A Southern Cruisers Riding Club Web Site, Chapter 224 Elgin

Official Crest of the SCRC
Chapter 224 Elgin

Picking up your bike

By:Carol Youorski
aka SKERT

I am going to tell you how to do this assuming the bike is down on its left side.

First, HIT THE KILL SWITCH.

Next, turn off the gas if you have a gasline switch.

Make sure the bike is in gear if you can get to it. If the bike is not in gear and you cannot get it in gear the technique becomes more difficult but can still be done.

Picture of first step
Standing with your butt toward the seat, stoop down and with your right hand take the left grip.

When you grab the grip, pull it until it is as close to the tank as possible. With your left hand find something sturdy to grab hold of under the seat. The closer your left hand is to your body the better. You place your butt mid way on the edge of the seat.This is CRUCIAL.

Picture of second step

Picture of third step

Picture of fourth step
The placement of your butt too high or too low on the seat will not give you the leverage angle. You are pushing the bike with your butt and upper legs. You will have to pull up with your arms a bit but mostly you will be pushing the bike up with your legs. You must have good traction under your feet or your feet will slip. If there is gravel under your feet sweep it away with your boots until you get dirt. Same for grass. Be careful not to push the bike over the other side.

Picture of final position
Once you have the bike up, carefully put the side stand down and lower the bike to it. If you can't get to the side stand with the heel of your boot, turn carefully and grab both grips then put the bike on side or center stand.

The process is the same if the bike is on it's right side. But your hands are reversed, of course. Your LEFT HAND is on the RIGHT GRIP and your RIGHT HAND grabs UNDER THE SEAT. It is easier to get it into gear. Remember to put the side stand out first so that you can ease the bike onto it once it is upright. If you feel like there is no way this bike is going up like this, then move the position of your butt. If that doesn't work try changing the flex of your knees. I try not to flex my knees too much to begin with.
Be careful. Often when you get the angle just right the bike goes up like it's made of paper. Adrenaline tends to push the bike over the other side. That's all. It's so simple. Just seems difficult until you actually do it. I found it very difficult to pick up an F-650 that didn't have bags on it. But I did. The R bikes give you an added lift because of the jugs sticking out. Having bags on also gives an added lift.

I'll be happy to help anyone who need more intense information. Feel free to contact me off the list.

Carol Youorski
aka SKERT
Atlanta,
Georgia USA
www.pinkribbonrides.com

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