Righting a wronged Trident.

It's been a rough week for my poor Trident. I've found her on her side twice in the last 7 days. Rather than dwell on the negative, though, I thought I'd share what I've learned with the group.

Tridents are both heavy and top-heavy. This makes them difficult to pick up. There is a woman who goes by the name "Skert" on the net who is vertically challenged but still able to right a dropped BMW 1200 easily. I read her instructions for picking up a bike, but all they did was make me think that R-bikes don't get quite as level with the ground as Trumpets do.

The day after I got my bike, I dropped it parking. A friend of mine was there to help me pick it up. A week ago, it was down when I left the restaurant where I'd eaten dinner. A kind stranger helped me pick it up. Last night, no one was around. Fortunately, an idea hit me pretty quickly. Instead of the Skert method, I did the following:

Stand facing the top of the bike.

Grab the left handlebar with the left hand.

Grab the right rider peg with the right hand.

Pull up on the bar while pushing down on the peg.

The bike came up quickly & easily this way.

Hopefully, no one will need this information!

Now, anybody got a mirror they want to sell me cheap?

Cheers,
-Kit

[triple900]

hey that was my mirror you broke, lol.......motorcycles are like women, if they fall over and are too heavy for you to pick up, maybe you shouldnt own them!
rick

Hey Rick:

First, thanks for the deal! You'll be glad to know that a little bit of JB Weld made the mirror almost as good as new. :-D

As for the other comment... Yeah, there's nothing I can say to that that won't get me in trouble with someone. :wink:

Cheers,
-Kit

[Sprintster]

always remember ... if you just can't manage to pick it up after it falls, have the decency to put a bullet thru its headlight so it doesn't suffer too long.

;-)

thx for the pickup tip. let me add another: whatever you do, lift with your legs, not your back. the motorcycling world is FULL of horror stories regarding serious injuries to backs from either using the wrong technique or trying to save a bike that is on its way down.

Yes, yes, yes! Always legs, never back! It didn't even occur to me to mention that, as it's a given for me. I have a history of lower back pain, & an appointment with a chiropractor in about an hour. :razz:

The inspiration for the push peg/pull bar method came from the realization that I was about to destroy my back.

Fortunately, I've not found her on her side since fitting the new sidestand bracket! :-D

Cheers,
-Kit