2 Ways to Easily & Safely Lift Any Motorcycle

[@BigRockMoto]

Order your parts and riding gear using this link to support Big Rock Moto. Please bookmark it! While there is zero cost to you and nothing will be visible on your end, my channel receives a small commission from each sale which I invest back into content creation. www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1053&BigRockMoto&

[@arollinx]

A cheap way to help keep your back in good position while lifting is to LOOK UP while lifting. I was a mover for three summers in college and got to know how the right position feels. I've also lifted wrong since then and know how destructive bad form can be. Looking up is an imperfect descriptor for the moves you're demonstrating, so I'd maybe say to tilt one's head back as far as is comfortable. Of course it's possible to have one's back positioned well without this trick, but it's an easy thing that can help novices a great deal. Thanks for the video!

[@queenslander954]

Cheers mate , that’s good-mail .. think maybe you should have done this video.

[@ExplorerJude]

You said it: way easier to lift a GS than any other adventure bikes. Makes a big difference when the bikes lies totally on its side.

[@BigRockMoto]

I agree! The GS has that "bonus" feature of the boxer engine.

[@voice_of_change]

Exactly what I learnt from trial and error over many years of riding bigger bikes in all types of roads and off road terrains. This video is a concise tutorial to save a lot of oops and costly scratches 🤑

[@arnokilianski7889]

A good roll cage (crash bars) helps a lot. It helps prevent the bike from lying completely flat, or, if it does go flat, helps you get the bike from flat to a 45 degree position.

[@stevenbaker4220]

I have a 900lb harley. The back facing the bike method has worked in most situations I have been in but sometimes I have seen more difficult situations. Some with bikes that big the rider will carry a small jack to help get the lift started.

[@davidmacphee3549]

I have not ridden since the 70's but enjoyed your video . My bike was an H1 so I never had a problem as I recall. I always wondered about big bikes. Thank you.

[@Popgunner101]

I got hurt last year using method #1 with my GSA 1200. I was on hard packed dirt with gravel on the top. Got it halfway up and both my feet slipped out from under me. I fought it on the way back down and heard two loud pops from my back. After 8 months my back still hurts pretty bad. I'm riding my bikes but very carefully now. I'd picked this bike up several times before and my big bagger Harley but it was the slippery gravel that got me.

[@allanvaisham4293]

Dropped my bike on the side of a busy road on the way home today, spent perhaps 10 minutes struggling to get it upright, loose gravel and down hill made it harder. I did manage it but it took all my strength. While I struggled 50 or more cars drove by not one stopped to help. So if you ride you better find a way to do it on your own.

[@cac2244]

I dropped my KLR alone in a wooden trail at 8pm, so I did strain my back but got out of there before dark. I learned my lesson and bought one of those Eastbound motowinch.

[@ronenhod]

For non-GS full flattened bike, what you have to do is to reduce the lever. The way to do it is to put a rock or a wood under both spindles, and generate space between the tire and the ground. Alternatively, in soft ground, dig a hole under the tire (the bottom side). I used this technique in several desperate situations.

[@lizdg3892]

I’m going to have to try the second method. At 65 I do have some back issues and can’t really do the 1st method. I’ve been double handing the grip but that’s not perfect but doable. Thanks for the tip. 🎉

[@Leiter85]

I’m a brand new rider and have learned so much from your videos already. Thank you!

[@kidronreddy1671]

Hi Mark hope you well,what machine are you riding ?THNX

[@Leiter85]

@@kidronreddy1671 ‘12 Super Tenere

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

2nd method was the only way I successfully lifted my Multistrada in soft sand. 1st method was a no go without the cyclinder head headstart.

[@scannorse]

Good info. Best way to avoid such situation is to buy a bike you are able to lift w/o problems...incl luggage, and take a number of driving lessons

[@skinnylittlebitch4470]

Many, many years ago, that was "a thing". Unofficial rule. If you can't lift it, you don't ride it. With the popularity of all of these lighter bikes, more & more people ride. Nobody seems to care if you can lift it or not. "There's always somebody around to help you if you can't". Except my husband. I've had my Versys 650 for just over a year & it still irritates him that I cant lift it.

[@drzrider3440]

Nice, what I need though is different. I have has to design a colopsable pull, kind of like a tent pole. Msde a fitting to put it in om each side of the bike. This allows a ton of leverage. Its that or i can't ride anymore. As I have degenerated discs in my back. Really bad. So I can't even have that kind of weight on my spine. Not even my DRZ400. But using a pole, when put together is 5 ft long, makes it even possible for my 90lbs daughter to pick up your bike. Currently designing an airbag lift system that you would keep on the tail of your bike to be able to access it no matter what side it falls on. The air bag system is only a partial lift, but gets it passed that hard part. Higher than you big GS lays when tipped.

[@STOPsignforRT]

Nice instructional video 👍👍 that is a good reminder to all motorcyclists of how 'not' to injure yourself when lifting a dropped motorcycle. Of course, if you're riding with someone else, ALWAYS get them to help and not try to be a Hero Do-It-YourSelfer. Sadly, I have had one too many experiences in getting a bike back to the vertical position. Mostly due to pure stupidity which is both humbling and embarrassing. 🤦‍♂️

[@gthomas5350]

This video is super practical and useful. I had trouble lifting my KTM 890 Adv R bike this weekend. I was riding on a road up by Four Peaks to the east of Phoenix. Due to the cold weather and recent rain, there was snow on the trail up near the top of the mountain. It was muddy and slippery and I fell FIVE times. LOL. Unfortunately, I could not lift my bike. (I am healthy and fit, but at age 53 I am not as strong as I used to be.) Luckily it is a popular trail and people stopped to help me. Thank you!! After a Google search I found this video. I am going to try to lift my bike using these two methods. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for the useful information.

[@williamhanchett5555]

I sympathize, I am 78 and just dropped my CB500X for the first time. I panicked but was luckily in town and had nearby assistance. I don't know whether to sell the bike and go smaller or accept the challenge and hope I can use these tools and lift it in the future.

[@kee7678]

I'm 55, in shape and lift...but my Tiger 900, with full suite of crash bars and top case plate and steel handguards..I could NOT lift my bike. Now I'm scare to lay her down off road as I can't left the dang thing by myself???

[@jeffarcher400]

On steep hills bike may slide as approaching 12:00. Be ready with front brake. I seriously try to fail to the left so rear brake (Kickstarter too) is accessible. If you're lucky you have a chance to jockey front from 12 00 downhill by turning bars back and forth while standing on left foot and rear brake with right. As you reach perpendicular the bike will want to pop up...and over. Do not highside and tumble. Once 90 degrees to fall line it is ez to lift and get comfy. Turn bars back and forth to drop front wheel downhill, roll away and jumpstart like a boss. Repeat.

[@1WillyK]

I have an '04 KLR with engine/radiator guards and luggage racks from Happy Trails. I've found that lifting the bike while using the Bret Tkacs method of facing the bike to be much easier, at least initially. Due to the high center of gravity of the KLR you come to a point using either method that you need to stop and reposition your hands. In both cases I've found that to be extremely hard without dropping the bike again. In the six years I've owned the bike I've dropped it twice and both times it was a bitch to get it upright again.

[@AllMightyLee]

A marketing tool from BMW to persuade potential buyers that the flat twin GS is not "that" heavy is the "lift demonstration"... Everyone with a little experience will quickly comment that as the bike is resting on its cylinder, it is already at an angle, and that the most difficult part of the lift is already done... Clever Germans. ;-)

[@Bazza47]

I've tried the 1st method in the past, but because I'm short I could never get the bike upright enough to get the centre stand down. I have tried the method where you point the front wheel towards the sky by turning the handlebars the opposite way to what you did and just lift the bike by the end of the bar. That worked easily for me so I guess the thing is to practice as you say so if the unfortunate thing happens you already know a method that works for you.

[@baldandbiking]

I wish I could see a video with this method, my question would be what do you hang on to if you have turned the wheel the other way?

[@Bazza47]

@@baldandbiking here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/npWWcqqBadFpaqM

[@baldandbiking]

@@Bazza47 Going to check this out now!

[@baldandbiking]

Thanks for the video, can never see enough bike lifting vids. I dropped mine on the grass to practice lifting it and it was a lot harder than you make it look! I had mine laying flat though and on slippery grass. It required a bit of dead lift until I could get it to the point where my legs could be used. Your legs cant lift if they are fully squatted when it's a 550lb bike! Facing forward didn't work for me.

[@jimjim2334]

Use a Velcro strap to set your front brake first. If you happen to just not have one with you, use the glove Velcro

[@jamespolucha6911]

The biggest problem is when you drop your bike when a lot of people are watching is they get in a hurry because there embarrassed so they don’t think they just rush and try to lift the wrong way I know because I’ve done it, one time I got lucky and put it in first gear turned the bars all the way in and gave it alittle gas and it walk right up but you are correct in lifting it up, good video

[@edgarheinrichs8876]

Would like to see an example of this on a muddy hilly/slope with the bike facing down hill. Once with my tenere 1200 and again with my v-strom 1000. Luckily had someone help me both times .

[@sayuas4293]

In that case id think you should rotate the bike if you can so that the upper side faces uphill

[@humbertoazevedo850]

Excellent explanation!!!!! I couldn't lift my tiger 800. It is almost completely lying on the ground. I ll try 2nd method........ thank you!

[@dustinortegon]

The Tiger 800 has the added feature of lying almost directly on the ground. Not fun to pick up at all.

[@wardroland270]

Thanks BRM. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

[@atfortyfivemotovlog5814]

Hi atFirtyFive here.Thank you! Nice demo, my first time to see the second tehnique. I used to do it with my upper body, but seems your technique is much safer. Thanks again

[@cliftonsr]

Love to see my go to channel and as always you give great advice Ian!

[@BradDonze]

Holy crap! This works! Saved the day.

[@jimsnow9183]

I like to tie off the front brake too. Nicely done vid.

[@SD-co5sv]

I appreciate any and all videos. Two other methods I've personally used with my GS is lifting by the handlebar and the monkey lift if you have another person with you. The handlebar lift is ok for taller folks using the leverage of the wide bars on the Adventure GS. Monkey lift is the best hands down if someone is with you. Oh, you didn't demonstrate the craziest lift ever, the cabbage patch! You seem to have the skills for that one. I do not...

[@roadwarrior1666]

I’ve used the handlebar lift and it seemed to be the easiest of all to do. You must have the bike in gear though because this method gives you even less control of bike’s roll. I watched the BMW Pros us this method and so I tried it too. What a surprise, it works.

[@passinthru4328]

Thanks. That was uplifting.

[@MrBeefsnorkel]

Nice vid!!! Being newer to adv riding this is gold.

[@Oldfogey2014]

Many thanks for making the video. I often wonder why such techniques are absent from manuals ....everyone drops their bike now and again.

[@jeffbrandenburg8672]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

Back in the late 70s a small lady writer/rider wrote an article about using this method to lift her touring GoldWing. 1. Put it in gear so the rear tire doesn't roll. 2. [NOTE: I'm rusty on this point - so if what I say doesn't work - reverse number 2. This is the working part of the system.] Turn the Steering Wheel so the front of it (farthest from the frame) is toward you (on the lower/ground side.) 3. Facing the bike and holding the bars so the front wheel angle is and using your legs, lift the bike from the lowest/ground touching side. The rear wheel should not move but the front wheel will roll towards you as you lift the bike - in effect helping you with the lift. Obviously, this works best on hard surfaces.

[@mcmneverreadsreplys7318]

Rethinking I strongly suspect in step 2 should be reversed. IE: . . . Turn the Steering Wheel so the back of it (nearest to the frame) is toward you (on the lower/ground side.) BUT as I said, I am rusty on this point and I do not currently have a bike to test it.

[@ezio-falco]

Another nice video, thanks!

[@jeffarcher400]

Worst case with a highside tip on steep narrow trail. Bars and seat downhill, tires uphill, gas leaking maybe. I have had success spinning the bike on it's footpeg as an axis. Pull rear wheel down

[@BEEBEE58679]

Another great video. Thanks again.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Boxers only need to be raised 35 degrees, so I’ve always found it pretty easy to get a GS up.

[@vn3801]

Brilliantly presented ! great info too..

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it helped!

[@SolomonsMartialArts]

This looks easier than lifting my xr650L . Because mine goes down to zero degrees its really hard to pick up frim 0 to 90 . On yours ur at 30

[@jamesdownie2152]

Starbucks gift card?? - How old school!! Starbucks phone APP surely?? 🙂🙂 Your videos are very good at explaining techniques.

[@motoryzen]

3:33 onward..I'ts about moving HORIZONTALLY...not "lifting"..I know that sounds odds, but people do this "exercise" like you're trying to jump backwards...horizontally as if you're trying to land with your back landing with you lying back on your bed.... THAT overall motion...NOT lifting straight up. pushing..as if you're trying to push the bike the opposite direction it has fallen. Don't forget to either put it in 1st gear...OR if that is impossible. use any method reasonable to lock/engage the front brake on the right handle bar ( velcro straps..fat rubber bands...and if you don't have handleguards installed ( like Barbusters like i do for example and there is nothing blocking side access to tip of that right handelbar and the tip side of the front brake lever....use your glove...squeeze the brake lever into the glove and also ensure the glove is slipped over the handle bar's end enough to hold that front brake engaged. This will stop the front wheel from moving or worse case moving barely a few inches instead of the bike just rolling as you lift it half way fighting it.

[@bwest-yq3uc]

This is a good video, especially for the beginners. Also, would like to see you test ride an Electric bike. Thanks for all the videos.

[@desertdaveadv404]

those are great ways to lift a heavy bike thanks

[@jsoloughlin]

Excellent presentation, clear simple and understandable, thank you.

[@BigRockMoto]

You are welcome!

[@sathishrao7926]

Wow ! You made everything look so easy !

[@rabalabab7505]

The Boxer is always in a very easy position. Try it with a flat tenere 700 or a KTM, woulndt be as easy as lifting a BMW. Thats a piece of cake, its allways easy liftig a boxer.

[@DikkeBetha]

You forgot the „handle bar lift“ that BMW instructors teach for the GS. I find it the easiest method and uses less energy.

[@STohme]

A useful video. Many thanks.

[@roadwarrior1666]

Great video. Thanks for posting it.

[@christopherkhear5952]

Nice video & as usual good content

[@motoexploration4169]

Thanks for the helpful vid. Thumbs UP! Besides the hand-brake, how do you lock the bike in gear if it is a DCT bike? @BigRockMoto or anyone ?

[@tentcamper]

Good instruction. Thank you.

[@simonthomas5367]

Starbucks Giftcards!! Lol! Excellent clip though. Really useful advice, thx.

[@osamehammadi9167]

Nice BMW GS👍❤

[@allangosling6134]

There is an easier way that does not involve using your body. Use a small car scissor jack and a small piece of plywood if needed somewhere on the frame or crash bars

[@salqubeq5203]

Great video. Very useful. Thanks :)

[@cac2244]

I dropped my KLR and it laid completely flat and there was no way to lift it up without straining my back.

[@System6879]

Hey mate, you didn't do the second method quite how the other channel showed it, try grab a lower point and keep your arms straight (which you did) then you're effectively deadlifting forward. It'll be easier if you grab a lower down point like your crash bars and stuff

[@jeffreyarvik5936]

"you got your starbucks gift cards". LMAO. love your content!

[@timoerkens4184]

That drop deserves an oscar

[@ianhausser8771]

Good video. Thank you!

[@queenslander954]

Good vid mate , but try it laying it flat first without the cylinder-head or crash bars , it’s a ferking ‘Barry Crocker’

[@justaguy4788]

I didn't hear you mention, if you drop it on it's right side, put kickstand down first so it doesn't fall over after you pick it up

[@BigRockMoto]

I did have that in the video, in the text at the bottom, I forgot to say that during the shoot.

[@edsyphan3425]

Boy do i agree with that tip. Ask me how I know!

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

Thanks. No motovlogger worth their salt can be taken serious without a "how to pick up your bike vid". Have you made your "how to ride a motorcycle" or "what is a good first bike?". These vids are how you pick up new subsribers...

[@vegangeezer5173]

dropped my bike with wheels uphill couple of days ago . A friend helped me get it up after I tried to do it myself and could not .

[@karenshoucairmcgray4902]

Excellent!

[@campland2880]

A GS is already 1/3rd of the way up when it's laying down. try showing thia with a T7 or a 1290R.

[@lesgarten]

When you do these, you should also show lifting with right side down...

[@tangoreal9098]

First thing to do is self assess. I drop rarely but I can tell you when I do it is not good for my 60 year old bits. Also I am general riding alone. After assessment find a young person to pick it up for you. Thankfully lots of cross country bicyclists 😉. If there is no young person these techniques work so practice.

[@stephenrichie4646]

I wish. I could pick up my cruisers, even my Vulcan 1500, but I cannot, repeat cannot, pick up my 1250 Suzi. It’s top heavy and has nothing, such as sticky-outy cylinders or highway bars to keep it from going flat on the ground. Also, I’m old.

[@jessrumblin]

What I haven’t heard is: how do you recover your beast if you drop (fall) on a slope with tank/top/seat down the slope or drop? And it’s crazy to push it down further down the slope to level ground cuz there’s no way out of that ravine then!

[@steveacevedo820]

@Jess Rumblin I had this happen to me with my DR650, on a rocky, slippery incline. I had to slowly drag the bike forward to get it to an angle where I could get proper leverage.

[@arnokilianski7889]

Here's where a length of rope can be a huge help. I once improvised a winch to pull my bike up an embankment back onto the main road, where I was able to right it and get back under way.

[@jeremynachbar3205]

I like the jacket. Which model by Klim is it? Have you been happy with it? Do you have a review on it?

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes if you go to my channel

[@jeremynachbar3205]

Big Rock ADV I found it on the the Badlands jacket. Good solid review! I subscribed. I saw in one of your other videos that you said you will be doing a review on the Super Ten. Did you already do it? That is a bike that I am heavily considering.

[@tdunster2011]

That's a best-case scenario. It gets a lot hard when the bike is completely down on a flat hard surface with no grip such as concrete. This bike only needs to move a few inches to be upright.

[@MathieuTechMoto]

Thank you

[@offseason9856]

Thank you. But how do you do the same on a single cylinder without the engine protection that leaves it half way standing ?

[@BigRockMoto]

method is the same, it just is harder. there are also other methods out there on youtube

[@velcroman11]

When I was thirteen the man that adopted me was teaching me to ride a BMW 51/2 on sand and I dropped it. He made me pick the bike up. All he did to help was to abuse me for dropping the bike. It was on that day that I started hating him.

[@toeknee-chestnut]

This stuff is great but when it rarely happens that I drop the bike, I can never remember the techniques. Adrenaline I guess. Maybe I should write it down and put a copy of the note in each of my jackets. I bet that if I did that, I'd forget about both the note and the technique when I dropped it next. :-(

[@murraehaynes3182]

Eastbound Motohoist..👍

[@arara513]

However, this is not an 'any' motorcycle. This is the GS laying 30 degrees up on its opposite engine. That gives a huge advantage in lifting. Try it with 250 kilo africa twin laying absolutely flat in sand.

[@wickedleeloopy2115]

Sound be able to lift it with one leg, assuming your 600 lb bike broke your leg in the first place.....this is why I prefer lighter bikes...your less likely to drop it , in the first place. :)

[@davidspin5353]

My Vstrom 1050XT. needs upper crash bars. That bike lays damn near flat...

[@Gordie1450]

I forgot the kick stand once

[@beetleything1864]

or just don't leave without Charlie Boorman and get him to help you ;) oh and the camera crew and .....

[@Bob-bg7se]

Why does 90% of all KZbin channels that show you how to lift a fallen bike always have the bike on its left side which is the side with the kick stand and never on its right side???

[@shogrran]

Essentially it's a bike dead lift.

[@lastmiletech7433]

Why does no one promote the handle bar lift? Go to this video and watch at 1:45...a sponsored BMW demo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4mpiXusjtyYrqM

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Ok, So now demonstrate how to lift it in slimey mud on a hill with the bike falling downhill and the head buried in the mud.

[@BigRockMoto]

LOL I will try that!

[@leonjennings6615]

why dont you own a Triumph Tiger 1200?

[@479_adv]

Great videos, take my Subscribe, sir!

[@fordprefect6797]

Try that with the tank and seat heading down hill. Not very easy.

[@BigRockMoto]

True

[@heimatcz]

It is easy on that terrain. Show me in situation when is mud everywhere and is raining... Your legs probably skip and you will lay down as a bag full of potatoes.

[@kevinholden4595]

Who forgets to kick their stand down? Well me for a start. What a numpty. 🧐

[@ismaeldossantos3296]

If you can't lift you bike, sell it

[@vapour250]

The first thing you do is switch off the engine, it was not designed to run at that angle

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes of course!

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Practice on wife’s yoga mat on driveway- not a good idea. She is still mad I bought my africa twin - don’t want to ruin her yoga mat too.

[@berndtnording4856]

Should have dragged the bike around so that the wheels are on the downhill side of the slope.