View Full Version : Will i look a kn#b
newts924
16-05-08, 09:43 AM
I want to go to a few bike meets at a couple places like Big D's and Rivington Barn, however i feel i will look a bit of a kn#b when i turn up as i will have to get of the bike to park it up (reverse it into position) as i can only just touch the floor.
There is no way i will be able to stay on the bike and push it into position.
Anyone got any tips on how to do it properly, as i don't want to drop it in front of everyone.
Is there anyone else out there who has the same problem?
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
Many thanks in advance from a tiny newbi.
Alpinestarhero
16-05-08, 09:45 AM
You will look far sillier dropping the bike because you had to waddle into parking it ;)
Don't worry about it, just get off the bike and push it into the place you want to park it. I do it!
Matt
DanAbnormal
16-05-08, 09:46 AM
My only peice of advice is to practice moving the bike around when not sat on it. Takes a while to get used to it but if you've ever seen a bike dealer move a bike around it's quite amusing, they do it as if the bike weighs nothing. Also I guess if they drop it they are covered! ;)
Either that or get some platform shoes. :p
Luckypants
16-05-08, 09:46 AM
Stop, get off and wheel the bike into position? If you are confident wheeling your bike around, you will never look a kn*b.
But WTF you worrying about what others think of you? as long as you having fun on your bike, who cares?
petevtwin650
16-05-08, 09:49 AM
When I push my bike around I always make sure it rests against my hip as I do so.
However you have a pointy, so you must be used to looking like a kn#b. :p:D:D
philbut
16-05-08, 09:50 AM
I pulled up at Brighton sea front last year. Missiz hopped off, bike went down curb and fell over - I felt very silly. No one will think you look silly for getting off and pushing mate, and to be quite honest no one will even take any notice I shouldn't think. Don't worry about it, just go along!
newts924
16-05-08, 09:51 AM
When I push my bike around I always make sure it rests against my hip as I do so.
However you have a pointy, so you must be used to looking like a kn#b. :p:D:D
NOW NOW there's no need for that is there lol :smt021
Luckypants
16-05-08, 09:51 AM
When I push my bike around I always make sure it rests against my hip as I do so.
While this is good advice, you have to remember Pete has big fat girly hips, so it is easy to rest bike on them :smt058
Practice makes perfect, and quite frankly I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think anyone would really be watching that much anyway.
+1 to looking much dafter if you struggle otherwise and drop it.
Alpinestarhero
16-05-08, 09:56 AM
While this is good advice, you have to remember Pete has big fat girly hips, so it is easy to rest bike on them :smt058
but i do the same, and im all skin and bones :D
Drew Carey
16-05-08, 09:58 AM
While this is good advice, you have to remember Pete has big fat girly hips, so it is easy to rest bike on them :smt058
Not fat girly hips.....but his new plastic hip (he is old n all) :D
My advice......do what your comfortable with. No-one cares, you all shares one passion......biking.....pure and simple.
Luckypants
16-05-08, 09:58 AM
but i do the same, and im all skin and bones :D
May I refer you to an earlier conversation about being chatted up? You probs got girly hips to ;)
El Saxo
16-05-08, 10:03 AM
I want to go to a few bike meets at a couple places like Big D's and Rivington Barn, however i feel i will look a bit of a kn#b when i turn up as i will have to get of the bike to park it up (reverse it into position) as i can only just touch the floor.
There is no way i will be able to stay on the bike and push it into position.
Anyone got any tips on how to do it properly, as i don't want to drop it in front of everyone.
Is there anyone else out there who has the same problem?
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
Many thanks in advance from a tiny newbi.
I wouldnt worry about that, just get some practice moving the bike around so you're confident doing it - the majority of people I see at meets do their maneuvering in / out of parking spots by getting off & wheeling the bike.
Besides, we were all newbies once & remember what it was like - 1st time I showed up at Rivvy I left my keys in the bike while I went for a coffee, felt a right t*t when some kind chap came chasing after me waving my keys at me! :lol:
SoulKiss
16-05-08, 10:05 AM
My only peice of advice is to practice moving the bike around when not sat on it. Takes a while to get used to it but if you've ever seen a bike dealer move a bike around it's quite amusing, they do it as if the bike weighs nothing. Also I guess if they drop it they are covered! ;)
Either that or get some platform shoes. :p
My Z750 weighs over 200Kg - thats about 20% more than an SV.
Sid Squid showed off completely by walking all the way round it, never having more than two fingers on it.
As he said, practice and confidence is what you need.
The BIG trick (as I remember it) is that when properly upright, a bike WANTS to stay upright, the trick is to move it without upsetting its natural inclination :)
Wayluya
16-05-08, 10:07 AM
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
You need a pair of these mate. :smt026
http://www.cloggs.co.uk/content/ebiz/cloggs/invt/483/nr9373_m_02.jpg
If that's you in your avatar? you look quite strong so what you want to practise at home is spinning the bike round on it's side stand. If you can get off your bike spin it round on it's stand like it was a twig & then push it backwards to park, nobody's going to question you as to your ability.
Mind you, if you drop it then it will obviously have the opposite effect.
Best advice though (ignore the above) and just do whatever you can do comfortably, nothing looks as good as well placed confidence.
Is that a K3 you have? (the tallest SV) you could consider scooping out your seat (first) or even longer dogbones to lower your bike as much for riding as paddling it.
Gazza77
16-05-08, 10:09 AM
I want to go to a few bike meets at a couple places like Big D's and Rivington Barn, however i feel i will look a bit of a kn#b when i turn up as i will have to get of the bike to park it up (reverse it into position) as i can only just touch the floor.
There is no way i will be able to stay on the bike and push it into position.
Anyone got any tips on how to do it properly, as i don't want to drop it in front of everyone.
Is there anyone else out there who has the same problem?
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
Many thanks in advance from a tiny newbi.
Not really much of a hint, but be warned, at Big Ds the car park is on a slope, meaning pushing the bike about can be a bit more difficult if you're not use to turning the bike round on a slope.
newts924
16-05-08, 10:29 AM
If that's you in your avatar? you look quite strong so what you want to practise at home is spinning the bike round on it's side stand. If you can get off your bike spin it round on it's stand like it was a twig & then push it backwards to park, nobody's going to question you as to your ability.
Mind you, if you drop it then it will obviously have the opposite effect.
Best advice though (ignore the above) and just do whatever you can do comfortably, nothing looks as good as well placed confidence.
Is that a K3 you have? (the tallest SV) you could consider scooping out your seat (first) or even longer dogbones to lower your bike as much for riding as paddling it.
No i think it's a K6. are these easy to lower, i have read somewhere that you can lower them. If i did lower it would it compromise the stablity of the bike?
newts924
16-05-08, 10:31 AM
You need a pair of these mate. :smt026
http://www.cloggs.co.uk/content/ebiz/cloggs/invt/483/nr9373_m_02.jpg
I have a pair of these mate and the full body suit to go with it, i will post some pics later for you, so you can have some righthanded fun. :smt058
Im somewhat vertically challenged and always have to get off and push it back just make sure you look where you,re going, by that I mean dont walk backwards otherwise one slip and the bikes on top of you, nearly done it a couple of times, thank god for my low centre of gravity and almost superhuman strength :D
Amanda M
16-05-08, 10:42 AM
Don't worry about getting off and pushing, I've had to do that for every bike I've owned :D It gets much easier with practice;) No-one will laugh at you at Rivvy.
As for lowering, I'd just start with getting some of the padding taken out of the seat. You can start messing with lowering links etc after that if you feel the need. I'm 5'2" (on a good day;)) and I've got a Z1000 and have had it lowered a lot - seat scooped, dogbones and front dropped to match and it handles perfectly still.
No i think it's a K6. are these easy to lower, i have read somewhere that you can lower them. If i did lower it would it compromise the stablity of the bike?
They are all the same to lower, just the K3 was the tallest to start with.
That's why I said scoop out the seat first - it can't affect handling. You can do it yourself, take the cover off & use a knife (or ideally a hot wire) & then staple the cover back on. Might be an idea to buy a spare seat off ebay to try it on. Or buy a lowered seat from Suzuki (much more expensive).
If you lower the rear by replacing the dogbones with longer ones (like my bike has always been) just make sure you lower the front as well by sticking the forks through the yokes about 7 - 10 mm as well then it shouldn't affect handling.
How tall are you?
yorkie_chris
16-05-08, 11:09 AM
Off topic... sorry
newts are you down big D's quite a bit?
If it was me I wouldn't rest the bike on my hip keep the bike upright. I did that to start with and ended up sweating my B*&&cks off.
I was later ;) taught to get off the bike and push it around with the side stand down. That way if it gets a bit squirelly you can pull the bike towards you onto the stand thus saving the day.
Secondly, going backwards. Face the back of the bike, steer with your left hand and push on the pillion seat with the right
Don't know if that's right but it works for me. :p
I'm a shorty too! I'm always walking my SV to park it. I was a bit worried about people laughing, or worse still, pointing and laughing, but I've never noticed any. People really don't care and of course, dropping it will attract much more attention...and laughs.
We can't all be lucky 6Ft-ers! Don't worry about it, mate. It doesn't matter. :cool:
El Saxo
16-05-08, 12:23 PM
To be honest I've gotten lazy with maneuvring the bike, I'm 6'1" and almost always paddle the bike around with my feet while sat on it - I actually envy the people who get off and push their bikes around in a way that makes it look like the bike weighs nothing cos I've never mastered it.
dizzyblonde
16-05-08, 12:42 PM
I want to go to a few bike meets at a couple places like Big D's and Rivington Barn, however i feel i will look a bit of a kn#b when i turn up as i will have to get of the bike to park it up (reverse it into position) as i can only just touch the floor.
There is no way i will be able to stay on the bike and push it into position.
Anyone got any tips on how to do it properly, as i don't want to drop it in front of everyone.
Is there anyone else out there who has the same problem?
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
Many thanks in advance from a tiny newbi.
Don't worry BigDs staff are used to DizzyB practising wobbles and falls in and out of their car park. Rosie is an old friend of my brother and takes much glee in watching me on the CCTV:smt085. TBH if you have probs parking up then your not the only one, I still have probs in funny parking spots with daft angles and cambers.
Do as I do make a joke of it for anyone watching, you never know they may give you a hand:cool:
newts924
16-05-08, 01:35 PM
Off topic... sorry
newts are you down big D's quite a bit?
I want up there for the first time on wednesday i think it was.
There was a couple of bikes there so i went into the big carpark and parked at the top of the car park.
It's a nice place and some woman who was there, long grey hair, don't know if she own's it or not, but she bought me a cup of tea. I stopped at the shell garage further down the road to get some money but it wasn't working so i asked if they had a cash machine as i needed a brew, and thats when she bought me one. GOD BLESS HER:D
I will go back next week and repay her and get her a drink.
dizzyblonde
16-05-08, 01:57 PM
The lady you were talking about is Rosie...shes the manageress. Shes a star is that woman
I try not to park at the top. My chosen spot is front of the door in the bottom, as its easiest to get out of///lol
sv-robo
16-05-08, 02:59 PM
You need a pair of these mate. :smt026
http://www.cloggs.co.uk/content/ebiz/cloggs/invt/483/nr9373_m_02.jpg
PMSL...or on a more serious note you could get your seat scooped out a little to make you slightly lower on the bike.hth.
(oops did'nt realise that had already been said...silly me#-o)
I'm a shorty too! I'm always walking my SV to park it. I was a bit worried about people laughing, or worse still, pointing and laughing, but I've never noticed any. :cool:
Is that 'coz you can't see over the saddle? :D
Just kidding.
At least you short-@r5es don't bang your heads on doors when you walk through with your lid on, and you'll fit most bikes without it looking like you got something wedged in your crack like us Giants do!
The BIG trick (as I remember it) is that when properly upright, a bike WANTS to stay upright, the trick is to move it without upsetting its natural inclination :)
He's right y'know. This is why I can rock my big fat assed Blade on and off its side-stand and up onto a paddock stand with little more than a push from one from one of my diddy little hands.:cool:
Whatever you do, take a deep breath when you stop, let it out and all the tension with it before you get off your bike. Then just concentrate on what you are doing, move your bike confidently and like Pete says - it can help to keep the tank firmly against your hip (let you body help take the weight and let you arms concentrate on the direction).
Despite what some may say - if you have any doubts about shifting your bike they can be multiplied by having to do it infront of a bunch of strangers... infront of mates can sometimes be even more intimidating.
Hell, I have to ride around a car park and roll to a stop exactly where I need to be: I have to be able to just get on and ride away as I can't move my bike at all...
... without the bike or gravity helping me. Otherwise I have to get someone else to move my bike for me as I can't walk, let alone push the feckin' thing! :roll: :oops:
So, breath, then shut 'em out and concentrate. No-one will think you're an idiot...
... though if some eejit says you shouldn't be on a bike that is 'too big' for you... tell them they shouldn't be wandering around with a head that is 'too big' for them. ;)
scottjames
16-05-08, 05:07 PM
ive got short legs and find it hard to push it back some times im looking every where for a slight hill to roll up to get me some backwards momentum. im not ashamed at getting off and pushing it. As said before if your having fun who cares. :p
get off and push or arrive early so no one sees you park and dont leave til place is empty. unfortunately if you do drop it no one is around to help you.
just concentrate on what your doing, dont look at all the faces staring at you.
dizzyblonde
16-05-08, 09:27 PM
yeah but at BigDs theres always the scary patch club guys eyeballing you cause you aren't riding a tractor...lol
They are called the Bridge Rats but they are known locally as the 'rug rats' or when we are feeling really mean 'the sunday morning coffee club'
dizzyblonde
16-05-08, 09:34 PM
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb45/loubi650/Image094.jpg
and would you believe some of them come down on one wheel:p
markmoto
16-05-08, 10:02 PM
Dude sod what people think just enjoy your bike and go where you please on it, if you want back it in just jump off and park it make sure you lean the bike towards you. How about some lowering links to get you closer to the ground?
Will i look a kn#b
yes
(and ugly)
edit............only jokin :cool:
leatherpatches
16-05-08, 10:21 PM
Nice thread. I'd echo what a couple of other people have said:
1) Practice in private. Lots.
2) Always roll downhill into your spot. There is almost always somewhere where you can head into it uphill and so get a bit of momentum to go where you want to backwards. Stop well before the parking area and survey the scene and plan carefully. This is also something that will improve if you practice in private.
I'm only about 5'10 and I could place both feet on the floor and paddle the bike around. I think if I could only manage one foot then I'd seriously have considered lowering it by one of the methods mentioned.
Also agree with the other who have said forget what other people think. There will always be one or two heroes who have a laugh at everyone not as quick or skilful as themselves. They're generally ignored by as much of the biking community as they ignore... which is most of it. Be your own person and enjoy your bike (nice colour, by the way).
ThEGr33k
16-05-08, 11:16 PM
I want to go to a few bike meets at a couple places like Big D's and Rivington Barn, however i feel i will look a bit of a kn#b when i turn up as i will have to get of the bike to park it up (reverse it into position) as i can only just touch the floor.
There is no way i will be able to stay on the bike and push it into position.
Anyone got any tips on how to do it properly, as i don't want to drop it in front of everyone.
Is there anyone else out there who has the same problem?
I look forward to your suggestions and the **** takes,
Many thanks in advance from a tiny newbi.
TBH dont worry too much im only small at 5'6". :(
Just make sure you dont drop it. Seriously if they laugh then they are losers imo. :albino:
ThEGr33k
16-05-08, 11:21 PM
get off and push or arrive early so no one sees you park and dont leave til place is empty. unfortunately if you do drop it no one is around to help you.
just concentrate on what your doing, dont look at all the faces staring at you.
I dropped my SV 3 times :( 2 times pushing it out of the garage and once cos the damn engine cut out on a turn FFS. The bike didnt stay down long I certainly didn't struggle getting it back up man I was ****ed off.
I am fairly strong though :cool:
Don't worry about it. One day I'll tell you about how I got over the looking-like-a-tit-when-getting on-a-bike-parked-at-an-angle.
It involved moving the bike around quite a bit to find a bit of flat ground. I had a huge audience, with guns, alsations & little patience.
But as long as you don't drop your bike, don't worry.
Professor
17-05-08, 08:39 AM
I have no problem reaching the floor but I always manoeuvre my bike
by getting off and walking with it, resting it slightly against my
hip and with engine switched off. I think this is the safest option.
I don't care what people think.
And I regularly walk it backwards - that's how I bring it into my
garage. Done it for 5 years, haven't dropped yet (touch wood).
Sometimes friends offer to help me push the bike but I always turn
these offers down: don't trust nobody.
ArtyLady
17-05-08, 01:42 PM
I thought this was the correct way to move a bike around? I cant do it as Im a weak old lady ;) and have to paddle mine about - which I feel stupid doing!! A friend of ours is about 5', can barely tiptoe one foot to reach the ground - has been riding bikes for over 30 years - it doesnt stop him riding big 1000 cc bikes - amazing to watch when he pushes them to manouevre them as if they were a pushbike!! :cool: keep on pushing the bike mate if it works for you :thumbsup: :D
metalmonkey
18-05-08, 12:23 AM
Can't be bothered to read everything, why not just get the bike lowred? How short are you, I'm F507 and I'm fine with the bike I don't weight much probally 63KG now so unless your smaller than me, you won't have any problems.
Also as others said who cares, what other idiots think as thats whats mostly they will be. The important thing is you out there enjoying the bike and life.
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