Dropped the rocket tonight

[bruce aussie]

I dropped my rocket tonight. This is the first time I've ever dropped a bike. I was pulling into the gas station and dont really know what happened. My oil light keeps coming on before I start it but it starts ok. Do i need to have it checked out? Only crinkled the highway bar.

First time ever. You've alot of catching up to do I started crashing them about twice a day from when I was 7. Didn't ease up till I was 18 or 20. Have improved a bit since only ever had 1 bike that never fell over at all ever. That was my Softail I never put a mark on it except for stone chips in 20 years. Had the Rocket 3 weeks and slipped in my shed doorway on wet concrete with thongs on (the footwear kind) caught it but had to let it rest on the heatsheild to get off and pick it up.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

Had the Rocket 3 weeks and slipped in my shed doorway on wet concrete with thongs on (the footwear kind)

Uh huh............ Sure we believe you..

 

[Ugarte]

Welcome to the club!

What highway bars do you have? I've dropped my 05 Rocket four times in eight years and did not get any damage at all. I have the Rivco engine guards. Also, the leatherlyke saddle bags helped a lot to prevent damage.

I don't find it any big deal to get it back up again, I just put my arse in the seat and back it up, but it helps a lot that the engine guards and saddle bags keep it from going too far over. I love the beetle bags but there is no way I am spending that much money only to have them crushed the next time I drop it.

 

[TOMCAT]

Uh huh............ Sure we believe you..

A thong and flip-flops are standard attire for a ninja in these warmer climates. He's telling the truth

 

[CanberraR3]

The way the molecules are arranged in a Rocket means that the longer they are over, the heavier they get. Also, the more people that see it on its side, the heavier it gets too. Get them up quickly and in private and it's easy.

 

[TOMCAT]

Guess if I expected them to believe the 'ninja summer attire' story there's no reason why your 'adjusted molecules' yarn shouldn't fly mate

 

[rocket3jjd]

. I love the beetle bags but there is no way I am spending that much money only to have them crushed the next time I drop it.

Beetle bags will not crush tipping the bike over
Threw my 05 rocket over a car and totaled it
Expected the beetle bags to explode other then a lid breaking off the hinge ( fixed with epoxy ) and some road rash that sanded out well you would not notice
There some tough bags
Well worth the money
There made out of some kind of poly and not fiberglass and there pretty thick
Super sexy too

 

[macshooter]

Sorry to hear about that! I'm glad to know it's not just me that thinks this bike feel almost scary heavy. This is the heaviest feeling bike I've ever sat on. The M109r had a lower center of gravity, not as a top heavy. I never got the feeling like "Whao, this thing could go over..." on that one like I do sitting on the Rocket. Looks like I will need to be EXTRA careful with this one. Just the way it feels tells me if it starts to tip, it's gonna be a real problem (impossible) to keep it off the ground. Haven't been on a bike in 3 years. Kinda nervous.

Any particular situations where the bike seems to want to tip? I thinking very slow deliberate paddling to get it pointed in the right direction will be the order of the day, until I'm real sure and comfortable with low speed maneuvers.

 

[HansO]

just a small pointer you actually achieve a better balance once your feet are up on peg and you are moving it is when you stop or lose momentum that a bike will want fall over, I have proven this to several people I have taught to ride over the years.
Paddling can lead to foot catching on something on ground leading to a whoopsy JMHO

 

[cootertwo]

Yup, everything said above, and like someone else said, watch out where you plant your feet when sitting still, or pushing backwards. That oily center strip at red lights can be nasty in the rain!