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Old 03-28-2008, 10:25 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Learning To Dismount

This is a skill I better get a handle on quickly. "M" was low to the ground the KLR sits much higher, so getting on and off is a bit more challenging; combine that with a taller kickstand and dismounting is downright challenging. When I go to get off the bike the shocks are compressed so when I put the kickstand down it touches the ground when the bike is completely upright. Since I’m barely flatfooted I have very little leverage. I had worked out a way to get off the bike yesterday, so I thought but this morning as I arrived at work and attempted to dismount my leg hooked the Tail bag, the bike rolled forward just enough to let the kickstand release and…

Yep down we went, now the left side of the bike has it’s first “Beauty Mark”, at least it took the dirt off too.

I'll post pics later, may have to wipe away more dirt first though.

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Old 03-28-2008, 10:28 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Noooooooooooooo!

Crap. I've caught luggage before, too, but I have the good sense to wrench my groin and spine saving the bike.
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Old 03-28-2008, 10:31 AM   #3 (permalink)
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1) Update your sig.

2) I'm all of 5'6". When I look at those big dirt bikes, I feel like a kid looking at something that's only for older people! I have NO IDEA HTF to get on and off one of those bikes without having a little "dock" to pull into.

Seriously, when I stand next to one of those bikes, the seat height comes to my sternum.

Too bad about the drop. At least it's not a chromed-out bike, it's almost made to be dropped I would guess.
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Old 03-28-2008, 10:36 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Yeah my whole attitude about this bike is differant, I will take it off road and I will drop it, so scratches don't bother me, had it been "M"...

Someone might have had to call the paramedics.
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Old 03-28-2008, 10:48 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Sorry Don. I rode a KTM XC yesterday and that thing had a seat height of 34.5 inches !! As I get older it gets harder and harder for me to throw the leg over the rear fender, especially w/ heavy motocross boots on. Every bike I own has boot marks on the rear fender. Sometimes I just push it away, jump up on the left peg, then throw my leg over and crank it before I roll to a stop.
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Old 03-28-2008, 11:10 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Maybe Smurf will share his Coke crate!!!!





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Old 03-28-2008, 02:19 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Well looks like you rubbed the new right off her, bummer. Now that that's over with you can just get down to riding it. Try pulling up next to the curb. Another
4" could save you.
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Old 03-28-2008, 02:41 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Awwww...sorry to hear about this.


Well, at least you're taking it well. Much better than I would!
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Old 03-28-2008, 02:50 PM   #9 (permalink)
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They make a kickstand that is 2" shorter I may get it, the bikes stands so upright now it makes me nervous.
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Old 03-28-2008, 03:05 PM   #10 (permalink)
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That really sucks Don.

In the case of your bike though being over 7" higher than my S50, and me being only 5'-7", I don't think I could even get on it in the first place.
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Old 03-28-2008, 07:16 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Her First Boo Boo, it was worse then I thought.


Clutch lever, new one was only $3.00
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Old 03-28-2008, 07:28 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Now Don that is not the best way to start off a relationship with a new bike.

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Old 03-28-2008, 07:31 PM   #13 (permalink)
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He was trying to show the bike who the boss was, unfortunately the bike won this time.
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Old 03-28-2008, 07:33 PM   #14 (permalink)
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$3 for a lever! Lucky bastard. I spent 10 times that on a new set.

As a member of the shorter crew (a 30" inseam, although I'm taller than landry) I avoided BMWs/Kawasaki Versys/dual-sports for the same reason.
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Old 03-28-2008, 10:11 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robertc729 View Post
He was trying to show the bike who the boss was, unfortunately the bike won this time.
Yeah I ended up 3 parking spaces away on my butt...

Yeah that'll be the norm, especially when it comes to diding in the dirt.

I'm already scheming my first photo op, I should just put "Hey y"all watch this" in my sig.
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Old 03-28-2008, 10:24 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Well at least you didn't "squid out" and crash it in the dealers lot as you were leaving to take her home.
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Old 03-29-2008, 09:37 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Look at it this way...statistically, the first 6 months of new bike ownership are the highest risk for for a splat (for anyone, veteran or rookie). Yours is now officially over with minimal damage to you and the bike.

Now just enjoy the ride, you've earned it!


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Old 03-29-2008, 09:52 PM   #18 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drgibson View Post
I'm already scheming my first photo op, I should just put "Hey, hold my Monster Energy and y"all watch this" in my sig.
Fixed it for ya.

If you can't find a shorter stand, maybe a welder could cut and weld it for you. Should only cost a few bucks.

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Old 03-30-2008, 12:01 AM   #19 (permalink)
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Paul, I gave up the Monsters, trying to be a little healthier.
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Old 03-30-2008, 12:10 AM   #20 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drgibson View Post
Paul, I gave up the Monsters, trying to be a little healthier.
pffftt what is not healthy about consuming enough caffeine to make a normal person's head explode?
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Strap it on, and ride like a friggin' Hun terrorizing the countryside.
just cause i have a high post count doesn't mean i actually know what the hell I'm talking about.
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