Three Great Ways to Lift a Motorcycle - That you don't already know!

Do you know how to safely pick up your motorcycle? Here are a few excellent ways that require less risk and energy than you might expect.
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
Produced by Tim Tyler @ timtyler.com/
Bret Tkacs @ bretTkacs.com
Music by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen....
#ADV #AdventureMotorcycle #MotorcycleTouring
#AdventureMotorcycling #AdventureBike #WorldTravel
#AdventureRider #MotorcycleTraining #HowToRide #LearnToRide

[@MOTOTREK]

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[@thomasgreen8532]

I have been riding for 50 years I have never seen those lifts before. Impressive.

[@terpdx]

The 2nd method is super useful to learn. The usual leg press method with your back to the bike doesn't work well at all when your bike is laying on slick mud. Not that I'd know. 😐

[@thuringervonsausage5232]

I just stumbled on two "Tools" Dirt Napper or Motowinch. Check them out. It's a ratchet strap on a pole & you jack the bike up. Sounds sketchy, watch a vid. Hard to find though. All places that sold them were out of stock.

[@keepitlit1518]

I dropped my bike 3 years ago. Still can't find a partner.

[@MrNetAble]

"We are all just prisoners here, of our own device" (c)

[@Godelphy]

I was going to give you a like but you have 69, try to enjoy it whitout a partner.

[@nowpresent2167]

@@Godelphy 😂

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

I'd rather lift on my own 🤢

[@TheWizardOfTheFens]

Put the “tinder” app on your phone.......

[@jasonchapman5202]

My Ninja 400 fell over on the front lawn overnight. I could not budge it with my girlfriend helping too. We were trying to " lift" it. I watched this vid and then trtied the push method. Got it straight away. Im only 70kg. Thank you so much !

[@robbieoneil5945]

Here's a little tip for You to stop Your Bike from going over on the lawn or other soft surfaces, just crush a soft drink can flat under the heel of Your boot & put it under Your side stand, whenever You park on these types of surfaces, it will give Your side stand a much broader base, even a 3 or 4 inch square of a piece of wood or hard plastic works too, You could also use the plastic lid from an old chain lube can too or even the metal lid from a can of milo or even the twist lid from an old jar, how's that for a little bit of recycling of old items instead of just throwing away? I hope that this helps.

[@markjacobs6294]

Excellent. You and Motorcycle Adventures are now my favorite channels. Another lesson I learned the hard way is if the bike starts to fall, get off safe and let it fall. I tried to catch my 800 Tiger last fall and tore my right bicep tendon loose and surgery was needed. A little gas spilled or a scuffed crash bar is not worth giving up 5 months of riding....take it from me.

[@JRClaybrook1]

Mark Jacobs Spot on! Couple years ago I tried saving my Tiger 800 from a fall and tore my hamstring... Lesson Learned: let it go... You can gather your wits, take a breather and a pic and pick it up. Not worth serious injury!

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Just an aside, how much damage to the cosmetics etc did the Tiger's take from the falls? Seer

[@JRClaybrook1]

@@seeratlasdtyria4584 hardly any from mine... it had Altrider crash bars and there was a one inch scratch on it from the asphalt...I was very new at riding and practicing slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot. Lesson learned though.

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

@@JRClaybrook1 Thumb's up :) I would have suspected more cosmetic damage, but you must have chosen the right armor :) Seer

[@user-mt4zr5kp7h]

I certainly got off lucky when my bagger went down. I was used to my old Venture. If that one started to fall, I could save it. The Harley was a different story. The front brake was much more touchy than my Venture, and the wheel locked up immediately on the first touch and kicked out from under me. I was only in my driveway but try as I may, that sucker was going down. I pulled a few muscles and twisted my wrist, but that was it.

[@Fiatmannen1]

Tip! Fold out the sidestand prelift if it lies on the right side down.

[@NeverHADaNes]

Good call! Noted

[@lailingfrancislam4056]

Just want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Today, I used your method to lift up a 1989 Africa Twin, which I am new to. I weigh 72kgs. Guess I am not afraid of dropping my bike anymore. I will keep learning from you. Thanks again

[@NeverHADaNes]

OMG this is amazing! The monkey lift looks so much fun I want to keep lying my bike down just to ask passers by to be the monkey

[@LOOKOUT2012]

😆💪

[@boomcity4942]

I dropped my 910 pound Road Glide this evening in thick gravel on the side of my driveway. I couldn’t find lift points for traditional method to pick up the bike, so I I used the first technique in this video and was able to lift the bike with no problem. I. didn’t get injured, not a scratch on the bike and many lessens learned. The drop was from riding carelessly, but the experience was good. I also have a GSA that I have never dropped. Now I know that if or when I drop it that it will be no big deal to pick it up. I came back to this video to say thank you. I have watched most of your videos and have learned a lot from you. I am retired , ride most everyday and and thoughtful of your training. Thank you very much!

[@Nemesis74racer]

Wow! I've never seen those type of "lifts" before. I've always avoided riding solo in fear of not being able to lift the bike on my own in the event I drop the bike. After watching your vid, I feel confident in riding solo now. You just earned a subscriber!

[@MOTOTREK]

Excellent !

[@michaelscott356]

Riding alone in the boonies is like scuba diving alone; never a good idea. If you fall and break your arm, lifting your bike is among the least of your worries.

[@gregpearce]

Another clear, concise, and very helpful video. Thank you!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@richardquinones2246]

helpful video, tnx

[@lyingeyes5579]

That we'll probably forgot to use as we'll be in the brink of the moment, and just rush to pick it up as we're embarrassed af

[@luvnotvideos]

FYI, I watched this originally when it came out in 2017, and two years later (it's now Nov 2019) remembered this video and was able to use the second method to lift my Versys X300 after dropping it while backing off of my porch. The drop was only 8", but I'm only 5'4", so when I was a little off-balance and stalled mid-way, I had no footing. It was a slow but awkward dismount, but luckily we landed on soft lawn instead of concrete or rocks. I don't have the upper body strength of guys, and my knees are shot, so the butt back and leg lift method doesn't work for me. But using that first method gave me a LOT of leverage without stress on my knees or back. I was able to lift the bike using a lot less energy than expected! Granted, I bought the X300 because it was the smallest, lightest adventure bike at the time, and I wanted to learn how to ride on dirt tracks. Now feel more confident knowing I can pick it up on my own if another unfortunate dismount occurs. Thanks for the great lessons on this channel!

[@NickWarrenZA]

Awesome video. Funny how we get so ingrained doing something one way until someone else comes along and really shakes it up a bit. Thanks for the tip!

[@MrAdrianCathcart]

I just want to say, I just dropped my motorcycle for the first time ever and thanks to your video, I got it upright again. Great video

[@MOTOTREK]

Success!

[@nawiribrahim]

Pity how I struggled before seeing this video. I am a thankfully recovered sciatica case and do not want to re hurt my back. These techniques helped me. Esp with my fully loaded and fuels 800 gsa. Thank you. I am a subscriber.😄

[@BretTkacs]

Nawir Ibrahim That is great to hear... I pride myself on teaching low energy techniques to riders

[@nawiribrahim]

Bret Tkacs Bret. In your "off to India" video. You mentioned you will be in South Africa this November. What are the details and can I join the class?

What a nice personality you have. Its very entertaining and informative to watch your videos. Beside the information, they are filmed very good and informative. Very good job. Best.

[@Briansworld77]

Another excellent video. Entertaining yet straight to the point without wasting my time with chit chat.

[@fuglbird]

This summer I forgot to put the side stand down when I was visiting the railway station in Drei Annen. A father with two kids in the pram stopped and helped me out. It is always nice to be welcomed like that. Next time I will try this technique.

[@babiigirl280710]

Game changer for when you own a bigger bike. Great explanation, very informative. Enjoy the different techniques.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Sheryl!

[@babiigirl280710]

You're very welcome!

[@gcprost]

Wow! I’ve never seen these lifts. I wish I knew this when I was into adventure bikes.

[@lemayelaine]

yep, will be trying this when I get my bike out again. thank you so much for this, best method I've seen. broke my back (L2 compression fracture) trying to lift my africa twin with the "back to the bike" method last summer. won't be doing that one again.

[@MOTOTREK]

Take care! Better luck this summer.

[@detch5307]

I'm going out today to practice this technique. I'm going to call this technique the Offensive Lineman...get low and plow straight ahead with the entire body. Thank you for sharing this.

[@michaelskinner896]

Amazing! Thanks for showing this. I've never seen these lifting methods.

[@genestarwind4507]

There I was, stuck in mud up to the swingarm, bike slowly falling over on top of me as I stood stuck in the mud next to it. The dark realization hit me that with my terrible footing I would not be able to keep the bike up with strength alone, and I became worried. Then I remembered this video and gave up trying to lift it, but rather leaned into it with all my weight and pushed. Up it went and I was spared laying in mud under my bike. Thanks!

[@ericweinstein6175]

Seems everyone else already said all of the great things I was thinking while watching the video. DITTO. Please keep them coming!

[@scha0306]

I *just* dropped my r1200gsa yesterday on seriously off-camber, uphill gravel and loose rock. By myself in the middle of nowhere AZ. Three unsuccessful attempts to back/butt-lift. I would get it up partially, but the severe negative camber and loose gravel meant I couldn't get it past the sweet spot to balance. Next time, I am using this technique!

[@adrianhowson8261]

Great piece of advice. As a tall guy with a Versys which falls flat, I mean really flat, the back to bike method just doesn't work. Here you really restored my mojo as the forward method works just great. Many thanks

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on, Adrian.

[@modsurgeon]

So, I feel pretty unlucky that I had not seen this video before yesterday, when I straightup muscled my bike up after I put it down on its side on an off chamber hill. Now I know better. Great video.

[@BretTkacs]

modsurgeon sorry to hear that

[@modsurgeon]

No worries in the end. I find that doing something the hard way first improves an appreciation for the easy way.

[@SuperBardley]

modsurgeon Especially when it’s an extra heavy adventure bike and you’ve already done this at least before in the same day!

[@edelweys]

I thought I had seen all pickup videos, but that's a new one. Love it. I almost wish I still had my GSA. - Naaaaahhh!!! the 690 RULES!!

[@joev9224]

BEST Tips I've ever seen on picking-up a (heavy) motorcycle! Awesome vids -- keep up the GREAT work!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Joe!

[@BretTkacs]

this is a method I came up with to work with my riders that have limitations of strength or physical limitations

[@SuperBardley]

Bret Tkacs While I don’t consider myself physically challenged, I check in at a fearsome 5’-7” and stature for SURE plays a key role in how easily that bike comes back up off the ground. I truly have seen guys in the 6’-3” range pick up a R1200GS with one hand by the handle bar - so not fair.

[@fenrizwulf6682]

Had to use this today. I was glad we had watched this video a while back. Thank you.

[@doublegman2457]

Good techniques. I do have some concerns. The first two techniques of reaching under a bike like that may not be possible if the engine is hot. Also, being on your knees facing the bike during lifting doesn’t allow for a hasty retreat should the bike should teeter and then fall back towards you. The last technique exposes your assistant to having the bike fall directly on them if the bike should continue and then fall over center. Just some things to think about.

[@ernieschatz3783]

The assist's ass is a temp kickstand.

[@mikebetts9677]

You are amazing! I dropped my klr650 in the woods behind my house a couple weeks ago and had to call my Son to help me pick it up. That worried me so I watched several videos on picking a heavy bike up solo, including some that had appliances that would assist a person in lifting a bike. You're technique looks amazing and I'm gonna make sure I can do it and then I can ride solo with confidence again. Thank you!

[@78a67h]

What an amazing tutorial! My scooter only weighs 90 kg so no issue lifting that up any old way, but it is good to know these brilliant techniques.

[@orangelion03]

Good stuff! Gonna show that third way to my girlfriend =) I carry a pair of short loop straps that have come in handy when lifting a dropped bike, particularly if on sloped or uneven ground.

[@Master-di4di]

Never thought on my knees.lol.Thanks for sharing.

[@BretTkacs]

many of these came from classes I taught where I had to work around the real world limitations of my students.

[@thomasutesch6600]

Thanks so much for this video. My Moto Guzzi Griso was sitting in my driveway and I could not lift it. Your video mad all the difference.Thanks again.

[@jrey7078]

By far the best motorcycle channel out there

[@thuringervonsausage5232]

He puts out the most informative Vids for Bikers of anybody on KZbin. +10

[@bumpstart21]

Nice. I have a 450lb mid size and Im heading out shortly to practice this!! Thanks!!

[@TheInsaneFrame]

Great ideas, especially the 'monkey' lift. Thanks. (especially since my KLR 650 spends a lot of time taking short naps off road and in the back country! ). All hail the version from your knees btw. :)

[@stevenkelly4252]

I dropped my bike in a parking lot the day after I saw this video. I would have been in real trouble if it weren't for you! Thanks so much!!

[@barracuda017]

just took a fall on my gravel driveway (been up and down it 1000's times) going too fast while turning right with only left hand on the bar, bike slipped right out from under me .....knuckle head move. but got it up pretty easy using method #2, on 790 duke. Thank you

[@RidewithJD]

Great ways to lift. I never liked the common back to bike method. - JD

[@moisescatala9964]

You’re awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I am learning a lot from your videos.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome

[@ridewyoming]

Who knew. I'm learning so much from you. Thanks!

[@harf4ng]

I really love all your vids. And you speak in a so clear way I nearly understand everything even if English is not my main language.

[@sergeirachmaninoff5989]

Wow, that looks great! I always thought that lifting your bike with your back pointing to it is kind of overrated....

[@duytungphammotorvn]

Alright! Now I'm ready to lift my 100cc mopped bike up 💪 I've been walking for too long.

[@TheWorldRealist]

Great but my knees no longer allow that! I have one of those orange furniture moving straps with multiple loops. It can be hooked around any convenient frame or foot peg to give you purchase.

[@techtoth1]

This is a life changer, thanks! But, just to be safe, I'll be taking a MotoWinch with me all along... :)

[@ericgosse7412]

Thank you for your vids. I have recently bought a 2011 f800gs and this vid has been very helpful.

[@chrisheggie952]

Thanks for that. Never seen the chest lift before, very handy to know. Always good to see alternatives for varying conditions.

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

I built a lifting tool for my Ultra Classic. It weights 950 lbs. Out of 3/4 inch Black gas line pipe from Home Depot..a heavy duty ratchet strap and 2 pipe couplings. CUT Pipe into 3- 21 inch pieces..THREAD AT HOME depot ALL PIECES. ...attach ratchet to pipe and around passenger foot peg...works fantastic...saves your back when by yourself...fyi...get the heavy duty ratchet strap made of steel....you can figure this out..on how it works...these sell for $75 - 149.00 on ebay..made mine for less that 35.00...ok!

[@RFVisionary]

👍🏻 3 great alternatives for heavy-Bike-lifting (never saw these before). Thx!!

[@MOTOTREK]

You bet!

[@johncarlson9999]

This video is FANTASTIC.

[@johelpereira6516]

The one giving the bike your back is way easier, it helped me pick up my bike under a storm when a truck was coming really fast at me after a car had hit me and ran off and I picked it up like nothing with my back

[@BillysBikeAdventures]

I wish i had seen this video recently as i had the opportunity to try the monkey lift out when i ditched my bike. thanks for sharing. will defo try next time

[@BretTkacs]

You are welcome

[@duanesmith5074]

I get a lot of practice at this Christmas Eve Christmas Eve here in Minnesota it had been warm all day and I went out for a short ride the nice Sunny gravel roads turn to turn to shade in the trees immediate immediate ice down 3 times had to pick her up 3 times I got her home.

[@SuperFrodo95]

I always see people huffing and puffing as they do the "Back it up" lift. I'm looking forward to getting crash bars and giving some of these lifts a try!

[@alejandroleguizamo7722]

Wished I had seen this video before I took out my new bike for its first ride.... Tried to pick up my Versys with my back against it, but got a cramp in my quads when I was getting out of the way... Memorable first ride!

[@dhavalshah9449]

2-person life was fantastically done.

[@kingbubba2371]

Bret, I keeping learning more and more from you. Thanks. Keep your advice train chugging along.

[@dahveed284]

You've got great videos. Nice and concise. Good for those of us with short attention spans...

[@rosendocavazos4566]

Now that is something new and I love it! Gotta try it!! Thank you!

[@leonidbilyi5666]

This is a must watch for all “ i crashed my...today” vloggers

[@kc329191]

Brett - I am very impressed with your videos. I am learning a lot and at some point I would like to come up and take a class or two or three in person. Meanwhile I am going to binge watch and repeat the videos! Thanks again - these are well put together videos with premium content.

[@BretTkacs]

Mountain Turtle Adventures I hope I get to meet you at one of our events. www.pssor.com

[@markgilder7757]

Fantastic, I'm gonna go try it. (Yep, it works)

[@thekiwiguyusa]

Nice! Kinda reminds me of my time as a Rugby player, in a scrum!

[@obionemoreslice2479]

I learned a new lift today 💪, thanks MOTOTREK!

[@ozjohnno]

Great Video. I have a DR650se that use for adventure touring and I have always had trouble lifting the bike (mine lies flat on the ground) when it is fully loaded. Watching this video has made me reconsider selling the bike (the only other option as I have a crook back) and looking for something smaller/lighter. Great Vid, keep em coming J

[@petersajkic6749]

You would struggle to find a decent dual sport lighter

[@TwoHawksHunting]

Wow! You made it look so easy. Thanks for the good bike lifting techniques.

[@docthebiker]

I'm an above knee amputee, so lifting with my one good knee and walking the bike up is almost impossible for me to do while retaining control of the bike. That second method you showed I could do. Fortunately the last time I dropped my bike (on an off camber junction) it was in front of a mini bus full of firemen :)

[@BretTkacs]

docthebiker wow... I’ve helped a lot of riders with unique challenges but I did know I would be helping you when we made this video.

[@docthebiker]

Hey, thanks for the advice. Keep up the good work.

[@0HARE]

Thanks for this great information. I suspect that I’ll be using these techniques before long. Happy Trails

[@Codyjames83]

With 2 back surgeries down im trying to use better ways of lifting saving what back I got left so good tips if I can't ride I'm dead

[@ty1jay1]

Great advice, needed it two days ago when lifting my Africa twin on a slight downhill slope using the back method and blew out my back.

[@felipechitaoki]

Best channel for adventure tips

[@maxrockatansky4060]

finally someone talks sense here. fed up watching goldwings and harleys with mile long crash bars that are not further than kickstand when dropped and how-to silly videos picking them up. thanks guys thumbs up

[@Mark-mq1cc]

By far the best vid I've seen on this topic! I promptly prescribed.

[@allistairneil8968]

Excellent technique and wonderfully informative portrayal. Thank you very much.

[@AdventureWithDanan]

Love your videos! They’re done extremely wel, they’re simple and deliver excellent data. I’ll be using much of what you do videos on in the coming weeks on the TransAmerica Trail. Thanks again!

[@MOTOTREK]

Good luck on thec TAT, Danan.

[@AdventureWithDanan]

MOTOTREK thanks!

[@raybarber9526]

Great tips , can't wait to try them out.

[@danieldelacellery1205]

Je ne connaissais pas la "technique du singe " . Merci beaucoup pour ta vidéo ! V !

[@xontheweb2376]

Cool vid. However on tarmac tyres tend to slide. My zzr 1400 is a pain to lift and it takes 2 if you wanna keep your back in 1 piece.

[@Blackmyzery]

What a great, helpful video. ARR brought me here

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks! AdventureRiderRadio is awesome!

[@Blackmyzery]

Moto360 i hear you quite frequently on the show amd enjoy your topics. They make me a better rider. Appreciate it!

[@MOTOTREK]

Excellent! That's our objective!

[@BretTkacs]

I'm glad you joined us here too...

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

Excellent! Never saw these techniques before!

[@kanan360]

Nice video. new subscriber to your channel i'm ridding 2012 1200 GS Adventure, i'm 68kg and 174cm big bike dropped the bike few times all on Sand and mud, I prefer picking my bike with my back to the bike i find it easier. Thank you for all the tips :-)

[@mbuyukkaya]

I really like your commentary; Video production and music are great as well.. Thank you..

[@rickrick281]

wish I had watched this 7 months ago so I wouldn't have struggled to get my bike up after my wife knocked it over! great video

[@AddyAdderson]

On the strength of this video, I'm subscribed.

[@patrobbromccreanor820]

My ride went down in a slippery driveway on its left side, tyres off the ground, a top heavy 250 kg 1100 suzuki katana 1981 production race bike with clip-ons, in the end I turned my back to it grabed the left handle bar with right hand and lifted the bike using leg muscules.

[@abderrahmanehabbaaina141]

Seen several lift technics before but this one is blowing mind , just remzint to test it 😅

[@HyperSarcasticAvocado]

As a monkey, I must say that was a great mating call 😍

[@jrexbrown]

THANK YOU! Just used this technique after failing with the classic butt-lift.

[@philipbyrnes7501]

Ok, you got me, excellent, simple, clever, excellent

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

Interesting idea... My 800 lb Harley definitely takes "technique" for me to lift, especially with my bum knee. I might have to give this a try one of these days to see if it will work with a heavier bike. Assuming that I don't BBQ/grill my arms in the process. :)

[@BretTkacs]

Grumpy OldMan your HD will be easier than both of the bikes demoed here. It may weigh more but the weight is carried very low.

[@ChristianMFrank]

Simply. Brilliant!

[@patyancey]

Didn’t realize I needed to watch your vids... till I needed to watch your vids...

[@MOTOTREK]

Welcome!

[@BretTkacs]

That is how it happens

[@cavebeastdemon3631]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. My bike weighs 750 lbs and I have lifted it the wrong way (lucky I didn’t hurt myself)!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, CBD!

[@1dutchmf]

So last summer I was riding offroad (gravel mountain paths) in the French Alps but came across a mud section. Avoided the worst of it, turned around and before I knew it I was riding in a deep solid rut, hit the wall of the rut and fell over. Both wheels off the ground and deep mud on the side where I needed to push my motorcycle back up. Triumph Tiger 800 XC. I could not lift it on my own and went for help and walked kilometers down the mountain. Walked back up with help and succeeded to pick it up with the help of a fellow Dutch man, rode back to their camp and talked for about an hour to regain strength. That was quite the ride lol. Thank god I took pictures hahaha. Any tips for that situation?? Wheels off the ground and mud on the "push" side? I can only think of tension straps to a nearby tree. But what if you don't have those??