How to Pick up a Big Motorcycle Accidentally Dropped

Demonstration video showing how to pickup a large motorcycle accidentally dropped

[texanleons]

Ok, this guy was a bronze medalist in the late 80's Olympic Power Lifting Division.

[paulchadwick]

Still riding at age 76 about 5-1/2 years after making this video. My heavy bike now is a 2020 RoadGlide. Not quite as hefty as that 2012 Ultra. Just did a practice session after dropping that one a couple times, and I can get it up with the Harley technique shown for the orange (actually "Amber Whiskey") one and no jack or halper. (I loved that color.) Glad I had a passenger sissy bar and pad installed. It provides a strong and convenient point with leverage to grab near the rear end.

[johnnybgood]

Great idea! Glad to see you're still riding at 70, and in great enough shape to pick up your own bikes! Most people don't prepare for these type of situations, it's great to see someone so proactive!
A "real" biker!

[BADBONES]

MY WIFE AND I WERE IN LACONIA NH AND NOBODY WOULD HELP THIS ELDER RIDER UNTIL WE STOPPED, I HAD ALREADY SEEN THIS VIDEO PRIOR TO THAT DAY AND IT HELPED THANK YOU

[andrerobichaud]

This guy is excellent. He gets a SUPER like from me! He speaks like he was inside your head. I dropped my Road King twice and I couldn't lift it alone, so everything he said was important. I'm not sure where the cut-off weight to be able to lift a bike, but I found out the hard way that 836 pounds was to much... for me. The first time it fell, I forgot to lift the kick stand, the second time I got a cramp! Fortunately, there were people around to help. It seems like when you have motorcycle troubles, people are willing to quickly react and help.The jack thing is a good idea! Thank you bro!

[saintsfisherman]

good for you brother! you are one of the very few Harley riders that is willing to teach others something with your Harley. I Love it!!! Thank You!!!

[skyking]

My 83 year old Father refuses to stop riding his HD Roadglide here in Colorado. He drops his bike roughly two times a week during the warmer months. His solution is to pop the top on a V-8 low sodium of course and wait for a passerby to help. He called 911 once and the Colorado State Patrol showed up, took some pictures, listened to a couple of stories and got him on his way. Be careful out there.

[Tbow]

Nicely done! I'm also someone your age and statute and I dropped my 1978 Goldwing at a traffic light in Manhattan; to my embarrassment, and not paying attention (this was years ago).
Fortunately, after the bystanders stopped laughing, they saw me struggling to get it up and came to my rescue!
So, I'm so glad to see your tips and video on this subject!
I did have crash-bars on and was little to no damage, except my foolish pride lol!
Thanks again for sharing! 👍

[carlosbledsoe]

This Man is 70 years young. Great inspiration, very knowledgeable and Strong.

[dougjohnson]

Mr. Chadwick, when I first saw that your video was 15 minutes long, I thought how can it take that long to pick up a bike. Now that I have watched it, you packed a lot of good common sense and leverage info into every minute. Great job!

[mirage]

The Harley style list is all in the technique, and I see your problem with it. You have to get your butt down against the SIDE of the seat that is down, so that means you have to really crouch down and your legs are out in front on you more, not under you, to get down that low. Grip the handlebars with one hand and with the other hand, grab something on the bike that is unbreakable and as LOW as you can reach. Then you walk backwards and the bike slowly comes up. My husband has an Ultra Classic and I'm a 5'2" 135# 63 year old woman and I can lift it this way. Granted, it's not easy and I wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis, but in a pinch if something would happen to my husband, I can lift it myself!

[Mrspinout]

Good Stuff sir. Just an FYI for those who look around for such things. The 86-91 Rx-7's have an aluminum scissor jack from the factory. LOT's lighter than the steel ones, and should easily pick up a large bike. Keep it shiny side up, and between the ditches!

[petergold]

Thanks Paul ! Great Demo ! I'm a shorter guy 5'7 and have ridden an FX since '78... JUST got an FLHX and what a difference in weight and balance! Could pick up the FX with not much of a problem but the new FL is about 300 lbs heavier plus the seat is too high for my leg length... A new seat is on order! When just moving the Bike around I ran into the ooops here it goes... gently down... picking it up was another story! Well got it up again... The front brake clamp is a good idea so as not letting the Bike roll as is being in gear. THANKS! I thought I was the only one thinking about making a modified jack! Yours is a great MOD! Might I suggest, as long as you're carrying the Jack, cut a few pieces of 2x6 to make some blocks, just in case you're in soft ground so the Jack doesn't sink and you can use them to "chock up" the Bike while Jacking or taking a break as you go... You can always use them as a Jiffy Stand base too!

[kimcoltonpottery]

I’m a 58 year old woman and just bought a gl1000 1978. I want to know everything I can. It was great to see your wife help out too. Im excited to get this bike rolling. The best part of the video was seeing older folks sharing info. A huge plus I appreciate so much thank you 😉

[BAHRAMCR]

what a great demonstration, thank you for going through such a thorough procedure. I learned a lot.

[PC]

71 and just bought a '59 Duo Glide so thankyou. Dropped my '78 Electra when I was 44 and couldn't get it up until a little old lady rushed out of a pub and climbed onto the footboard on the other side. Left her beer on the pavement, picked it up as I cranked the bike back into life and went back into the smokey bar again. Everyone needs a little old lady to pick up the pieces eh?

[MicMurphy]

great teaching!! my MSF class didnt teach us how to lift up a bike to my rememberance. but this was a blessing to watch even if i dont ride one i can always help someone else. Bike i ride 2002 Suzuki Kitana 750f. God Bless you

[rdbjr]

Paul, I watched your video today, 8 yrs after you first published it. At 69, I found it very informative. Thank you very much. I hope that you and your family are doing well. I like to think that you’re still riding. Thanks again!

[DFDuck]

The coolest technique I ever saw was in the early 1970's, an elderly gentleman dropped his Harley crossing railroad tracks (I lived in a town with rr tracks down the middle of the main street and often saw people on motorcycles and bicycles fall down crossing the tracks wrong.) Before I could get over to him to help, he cranked the front wheel, held the front brake, then slowly slipped the clutch out (with the engine running) and the bike stood itself up.

[bigdan]

I am just a kid at 62 and have only been riding 50 years, but I found your suggestions very helpful . . . especially the scissor jack . . . I'll be getting one for my Tour-Pak.