Ride for long enough, and you'll drop your bike a time or two. Here's how to pick up any motorcycle without destroying your back.
Growing up, I learned to ride on the only "spare" bike my dad had available. Unfortunately for me, that bike was a 1997 R 1100GS, which is both obscenely tall and obscenely heavy for a new rider to learn on.
Keeping that in mind, it should come as no surprise that the first time I took the big ADV out for a proper street ride, I immediately dropped it five feet after leaving our driveway.
"This isn't me... but I know very well what the guy is going through..."
Assuming (correctly) that this would be a semi-regular occurrence, Dad insisted I pick it up on my own. He explained how to do it, mind you, but he never got off his bike to help. Call it a trial by fire.
I still use the method dad taught me to this day, but I've also learned there's more than one way to skin this particular cat. That's especially true if you don't want to injure yourself in the process...
Below are the four tried-and-true methods I've learned over the last few decades on how to pick up any motorcycle in any situation.
The Classic "Back to the Bike" Lift
"Knee angle will adjust based on the angle of the bike and your own personal range of strength."
This is the way most riders are taught how to pick up a motorcycle, and it's the way my pops taught me to pick up his heavy BMW back in the day: crouch low, put your back to the bike, press your butt in the middle of the seat, and lift with your legs.
This is a great option when you're on flat, reasonably firm ground. It's also a smart move for heavier bikes, as it forces you to leverage your lower body while putting your lower back out of the equation.
"Head up throughout movement will help maintain posture."
To do this correctly, turn the handlebars toward you and grab hold of the grip with one hand and something solid at the rear with the other (footpeg, luggage rack, etc.). Keep your lower back straight as you lift, and slowly "walk" the bike back up as you go.
If your bike fell with the kickstand on the outside, you can also put it down before you begin, so you'll be able to immediately set the bike down on the opposite side once it's up off the ground.
| Takeaway: The "back to the bike" lift provides maximum leverage without risking your back. Ideal for heavier bikes and fairly flat/solid surfaces. |
The Handlebar Lift
The handlebar lift is my go-to for lighter bikes like dual sports. This one works by grabbing the handlebar closest to the ground, turning the wheel away from you, and lifting with both hands on the same grip while facing the motorcycle.
By putting the outer bar as far away from the bike as possible, you give yourself maximum leverage for the lift. This one requires focus on good form (straight back, lifting with only your legs for the first half), but it's usually the quickest way to right your bike.
"One of the simplest lifts available"
Yes, you can absolutely do this with heavier bikes as well, but depending on your age/fitness, you may feel safer going a more conventional route. The wider your bar, the better your leverage, so this one is best reserved for the ADV/dual sport crowd.
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Takeaway: The handlebar lift is ideal for wider, off-road-style handlebars. It's not my first choice for heavier machines (including most street bikes), but it's safe and efficient when done correctly. |
The Forward Squat
"If the above lifts are not the right fit or the terrain is a bit sketchy, try this lift as an alternative."
Lifting with your legs is the best way to pick up a heavy ADV, but when the terrain is steep and/or sketchy, you'll need to focus on your footing and balance. That's where the forward squat method comes into play.
This is done by getting down on one knee beside the bike, putting your chest over the seat, and grabbing hold of two low points on the bike. Push the motorcycle forward and upright with your legs, only using your hands and arms to grip the bike as you push.
"Lucky for us, we had an ADV bike with crash bars to grab onto."
By "hinging" your body over the seat, you're once again taking your lower back out of the equation. Once you've pushed the bike up near the balance point, you'll have enough control to safely stand up and straighten out.
| Takeaway: The forward squat is how you should lift a motorcycle on steeper terrain, especially heavier bikes like full-sized ADVs. It focuses on balance and stability in situations where facing away from the bike isn't ideal. |
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The Buddy Lift
"Reduce the weight by half by adding a buddy."
Last but not least, the all-important buddy lift. You know the one: call your buddy over to help you lift the bike, then pretend like you're really struggling while you let them do the heavy lifting. This is, without a doubt, the best way to conserve energy.
In all seriousness, most of us ride with a friend or two, and if you've got an extra set of hands available, you should use them. Check the ego at the door and ask for help: your body will thank you later.
Buddy-lifting can really be any combination of the three methods above, with someone at the front and someone at the rear. Anyway you look at it, you're splitting the work in half and having help on hand to stabilize the bike once it's upright.
"Garrett and Eric tackle the lift together."
Whatever you do, agree on a game plan, then lift in unison, ideally from the same side of the motorcycle. Some folks swear by the "push/pull" method with one rider on either side, but because the initial lift is the hardest part, we generally advise against it.
The alternative here is having a buddy counterbalance the bike by standing on the rear tire, grabbing hold of the bike, then hanging their butt out in the air to add weight to the opposite side. This will make the lift easier for you and minimise the effort from them.
| Takeaway: Two hands are better than one. If you have the option of enlisting an able-bodied friend to help you pick up your bike, you should. Agree on how to lift the bike, then tackle it from the same side to split the heavy lifting. |
Hey riders, hope this article helped you get out there and explore more with less worry about what happens when you drop your bike. Let us know in the comments if you have a technique we haven't thought of.
Also, be on the lookout, as we have a video coming out on this exact topic. RIDE ON!
Check it out: OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE TRAINING
