What to Do If You Drop Your Motorcycle

So, You’ve Dropped Your Motorcycle? Here’s What to Do!

Hey there, fellow bike enthusiasts! Let’s face it—dropping your motorcycle can happen to the best of us. Whether it’s a miscalculated turn or an unexpected loose gravel patch, those moments can leave your heart racing and your confidence shaken. So, what exactly should you do if you find your beloved ride on its side?

Pick It Up, But Take Your Time

First things first, carefully pick it up! Sounds simple enough, right? But let’s break it down a bit. You want to regain your control and give your motorcycle the love it deserves.

• Get a Good Grip: Approach your bike from the side that’s opposite to where it fell. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to push up. Most motorcycles are surprisingly easy to lift if you use the correct technique.
• Get Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask a fellow rider nearby or a passerby for help. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!

Now, once you’ve got that motorcycle standing tall again, it’s time for the next critical step: inspecting for damage.

Check for Damage Like a Pro

Here’s the thing: after lifting your bike, a thorough inspection is key. You wouldn’t jump back on a horse that just threw you, would you? Well, the same goes for your motorcycle. You want to ensure you’re not riding a potential hazard. So, what exactly should you check?

1. Fluid Leaks: Look for any signs of oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaking. If any fluids are seeping from beneath your bike, riding isn’t an option until you sort that out.
2. Tires and Wheels: Inspect your tires for any punctures, tears, or strange bulges. Give the wheels a spin to check for any unusual noises or wobbles.
3. Levers and Hand Controls: Sometimes, dropping a bike can bend levers. Make sure they’re not damaged or difficult to operate.

Ensuring your motorcycle is in safe condition isn’t just a good practice—it’s a responsible act that shows you care about your safety and that of others on the road. If you’re noticing anything off, it’s best to skip the ride until you can get a mechanic to take a look!

Avoid the Bad Choices

Let’s take a moment to consider the options you should absolutely avoid:

• Leaving it on the Ground and Calling for Help: Not an option! You need to take charge of the situation.
• Trying to Ride It Immediately: As tempting as that may be, give it a check first!
• Ignoring It and Walking Away: This is definitely not the solution. Someone could trip over it or, in the worst case, ride it without knowing it’s damaged.

Riding Again—Only If You’re Ready

So there you have it! After lifting and checking your motorcycle for any damage, if everything checks out, it’s time to get back on the road—safely and confidently, of course. Riding is a beautiful experience, and maintaining a conscious approach helps ensure those rides remain joyful and free from mishaps.

At the end of the day, what matters is understanding that drop or not, every day on a motorcycle is a chance to learn and grow as a rider. So, stay safe, keep your wits about you, and enjoy every moment on two wheels!