Picking up your bike

[Mouse]

This is a repost of information previously posted by alecmuffet concerning how to pick up a large bike like the GS. The reason I've copied this into a new thread is so I can easily link to it in from the FAQ. Please keep responses on topic

Here's Alec's original info with minor editing by me:

You know, I am probably going to get in trouble for saying this, but I don't think that's the way to pick up a GS at all.

The reason I say this is because I also subscribe to TBM (Trail Bike and Enduro Magazine) and I seem to remember that it was there I read about the BMW-authorised (?) way to pick up a GS, and I seem to remember the source being Si Pavey.

The method:

1) Approach the bike and adjust the handlebars so that they are on opposite-lock to the direction it fell down, in fact exactly opposite to the direction that the bars are sitting in the picture at http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/images/115-1572_IMG.jpg - the handlebar grip nearest the ground should be the one "furthest forward".

2) bend your knees like a weightlifter, keep a straight back, grab the handlebar-end that is nearest the ground (ie: the one splayed forwards, like a long lever onto the headstock) and lift it by straightening your knees, just like a weightlifter might.

3) The bike just hoicks straight up. Simple.

As I say, I read this a few years ago, I think it was in TBM, it works for me on the 12GS (twice) and the DRZ400 (3 times) and I have picked up a mate's 1150GS off a cobbled French street by the same manner. It's a doddle. I doubt it would work on sportsbikes or those with drop-handlebars, but then the principle is one of using a trailie's long bars for maximum leverage.

I will have to hold my hand up and say that I am six foot four but I don't think that's a factor. Height may even be a disadvantage. It's the leverage and technique that work.

But I will suggest that you probably don't want to try it if your knees or back are shagged.

 

[Kropotkin]

Funny, that's the way I was taught to pick it up as well (by a bunch of Dutch GS nutters who insist on playing in the sand with their GSes).

Sadly, I usually panic, and rush to pick the bike up. Must learn not to ...

 

[Kritou]

Perhaps one should first engage a gear?

 

[Mouse]

Perhaps one should first engage a gear?

Good point. And if the bike is lying on its right side, put the sidestand down before you lift - that way you can lift it straight onto the stand.

 

[LivNorway]

Hi!

I remember a picture in this forum a looooong time ago, years ago, a picture of a lot of bikes laying on the ground (grass) and the guys where told how do lift their bikes.
-Any of you remember that?

And they said it is important to put the bike in gear, and to lift the bike with your back against the bike.

If you remember it and can help me dig that thread up, I'll be happy!

A friend of mine dropped his bike (not boxer) on the right side, and the side stand is not there... I guess he was glad he was not alone at the time.

I have heard there was a place (can't remember where) you had to show you can lift your bike before you passed the test for driving license.
-Why don't we learn how to that in riding school?


Liv.

 

[alecmuffett]

Perhaps one should first engage a gear?

Never was a problem for me, but then (a) I usually drop it on the left, so there is a 50% chance of the gear lever being inaccesable, and (b) being on full-lock, it is not easy for the bike to move.

Why not try it?

 

[Ottoman]

<snip>
I have heard there was a place (can't remember where) you had to show you can lift your bike before you passed the test for driving license.

That will be Japan, if my memory serves me right.

HTH
Omer.

 

[100WattWarlock]

I think in Germany you have to be able to do it as well, but I'm not sure.

This was one of the first questions I asked after getting my GSA, it being my first ever bike I had no idea, so I asked a good friend of mine, who is built a bit bigger than me, how one should lift a bike, he rides an old Guzzi Cast iron beast. He looked at me and said "well you just pick it up!" Leaving me feeling like a complete dick... oh yes why didn't i think of that! Duh!
A short time later I rode my bike from Germany to the UK, where I was working, and I parked my bike in the underground garage, real early, so as to get a good spot.
About 11:30, and my mate came up to me, and asked if that was my GSA in the garage, I nodded, expecting some sarcastic retort, he said "blimey... now I know why you wanted to know how to pick it up!" He still didn't know the answer though.

 

[TERRY RYAN]

Maybe somebody would/should hold a demo at the Hog roast

and those wanting to take part could pratice with there own bike

I would be up for that

 

[Emperor Norton]

I think in Germany you have to be able to do it as well,

Nope.

Moreover: If the bike lies on its right side, it is not a bad idea to release the side stand before "erecting" the machine.

 

[birdseye]

Did the IAM once and my instructor had the same bike as me - a Pan. I was worried that I wouldnt be able to lift it if I dropped it so he laid his own bike down on the ground and showed me how to get it up again.

His technique was to put the bike in gear, and sidestand down (both if possible obviously) and then he leaned forward at right angles to the bike with his chest on the saddle and gripping the frame underneath the bike. He used the power of his thigh muscles to push the bike upright.

The key seemed to be to use your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury. he wasnt a big guy, just average. But the bike was way heavier than a GS and with less bar leverage.

 

[Fanum]

His technique was to put the bike in gear, and sidestand down (both if possible obviously) and then he leaned forward at right angles to the bike with his chest on the saddle and gripping the frame underneath the bike. He used the power of his thigh muscles to push the bike upright.

The key seemed to be to use your legs and keep your back straight to avoid injury.

That's how I do it......I'm an expert now

I can't do it the 'back to bike' way because my arse gets stuck against the seat and I can't go any higher.

I'll volunteer mine for a bit of lifting practice if you want at the 'hog raost'...if someone can bring alonga bit of carpet or something

 

[enabb]

Pick up

Just done the bmv off road course, first thing we were taught was how to pick the bike up...

GS650 pice of pish....... to easy according to Mr Pavey
so some of us had to pick his Adventure up (full tank of fuel)

method was as said before

In gear
Steering on opposite lock so giving max leverage,
Grasp grip/bar end,
With straight back, lift with ya legs. piece of pish

SWMBO weighs about 8 stone soaking wet, used this technic to lift a gs650 with out help (well I woz aving a rest )