HOW-TO GUIDES

How to Pick Up a Motorcycle That’s Fallen or Tipped Over

Whether navigating rocky trails or cruising city streets, the occasional tip-over is sometimes part of the adventure of riding a motorcycle. While the sight of your beloved machine lying on its side can be initially jarring, mastering the art of picking up a motorcycle and getting back on course is a crucial skill for every rider. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently pick up a motorcycle that’s fallen or tipped over, whether you have a helping hand or are flying solo.

HOW TO PICK UP A MOTORCYCLE THAT’S FALLEN BY YOURSELF

Even without a partner, you can still get your motorcycle back in the game after it’s fallen, and you may be surprised just how easily it can be done. Many of the steps for picking up even a heavy motorcycle on your own are the same as when it’s done with a partner. Once you’ve assessed the scene and prepped the motorcycle, follow these steps:

Assess the Scene: Check the surrounding area for traffic, oncoming vehicles or potential hazards. Ensure you're visible to any approaching vehicles, especially if you're driving on a road.
Check Yourself: Before attempting any maneuvers, take a moment to check yourself and any riding partners for injuries. If someone is hurt, seek medical attention immediately and tend to your tipped motorcycle after.
Check Your Motorcycle: Assess any damage to the motorcycle. Verify there are no sharp edges or protrusions that could injure you while performing the lift to pick up your motorcycle. Make sure your motorcycle is able to remain upright once the lift is complete and that there is no damage to the side stand. Check to ensure there are no leaking fluids that could be a source of a slip hazard. Finally, identify and avoid any hot engine or exhaust components that could potentially be a burn hazard during the lift. If these areas are still hot, then it’s recommended to wait until the parts have cooled before attempting a lift.
Engine Off: Turn off the run/stop switch to prevent accidental ignition.
Lighten the Load: If your motorcycle is loaded with motorcycle luggage or bags, consider unloading them temporarily to make your motorcycle lighter and easier to lift.
Lock the Rear Wheel: Put the motorcycle in gear to prevent the rear wheel from rolling during the lifting process.
Clear the Ground: Ensure you have secure footing by clearing loose gravel, rocks, or any uneven terrain around the motorcycle.
Stand First: Extend the kickstand before attempting to lift the motorcycle. This will help to provide stability once it's upright.
Lock the Handlebar: Pull the handlebar closest to the ground towards you to its full lock position for better control.
Lift: With one hand firmly on the handlebars and the other on the frame or engine guard, slightly lift the motorcycle until the tires touch the ground.
Walk and Lift: Take small backward steps while looking up, gradually pulling the motorcycle upright alongside you onto the previously extended kickstand. Again, remember to use your large leg muscles for lifting, not your back.

HOW TO PICK UP A DROPPED MOTORCYCLE WITH A PARTNER

Lifting a tipped motorcycle with a partner is the easiest and most efficient way to get your motorcycle upright. Make sure to follow these steps:

Assess the Scene: Check the surrounding area for traffic, oncoming vehicles or potential hazards. Ensure you're visible to any approaching vehicles, especially if you're driving on a road.
Check Yourself: Before attempting any maneuvers, take a moment to check yourself and any riding partners for injuries. If someone is hurt, seek medical attention immediately and tend to your tipped motorcycle after.
Check Your Motorcycle: Assess any damage to the motorcycle. Verify there are no sharp edges or protrusions that could injure you while performing the lift to pick up your motorcycle. Make sure your motorcycle is able to remain upright once the lift is complete and that there is no damage to the side stand. Check to ensure there are no leaking fluids that could be a source of a slip hazard. Finally, identify and avoid any hot engine or exhaust components that could potentially be a burn hazard during the lift. If these areas are still hot, then it’s recommended to wait until the parts have cooled before attempting a lift.
Engine Off: Turn off the run/stop switch to prevent accidental ignition.
Lighten the Load: If your motorcycle is loaded with motorcycle luggage or bags, consider unloading them temporarily to make your motorcycle lighter and easier to lift.
Lock the Rear Wheel: Put the motorcycle in gear to prevent the rear wheel from rolling during the lifting process.
Clear the Ground: Ensure you have secure footing by clearing loose gravel, rocks, or any uneven terrain around the motorcycle.
Get in Position: Instruct your partner to stand on the rear tire with a firm grip on the rear rack or frame.
Lift: Squat down with your back to the motorcycle, facing the opposite direction.
Control the Handlebars: Pull the handlebar closest to the ground towards you to its full lock position.
Steady Grip: With your other hand, grab a secure hold on the frame or a sturdy handlebar grip.
Lift In-Sync: On the count of three, both partners should lift simultaneously. Your partner pushes up on the rear tire while you pull up on the handlebars and frame. Be sure to use your large leg muscles for lifting, not your back. Look directly into the sky as you lift to help maintain proper form and help avoid injury.
Stand Deployment: Once the motorcycle is upright, have your partner guide it onto the center stand or kickstand. Take a moment to catch your breath, recheck for damage, and assess if you're good to go.

Want to see what these steps look like in practice? Follow along with the additional guidance to learn how to pick up a dropped motorcycle in the video below.

Looking to learn more motorcycle skills and best practices? To take your ride to the next level and sign up for a Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy course today. Gain confidence in new scenarios and set off on new adventures with our expert instructors.