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Picking up a dropped bike! Picking up a dropped bike!
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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 7 Oct 2019
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I have to unload first.

Weight distribution is a big deal. Once upon a time I had a 261kg (wet) Yamaha Super Tenere. It was surprisingly easy to lift, even fully loaded.

Now I have a KTM 1090 that weighs 228kg (wet). I just assumed it would be easier to lift that the Yamaha because it's 30kg lighter, but it's REALLY difficult, even without luggage.

The weight seems to be very high up compared to the Super Tenere, and the bike lies a lot flatter when it falls. I got stuck in a ditch about 2 months ago but the bike was only leaned over about 45 degrees. Both me and another biker struggled to get it upright together.

So I can lift the bike, but life it a lot easier if it's not loaded.
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  #2  
Old 16 Oct 2019
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crookedspoon View Post
Just wondering: Are you able to pick up your fully-loaded dropped bike by yourself (in the middle of nowhere)?

Seems important enough when traveling far from the beaten path but my bad back just doesn't allow it. Unsure how much of an issue that could be when overlanding. (Kawaski W650, 195 kg (429 lb) (dry))
I don't think it is essential that one is able to pick up their flopped-over motorcycle by themselves.

Yesterday, whilst riding in southern Italy, my ST 1100 tipped over on its side while I was trying to make a tight U-turn on a secondary road. 20 years ago, when I was 45, I would have been able to pick it up by myself, but I know from unpleasant experience (an attempt to pick it up 4 years ago that injured my hip and back) that I can't pick it up by myself anymore. For what it's worth, the ST 1100 doesn't fall over flat, it just leans at about a 45° angle.

Anyway - the bike was lying in the middle of the road, exactly on the centerline stripe, so I just stood in front of it and waved down the first car to come along. The driver was more than willing to help, and a few moments later, another driver stopped and got out. The three of us then set the bike upright, and I got on it and rode on.

So, as long as you plan to travel on roadways (and not way off in the forest like the picture in the post above), I wouldn't worry about not being able to pick the bike up if it tips over. There will always be helpful and friendly people around to assist you in righting it.

Michael
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Old 17 Oct 2019
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If you're going to be riding in the middle of nowhere, rather than everywhere on public highways, it's a good idea to know how you'd cope when (not if) you have to pick the bike up. There are various techniques, and it's a good idea to research them before you need to use them. You should also bear in mind that you may end up having to pick the bike up alone on a slope, in deep sand or slippery mud. Could you do it?

FWIW, this is one of many reasons I bought a 790, the weight is low down and the pannier fuel tank tends to prevent the bike lying fully flat on its side.
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Old 30 Oct 2019
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I saw a video once, of an older rider (in his 70s) with a very clever solution. He had a collapsible pole type thing that would fit or screw into a hardpoint on the frame - then he could lever the bike upright with ease!
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Old 30 Oct 2019
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like this one:
Name: Perth 2014Linda-Bickerstone-bike-pickup-method.jpg Views: 190 Size: 63.6 KB


Linda is about 5 foot nothing, her hair tells her age, and she picks up her DR with ease.
The pipe goes into a socket clamped to the frame. Can't remember if it's on both sides or just one.
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Old 11 Aug 2022
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Bike Lifters
I am unable to lift my '16 Africa Twin by myself these days, if it topples over. I have discovered (thanks to a comment by Grant) that there is a lifting device you can carry, that will enable you to get the bike upright. Look for Grant's suggestion regarding the device and where you can obtain it if you wish to go down that path. The website is 'eastbound.' I think they are in Holland. I bought one recently but have not had to use it yet.
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Old 11 Aug 2022
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If you watch this video, you'll know you can carry the entire contents of any random bike accessory catalog (and the catalog itself, in order to order more stuff...) on your Euro-bomber worry-free. Just like a Land Rover with a winch, but different

Lifting of a big F800GSA by a small woman!
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Old 11 Aug 2022
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chris, that's the one Fernbrook and I mentioned, and it's excellent. They make some other really nice stuff too. I have their tire changing kit as well, and it can shares parts with the jack if you want to go as light as possible.

https://eastbound.shop
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