Modern Vespa

For a long time, I've been trying to come up with a easy way to upright my downed bike without cracking ribs, after I have dropped it. I have cracked ribs two different times this year trying to pick it up by myself and want to avoid that in the future. (I have osteoparosis. One of these days, I'll even learn how to spell it!!)

So, will either of the following really crazy ideas to do that work?

Crazy idea #1: Put a strong uninflated auto intertube between the side of the bike and the ground and inflate it using a 12 volt dc air generator until, as it inflates, it raises the bike up high enough (say 45 degrees to the ground) so that I would possibly finish the lifting job alone without cracking ribs from the lift.

Crazy idea #2: If #1 won't work, are the passenger hand holds on the rear tops of the bike strong enough to lift it to a 45 degree angle to the ground, if an old fashioned auto bumper jack was placed there and was used to jacked up? (I'm hopeing that such a jack will fit under the bike's seat, by sliding it back into the helmet area clear to the back of the bike...I'll will have to measure and see.)

What are the chances of this working? I don't want to get stranded if I drop it out in the boonies, with nobody is around to help lift it.

If these ideas won't work, does anyone have any other ideas? It's no fun hurting for constantly a month or so, while your ribs heal !!!

At 64, it's no fun getting old, but, fortunately, my MP3 has allowed me to become a "teenager" again when it comes to having fun!! (I also run 6 miles every other day for health.)

I assume you have seen these videos on You Tube?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8P4NHSxJUk

Wayne B

Yup, I tried lifting it while backed up to it, trying to use my butt and legs to do the lifting, but the bike is flat on its side when dropped....and it is so low to the ground that I could not get a good grip on it or any lift on it....and I still cracked my ribs trying to lift it the way shown in the videos.

The intertube inflation idea would have the intertube placed so that it would inflate in a vertical position between the bike and the ground to get the most lift.

You would be stranded for sure, I cannot think of any crazy option. Any kind of "pry board", would damage the "tupperware". A very scary place to be. Best of luck, carry $20 bills to "tip" people?

Hi...I was taught a much different way to pick up a heavy bike. Not sure I can explain it properly however - - - BMW taught me this many years ago. Bike is down. Make sure that right or left side of the handle bar is in the upward position facing you (depending on how it fell) when down. With both hands and squatted as best as possible facing the bike raise the machine with your legs to the upright position. BMW then shows you how to place the bar on your hip bone to move it all the way upright. Makes it easier for folks that cannot go down as far as the "backward seat grab" on the videos shown. I wish I could explain it better. Sounds very goofy but it works. I used it much in the Tucson desert mtns. when riding alone miles from nowhere. You may want to stop in a BMW shop so they can show you. I know that the video that you have been sent shows a BMW, but it is a 650 and I am talking about GS1150's which has a different method due to the weight. I feel for you.

I'd not consider lifting either of my heavier bikes on my own (lower back weaknesses). I'd ask a passer-by for help - and any PTW rider coming past would probably stop anyway.

I sure agree with jimc. If you can't lift it due to your back issues, I would try to get help. Look at both methods and make a good decision based on your ability.

My suggestion would be to always carry a cell phone:
Option 1- Carry a 'HELP' sign like some of those homeless folks and stand by your bike and hopefully the next vehicle who comes your way will stop and help you out.
Option 2 - Call 911 and if they are not busy with emergency calls, they will send out a patrol car to assist you.
Option 3 - Last resort, call your insurance to have the tow guy come out and help you lift the darn thing.

I do carry a cell phone, but half the time, where I ride for fun, is "No Signal" territory. This is really out in the boonies, where there isn't room for two cars to pass if they meet going opposite directions. Really hilly, really curvy! Really fun to ride!

Then you need a Spot Messenger www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=102

If you get one, get the 2nd Gen as it has more features.

Wayne B

I like the one video that claimed if you still can't do it by yourself to just lay next to your bike and some nice person will come over and assist you. I'v had help every time I dropped mine.

If you're seriously concerned about further broken rib issues why not go to a bike that won't tip over? At least not without a helluva lot of force, like a hack or maybe one of the CanAm Spyders? I realize they cost money but broken ribs must as well plus it probably hurts like the devil. Ural makes a fairly reliable hack these days and new ones start in around $10K. It's easy to learn how to ride one and they're every bit as much fun as an MP3 plus you get as much if not more attention. (More I think. )

LL75