Q&A: "I'm Nervous About Dropping My Bike."

By Rocky Marks:

I received a question via Facebook from an old high school friend who now lives in Allentown.

Hey, Rocky,

I need some advice. I just got my motorcycle license a few months ago. I love being a passenger, but now I'm nervous as the driver and I know that's not a good thing. I have a Harley Sportster and it probably wasn't the best choice for a first bike, but I got a good deal and it is in great shape with really low mileage ... and it's a Harley!

So I guess I just need some wise words from an expert. It's a heavy bike and I think that's one of the things that makes me nervous, but I don't want to dump it. Can you help an old friend out?

Thanks

Karyn

Karyn,

Congratulations and welcome to the saddle. You should be LESS nervous because you're in total control. A Harley-Davidson Sportster really isn't a bad bike to get started on. Some people make the mistake of starting out on a bike that is too small, get frustrated within a year, and when they go to upgrade, they lose equity in their trade. If you are a fan of a specific brand, and if the motorcycle fits you, then go for it.

You'll learn something new about yourself and the bike with each trip out of the garage. I'm constantly experimenting on my bike.

I wouldn't worry about dropping it. It happens to the best of us! It's nothing to be ashamed about. In fact, last month I dropped my bike. It happens.  It's a 1989 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. It has so many extras like saddlebags, the faring and the windshield that could get damaged with one slip up in the driveway.

Fortunately, when I dropped my bike, it didn't cause any damage. One of the great things about the Electra Glide is that it comes with guards especially made for that. Not only does it protect key components to the bike, it also prevents your leg from getting pinned beneath your bike when it falls over.

If you don't have one already, my suggestion would be to get an engine guard for your bike. They aren't that expensive, and it will more than pay for itself should you drop the bike.

Once you get your engine guard, you may want to take your bike into a flat spot in your yard and gently lay it down ... and pick it back up. Practice it a few times. It's easier than you think. Lift with your legs and use as much leverage as possible.

Once you pick your bike up, you'll get the feeling that it's not as heavy as you originally thought. You'll also establish a feeling of control (there is that word again) in your mind, that you can handle the bike whether it's upright or lying on its side.

Picking up a 500-pound bike may sound tough, but motorcycles are very well balanced. Don't think of it as picking the total weight of your motorcycle off the ground. You're simply shifting it to a neutral position to where you can put the kickstand down and assess the situation.

Remember when you first started riding your bicycle how wobbly you were until you pedaled faster? The same rule applies. Dropping a motorcycle due to weight happens because of an unexpected shift in balance at very slow speeds, so the good news is if you do drop it, the risk of injury or damage to the motorcycle will be minimal.

I hope this helps, and enjoy that driver's seat!