the paint codes!

Keep the shiney side up!

[FLHTCUSE7]

So far after over 170,000 miles I never dropped mine,,,,,

It would be better not to leave the house until you know how to keep it up-right on two wheels. Just an idea.

[kraut]

... but this time I was on an incline with the bike on the left side.  Also don't have the handy passenger grab rail I had used before.  Plus the sand made it impossible to get a secure footing.  I'm 6 feet plus and 195 pounds but it wouldn't budge ...  

just drag the bike to the next level parking lot with appropriate surface - if neccessary have it cleaned up a little. Most cars have a towline and will joyfully assist - and the guards are scratched anyway  

[2harleys]

So far after over 170,000 miles I never dropped mine,,,,,

Do not get too cocky ---  as they say  ---  dress for the crash  --- not the ride.   Just sayin