Just wondering how often do you guys fall / dropped bike... Whats the worst that ever happen to you guys? once a week twice a week? Im asking this is because i have this girl friend that drop her bike 3-4 times already within 2 weeks and its brand new!! Nothing serious just minor falls or dropped bike in a parking lot... She is really getting upset and is thinking of quitting... I just think its becoz her feet can't even touch the ground... But don't you guys think 3-4 times in that short of a time frame that somethings wrong?
She's a new rider, it happens. When I first got my '92 I dropped it twice in one day (drop while in the driveway, then a quick little lowside from diesel fuel and sand in a turn), and proceded to drop it roughly 3 more times over the course of three weeks.
My '04 has touched the ground twice. Once on the first day I had it and once from my track lowside.
droped it 1 time because i forgot about the stand
droped it 2 times because i didnt put the stand all the way down
hit a car and smashed 1 side of it on the car and the other side on the road (wet roads)
droped it 1 time because i had a bike bag on the back seat and i couldnt be stufed to unclip it and i was trying to put up the center with out pullin up on the back and the stand staped off and fell over... on to my helmet... at the suzuki dealership
I dropped mine 3 times when I first started. Nothing bad, but it happens to all of us. I think I would have dropped it a few more times if it wasn't for the fact i was a guy and can man handle the bike. Unless shes one of those jacked chicks, I bet it would be harder for her to save the near drops. Also the fact she can't flat foot makes it tough to start out, maybe have her get taller boots or shave the seat.
Tell her not to give up, it will get better, and the scratches just give character :thumb:
Only dropped it once.
From a previous post. There is a "Jackass" thread that will make your girl feel better. Print it out and let her read it over.
Only had one little problem. I won't lie and say that while reading the "Jackass" thread, I was laughing at all the guys/gals that forgot to put their kickstand down and dropped the bike. I thought, "there is no way I could ever be dumb enough to forget to put my kickstand down". Well, sure enough we pulled in to gas up and there was a group of about 6 harley guys taking a break from their ride. I pull the pump like a pro, shut the bike off and proceed to get off to fill up when I realize in slow mo that something isn't right. My bike never leans this far when I'm getting off. I'm a jackass and forgot to put the kickstand down. I get pinned btw my bike and the pump and I'm yelling to my friend who is on the other side that I'm stuck. He can't see me and it's kinda loud so I was stuck there for about 30 seconds until I got his attention. He came over, helped me get the bike up and I start cracking up. Looking at the harley guys they had this expression that was absolutely priceless. I wish I had a picture of that. I gave them a quick thumbs up and went on to my fueling duties.
Quote from: deathlucky on June 30, 2006, 03:25:47 AM
droped it 1 time because i forgot about the stand
I thought I was the only one that could forget to put the stand down. I feel much better now. The bike never actually touched the ground, but it was the first time I realized how heavy the bike was and was pretty sure I was going to drop it in front of a bunch of people.
whats she riding? mabee she should be wearing platform shoes :icon_mrgreen: she probly hasnt learnt with the balance and weight of the bike yet, if she keeps doing it it might be time to get a smaller bike
So I'm the only one who thought this post was about something else? :oops:
If it is drops in car parks it could be due to too much front brake and locking the wheel. At slow speeds like 5mph it is best to very gently use the back brake.
Ive dropped mine 3 + 1
First time, went to check my cell phone at a red light, lost balance and she (gently) hit the ground
Second, I was leaving a bike rally, hit some gravel, BAMM
THIRD, making a U-turn in a street, hit some grass and BAMM, It went in a ditch, A very shallow ditch.
+
1. Trying to teach my GF to ride, she killed it and lost it, that did the worst damage to my bike. (a scratch on the pipe)
Quote from: ti-10 on June 29, 2006, 11:01:07 PM
I just think its becoz her feet can't even touch the ground... But don't you guys think 3-4 times in that short of a time frame that somethings wrong?
Sounds pretty normal to me! :icon_lol: I think you've nailed it when you ask about her feet not being able to touch the ground. Time to get her some taller boots and shave the seat. Not being able to touch the ground (especially as a new rider) really shakes your confidence, as does seeing your beloved bike goin' down. I'm still waiting for new soles so that the cobbler can build my boots up a couple of inches (I can tippy-toe it--kinda--on my SV650S). Having the connection with the ground builds confidence in new riders. She likely won't care later, but in the beginning, it's pretty important. ;) Kudos to you for wanting to help her be more comfortable and not give up! :thumb:
If she's really short, you might also consider lowering the bike (that's my last choice if all else fails). Here's a good thread that discusses lowering:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=23451.0
Here's a quote from the FAQ Phaedrus put together ( http://gstwin.variders.com/ ):
If the 31" seat height of the GS is too tall, you still have some options:
Get some riding boots with heels - This is also a good idea for your own protection in the event of a crash, your feet and heels will be better protected.
Cut the seat - This involves removing much of the "stuffing" out of the seat and changing it's shape and then reupholstering it. It will help your legs stay closer together and touch the ground easier at the expense of a slightly harsher seat comfort.
Lower the bike - Not considered the best idea, but it is still possible though not suggested. You can purchase what are called "dogbones" (lowering links) to drop the suspension up to a couple of inches. You are altering the handling of the bike, and reducing ground clearance which could interfere with its ridability as well. However, GStwin member MStarmer suggests getting lowering links from www.sledesigns.com/ (Part # LL6007). He says they are well made and easy to install.
On a related note, you might be interested in the "Short Biker Mailing List" Smiley
www.ki.org/sbl/
Includes a list of other motorcycle (as well as the GS500) that you can ride comfortably or flat foot, depending on your height.
And... here are a couple more sources for short bikers (I like this one...short bikers FAQ :thumb:):
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html
http://curveunit.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=11&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
I've looked around a lot for information for height-challenged riders, being one myself! :laugh:
I dropped mine once 3 dys after I bought it but kept practicing and riding every chance I got. Definitely get it lowered and have her keep practicing. But you should hv bought a used bike for her first bike or get frame sliders asap.
My sister in law dropped hers 4 times the first day. She had too much on her mind therefore, she couldn't work the throttle, clutch & brake correctly therefore panicked by grabbing the front brakes so it jerked the bike and it scared the sh*t out of her. Finally, she was so fed up that all she wanted to do is go back to the house and when she got there, she just jumped off the bike forgetting to put the kickstand down. After that, she may have got on again twice or three times in the past two months but she still has problems.
My own personal thought on this is that riding a motorcycle is fun but we all know that it's dangerous. You have to be a very smart driver. You have to put 200% into it. It takes A LOT of practice. Also, some people pick it up faster than others.
Quote from: Altephor on June 30, 2006, 07:12:12 AM
So I'm the only one who thought this post was about something else? :oops:
Not the only one :laugh:
I haven't really dropped my bike yet. On the second day I had it, while doin a slow parking lot turn it started goin down... Couldn't hold it up so I let it down easy. Once I was in a better position it was easy to stand back up though. Fairly recently I found myself in the same situation, I accidentally let it tip a bit more than I should have, but I find I can hold it up now, so it hasn't touched the ground since that first time. I love how light these bikes are!
If it's too heavy for her, tell her to work out a bit until she can handle it. If it too tall for her, get her some thick soled boots. Otherwise, so long as it's still running, doesn't really matter how many times she drops it :thumb:
Quote from: Altephor on June 30, 2006, 07:12:12 AM
So I'm the only one who thought this post was about something else? :oops:
Yes! PERV! ;) :laugh: :kiss3:
what does she ride?
Quote from: pandy on June 30, 2006, 07:48:15 AM
Quote from: Altephor on June 30, 2006, 07:12:12 AM
So I'm the only one who thought this post was about something else? :oops:
Yes! PERV! ;) :laugh: :kiss3:
Nothing pervy about it. Four times in two weeks is exactly the frequency Martin Luther recommended.
(We'll get this thread tarded yet...)
Quote from: MarkusN on June 30, 2006, 07:55:46 AM
Quote from: pandy on June 30, 2006, 07:48:15 AM
Quote from: Altephor on June 30, 2006, 07:12:12 AM
So I'm the only one who thought this post was about something else? :oops:
Yes! PERV! ;) :laugh: :kiss3:
We'll get this thread tarded yet..
Im with ya brother
Uhh...
MSF ???
Quote from: MarkusN on June 30, 2006, 07:55:46 AM
Nothing pervy about it. Four times in two weeks is exactly the frequency Martin Luther recommended.
Martin Luther recommending dropping one's bike four times in two weeks! ??? Now THAT's progressive! ;) :icon_razz:
Quote from: jackiei26 on June 30, 2006, 07:53:05 AM
what does she ride?
She rides a Ninja 250 brand new hahaha... I guess shes still new... Well she will feel alot better after i tell her its normal to mess up like this... since some of you guys said you dropped twice in a day... i guess 4 times in 2 weeks is okay :laugh: I think she will get use to dropping it that she won't care anymore... So when does all this noob dropping ever stop ... couple of months or seasons??
MSF, new rider & no drops, 1 year+ riding.
too bad the MSF is so expensive in CA, but well worth it.
Quote from: ti-10 on June 30, 2006, 08:48:18 AM
I think she will get use to dropping it that she won't care anymore... So when does all this noob dropping ever stop ... couple of months or seasons??
Some of us ride for decades and never drop it once. Others of us ride for a month and drop it 10 times....we're all different (and I fit into the latter category :icon_razz:). Really, REALLY recommend the MSF. What she could learn taking the safety course is invaluable, and it would really boost her confidence. Also, don't laugh unless she laughs first when she drops it. ;)
I'm two years out, and I haven't dropped my bike in a couple of months now! w00t! :cheers: :thumb: O0
I've not dropped the GS so far... *fingers crossed*
But I drop my Rev-3 almost everytime out, from as high as 6'... the first day I got the bike I looped it over :icon_mrgreen:
Once a guy bailed and dropped his bike down a small cliff, but instead of making it to the gound the bike got stuck in a fairly tall tree about halfway down... took them a day to figure out how to retrieve it. :icon_lol:
I've dropped mine twice while working on it. Once when I was trying to get the front wheel back on, and once at a gas station... I had put my glove on the top of the pump, and when I reached up to get it, I guess i pushed the bike over a lil too far =P I've since learned to keep my gloves in an easier to reach spot =P
Quote from: pandy on June 30, 2006, 09:50:11 AM
...
I'm two years out, and I haven't dropped my bike in a couple of months now! w00t! :cheers: :thumb: O0
Pandy, only you are happy when its been to months since you have dropped you bike :laugh:. Now me i have dropped mine three times and slid once. first, parking at the beach on a curb, bumped curb on fell over. Second, next day, was in a hurry and didn't put kickstand down, bike fell over. Third, cruising local twisties, looked down to check speed and noticed i was going zero. stopped in a driveway, reinserved speedo cable and coming down the hill to a stop lost footing in gravel and toppled once again. Forth, on way home after toppling bike encountered a deer in the road. Trying to slow and miss dear, looked at ditch, went right to it. so for me when it rains it pours :laugh: :laugh:
Nothing wrong with staying positive! :laugh:
I dropped my bike once per day for a week while I was teaching myself to ride (some 20 years ago!).
i dropped my bicycle a couple of weeks ago... does that count?
Quote from: subc on June 30, 2006, 01:21:59 PM
i dropped my bicycle a couple of weeks ago... does that count?
only if you cracked a fiaring :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: ti-10 on June 29, 2006, 11:01:07 PM
She is really getting upset and is thinking of quitting... I just think its becoz her feet can't even touch the ground... But don't you guys think 3-4 times in that short of a time frame that somethings wrong?
May be you should consider dropping your bike in front of her to make her feel better :laugh: (Just kidding!)
Seriously if she hasn't taken the MSF, make sure she sign up for it. It'll make the whole learning experience much more fun and much cheaper at the end.
Lot of people managed to teach themselves how to ride, but knowing the correct technique is especially important for short rider since we dont have the strength to force bike into turning or to catch the bike when it fall.
Good luck to your friend!!!
We took the motorcycle course already! Thats how we meet :laugh: Shes been dropping the bike in the course and now dropping her own... but she still manage to pass :dunno_white: I think she will get better soon... I hope... :icon_mrgreen:
Had the bike maybe a month I had it parked infront of the driveway, went inside to get a drink and my sister inlaw tried to move the bike and droped it. She got my wife to help her get the bike back up and my wife put the bike in the garage.
When I came out to the garage I noticed that the front left turn signal was hanging down. Asked my wife about it and she said she didn't know. So I walk over to the bike and then I noticed that he clutch lever is broken and there are some scratches on the bar end. Asked my wife. . . your sister tried to move the bike huh? She admited that she did and that she droped it.
Wasn't mad and besides I high sided the bike two weeks later anyway :icon_mrgreen:
Did alot more dmg than my sister in law did. :oops:
Seriously though just let her know that this is normal. She shouldn't worry if whe is dropping it in parking lots or driveways. The seat height of the EX250 is pretty high and since she can't flat foot it that could also be aiding in the dropage factor. You might want to look into some boots that have a thicker soal that might help her keep her little beast up. Just let her know that some minor drops aren't going to huet the bike and she should focus on practicing what she learns while in the course. Everyone drops bikes and some do it more often than others, and good luck with the course.
My first bike was a Nighthawk 650. It was HUGE and I'm only 5'7". I dropped that thing so many times in the first few weeks... Stop lights, in my driveway... It was bad.... Then, after a few months, got the GS and had no drops. Now i'm on a bike prolly taller than the nighthawk and have no issues. At first it is tough but you get better....
The only 3 times I droppped my bike were the first two days I had it, when I tried to go riding and teach myself, before taking the course. So not to be a broken record, but sign her up for the MSF course!! Oh yeah.. I did drop it once right after that, I guess.... in the left turn lane on a busy road.. had some nice lady stop and offer to help me pick it up.. I was so pissed I just picked it up over my head with one hand and then put it down... :laugh: ok.. so I used two hands...
Yeah definitely sign her up for the MSF if she hasn't. The MSF was the first time I had ever been on a bike, I was nervous as hell about being able to control it. Turns out I only dropped it once. Very lightly at that; was coming back into the line and put too much front brake without having the bike straight, ended up just kind of stepping off it. If the MSF doesn't get her confidence up try shaving the seat.
Quote from: Altephor on June 30, 2006, 04:28:20 PM
Yeah definitely sign her up for the MSF if she hasn't. The MSF was the first time I had ever been on a bike, I was nervous as hell about being able to control it. Turns out I only dropped it once. Very lightly at that; was coming back into the line and put too much front brake without having the bike straight, ended up just kind of stepping off it. If the MSF doesn't get her confidence up try shaving the seat.
Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on June 30, 2006, 04:25:54 PM
The only 3 times I droppped my bike were the first two days I had it, when I tried to go riding and teach myself, before taking the course. So not to be a broken record, but sign her up for the MSF course!! Oh yeah.. I did drop it once right after that, I guess.... in the left turn lane on a busy road.. had some nice lady stop and offer to help me pick it up.. I was so pissed I just picked it up over my head with one hand and then put it down... :laugh: ok.. so I used two hands...
READ:
Quote from: ti-10 on June 30, 2006, 02:34:00 PM
We took the motorcycle course already! Thats how we meet :laugh: Shes been dropping the bike in the course and now dropping her own... but she still manage to pass :dunno_white: I think she will get better soon... I hope... :icon_mrgreen:
Yay reading! :laugh: :laugh:
Yeah, I know, I'm retarded.. I read that right after I posted my post... of course, by then it was too late..
The "modify" button is your friend ... if you're quick enough with it! :thumb:
Quote from: Kerry on July 01, 2006, 11:36:28 AM
The "modify" button is your friend ... if you're quick enough with it! :thumb:
I <3 the modify button! :laugh:
Quote from: pandy on July 01, 2006, 12:44:41 PM
Quote from: Kerry on July 01, 2006, 11:36:28 AM
The "modify" button is your friend ... if you're quick enough with it! :thumb:
I <3 the modify button! :laugh:
yeah.. but we can't all modify OTHERS' posts, so we don't have as much fun with it! :laugh:
Dropped my bike for the first time yesterday. I was stopped at an intersection and somehow lost my balance. I tried to keep it up, but in the end all I accomplished was to slow the descent. Then, went I picked it up I burnt my leg on the exhaust (yes, I was "actin' a squid" and only wearing shorts and a t-shirt). These things happen, it just goes with the two-wheel territory.
This post is making me feel better, because I felt like I was the only one who has dropped their bike so much.
I dropped my boyfriend's bike twice before I got my own:
1. First time ever rode the thing. It was way too tall for me and it went over the first time I tried to stop.
2. With a scooped seat, doing better, but I grabbed too much front brake, it surprised me, and I dropped it.
Then I've dropped the GS twice:
1. Total noob mistake, I tried to stop on the side of a steep hill and leaned the wrong way, by the time my foot was down the bike was too far over.
2. Stalled it in the middle of the sharp turn coming out of my driveway, went over sideways.
4 times in 2 weeks--- you're not even trying!
I dropped my V-Strom twice in 30 seconds!
Don't worry about it!
If shes dropping it that much maybe its to big for her. I ride with a girl and the bike was a little to high for her she got it lowerd and hasnt dropped it since. So look into getting it lowerd.
Quote from: ChuckS on July 02, 2006, 08:15:14 PM
4 times in 2 weeks--- you're not even trying!
I dropped my V-Strom twice in 30 seconds!
Don't worry about it!
Must ask--How do you drop a bike twice in 30 seconds? Push it over to the other side while lifting it?
And I've dropped my GS twice. Same mistake both times, and learned my lesson.
1. ON THE TEST RIDE while the guy was watching me. Making a left turn from a stop, but I didn't roll forward enough before I cranked the handlebars. The weight shifted, the bike leaned, and I couldn't get it back. I gently laid it down--barely a drop.
2. Same thing, going right. First day I had the bike, I was getting a feel for it in a parking lot, and overcoming my fear of right turns. Tried to turn, didn't roll forward enough, handlebars cranked right, and down she went. Popped off the cheap aftermarker carbon-fiber lookalike mirror that the guy put on the day before I picked up.
I have learned: Give yourself plenty of room to go forward before you try turning. Oh, and I'm barely tall enough for the bike. I can get the balls of my feet down on both sides of the bike.