10 Steps for Picking Up a Fallen Motorcycle

[abel]

I received this in an e-mail and I hope you never need it but just in case...

10 Steps for Picking Up a Fallen Motorcycle

These steps are for a bike that has fallen on its left side.

1. Hit the kill switch. Make sure the motor is off.

2. Turn the gas off using the petcock on a carbureted bike if fuel is leaking.

3. Make sure the bike is in gear if you can get to it. If it is not in gear and you can't access the shifter to put it in gear, the technique becomes more difficult because the bike could roll, but it can still be done. You'll have to have found the balance point of the motorcycle between the two tires and leverage it as you lift.

4. Standing with your butt toward the seat, stoop down, and with your right hand grab the left grip.

5. 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. Don't grab the seat. It's too flimsy to support the weight of your lift. Grabbing the bike by the frame is the best bet. The closer your left hand is to your body, the better.

6. Place your butt midway on the edge of the seat. This is crucial. 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.

7. You must have good traction under your feet or they will slip. If there is gravel under your feet, sweep it away with your boots. Same for grass.

8. Start pushing your butt against the seat using baby steps to force it upright. The hardest part will be the beginning. Once the bike starts to lift off the ground, you'll gain momentum to help you execute the rest of the lift.

9. Once you have the bike up, carefully put the kickstand down and lower the bike to it. If you can't get the kickstand with the heel of your boot, turn your body carefully toward the front of the bike and grab both grips, then put the bike on the kickstand or center stand.

10. The process is the same if the bike is on its right side. Your hands are reversed of course. It is easier to get it into gear. Remember to put the kickstand out first so that you can ease the bike onto it once it is upright.