How to pick up a motorcycle

Dropping your bike can be an embarrassing and, in some cases, costly exercise, but it’s something many riders are bound to experience in their time.

However, picking up a big heavy bike is not easy, and if you don’t use the right technique you can put yourself at risk of injury.

But fortunately there is a way to pick up a bike of almost any shape and size without putting your back out. Let us show you how it is done in six steps.

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Make sure the area around you is clear of people, or other obstacles. And if you’re on a road, ensure that other road users can see you and your bike, and wait for a clearing in the traffic.

Ensure the engine is switched off and the bike is in gear. Be mindful that if the engine has been running for a while, there will be plenty of hot components, so be careful not to burn yourself.

Which side the bike is on will determine the details, but let’s start by assuming it’s fallen over on its right-hand side. If that’s the case, open the kickstand to its operational position.

Position yourself in a squat position, facing away from the bike. Press the lower part of your back against the seat and place one hand firmly on the handlebar while grabbing the front brake lever. Place your other hand on something sturdy at the rear of the bike, like a pillion strap, rear guard or a part of the chassis.

Once you’ve got a firm grip at either end, simply use your legs to push – or walk – yourself backwards into the bike. If you’re doing it right, you’ll feel it in your legs and bum, not your back.

Make sure to stop once you’ve got the bike comfortably off the ground but not completely upright, and check that the kickstand is still in place before slowing lowering it the rest of the way over.

If the bike is laying on the opposite side and you can’t access the kick-stand, don’t worry. You’re going to follow the same steps but stop once you’re near the upright position.

Obviously you won’t be able to hold the brake on, so again, be sure the bike is in gear and don’t touch the clutch lever – just hold the handlebar.

Once you get the bike almost all the way up, take a minute to get your bearings while still holding your weight against the bike. Then, use a free leg to deploy the kickstand and gently rest the bike down on to it.

This was done with the learner-friendly and lightweight Royal Enfield Scram 411, but with this technique, it is possible to pick up many bikes, regardless of size or weight. But always make sure it’s within your ability and don’t be afraid to ask a friend or passer-by for help.

This article was originally published in November 2022.