Tuesday, December 06, 2011

How to Lift a Bike

I'm posting this here with the blessing of Pat Hahn, who is the Communications Manager for our training program. That's Pat in the video, by the way.  One of the things I've learned in my pursuit of photography is that there is a definite advantage to being the one behind the camera.  Especially if there is a big heavy sport touring motorcycle to be lifted.

Pat and I lifted ( well, he lifted and I grunted ) this bike several times looking for the perfect take.  We may not have arrived there but we got close.  I do get some credit for making the narration happen in time with the action!

This blog post also marks a sort of milestone for me.  I have now officially lost my YouTube virginity.  It's also the first video here.  Don't expect to see very many more.

This is a sneak preview.  The video will be posted on the new TEAM OREGON website when it debuts in January. In the meantime, I hereby present "How to Lift a Bike".



Miles and smiles,

Dan

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Irondad:

WELCOME to the world of VIDEO. I knew you had it in you . . .
See, wasn't too hard, was it. I used the wreck your back method, this way looks a bit easier. Also I need some velcro straps to lock the front brake to stop it from rolling. Could you do one on gravel next time ? "cause my bike kept slipping on me . . .

bob
Riding the Wet Coast

Trobairitz said...

I've only dropped Max the one time but used that exact technique to pick him up. It was just after Troubadour's hernia surgery so I knew I'd have to do it. Was easier than I thought. Must have been the adrenaline.

Nice job on the video.

Troubadour said...

Morgan Freeman, Ewan McGregor, Sam Elliott and Mike Rowe combined have nothing on you and your post range, baritone, Barry White voice... baby.
Great job and very informative video. I am familiar with the technique but was not aware of the underhand grip on the bar and will have to try it 'next time'.

Anonymous said...

Lifting A bike, eh?

To me "lifting" means two things, first as in your presentation, and/or stealing the machine...

Anonymous said...

Lifting A bike, eh?

To me "lifting" means two things, first as in your presentation, and/or stealing the machine...

RichardM said...

It seems that all of the demos show how to pick it up when it falls on the left size. It seems to be harder if it goes down on the right side since the side stand is on the other side. Don't ask how I know this....

Richard

Bluekat said...

Nice vid. :)
I dropped my Suzuki one morning. I got her back up with the same technique. With the highway bars she didn't got over too far, and that helped too.

Haven't had to pick up Sam yet. She's about 150 lbs lighter, but she would also fall flat on her side, so I dunno if I could get her up or not. I kind of worry about that.


@Richard,
I suspect I know about the side stand issue. Don't ask me how I know. ;)

irondad said...

Bobskoot,

Video wasn't a matter of not being able to figure it out. More like not wanting to do it. I prefer using words to make images. Of course, I'd rather read than watch television.

There are some things that only video can convey so this one got there.

The velcro strap thing is a good idea except maybe the front wheel needs to rotate a bit to help settle the bike. Have to check that out.

Take care,

Dan

irondad said...

Trobairitz,

Why do I get the feeling that the hernia surgery was an excuse for a lot of stuff? :)

Take care,

Dan

irondad said...

Troubadour,

Hanging with you has its advantages. I described my after range voice as a James Earl Jones thing. After chilling with you it's been elevated to Barry White!

Chilling with you and doing manly-man stuff is making me more cool. Never thought THAT could happen!

Take care,

Dan

GF said...

I have never had to use that technique, the 2 times I've had a bike on the floor someone quickly showed up to help ;-)
One time I had just parked the bike on an inclined lot and was walking away from the bike when I heard the crunch behind me, the wind and vibration on the ground from heavy machinery working nearby did it.

Anonymous said...

It's one week before Christmas.

It's time to ride around the home plate with a fir (Christmas) tree strapped to the back of your motorcycle!

Make sure the illumination is 12 volts,
or maybe you need an inverter to convert 12 volts DC to what voltage your illumination requires.

Anonymous said...

It's one week before Christmas.

It's time to ride around the home plate with a fir (Christmas) tree strapped to the back of your motorcycle!

Make sure the illumination is 12 volts,
or maybe you need an inverter to convert 12 volts DC to what voltage your illumination requires.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear IronDad (Dan):

I dropped a K75 in a rare Sprint Fairing one afternoon, and had my muscles swell with adrenillin in the two seconds that followed. The bike weighed in around 600 pounds. I doubt I could do it again.

Fondest regards,
Jack/reep
Twisted Roads

Anonymous said...

Dan, Happy New Year! As an avid reader, I miss your pros & cons. I hope everything is alright and hope to see more blogging in the future.

Safe Riding,
Tom

redlegsrides said...

Happy New Year Irondad....

Looking forward to seeing how your blog "evolves".

dom

Redleg's Rides

Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner