Flippineck - Dropped it again!

**Steve GD** · 23 Sep 07, 08:35 AM

As the title says, really. Empty McDs car park, I chose the end space. Approaching at walking speed I tried to tighten the turn and hit the steering lock stop unexpectedly. I braked without conscious thought, and down we went on the right side.

Big thanks to the Harley rider who helped me get the bike upright .

Good news is the bike looks fine apart from a couple of scratches on the RH can.
Bad news is, my foot was trapped under the engine and has swollen up nicely. Doh!

Got a couple of questions

Anyone got any ideas how I can stop this reaction? I've done it twice now. Soddit.
Anyone know how to cure the embarrassment?

Does it count as an official "off", as I was going at 0 MPH at the time?

**diamondbrit73** · 23 Sep 07, 08:46 AM

try getting use to using the clutch and throttle when you turn! and if you need it the rear brake!

if you dont get out of dabbing the front you will keep up ending of your ass!!

Good luck

**Imola Duke** · 23 Sep 07, 08:46 AM

Bugger ! Nearly did that on mine a few times ! You will get used to the non existant steering lock.
Glad the duke came out unscathed.

**nogaromill999** · 23 Sep 07, 08:46 AM

I find that when I'm at a standstill, having at least one foot on the ground stops my bike from falling over ! He he !

**captain soup** · 23 Sep 07, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve GD

As the title says, really. Empty McDs car park, I chose the end space. Approaching Anyone got any ideas how I can stop this reaction? I've done it twice now. Soddit.
Anyone know how to cure the embarrassment?

Does it count as an official "off", as I was going at 0 MPH at the time?

I know that it makes me look like a kid, but at slow speeds in car parks etc I have both feet on the ground sort of walking, I also push my wrists forward so that I dont hit the tank with my hands when the lock is almost full on.

It may look a bit silly/wierd/kid like but I feel a lot safer, and I aint dropped her yet, even with mrs captain soup on the back.

Mark

**Mini Mo** · 23 Sep 07, 08:54 AM

Practice DAS style u-turns. Seriously. It sorts out your slow speed control rapidly (which I hasten to add is the hardest bit about riding).

**Steve GD** · 23 Sep 07, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamondbrit73

try getting use to using the clutch and throttle when you turn! and if you need it the rear brake!

if you dont get out of dabbing the front you will keep up ending of your ass!!

Good luck

Thanks, mate....in fact I do use throttle, clutch and rear brake when going slowly, but I cover the front brake also. Which leaves me open to this wrong reaction. Maybe this is the point....If I make a conscious decision not to cover the front brake I can avoid future "events". Hmm...this could be the way forward!!

**Steve GD** · 23 Sep 07, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogaromill999

I find that when I'm at a standstill, having at least one foot on the ground stops my bike from falling over ! He he !

Thanks David. I do find that abuse from others does reduce the need to abuse yourself.

**joff** · 23 Sep 07, 10:03 AM

I almost dropped my instructors training bike a couple of times while doing U-Turn practice...it was really hard trying to not use the front brake...just the clutch, throttle and rear brake as already mentioned.

However, when i get home after a ride and take the sharp turn down into my driveway...i do find that i do tend to touch that front brake a bit...and the drive having a gradient and being covered in gravel is rather a risky place for a drop.

It is amazing how much 'pullover' force that you get when you do go to full lock and jamb the front brake on when moving slowly...someone did explain the physics of it but it went over my head!

**swannymere** · 23 Sep 07, 10:11 AM

Find a nice empty industrial estate and practice, practice, practice.

**ducati900ss** · 23 Sep 07, 10:19 AM

I allways paddle my 900 around u turns , look a bit of a p^%t but never dropped it.

**andyrh** · 23 Sep 07, 10:24 AM

Sorry to hear your news Steve, I've got 3 tasks for you:

1. Write out 100 times - I will not fall off my bike again

2. Get your push bike out and practise balancing the bike when stationary

3. Put both feet down when traveling at speeds of 5 MPH and below

Glad your bike is okay mate

**nogaromill999** · 23 Sep 07, 10:28 AM

You're welcome Steve, anything to stop you self abusing ! Don't want you getting hairy palms and spots !

**Ollie** · 23 Sep 07, 10:50 AM

Now then Steve, i didnt want to do this but i did say after the 2nd time you dropped it (the first was out with me on the GSXR) that i would have you booked in for a CBT with me so the weekend after next it will be, learn to use that rear brake and to keep fingers off the front!!

**MarkST** · 23 Sep 07, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mini Mo

Practice DAS style u-turns.

What's a DAS style u-turn ?