Aging, loss of strength, and large bikes (like a Harley)

[Bonz]

You can be strong as an but when your back is shot you have no core strength and a slight breeze can knock you over... it sucks getting old.

Lol, I don't see strong as an ox and those other things coexisting at the same time.

 

[Zee09]

Lol, I don't see strong as an ox and those other things coexisting at the same time.

Really, you could be strong as an ox and have a recent back injury that takes you out. A no brainer.

 

[Bonz]

Fair enough, I misread a bit of what was being said. Yes, short-term if a back is shot there is no core strength.

 

[George7941]

What I learned in this thread is I didn't know how to pick up a bike properly. In the past I picked up bikes using just strength. I wasn't aware there is a method to include one that Harley Davidson has in its operators manual, that doesn't rely solely on strength to stand up a fallen bike.

You did not read my thread about picking up dropped bikes

G

Thread 'Had Difficulty Picking Up My Dropped CBR300'

Aug 24, 2024

I dropped the bike in front of my house on the sidewalk and as hard as I tried, simply could not lift the bike up. My neighbour was not home and I ended up using a car jack to lift up the bike to about a 30 degree angle and I was then able to muscle it up.

I was always able to lift up my previous bike, the BMW800. Two things helped - it had crashbars protecting the cylinder heads and so the bike never tipped over completely. It also had a nice sturdy grab bar in the middle of the bike. The CBR300 has absolutely nothing to grab on to except the handle bars at the front and grab bars at...

• George7941
• Replies: 27
• Forum: Motorcycles and Motorcycle Lubrication

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At 65 years of age, the BMW R80 was getting a bit too heavy for me, so I sold it and bought the CBR300

 

[hardheaded]

Got a friend who dropped his bike in his driveway. Called AAA and waited until the guy showed up and he helped him stand it back up.

 

[Inked]

Got a friend who dropped his bike in his driveway. Called AAA and waited until the guy showed up and he helped him stand it back up.

I’ve had AAA for decades and owned bikes all those years as well. It wasn’t until I renewed last year that I added the M/C coverage.

 

[wagsrk08]

Guess I'm a pup compared to other responders in this thread. I'll be 65 in a couple months. Two total knee replacements: 1st in 2013 & 2nd in 2017. At time owned HD Road King and couldn't wait to get back in saddle after both surgery's. Even upgraded in 2018 to a new Ultra Limited. And yes, it's heavy at almost 1k pounds. I can still pick it up using proper technique like in above videos IN A PERRECT SCENARIO. I'm 6'2" 200lbs and do exercise 3days a week with weights if that even matters.

I have been considering selling the HD since I ride more often now 2 other lighter bike at both 500lbs each (Honda Africa Twin & Triumph Scrambler). Both bikes are easier to maneuver, push around garage, pick up and most of all I can go places I can't with the Harley. Still not sure if I'll sell HD in near future or not. Still love the bike and it's beautiful! But I sure the heck don't want to pick it up "if" it ever falls over God forbid.......

 

[Mackelroy]

About two years ago I purchased a 1979 Yamaha 1100 for a project, at auction. Moving the non running bike between garages in the rain, I had to push the bike up a slight incline while turning, on a wet, painted surface. My shoes were worn out tennis shoes with zero tread left. Shoes slipped and I dropped the bike. I was unable to lift the bike up by myself. To get the bike upright, I had to use a strap for leverage.

The question that followed in my mind "is there an age that a large bike is to heavy to lift"? Any BITOGERs change the motorcycle they ride because of the bikes weight?

Yeah, any age, light weight bikes much more fun to me.

 

[asphaltbouncer]

This gentleman is a retired New York City Motor Patrolman. He has a lot of great videos. I really enjoyed this one.