CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 #1 Posted October 14, 2011 The good lord blessed me with a lot of things but not long legs (29" inseam)...LOL I've been in a few unavoidable areas where I have had to back my bike up and it is impossible for me to do so while on the bike. Yesterday I found myself with the kick stand down, placing my backside up against the passenger grab rail and it worked pretty good... Got me to thinking, this is exactly how you pick up a bike that is layed over, using your legs! Now I need to find something i can bolt on to the grab rail or the side of the bike that gives me a little more surface to push against.. Any suggestions?
Stache Posted October 14, 2011 #2 Posted October 14, 2011 I've found a teenage son is very useful for this, if I can get him out from in front of the Nintendo....
CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 Author #3 Posted October 14, 2011 Don't think the wife is gonna like your answer...LOL (I've got two Beautiful daughters, one 27 the other 32...)
CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 Author #4 Posted October 14, 2011 Also don't want people pushing on the ABS fairing or Trunk for that matter... as they can and will crack...
XV1100SE Posted October 14, 2011 #5 Posted October 14, 2011 I try to avoid areas where I have to back the bike up uphill. When I've been by myself in a situation like this sometimes turning the front wheel and pushing back (while seated on the bike) works to get around whatever hump of gravel might be stopping you. Other times I've pushed back as far as it will roll and when it won't go any further I've held the front brake, compressed the front forks and then release the brake as I'm pushing back. This works if you get the right timing on decompressing the forks.... but can take a while !
GolfVenture Posted October 14, 2011 #6 Posted October 14, 2011 How about a small electric come-along that hooks to the ball of a hitch. Hmmm I kinda of like that idea. I think a trip to HF is due.
Stache Posted October 14, 2011 #7 Posted October 14, 2011 Also don't want people pushing on the ABS fairing or Trunk for that matter... as they can and will crack... Chuckle - mine's an RSTD - no silly plastic bits on the front, very little on the back....
Flyinfool Posted October 14, 2011 #8 Posted October 14, 2011 I have to do this every day with my 1st gen. The shed that I park in has a 3 inch curb to get over so that forces me to drive it in to use the engine power to get up the curb. That means that I have to push it back out of the shed, over the door threshold, down the curb and then straight back uphill on lumpy grass. The day after a rain the ground is soft so the tires sink in to that as well. I need to push it back up the hill far enough to be able to make the turn to pull out. I have a similar situation at work except that it is all concrete. A lot of it is technique. When I first got the bike I had a lot of difficulty completing this maneuver. I can't say how many times I had the bike right on the edge of no return for dropping it. Fortunately I never did drop it. Now that I have been doing it for 4 years the bike seems to float out of the shed and up the hill with very little effort. Part of the trick is trust yourself to balance the bike on its wheels. Most people lean the bike towards which ever side they are standing on so most of the energy they are expending is just holding the bike up because they already have it leaning. I push it back with my left hand on the left handle handlebar, my right hand on the passenger backrest, and I use the side of my right knee on the crash guard to apply the force to get it moving. I put my foot under the bag and that acts as the fulcum with my whole leg being the lever to get it moving, I can get enough speed before I need to take my first step to not have to add much more force as I back it up the hill. Keep the weight centered on the wheels, use the steering to help balance just like when you are riding, and once you get it moving keep it moving at a good speed so that you can use the bikes inertia to get over the bumps. When I first got the bike and was struggling with this maneuver I was working on an idea to add an electric reverse. Now that I have a trailer to add into this equation, I may have to revisit the electric reverse.
CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 Author #9 Posted October 14, 2011 Golf&Venture "How about a small electric come-along that hooks to the ball of a hitch. Hmmm I kinda of like that idea. I think a trip to HF is due. " What would you anchor it to? Flyinfool "a lot of it is technique. When I first got the bike I had a lot of difficulty completing this maneuver. I can't say how many times I had the bike right on the edge of no return for dropping it. Fortunately I never did drop it. Now that I have been doing it for 4 years the bike seems to float out of the shed and up the hill with very little effort." Works for me also on a flat hard surface but due to my being "leg length challenged", I'm scr%#ed when it comes to pushing a bike backwards on gravel. Hey maybe that qualifies me for diasability under SSI?
dray Posted October 14, 2011 #10 Posted October 14, 2011 I just use REVERSE!!! aint that right E-Fishin-C
Flyinfool Posted October 14, 2011 #11 Posted October 14, 2011 Golf&Venture "How about a small electric come-along that hooks to the ball of a hitch. Hmmm I kinda of like that idea. I think a trip to HF is due. " What would you anchor it to? Works for me also on a flat hard surface but due to my being "leg length challenged", I'm scr%#ed when it comes to pushing a bike backwards on gravel. Hey maybe that qualifies me for diasability under SSI? Anchor it to the plastic bumper of the nearest cage.......... You won't be there long........ Leg length has nothing to do with it when you are standing next to the bike to push it up the hill, not sitting on it. I have short legs also and can only get one foot at a time flat on the ground. In fact short legs make it easier to push since you will have a lower center of mass.
CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 Author #12 Posted October 14, 2011 (edited) Flyinfool.. sorry misread you...Of course thats what i did... with one caveot... they took the left balance nerve out of the left side of my head back in 2000 (acoustic neuroma, mid fossa) and my so my balance also suks "hence the kickstand". Just got back from looking at it. If, one would bolt a bracket to both the ( bolt for the front upper saddlebag guard) and to the (bolt in front of the passenger arm rest) it would be a solid base. Then weld a 3" L x 1/2" bolt to that, in front of the saddlebag lid. Then I could weld a nut onto the end of a padded pipe about a foot long so i could screw it on, put my arse against it, and push with my legs. Ideally it would be level with the seat. That way i could take it off and store in my saddle bag. Electric reverse would be ideal but how would one hook it up short of having 2 pinion gears in the back of the gear case assembly(one in front 9 o'clock position for driveline, one in back 3 o'clock positionfor reverse)? Don't know how Goldwings do it but knew i was gonna catch heat from someone(ain't that right Dray)... Edited October 14, 2011 by CaptainJoe
SilvrT Posted October 14, 2011 #13 Posted October 14, 2011 I just use REVERSE!!! heh .... my suggestion "was" going to be .... get a Wing ...
rickardracing Posted October 14, 2011 #14 Posted October 14, 2011 I see a trike in my future. Don't have to worry about dumping the bike when my foot slips out from under me.
CaptainJoe Posted October 14, 2011 Author #15 Posted October 14, 2011 ricardracing "see a trike in my future. Don't have to worry about dumping the bike when my foot slips out from under me." might be in mine also... LOL go ahead laugh it up wingnuts...Dray & SilvrT:rotf: Me, I'm gonna be pounding and welding this weekend...
SilvrT Posted October 14, 2011 #16 Posted October 14, 2011 go ahead laugh it up wingnuts...Dray & SilvrT:rotf: Me, I'm gonna be pounding and welding this weekend... heh ... it's nice to have something other than Hardlys to poke fun at .... As for me this weekend ..... I'll be backing out of my garage (using REVERSE) and going for a ride....
dacheedah Posted October 15, 2011 #17 Posted October 15, 2011 Put a drivers backrest on that puppy and walk it back sitting on the saddle
Tom Posted October 15, 2011 #18 Posted October 15, 2011 As a few others have said......and I know you will like this CaptainJoe, I push the reverse button and back er up.
dray Posted October 15, 2011 #19 Posted October 15, 2011 go ahead laugh it up wingnuts...Dray & SilvrT:rotf: Me, I'm gonna be pounding and welding this weekend... you puting a 3 horse briggs on it for reverse?
Guest tx2sturgis Posted October 15, 2011 #20 Posted October 15, 2011 The good lord blessed me with a lot of things but not long legs (29" inseam)...LOL I've been in a few unavoidable areas where I have had to back my bike up and it is impossible for me to do so while on the bike. Yesterday I found myself with the kick stand down, placing my backside up against the passenger grab rail and it worked pretty good... Got me to thinking, this is exactly how you pick up a bike that is layed over, using your legs! Now I need to find something i can bolt on to the grab rail or the side of the bike that gives me a little more surface to push against.. Any suggestions? I have seen many experienced riders who don't know this technique: When seated on and backing the bike against a restriction, or on loose gravel, move one hand around behind you and lift up on the passenger grab rails or front saddlebag guards as you push the bike backwards. You will have to be careful, and take it slow, and keep a steady grip on both the handlebars and the grab rail, but it works. And it works especially well when the bars are turned hard left or right, and you are backing in an arc. Try it. :-)
rickardracing Posted October 15, 2011 #21 Posted October 15, 2011 I have seen many experienced riders who don't know this technique: When seated on and backing the bike against a restriction, or on loose gravel, move one hand around behind you and lift up on the passenger grab rails or front saddlebag guards as you push the bike backwards. You will have to be careful, and take it slow, and keep a steady grip on both the handlebars and the grab rail, but it works. And it works especially well when the bars are turned hard left or right, and you are backing in an arc. Try it. :-) I will try this when I get home today. I have a small mismatch between the driveway and the floor of the garage. Not much, but enough to stop you when backing up. Thanx for the tip.
CaptainJoe Posted October 15, 2011 Author #22 Posted October 15, 2011 (edited) Ok we've heard from Dray, SilvrT, Tom what about the biggest wingnut of all??? ECK! Bring it! Thanks Tx2sturgis Ill give the technique a try. I've got a 4 bay garage and with all this rain had to move my bike out of the concrete bay.... Due to welding and a miriad of projects started but not complete... the other bays are mildly sloped to the back and have 3/4 - 1" gravel that I must push the bike backwards in for about 30'. I could put crusher run down and fill up the voids in the stone and it would be a lot easier to move. However it got me to thinking, I've been in other situations like this where I had to back my bike up. When im standing straddling the bike I am just barely flat footed and it doesn't take much gravel at all to stop this human powered reverse...LOL Going to take Penny, Mom, Aunt Mary on a leaf looker ride in the cage before all the leaves fall off. Hopefully have lunch at North Bend State park, then back to the garage to work on a removable bar for the side that i can push on . Thanks guys for all your help and 'humor'... Edited October 15, 2011 by CaptainJoe
CaptainJoe Posted October 17, 2011 Author #23 Posted October 17, 2011 tx2sturgis , "Tried it, it works really good for a foot or two." Luckily, I bought a Utopia backrest........am modifying to accomidate an add on... Will post pics later...
Guest tx2sturgis Posted October 17, 2011 #24 Posted October 17, 2011 tx2sturgis , "Tried it, it works really good for a foot or two." Luckily, I bought a Utopia backrest........am modifying to accomidate an add on... Will post pics later... Yeah it just gives you some extra leverage when you need it most, like backing over a little bump or thru a little dip in the parking lot. And your welcome!
capn eddie Posted October 17, 2011 #25 Posted October 17, 2011 Ok we've heard from Dray, SilvrT, Tom what about the biggest wingnut of all??? ECK! Bring it! Thanks Tx2sturgis Ill give the technique a try. I've got a 4 bay garage and with all this rain had to move my bike out of the concrete bay.... Due to welding and a miriad of projects started but not complete... the other bays are mildly sloped to the back and have 3/4 - 1" gravel that I must push the bike backwards in for about 30'. I could put crusher run down and fill up the voids in the stone and it would be a lot easier to move. However it got me to thinking, I've been in other situations like this where I had to back my bike up. When im standing straddling the bike I am just barely flat footed and it doesn't take much gravel at all to stop this human powered reverse...LOL Going to take Penny, Mom, Aunt Mary on a leaf looker ride in the cage before all the leaves fall off. Hopefully have lunch at North Bend State park, then back to the garage to work on a removable bar for the side that i can push on . Thanks guys for all your help and 'humor'... Captainjoe, let these wing guys have there fun but you and i know they will get theres when they take there bikes in for service and it takes a day just to get the plastic off so they can get to the air filter :whistling:
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