Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050
V-Strom specific discussion => V-Strom specific discussion => Topic started by: salex on October 09, 2013, 19:10:09
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Hi blokes,
I've had my Vee for 3 weeks now and for some reason I've managed to drop it on it's side 3 times (all of them in my work car park ) it may just been that my bike doesn't like being at work (I know how it feels). I can hop on the bike OK, it seems to be when I come to get off the bike that I struggle. I tend to turn the bars to the left to dip the bike and make it lean on the side stand fully and then go to swing my off the bike (I should say I have a Givi top box on). I'm not sure if I didn't manage to get my trousers caught round the foot peg or stand this morning and the next thing I knew I was lying on the floor with the bike on top of me (god their heavy! thank god for long way round - it taught me how to get a bike of that size back upright).
The odd thing is I can ride the bike fine and when I get home I have no problem getting off it - it's literally only in the work car park.
I think my problem is because I've been so use to riding round on my vl125 cruiser and have now gone up to my lovely tourer and need to get used to the different height and center of gravity.
I was just wondering if anyone else has ever had problems or is it just me being a newbie numpty?
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Why don't you flick the side stand down and let it rest on that before getting off?
:)
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Hi I have only had my bike about six weeks and I suffer with getting off the thing , luckily I haven't dropped it yet though , I stop in car park or wherever , turn the bike off ,put side stand down then lean the bike over so weight is taken of bike on stand , then step off on the same side.
When getting back on bike I put left foot on left foot peg and stand on it to straddle across bike ,this makes it dead easy for getting on bike .
I am only a short legged so I know how you feel , riding the bike is great , maneuvering it about is a nightmare,a lot of it is to do with confidence and that will come in time .
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Could you ask one of your colleagues to film you next time. I'm sure we'd all find it quite amusing :haha:
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Can u try stand on the peg and swing your leg over? My uncle does that as he is officially a shortass lol
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Same setup as me - Givi 52l Trekker top box and a new bike (had it a week today - woo-hoo). You need to ensure your left foot is securely planted and that you're supple enough to get your right leg forward, up and over while pivoting on your left - with side stand down and bars pulled hard left. Hard to describe really but if you're not flexible in your hips you'll struggle a bit.
Works for me. Well, so far :-)
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Could you ask one of your colleagues to film you next time. I'm sure we'd all find it quite amusing :haha:
Cheers for that Hugo - I had a couple of them in the car park laughing this morning. I can even see the funny side of it - but it blooming hurts and gives the confidence one heck of kicking.
Fabman66 - thanks for your post - sound like we have similar issues. I'm 6ft, but I've only got short legs. For some reason I seem able to (excuse the phrase) get my leg over OK when getting on the bike. Like you I lean it over onto the side stand and let that take the weight and then go to step off - I think I'm just a bit clumsy and as I say I think I caught either the peg or the rest with my jeans and ended up unsettling the bike. I think tomorrow I'll try tucking my jeans inside my boots and see if that makes a difference.
As you say it's a confidence thing - I just need to get mine back up where it needs to be - but I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like a plumb.
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Same setup as me - Givi 52l Trekker top box and a new bike (had it a week today - woo-hoo). You need to ensure your left foot is securely planted and that you're supple enough to get your right leg forward, up and over while pivoting on your left - with side stand down and bars pulled hard left. Hard to describe really but if you're not flexible in your hips you'll struggle a bit.
Works for me. Well, so far :-)
Thanks for that Zimcruza, that's what I've been trying to do - but I'm not sure if I've had my left foot planted in the right place (well obviously not as I've managed to knock the darn thing over 3 times) - I just need to get more flexability in my hips - the wife will be pleased :grin:
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You're not parking it on a downward slope at work are you? It'll happily roll off its stand with little encouragement while facing downhill.
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just John Wayne it,,, Side stand down ,, stand on ledt peg an stride off .. simples :shrug:
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You're not parking it on a downward slope at work are you? It'll happily roll off its stand with little encouragement while facing downhill.
now you mention it, it was stood at the top of a downhill slope this morning. if fact the front wheel may have moved a little when I went to get off. That may explain what happened. Tomorrow I'm going to stop it further back, get off (without dropping it) and then walk it down the slope to the garage!!! Jacko you're a genius :clap:
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when parking on slopes - always face up hill, in gear with a chock/kerb under the back wheel is possible.
if its facing downhill and you move it forward while throwing a leg over you can flip up the side stand and thinking it's still down, end up pinned under the bike on it's side.
or
just find a flat bit and walk a bit further. :shrug:
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Being a lanky bastard I don't have the problems you describe, but if you're parking on any sort of slope try leaving the bike in first when you stop. This will keep it solid and steady when you're getting on and off which may help given what you're describing.
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See, you're learning stuff. Aren't forums great. :)
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Hmm, I don't know why but I always grab a chunk of front brake when I getting on the bike.
I imagine it'd do pretty much the same thing as leaving it in first, no?
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See, you're learning stuff. Aren't forums great. :)
I really am learning loads, cheers everyone. :ty:
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Hmm, I don't know why but I always grab a chunk of front brake when I getting on the bike.
I imagine it'd do pretty much the same thing as leaving it in first, no?
Yes (I do the same :) ), but leaving it in first also stops it rolling off the stand in case of steep slopes/big gusts of wind! It's now just habit for me!
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I grab the front brake always... even on the mrs 125 Marauder than weight as much as a feather pillow.
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Hmm, I don't know why but I always grab a chunk of front brake when I getting on the bike.
I imagine it'd do pretty much the same thing as leaving it in first, no?
I do this when getting on too, I do it to stop it moving forward as I may inadvertently push the bars forward while getting on, habit.
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Well I'm in good company... :)
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I put the front brake on, but it's always in Neutral and I don't turn the bars inwards.
As everyone else says, park facing uphill.
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I'm 6ft4 and over 15 stone but have a bad back. I always use pegs for getting both on and off my strom (from side stand side, naturally) . Makes things so much easier. Especially if you have a top box fitted as you can bend your leg more and not kick your box every time. Thought that what pegs were for, bit of a waste only having them there just for resting your feet on !.
They'll take the weight and so will the side stand. Just be very cautious on softer ground. You will soon get used to this method without disrupting the balance of the parked bike too much. I only use the centre stand for maintenance or long term storage. A parked bike should always be in first gear before you alight. Stops it from going anywhere. that's my 2 penneth. Each to their own and whatever suits you best. Good luck.
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Only had mine a week and a half and find it the hardest bike I've had to get on and off (but also tallest)but presume practice makes perfect. (hope that don't come back to bite me!!)
I'm putting the side stand down before getting off but can catch the seat/or boxes with right boot sometimes. Have tried drawing my leg 'through' (over drivers seat) but end up hopping backwards, much to the delight of anyone watching!!!
I must say I had been concerened about the bike rolling off the side stand because I did think that it doesn't push forward very much when down so I've been very careful where I park it. Did wonder if it was me but obviously it's standard problem!
Yep!! learning loads on this forum, thanks all!!
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I do the straight leg through and over the seat thing, on and off, it's the only way with boxes on without getting tangled up. You get used to the height, anything else seems small when you're used to a full sized Adventure bike, even something like a Pan.
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ALWAYS park in first gear and it becomes habit - whether it is on a slope or not. Just like you wouldn't park your car without putting the handbrake on.
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When you get off, apply the front brake and allow the bars to turn slightly to the right. That will cause the bike to lean towards you and give you more control.
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When you get off, apply the front brake and allow the bars to turn slightly to the right. That will cause the bike to lean towards you and give you more control.
Pickaxe - I've been turning the bars to the left to dip the bike and make lean over onto the stand - you're saying to go the other way?
On a happier note I got to work this morning and managed to get off the bike without incident - :lala:
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There goes my film then!
Spare a thought for the pillion, they have even less room to manoeuvre whilst getting on and off, and if they use the pegs before you're ready it can get decidedly wobbly.
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My routine
Stop in first gear. Turn the engine off with the key. release the clutch and rock either backwards or forwards (Forwards if down hill) untill the bike is against the gear. side stand down! (don't forget that step!) turn bars to right. Front brake!. Step off then pull bike towards left to make sure its on the stand properly. Turn bars back to left and lock steering with key.
Hope this helps in some strange way, I do this because I'm short. I do also stand on the pegs sometimes too and do it that way.
Cheers
Josh
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It may sound obvious, but why not practice getting off the bike a few times over and over somewhere private where you won't be mocked by chortling work colleagues? :) Practice makes perfect and it'll soon feel natural if you try it enough.
But yeah, I also subconsciously put the front brake on. Getting off and on isn't normally a problem as I'm tall, but when I have all my Kriega bags strapped to the pillion seat it's a bit trickier to throw my leg over. But I find if I turn the bars to full right lock, then hold the front brake I have enough space and stability to do it.
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Sensible suggestion, Matt. Park next to a nice soft field where it won't get damaged and practice.
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My routine
Stop in first gear. Turn the engine off with the key. release the clutch and rock either backwards or forwards (Forwards if down hill) untill the bike is against the gear. side stand down! (don't forget that step!) turn bars to right. Front brake!. Step off then pull bike towards left to make sure its on the stand properly. Turn bars back to left and lock steering with key.
Hope this helps in some strange way, I do this because I'm short. I do also stand on the pegs sometimes too and do it that way.
Cheers
Josh
I tried the turn the bars to right technique tonight when I got home and seemed to make it easier my foot was nowhere near the top box at all.
But I think you're all right - need to find a quite area and just practice getting off and on again.
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Using the pegs to get off makes it much easier. I also always put the side stand down before the wife gets on/off.
My brother used to kick my fazer over by catching his leg on the topbox.. He doesn't ride the Strom!
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Well it's not "Lovely and New" any more is it. :angry-tappingfoot:
Come to a halt, put both feet down, flick out the side stand and swing your leg over the back. Step off on the left every time and let the sidestand so the work. Just get ready for what you do the day your foot slips out from under you due to ice, etc. :old:
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WOOHOO I've gone 2 days without messing up getting off the bike - I think I may have actually cracked it (touch wood) :grin:
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:thumb:
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Now just wait for the day you get so comfortable with it that you accidentally get off having forgot to put the side stand down... :grin: Almost happened to me once or twice!
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I have done that.
Nice ZX6R, rode it up the drive, got off without side stand. Bugger.
Didn't even have the excuse of it being new. Had owned it for years and used it every day.
A moment of madness :)
Haven't dropped a bike in recent years. Nearest I came recently was on my Blackbird when my 17st son lunged onto the pillion seat. :)
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When you get off, apply the front brake and allow the bars to turn slightly to the right. That will cause the bike to lean towards you and give you more control.
Pickaxe - I've been turning the bars to the left to dip the bike and make lean over onto the stand - you're saying to go the other way?
On a happier note I got to work this morning and managed to get off the bike without incident - :lala:
Yes always to the right. If you do it the other way, it wants to fall away from you and you're leaning further across it and off balance.
I spent 20 years riding heavy police bikes and trust me, you only want the embarrassment of dropping one of them once.
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When you get off, apply the front brake and allow the bars to turn slightly to the right. That will cause the bike to lean towards you and give you more control.
Pickaxe - I've been turning the bars to the left to dip the bike and make lean over onto the stand - you're saying to go the other way?
On a happier note I got to work this morning and managed to get off the bike without incident - :lala:
Yes always to the right. If you do it the other way, it wants to fall away from you and you're leaning further across it and off balance.
I spent 20 years riding heavy police bikes and trust me, you only want the embarrassment of dropping one of them once.
Only once?? I'd done it three times till I read your advice lol
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I think I've cracked it , I've not dropped it for 3 months now - loving the veeee!!!! :auto-dirtbike:
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Glad you got there. It took me about 2 months to be comfortable on/off.
I only have short legs and a very stiff back but manage without difficulty now.
Different matter with full luggage and pillion. That still takes a bit of prior planning. :shock:
Wife and I spent ages watching how other rider and pillion combos did it. She now uses footpeg and puts hand on my shoulder as I lean forward with both feet (just) down and grabbing front brake.
Slightly off topic but how many here reverse their bike with the one hand at the rear technique? I have been trying but it doesn't feel right not covering the brake. Must be living in hilly Wales that does that :shy: I feel far more confident holding bars with both hands and steadying with hip if necessary. Doesn't twist my back either.
I think I'll ask works Moving and Handling Trainer to give her opinion.
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I use the hand on the seat method when reversing the bike, just leave it in gear hold the clutch in and let go when you want to stop. :)
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as imindoors said, I hold front brake whenever the mrs is getting on or off. just steadies the bike.
she stands on the left peg with left foot, hand on my left shoulder, right hand on the top box.
I tried getting on the back of a Burgman 400 (mrs the front) at the NEC last week and I couldn't do it without kicking the sh** out of the seat or topbox.
I used to sit on the bike and walk it backwards until I got used to the size and weight of a big bike after passing my test. now I'm quite comfortable throwing it around with wild abandon.
I do have the advantage of being fairly long in the leg and can flat foot the thing even with the higher seat I have. but it's always a problem until you get used to it.
Glad you have developed the knack Salex :clap:
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I dropped mine several times while getting off it too so I feel your pain :) I'm 5'9 and even though I had the bike lowered I still find it awkward.
My advice: come to a stop, side stand down, turn bike off, hold front brake tightly with bars still straight, then (because I don't trust the sidestand) I cover it with my left foot, then raise up a little on to the ball of my left foot, lean forward and 'pull' back on the bars to lift myself up and forward enough to swing my right leg over. If you're going to do that though you have to keep the front brake on for obvious reasons :D I don't turn the bars to the usual 'left' position til I'm off the bike and I know it's going to stay put.
I hope that helps, it sounds weird but it works for shortarse me!
EDIT: imindoors - I don't :D I never wheel it anywhere except for cleaning the chain etc. I'm a total pansy and struggle with the weight. If I need to move it backwards I get on and paddle it backwards. For that reason I never ever park it nose in to anywhere I need to reverse out of, even when that involves a 2905824985204985 point turn (thank you, uni bike stands).
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I like my mrs plan... on her tiny 145kg cruiser...
If it's difficult, look helpless, and some big strong man will come and move it for you. OK it won't work for everyone :shrug:
her bike is so low I can walk up behind it and just walk onto the damn thing... I do feel like my bits are dragging on the floor it's that low. :shock:
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I sit on it an paddle it backwards if I am going to far, or between the two cars on my drive. If I am walking it, then it's two hands on the bars and a leg against the seat, while covering the front brake.
I need to try it in gear and pulling the clutch in and see how I get on with that.
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If it's difficult, look helpless, and some big strong man will come and move it for you. OK it won't work for everyone :shrug:
At the risk of a gender-betraying fatwa being issued by militant feminists, this works awesomely well. Great way of meeting blokes - if a bit rough on the bike! Still have the number of a dishy bloke that picked up my bike when I dropped it at Beaconsfield services :D
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:grin: It must get a bit tiring, pulling into every petrol station, eyeing up the talent and dropping your bike while uttering a helpless squeel! :shrug: Have you got a top-box full of spare left indicators? lol
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has it already been said ? what's wrong with the John Wayne method ????
Pull up find neutral and turn thr ignition off , keep the front brake on and the bars turned slightly to the right .. stand up on the left footpeg and swing you right nleg over,, or through if you have the topbox on
simples :shrug: I have dropped the bike :shy: :shy: but never getting on or off
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:grin: It must get a bit tiring, pulling into every petrol station, eyeing up the talent and dropping your bike while uttering a helpless squeel! :shrug: Have you got a top-box full of spare left indicators? ::):
:shock: I hope you are insured Gassoon.
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:grin: It must get a bit tiring, pulling into every petrol station, eyeing up the talent and dropping your bike while uttering a helpless squeel! :shrug: Have you got a top-box full of spare left indicators? ::):
Engine bars: best investment evAr!
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Finding getting on and off when solo OK now! Put side stand down first, bars to the right then swing leg over if no top box or through if top box on.
However the good lady still has 'fun' getting off (getting on not bad). She had an operation for torn ligaments years ago which limits her twisting movements in the left leg, we always have the top box on when we're together, so as said earlier, I lean forward and she pulls herself up and balances using my shoulders until she can get her left leg turned enough before pulling right leg through. (no!! apparently she can't get off on the right side!!.....but then neither can I).
She probably won't be out with me over winter so will have to start practicing again come the warmer weather.
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I strapped loads of bags to the seat when riding in the Alps in the summer... Was the first time I've ever had getting on/off difficulty (I'm larger than the average bear, much larger than the average human!)
Still I amazed myself with how high I managed to swing my leg to clear all the bags... Am thinking of representing England in the aerobics in the next Olympics now :)
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I thought just to drop into this thread with my way of getting on and off "the thing". I use the same technique for more then 20 years on any bike, street or dual sport or cross or cruiser... I have never dropped the bike getting on it or off. Here is how I do it and I have top case on it:
To get on it:
- Unlock the steering
- Turn the bars to the right but not full lock, it's more like somewhere between straight and full lock
- Grab both grips
- Bring the body closer to the bars
- Start lifting the right leg and bending the knee at the same time, as much as possible
- Right leg is now bent and in the air, so the knee will reach the seat first while foot is still away
- Throw right knee over the seat (leg is still bent as much as possible)
- Keep holding the bars with both hands
- After the knee crosses over the seat the foot starts to go over it on the rear part of the seat
- After you feel that foot has already crossed the top of the seat start straightening the leg
- Done
To get off:
- Side stand down
- Let the bike fall to the left, to get fully supported on the stand and your left foot
- Make sure now the weight of the bike is on the side stand and weight of your body is on your left foot
- Turn bars right, to the point half-way between straight and full lock
- Supporting your weight on left foot bring your body a bit forward
- Don't try to get off but start bending your right leg first
- After you feel the leg is bent as much as possible, start to get it over the seat but keep it bent
- Keeping the leg bent, the foot will first start to get over the seat and just then the knee will follow
- Keep holding your bars with both hands
- When right foot touches the ground, you're done
This may sound complex but trust me, it's not. The only important point is to get on and off always with your right leg bent as much as possible and to keep bars turned as described above. I find it simple and I'm doing it right thiese cold days with ton of clothes on and trousers on with thick winter trousers over them. So, lots of thick clothing and I'm not young anymore.
Do it 3-4 times and then it'll become natural and you'll never even think of it anymore and never drop the bike anymore.
So, to resume, the bent knee goes over the seat first, always. Ah, and keep the engine off and in 1st gear.
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I'm just telling the mrs that I'm reading how to get my leg over :) She told me not to bother :) :)
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To the Quotes Museum! And don't spare the horses!
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.....
Start lifting the right leg and bending the knee at the same time, as much as possible
- Right leg is now bent and in the air, so the knee will reach the seat first while foot is still away
- Throw right knee over the seat (leg is still bent as much as possible)
- Keep holding the bars with both hands
- After the knee crosses over the seat the foot starts to go over it on the rear part of the seat
- After you feel that foot has already crossed the top of the seat start straightening the leg
- Done
.......
- Don't try to get off but start bending your right leg first
- After you feel the leg is bent as much as possible, start to get it over the seat but keep it bent
- Keeping the leg bent, the foot will first start to get over the seat and just then the knee will follow
- Keep holding your bars with both hands
- When right foot touches the ground, you're done
That's the way I've done it since first getting my 955i Tiger. The only slight snag is it tends to drag your boot down the offside pannier, leaving a nasty scuff.
I'm always very dubious about using the prop stand and standing on the footrest as some advocate - that just seems to be a topple waiting to happen.
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Well I have to say I must try this standing on the left peg when getting off as I too am a clumsy **** and knocked mine over the other day only had it a week lol :ty: for the info I shall try this when I have modified my garden to get me strom out lol cheers :) :) :) and I seem to drag my right boot across the seat :shock:
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just John Wayne it,,, Side stand down ,, stand on ledt peg an stride off .. simples :shrug:
Yep best way :)
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I suspect the side stand is not designed to take the weight of a rider ...
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If it can handle a loaded bike, I suspect a rider will make sfa difference :)
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I'm over 15 stone and have ridden with luggage. The side stand is still as it was when I bought the bike. Side stand down and onto the pegs to get on & off.
I'm sure there is nothing in the manual about the side stand.
If it snaps it snaps. I'll buy another one!
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Along with all the bits that break when your bike falls over whilst you're getting off... ;)
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Is this a trick question? Surely it is the opposite of how you got on it in the first place?!
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Its not a bloody camel ! just stick your right leg over the seat ( unless you want to go backwards )and take a hop towards the bike and on you go, that's how I do it with or without luggage on the seat, no need to stand on the peg's and at 5' 8" and at 70 years old I am probably a bit smaller and stiffer than most of you lot, read instructions in reverse to get off the bike :)
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Are you sure you're cut out for motorcycling ?? lol