Last year, while living in Reno, I decided to take a quick ride, out of the city in the spring sunshine. There aren’t many ways to go out of Reno, and really only two fun roads until you get to the Sierras. I was heading to one that led to Virginia City.

I made it exactly 3 blocks from the house. I dropped my bike at a red light, while I was busy looking at a huge 3 trailer truck. The distraction cost me, as when I looked back at the path, a car was right in front of me. I grabbed some of both brakes and lost my balance. Realizing it was falling, I stepped off the Bandit and let it fall to the ground alone. Ouch, man did that hurt my pride.

Well…now what? Here is the bandit napping in the middle of traffic with at least a million cars staring at me. “Uhhhhhh, what is she going to do next?” No one was running to my aide, so I was forced to TRY and pick it up.

Here are the steps to pick up a bike.

This is Carol Youorski’s method
aka “SKERT”

First…..
“HIT THE KILL SWITCH
TURN OFF THE GAS, if necessary.

When the motor is running, the spinning rear tire could cause injury. Additionally, when a bike is on its side, no oil is circulating in the motor which could cause it to seize. Remember the the engine cutoff switch is always located on the right hand grip. The ignition key could be anywhere (including on the ground side!).

Before attempting to pick up any motorcycle by yourself, ask for help! Just because you can pick it up, does not mean that you must pick it up by yourself.

This technique assumes that the motorcycle is on its left side. If it is on the right side, the same technique applies. Just remember to reverse your hands—left hand on the right hand grip and right hand under the seat. Also, remember to put the side stand down before raising the bike!

Make sure the bike is in gear—if you can get to the shifter. If the bike is not in gear and you cannot get it in gear, tie the front brake. The only good news here is that generally you were moving the motorcycle when it fell which would mean that it is in gear.

You must have good traction under your feet or your feet will slip. If there is gravel under your feet, sweep it away with your boots until you get dirt—same for grass.

Place your butt in the middle of the seat.

Stoop down and take the left grip in your right hand. Pull the grip until it is as close to the tank as possible.

With your left hand find something sturdy to grab hold of under the seat. The closer your left hand is to your body the better. Do not use a plastic part or anything that will easily bend or break.

Place your butt mid way on the edge of the seat. This is CRUCIAL.
The placement of your butt too high or too low on the seat will not give you the leverage angle.

Place your feet close together.
You are pushing the bike with your butt and upper legs. You will have to pull up with your arms a bit—but mostly you will be pushing the bike up with your legs.”

Be careful not to push the bike over the other side ; )

Here also is a video that easily illustrates this same method.

Well the end to my story is that I lucked out and another rider who was in a pickup jumped to my aid and helped me just as i began this process. Saved again!! I picked up the scattered pieces that had come off the bike and called it a day. Why not take the hint that one might possibly be better off just going home!

The Bandit, especially when recently filled with gas is incredibly top heavy, so help is always preferred, but I can do this using Skert’s method and have!