How to Properly Mount a Motorcycle
Many people choose to ride motorcycles as a recreational activity or as their main mode of transportation. Some ride short distances for fun or sport, while others take a much more serious approach and ride cross-country. No matter if its a speed bike, cruiser, moped or dirt bike, riders at every level of experience have had a moment when they mounted a motorcycle for the very first time. Properly mounting the different types of motorcycles is not difficult, yet, give it some forethought before you attempt it.
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Instructions
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Mounting Long-Distance Cruising Motorcycles
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Stand on the left side of the long-distance cruiser you are planning to mount, with your right hip next to front part of the machine's seat.
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Shift your weight to your left leg, and swing your right leg up and over the seat while holding both handlebar grips firmly. Be prepared to balance the heavy weight of the machine. Cruisers are the heaviest motorcycles, and can weigh over 800 pounds.
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Adjust the cruiser to an upright position by holding on to the grips and placing both of your feet on the ground.
Mounting a High-Horsepower or Speed Motorcycle
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Stand on the left side of the speed bike you are planning to mount, with your right hip close to the front of the machine's seat.
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Shift your weight to your left leg, and swing your right leg up and over the seat while holding both handlebar grips firmly. Be prepared to balance the weight of the bike.
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Keep the motorcycle in an upright position by holding on to the grips and placing both of your feet on the ground.
Mounting an Off-Road Motorcycle or Dirt Bike
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Stand to the left side of the off-road machine with your right hip next to the middle of the seat.
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Shift your weight to your left leg, and swing your right leg up and over the seat while holding both handlebar grips firmly. If you are mounting a dirt bike that is correctly sized for you, your feet should be able to touch the ground.
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Hold the handle grips as you place your feet on the ground and guide the bike into an upright position.
How to Mount a Moped
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Stand to the left side of the moped, with your right hip next to the seat.
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Shift your weight to your left leg, and swing your right leg over the seat while holding both handlebar grips. If you are mounting a moped that is correctly sized for you, you should be able to place both feet on the ground when seated.
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Guide the moped into an upright position as you mount, and place your feet on the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear protective gear, such as a helmet and gloves, before mounting a motorcycle.
Ensure that you swing your leg up high enough to clear the seat of the motorcycle in order to avoid being injured by the fall of the bike.
References
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Comments
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John Frerichs
Dec 17, 2010
A suggestion would be to squeeze the brake lever while gripping the handlebars prior to mounting the bike. If the bike were to move while mounting, it could ruin your whole day. Squeezing the brake lever will prevent this from happening. Also, on a heavy bike, turn the front wheel from pointing left to center to assist with up-righting the bike. It's easier to let the front wheel force a heavier bike from leaning left to centered than trying to lean it with your own weight.
