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Dropping the bike

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1768230793#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter LimaNiner
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LimaNiner

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May 3, 2025
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2
Location
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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2025 R18 Transcontinental
I've had my 2025 R18 TC for less than 2 months and I've dropped it 5 or 6 times, always while completely stopped. I know why each drop happened and I know the fix is to find a big parking lot and practice, practice, practice. The engine guard and the Wunderlich panier guards have prevented damage to the bike parts put the guards themselves are badly scratched. Does anyone know of any type of protection for the guards themselves? Thanks in advance!
 
I have a couple of buddies who are part of the Department's HWY Wheel Unit, where they compete at different Police maneuver courses and competitions; they practice, with either an attached collar on their engine protection bars or a section of discarded fire hose covering the protection bars.


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I've seen people running these. They will of course get damaged when you drop it, but are cheaper to replace than the hardware.

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Star-Lord said:
I have a couple of buddies who are part of the Department's HWY Wheel Unit, where they compete at different Police maneuver courses and competitions; they practice, with either an attached collar on their engine protection bars or a section of discarded fire hose covering the protection bars.


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Thank you!
 
Hello. Here are my 2 cents.

NEVER use the front brake at the final stop. And keep handlebars straight.

Handlebars turned and front brake on will pull the bike like a magnet to the ground.

Practice by stopping the bike with rear brake only ( final 2-3 feet).
 
What, so now we have protection devices to protect the protection devices?

Ok then. I suggest you better be wrapping the new devices with rubber to protect them.
 
protecting the protection is the R18 rider´s version of who guards the guards?

I am aghast about how normal toppling over is regarded. I am súddenly realising that those pop down stability/trainer wheels I have seen on GoldWings are actually neccessary :eek:
 
I want to hear more about how you're dropping your bike 5 or 6 times, while completely stopped...

I dropped my R18 B moving it around in my garage, onto an outdoor carpet (so, no damage ); where I wasn't on the bike, but alongside it - the weight plus turned handlebars didn't help.. I'll never do that again,

You must be an expert at picking up the bike...? What move do you use to stand the bike back up? When dropping the bike, is it always on the same side?
 
I’ve dropped mine 3 times, once while practicing stopping, the other two while on gravel (stopped). I put my foot down and the gravel starts sliding under my feet. I haven’t been able to pick it up on my own. I’ve been fortunate that someone has stopped and helped.
 
These trainer wheels are so pathetic.

To master U turns and slow speed turns, learn the simple technique of friction zone while keeping the head and eyes turned.

It is easy to practice figure of 8s and U turns even on a heavy bike. Highway patrol police officers do it all the time.

 
anjumkha said:
These trainer wheels are so pathetic.

To master U turns and slow speed turns, learn the simple technique of friction zone while keeping the head and eyes turned.

It is easy to practice figure of 8s and U turns even on a heavy bike. Highway patrol police officers do it all the time.
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I see the problem more as a (near)standstoill/stopping thing.
 
Petrus said:
me training with the bicycle wheels; pedaled up to 4500 feet this morning for breakfast at 08.00 up there. On the pedals about three time a week; should keep the legs capable of keeping the bike upright enough 🤞
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Strength is nothing without leverage. We're talking only about the bike at a stop. Leg strength means nothing with the TC moving even at 1 MPH. We're not in the Flintstones.

Also, I'm just trying to relate to others in the audience here and not my own little bubble.

Let's think about someone with a 28 inch inseam and maybe 1 inch more height with boots on the TC's seat height of 29.1 inches. This means they are on their toes. Sit on a TC, get on your tip toes only, tip the bike 10, 15, 20, or 25 degrees and then try to fight it upright. Is leg strength enough? You're not really using on thighs and calves here. You're using ankle and feet muscles. Then think about stops on non-level non-flat surfaces that brings the ground even further away to at least 1 if not both sides.
 
Whilst I can control my R18 ok now (64yo), when the time comes that my physicality becomes marginal to man handle my R18 when required without an occasional "oops" , so not a crash more just a drop onto it's side at standstill, would I decide to get a 350cc royal end"of life and all hope" or ride into the night on a slightly scratched R18? It's a life choice...... "Do not go gentle into that good night"

It would be an ideal time to "mad max" one's R18..... some 'roo bars, a swag strapped to one side and a water can on the other (crush zones), mabe a pick handle lashed across the bars to use to leverage it back onto the stand..... maybe also a Pavoni lever expresso machine so you can pull a shot or two where it lays before the long haul back up...

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