10 Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Tip-Overs

Motorcycles unlock a child-like wonder in many of us thanks to the freedom and excitement they generate.

However, they can also conjure childhood memories of you falling off your first bike — repeatedly. It might’ve been a fairly inconsequential mistake back then, but a motorcycle tip over is dangerous and frustrating. If you’re new to riding, here are 10 pieces of advice to help you avoid dumping your motorcycle.

1. Utilize the Side Stand

Motorcycles have a built-in falling deterrent designed into their frame. You just need to remember to use it.

When you give the stand a firm kick to engage it, look down and ensure it’s fully retracted and sitting on some firm ground before dismounting.

2. Position the Handlebars Straight and Square

Suddenly turning your handlebars compromises your balance and puts you at risk for falling.

To avoid one of the most common reasons for tip-overs, keep your motorcycle aligned straight whenever possible, especially when stopping and braking. Whether it’s happening quickly or slowly, accommodate to the speed of the action to receive the best results.

3. Keep Your Eyes Up

Try walking in a straight line while looking directly up or down. You’ll quickly notice that your path does not stay straight.

The same concept applies when driving a motorcycle, and its consequences can create dangerous scenarios. By practicing a concept known as visual direction control — which entails orienting your eyes 3-4 seconds ahead of your current position — you will become a better overall driver who understands how to remain balanced.

4. Avoid Unstable Surfaces

Between slopes, slippery roads and driveways and uneven ground (like gravel), you need to practice added vigilance when placing your feet down to establish stability.

5. Use the Front Brakes Selectively

Do not take this advice as, “Do not use your front brake.” This component will likely provide more than 70 percent of your stopping power when decelerating from higher speeds, thus making the mastery of the front brake tantamount to your success.

When you’re traveling at slower speeds, which do not require a lot of force, stick to the rear brake for gradual speed reduction.

6. Don’t Go Too Slow

Motorcycles remain upright due to gyroscopic and inertial forces, and slower speeds reduce the influence of these forces over the bike. Driving slow might seem more comfortable, but gaining momentum will foster a safer set of riding circumstances.

7. Avoid Sudden Changes in Speed

When your motorcycle experiences drastic swings in its influential forces, it can cause destabilization and force you to reestablish balance. This phenomenon is especially likely when suddenly stopping.

8. Operate a Bike That’s Appropriately Sized

You might have the dream of operating a massive cruiser that owns the roadways, but we all need to start somewhere. You’ll want to begin with a ride that’s smaller, lighter and easier for you to hold up, which will help to facilitate your understanding of basic riding skills better.

9. Learn How to Push Your Bike

It might seem like a given, but manually moving your bike presents challenges that often lead to drops in new owners. Avoid scratching or denting the paint and chrome by standing to the side, taking hold of both handlebars and leaning the bike slightly against your thigh for additional support. If you’re tall enough, you can staddle-walk the bike to where you want to go.

10. Remove Your Motorcycle’s Disc Locks

Removable disc locks fit near the brake caliper to discourage thieves from rolling the motorcycle away. However, forgetting to disengage the lock system will lead to an ugly stop not too far down the road.

Buy disc locks with motion detection to improve the feature’s efficiency while also giving you another way to remember their existence.

Susquehanna Valley H-D® will consult with you to discuss the most effective methods for motorcycle tip-over protection. Contact us today with any questions you might have!