My bike may be to heavy for me, what can I do?

Question

I'm 5'1, 102lbs. Just bought a bike today, was riding it and came to a stop at a uneven street. Tried to balance it out but the weight was to much and I was dropped it. Its a Kawasaki 89 EX500. There is no motorcycle as far as weight that I can lift. Is there a technique? Should I just lift weights or something to build up strength? By the way, I only paid $500 for the bike to use a practice/starter bike so I wouldn't feel bad in case something like this were to happen.

Yes I also can't put both feet flat down on the ground at stops. I'm going to take some of the foam out so I'm guessing that will help with the dropping issue. Also I'm still not 100% on stopping smoothly.

So should I wait until I get the seat shaved to go out practicing again?

Matt, I've taken the MSF course, but thats all. I didn't want to mess with the suspension so I'm going to just take the foam out of the seat.

emucompboy- it has a coolant fan on or off button, I believe it didn't work before but he fixed and its fine now. I only paid $500 for the bike and it is for practice so I wouldn't mind putting a bit of money into it.

Answer 1

It's part technique, but you need the strength to back it up.
Be aware of the ' breaking point of when the balance will get away from you' avoid leaning the bike too far over at low speed or stops.
And by all means , start a specific workout that will strengthen you legs ( like squats or leg press) and triceps ( the back of your upper arm)
Even better than being able to pick it up , is being able to keep from dropping it.

Answer 2

It's not strength you need but leverage. I've seen well muscled men straining to lift bikes because they don't know how to use leverage. If you tip over, turn off the key and gas. Then turn the handle bars so that the front wheel is pointed away from you.
Now push and lift on the handle bars and the bike will roll upward.
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Some extra hints:
Have engine guards installed, they will protect your engine and make it easier to stand the bike upright if it falls over again. Don't get the big loops, they are not as strong as engine guards and if you get into an accident, they can bend backward and pinch your feet.
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Since you don't weigh much, you can soften your suspension quite a bit.
Set the rear shock and the front forks to their softest setting.
Your tire air pressure can be lowered as well to it's minimum.
This alone could lower the bike an inch or more.
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Either buy a custom seat or take your seat to an upholstery shop and have them make the seat thinner.
If you are in the market for new tires, buy the lowest profile you can.
On some bikes, you can loosen the pinch bolts that support the front forks and lower the frame slightly. Do this carefully, a little bit at a time, as it causes quicker steering at the expenses of straight line stability..

Answer 3

You could get the bike lowered by modifying the suspension. The cheapest way of doing this is to cut the springs down. It is not ideal because it results in a higher spring rate (harder springs). Also, ground clearance and handling are affected, yet these are not factors for beginning level riders.

I'm not sure about the EX500, but most bikes have a preload adjustment screw for the rear shocks. Simply lower the preload as much as possible.

A 500 is a relatively lightweight bike; you would have to drop down to a 110 scooter for a major weight reduction.

Answer 4

Have you taken riding lessons? If not, that's the first thing I would do - these teach you good habbits about how to keep it rubber side down.

Ok, the next thing I would do is to lower it to make it easier to flat-foot. This generally involves changing springs and links in the suspension, or having a mechanic do it for you. There is also the option of modifying the seat by removing the foam. Being able to get both feet flat on the ground will be a huge help in holding it up.

Answer 5

When you stop, do your best to have the motorcycle sitting vertical, straight upright, on its wheels. Don't let it lean when it's stopped. An ounce of prevention, you know. I was too short for a Kawasaki Police Special, but that didn't stop me from getting one. Way heavy.

Remember: keep it bolt upright when stopped. That way, the weight will be on the tires, and not on your leg.

Personal: I really really hope that you don't have any problems with the coolant system on that motorcycle. That was my biggest worry when I read the long long list of things the previous owner had done to fix up this totalled cycle.

Answer 6

The '00 Kawi EX500 weighs just 388 lbs. Street bikes don't get much lighter than that. Good move buying a thrasher to start-out with however, as it gives you great opportunity to try things without worrying too much about it.

Try Carol (Skert) Youorski's techniques outlined at the url below. Lay down a heavy blanket, invite over a friend, and give it a few tries.

Answer 7

The most important thing is to get it set up so both your feet touch the ground.Shaving the seat is a good idea. You may be able to find a set of shocks at a salvage yard and drop it an inch in the rear,that would not effect the ride much.Good luck and ride safe.

Answer 8

permit's see - a stone is 14 lbs, stunning? so which you're asking a pair of 250+ lb rider. you would be ok on a solidly geared up steel or aluminum physique. The susceptible section is going to be wheels. in case you elect a highway motorbike, that's good to to contemplate a severe spoke count quantity (36). of direction, many wheels immediately have very few spokes so which you won't have a call. additionally circulate with a much broader tire (700x25). once you're finding out on a mountain motorbike, you would be ok. Do your self a choose and verify tire rigidity till now each experience and you will save your self many residences. EDIT: McG - i'm questioning previous-college, whilst a 32-spoke wheel became into 'everyday'. For racing, i could use 28-spoke wheels, however the trouble-free know-how then became into to apply 36-spoke for heavier riders. you're stunning however, with immediately's low spoke count quantity wheels, this suggestion is probable out of date.

Answer 9

You are short, if both your feet don't touch the ground when you are stopped you will lean and the bike will go over, if you can touch both feet then you will get the feel for keeping it upright as it will feel heavy on one side or the other.

Answer 10

Look for a cheap sidecar. They're out there, and I used to make/mount them for older riders would had difficulty keeping their rigs upright. In fact, my favorite sidecar was actually a 'pickup' stakebed for hauling tools and groceries.