Moving the bike

[Kmccaslan]

Now I am not a little guy, but I keep struggling to move my bike. I keep it in a garage to preserve it, but it is killing me. I have yet to take it anywhere in public and park becuase I am unsure of how to back it out other than struggling my A#@ off draging it. I am a beginner and have seen some people backing their bikes out by back-pedaling. Now on pavement this may be easier, but moving through my grass back yard I can barely pull and push it, so I have been nervous to park in public. Any tips would help.

[Kmccaslan]

xs1100

not a xs100 obviously let me go fix my signature.

[Ivan]

Search Youtube for riding hints.

Then go find an empty parkinglot and do lots of low speed work. Practice practice practice.

I used to be able to pull in one parking spot and make a u turn into the adjacent so the bike was pointing forward. Since my accident, I guess I have a mental block, and it takes three.

With some time behind the bars, you will get comfortable enough that anything above walking speed will have your feet on the pegs with out feeling like the bike is going to fall on you.

[bikerphil]

Now I am not a little guy, but I keep struggling to move my bike.

If your brakes are dragging, it's gonna be hard to roll. JAT

[furious4]

Moving the bike through a grass yard is harder than on pavement for sure. Low air pressure will make things harder so check the tires and check brakes for drag. I also have to agree with Ivan go practice in an empty parking lot Its important to feel comfertable on your bike. Have fun and be safe

[dbeardslee]

If you've got some concrete back there and space is limited you might be able to use something like this to turn it around so you can use the motor to move it -



If you have the space, my best advice is to position it so you can use the engine. Turn it around and get it pointed in the right direction before you shut it down. 11's are pigs to push - even on pavement.

[xs11bobber]

If you've got some concrete back there and space is limited you might be able to use something like this to turn it around so you can use the motor to move it -



If you have the space, my best advice is to position it so you can use the engine. Turn it around and get it pointed in the right direction before you shut it down. 11's are pigs to push - even on pavement.

Say!...... where does one find that nifty contraption?

[Pat Kelly]

Say!...... where does one find that nifty contraption?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/MOTORCYCLE_...2007585;true;0
abit pricey. Maybe Harbor Freght would be less XSpensive

[DGXSER]

http://www.jcwhitney.com/MOTORCYCLE_...2007585;true;0
abit pricey. Maybe Harbor Freght would be less XSpensive

Just a few dollars less!!

[xs11bobber]

Sweet. Thanks guys. A couple of those will be perfect for the space I have. I found some for $88, but it says unavailable all over the page, so it looks like Harbor Freight to the rescue.

[redbone]

one or more of your calipers are hanging up. take it for a spin around and come to a stop without using the brakes, feel all three rotors, the hot one is where your hangin up. dismanltle caliper and clean VERY THOROUGHLY. also search 'spooge hole' on this site and make sure that is clean. i had the same exact prob when i bought mine. i thought i was a weakling till i figured it out.
p.s. make sure you have new fresh brake fluid too.

[CatatonicBug]

The bike is heavy, but unless you're going uphill, it should roll relatively easilly. You might try lifting each wheel (maybe on the centerstand) and try free-spinning them. If they don't free-spin, your brakes are dragging.

For parking lots, I suggest to NEVER park nose-in. Always find a spot where you can either back in (works nice when there is a slight grade to roll down), or find 2 spots next to each other where you can do a u-turn in one spot and swing into the other. I usually head for the far right of the right-hand spot, then swing around to the left and land in the center of the left-hand spot. Either that, or pull through to the opposite side (especially in large store parking lots).

[saddo]

Dolly Trouble

Watch-out with those bike dollys that you can still reach the floor if you are going to ride up it. If you can't, you'll only do it once!

[Kmccaslan]

We will see

I drove my bike to work after lunch today...Let's see how well I can get out of this parking space. Was a great ride ride on the way over here I must say...It is a beautiful 78 degrees.

[latexeses]

saddo,

That sounds like...Don't Ask Me How I Know...