Backing Up

Backing Up

I have a Harley Sportster 1200 that we keep in the garage next to the car. It would be SO much easier for me to just back it straight out rather than move the car so that I can turn it, but it feels so awkward. Is there a procedure for pushing the bike backward that won't result in it laying on the floor? Thanks!

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Backing Up

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Apr 24, 2009

Thanks!
by: Heather

Thanks so much for the feedback! It makes perfect sense that just walking it should do the trick, but I've learned something very important in this process. Since receiving these replies, I was determined to figure out what everybody else knew, only to realize that the problem was my shoes!! I was wearing paddock boots (to save a few bucks!), and their traction just didn't do the job and had me slipping. I got some nice new bike boots yesterday, and dontcha know I can move that bike all over the place without a problem... myself! Thanks, again!

Apr 24, 2009

Walk/Push
by: Jenny

We keep all three bikes in the garage. We back them in and pull them out. When I pull into the driveway, I turn the bike around (I power walk it, but my husband has more experience and just makes the teeniest, tightest little circles while still moving!). I turn the bike off before entering the garage, and I stay sitting on the bike. I do a little walking, but most of it is done by sitting on the bike and pushing backwards with both feet so that instead of walking (one foot at a time), both feet are pushing together. This lets my thighs both do the work at the same time for better leverage. I've used the same method for walking the bike out of difficult spots.

I don't ever walk the bike when I'm not on it. I take up less space if I'm on the bike, so maneuvering around in tight areas is easier, and I'm really not comfortable pushing the bigger bike when I'm standing next to it - I feel like it will fall over.

Apr 23, 2009

Backing Out of Garage
by: Bridgett

I too have a Sportster. I just sit on the bike and walk it out backwards. Once I get it out on the driveway, I turn it to the right, keep backing until I can forward walk it to a vertical position where I glide it down the driveway into the street. I don't start it until I have it in the street.

I am a new rider, I have not dropped it doing this. Possibly if you have shorter legs it might not be that easy. I know someone that has to have her husband pull her bike up into a small space cause she can't get enough grip on the ground, she is very petite.

Apr 23, 2009

Backing Up
by: Jacee

Just lean it on your hip, leaving the kickstand down for safety. (The kickstand may scrape the ground. Doesn't matter - it's safer to leave it down.) Grab the seat back (or something in that area) and the handlebar closest to you and back it out.

We back ours into the garage. Then when we're ready to ride, we just drive straight out.

The best way to back your bike is get a big, strong man to do it. :D (That is, if you're a woman.)

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