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Author Topic: Dropping your bike normal?  (Read 207 times)

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Offline Syn

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Dropping your bike normal?
« on: June 14, 2010, 10:27:46 PM »
So, I rode my bike for the first time tonight (first time ever on a motorcycle) and I had little to no problem going up and down the alley, but the last run, turning around i panicked and forgot what gear I was in(Turns out it was second) I let the clutch out and the bike jumped forward and tipped over.

I was perfectly fine, aswell as the bike(Flooded I think? and Oil pressure light was on)

The bike I bought has been layed down before, are bikes built to take some drops? or is it really really bad?

Ps. I LOVE IT! I cant want to have my license and actually be able to take her out on the road!
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Offline Ryan

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #1 on: June 15, 2010, 08:45:24 AM »
I think most bikes are build with the idea that they might be "tipped over" by accident at some point.  I would just make sure that if that does happen, that the rider picks the pick up ASAP because I would think that sitting on its side for any period would make things progressively worse.  If anyone else thinks otherwise, please let me know as this is just an assumption on my part.
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Offline morgal

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2010, 10:36:24 PM »
Well depends on the bike.
older carborated bikes may have issues starting if they tip. Time will solve the gas in the carborator however.  Also most bikes will have a kill switch that activates if they tip over so the bike will stop.

As for dropping the bike normal...you really shouldn't drop the bike it can really damage the outside, and ideally should not be dropped.
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Offline Comet650

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2010, 06:11:04 PM »
Take a course before you get back on your bike. It is much better to drop someone else's bike while learning and becoming comfortable on a bike. It will also teach you valuable skills you may not think of practicing on your own.
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Offline Syn

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2010, 09:14:56 PM »
I already finished the course (: Took the Alberta Safety Council last weekend, I loved it, turns out the Instructor lives down the road from me (Saw him well practicing emergency breaking in my alley haha) I have my road test in the morning, Im super nervous, I havent had any real input well driving on the streets (Been practicing by myself in residential, No one to ride with me.) None the less, I really really really hope I dont fail, Im missing half a day of work to take it
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Offline madjak30

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2010, 09:46:30 PM »
I assume all went well with your road test...as for dropping your bike being normal...statistically yes, most new riders will drop their bike at some time.  Most often at low speed (like you did).  Gravel or dirt is probably the hardest place to practice for a street bike.  Street bikes are heavier than a dirt bike and a lot of the weight is near the top of the bike...once it starts to go down, it's almost unstoppable (mostly because you are not expecting it, hence the term accident...lol)

Yes, it can damage the bike.  But you bought a good learning bike in the Ninja 500, they have a minimal faring so not much plastic to break.  Bikes with lots of chrome and bits sticking out are more susceptible to damage.  Ryan is correct to pick up the bike ASAP, if for no other reason than to stop the fuel from spilling out.  Being a carbureted bike, your Ninja would have flooded and the fuel would start leaking and soaking the air filter...not good...not terrible either.  The fuel will dry and the flooding will pass, but it is best to avoid this.  Make sure you check the clutch lever, brake lever/reservoir and all other controls on your bike...any damage should be fixed before riding...safety first!!  Obviously, the faster you are going, the more damage can be done to the bike.  But now you have had your drop, not that it can't happen again, but you will most likely be more cautious.

Good luck!   8)
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Offline grilldemon

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Re: Dropping your bike normal?
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2010, 06:12:37 PM »
Best place to start learning is on a dirt bike. It doesn't hurt as much(it still can hurt) when you fall, and less damage when you drop your bike. I have wiped out countless times on my dirtbikes over the years, usually only my pride gets hurt and maybe a lever or some plastic. Riding basics(clutch control, throttle, braking) are important in dirt bikes, and once you acquire dirt skills, they will help you on the street.
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