Lifting a dropped machine

Can anyone help with techniques for lifting a motorcycle that is on the
ground. I dropped my GS500 this morning and could not lift it. It weighs
about 190Kg. I am about 165 cm tall and not very strong. I am assured that
techniques to do this exist.

John Dwyer

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sun, 7 Dec 2003 14:25:18 +1100

There's one at the short biker's list, see the FAQ at
http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html

I've never used that method though....

I stand on the seat side of the bike, squat down, grab the handlebar
closest to the ground, and stand up, bringing the bar with me. That has
a fair bit of leverage.

Zebee

 

In aus.motorcycles on 7 Dec 2003 03:36:42 GMT

There *was* one there...

Basically, the technique is to back up to the seat of the bike, squat
down and hook your hands under the seat/frame, and walk backwards while
lifting. (The bike wheels need to be chocked so the bike doesn't slide)
You pretty much walk the bike back up.

I know there was a link to how to do this at one point....


Zebee

 

It all depends on one's pride, and the "hulk" factor. Get sufficiently
embarressed, and you *will* find enormous strength.

I once dropped the hog, pulling up to a stop. Just that loose footing
thing that you only ever do once in public. Had a babe on the back that
went sprawling. It was a fortunate thing that engine bars at +45
degrees where fitted, which meant that instead of 400+ kg's of FLHTCUI
hog translated into somewhat less than 200. Factor in the pivitol
fulcrum and you can get near 100kg.

Handlebars at opposite lock. Hip at the tank. Legs well compressed at
the max. And heave like you're getting rammed by a really huge Samoan dude.

It's all in the legs. DO NOT use your back.

And, don't be too proud to accept the assistance of any potential
helpers. A pair of hands at the down side of the saddle can halve the
weight again.

Sincerely,

Xor
(harder when you're pissed)

 

This one, on the Girls Ride Out site...

http://www.girlsrideout.com/pickingupmotorcycle.htm

HTH,

G

 

the girls ride out one looks ok...dunno about lifting entirely on the
handlebar tho, i tend to use the bar and grabrail
mostly it is psychological, and requires a bit of practise and instruction
in lifting heavy things
I would try going to a gym and getting some instruction on lifting
techniques...back straight, lift with legs ect...so you know what it feels
like, and get some idea of what you can do safely
you will be able to lift much more that you think you can
I am 5'6 and 60 kg and ride a 1500 'wing...that I can lift, but its more a
matter of technique than outright strength
with a bit of preparation a GS500 should be easy done

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sun, 07 Dec 2003 06:45:14 GMT

SOme of it is also bike type - some bikes are a lot more top heavy than
others. The Guzzi at 260+kg is easier than my lighter GT550 was,
because of that. The Guzzi has all the weight down low.

Mind you, a GS500 should be easy, yes

 

Thanks for the information. It all adds to the picture and it all helps.

John Dwyer.

 

No, a bystander helped me to lift it, and I am grateful for his assistance.
However, I would like to be able to lift it by myself if the need arises
again.

John Dwyer

 

Have a look here John

Picking up a Motorcycle
http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html

Looks one of the better ways.

Don't like this way (tho I havn't tried it)
http://www.girlsrideout.com/pickingupmotorcycle.htm

Tony Platt
Stanza

 

Tony,

Thanks for the information.

John Dwyer.

 

I dropped the blackbird on its side when I put my foot down exiting a
carpark only to find the tarmac had dropped away by at least 6 inches.

The bike was laying on its right side with the front pointing down a
driveway. I was so pissed off, I just grabbed both grips, pulled front
brake on hard so bike wouldn't roll forward into traffic as it came up
and just lifted the bloody thing ...

Betcha I couldn't do it like that under calmer circumstances ...

Cheers

-------------
Kevin Gleeson
Technical Director
Blue Rocket Productions
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
www.blue-rocket.com.au

 

Bikes are much easier to pick up just after you've fallen off them.

I suggest you throw yourself forcefully to the ground in your garage
then roll into a wall and *only then* try to lift the bike up.

Knocks at least 100kg off the gross weight.

d

 

The lifting technique, for a 02 Goldwing was the last thing on my mind, when
I asked the dealer of the demo bike that I was trying out, 'where did these
scratches on the mirror come from'-
'Oh the last bloke dropped it when he did a U turn up the street'
'Better show me NOW, how to lift the mongrel up !', said I ,looking worried.

Rob.

 

So did the GS500,until he picked it up...

Postman Pat

 

What have you been eating today Pat; razor blades?

Al

 

Pat's pissed cos no-one showed up for his ride.

 

yes...K100 << bastard thing, very heavy...swear it was harder to pick up
than the wing...fell over more too

 

Fugoff


Pissedman Pat

 

[...]

Especially after having spent some time there...!

It's amazing how piss weak you can get if you've gone without a regular
exercise regimen for some time.

Which makes me wonder how those who never exercise get along...

Cheers,
j