A must-read for beginners! What is a motorcycle drop? Prevention techniques and recommended parts

What is a motorcycle "standing fall"?

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A "standing fall" on a motorcycle refers to dropping the bike while still seated on it.
Beginners, especially those new to riding, are prone to standing falls, which often occur when dismounting, pushing the bike when parking, or making a U-turn.
Since motorcycles are vehicles that rely on balance, they are destined to fall easily without support, so a standing fall may be a rite of passage for every rider.

While standing falls are a constant concern for motorcycles, understanding the situations in which they are likely to occur and learning a few simple tips can help prevent them.
This article explains the causes of standing falls, situations where they are likely to happen, and tips to prevent them. Since any rider can experience a standing fall, please refer to this article.

Causes of standing falls

There are several common causes of standing falls:
• Slippery footing
• Parking on an incline
• Side stand
• Poor balance when supporting the bike
These factors often lead to standing falls.
Based on these causes, we will explain "how standing falls occur" and "how they can be prevented."

Slippery footing

If you place your foot on a slippery surface, such as a road with loose gravel or a manhole cover, your foot can easily slip out from under you, causing a standing fall.
Especially in the rain, manhole covers and gratings can be very slippery, and stepping on them can cause your foot to slide, leading to a standing fall.
This can be prevented by carefully checking your footing, so always look at where you're placing your feet when stopping or pushing your bike.

Additionally, motorcycles with high seat heights or heavy bikes are more prone to standing falls.
It's crucial to check your footing because you might be about to put your foot down to stop and find a step, causing you to misstep and fall.

Parking on an incline

Parking on an incline also makes you more prone to standing falls.
It's easier to put your foot down on the uphill side, but on the downhill side, your foot will be further from the ground, so caution is needed.
Standing falls occur when your foot cannot reach the ground, so be sure to check your footing carefully.

Side stand

If the ground is soft, the stand can sink into it, causing the bike to tip over.
If you have no choice but to park on unstable ground, such as dirt, place a metal plate or a piece of wood under the stand to distribute the pressure concentrated on it.

Also, "stand plates" that can be easily attached to the bottom of the stand are commercially available.
Stand plates are parts that widen the contact surface between the stand and the ground, effectively reducing the pressure (surface pressure) applied to the ground by the stand.
Some stylish stand plates are available in blue or red anodized colors, which also help enhance the bike's aesthetic appeal.

Poor balance when supporting the bike

When dismounting and pushing a motorcycle, poor balance in supporting the bike can lead to a standing fall.
When pushing, if the bike's center of gravity is towards you, it's less likely to fall. However, if the center of gravity is away from you, it's more prone to tipping over, so paying attention to balance is important.

If the bike starts to fall away from you, even a relatively lightweight motorcycle can be difficult to support, easily leading to a fall.
Especially with heavy large motorcycles, once they start to fall, they gain significant momentum, with the risk of the rider being thrown to the opposite side during the fall.
To prevent this, pay attention to left-right balance when supporting your motorcycle.
In addition to the causes that easily lead to standing falls, there are also "situations where standing falls are likely to occur," which will be explained next.

Situations where standing falls are likely to occur

Situations where standing falls are likely to occur include:
• During U-turns
• When turning left
• When starting/stopping
• During unexpected engine stalls
Each of these "situations" will be explained, so please refer to them for your rides.

During U-turns

A situation where standing falls frequently occur, even for experienced riders, is "during U-turns."
U-turns are performed when you've taken a wrong turn and need to go back the way you came, but they are prone to standing falls when executed at low speed.
Since motorcycles become increasingly unstable at lower speeds and are more likely to lose balance, U-turns, which are often performed at low speeds, can easily lead to standing falls.

Prevention methods include "avoiding U-turns on narrow roads," "dismounting the bike to make a U-turn," and "not making U-turns on inclined roads."
Dismounting your bike to make a U-turn might not seem "smart" or "cool," but a standing fall is far less so.
A standing fall can break brake levers and other parts, leading to repair costs and emotional distress, so sometimes, having the courage to dismount and push is necessary.
Truly skilled motorcycle riders are not those who can make smooth U-turns or corner at high speeds, but rather those who avoid dropping their bikes or getting into accidents.

When turning left

Left turns at intersections are also situations where standing falls frequently occur.
When turning left at an intersection, you need to check for motorcycles or bicycles in your blind spot, be cautious of oncoming vehicles that might turn first, and look for pedestrians crossing the street.
Especially immediately after starting, a left turn is done at low speed and is prone to stalling, making it easy for beginners to have a standing fall.

To prevent standing falls when turning left immediately after starting, consciously avoid turning immediately. Instead, ride straight for a short distance before turning. This builds momentum and makes a standing fall less likely.
Also, when a motorcycle is banked (tilted), the tires create resistance, making it easier to slow down. Therefore, try to avoid banking as much as possible when turning at low speeds.

When starting/stopping

Engine stalls are also common when starting and stopping, making these situations prone to standing falls.
Motorcycles are least balanced and most unstable at low speeds, and both starting and decelerating to a stop involve low speeds, leading to instability.
When starting, pay attention to clutch operation. If forced to ride at low speeds in traffic, control your speed using the rear brake to prevent standing falls.

During unexpected engine stalls

Unexpected engine stalls can also lead to standing falls.
When your body expects to move forward but the bike has stopped, it's easy to lose balance.
This is especially true when starting, which is prone to stalling. Also, if you continue riding without realizing you're out of gas, the engine will eventually stop, so be careful.
In the case of running out of gas, there are clear signs: accelerating feels hesitant, and the engine won't rev in proportion to the throttle opening.

3 Steps to Take When You Have a Standing Fall

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If you have a standing fall, it's important to react calmly.
A standing fall can easily make you anxious and flustered, but rushing can lead to a clumsy recovery, potentially causing another fall or an accident with surrounding vehicles.
Let's deal with it calmly to prevent further damage.
Here are 3 steps to take if you have a standing fall:
1. First, check your surroundings for safety and turn off the engine.
2. Lift the motorcycle.
3. Check for damage and perform emergency repairs.

We will explain each step.

1. First, check your surroundings for safety and turn off the engine.

Whether it's a standing fall or an accident, the most important things are "your physical safety" and "preventing secondary accidents."
If you have a standing fall, first turn off the motorcycle's engine and check for any oncoming vehicles that might crash into you.
If you fall on a blind curve or a busy road, there's a risk of being hit by following vehicles, so you need to be aware of your surroundings.

2. Lift the motorcycle.

If it's safe to do so, lift the motorcycle.
If you are injured or if the bike is a large motorcycle and too heavy to lift alone, ask for help from people nearby.
Also, thoroughly check for injuries, as being pinned under the bike can cause bruises or fractures.

3. Damage check and emergency repairs

Once the fallen motorcycle is lifted, move it to a safe place and check for damage.
Parts prone to damage from a standing fall include mirrors, brake & clutch levers, turn signals, footpegs, and mufflers.
If your bike has fairings, check the fairings; if it's a naked type, check the engine for damage. Do a thorough inspection.

Duct tape is useful for emergency repairs, such as when a lever breaks or a mirror falls off and won't stay in place.
Cable ties (zip ties) and wire can also be used, so if you have them, use them for temporary repairs.
If your motorcycle is damaged, it's recommended to have it inspected and repaired at a motorcycle shop promptly. When riding to the shop, reduce your speed and proceed cautiously, observing the bike's condition.

What if the damage from a standing fall makes it difficult to ride?

If the damage from a standing fall makes it difficult to ride, contact roadside assistance like JAF or a motorcycle shop to arrange for pickup.
Voluntary insurance policies sometimes include roadside assistance services, similar to JAF, as an附带服务.
While it depends on the distance from the accident site, many services offer free towing for a few kilometers, so it's a good idea to inquire with your insurance company.

Engine won't start

After lifting the bike, trying to start the engine immediately might make you think it's broken because it doesn't start easily.
When a motorcycle falls, fuel can leak or its flow can be disrupted.
In such cases, try starting the engine again after a few minutes.
Also, check if the kill switch is still in the OFF position, in addition to the ignition switch.

Tips for lifting a fallen motorcycle, even for women?

For those with less strength, especially women, lifting a fallen motorcycle can be the biggest challenge.
The key to lifting a motorcycle, even for those with less strength, is to start with the correct form for lifting.
• Keep the bike close to your body from start to finish.
• Keep your center of gravity as low as possible (from start to finish).
• Use your leg strength, not your arm strength, to lift.

With these points in mind, you can lift the bike, but the most important thing is to "use your leg strength to lift it."
First, squat down and place both hands under the main frame. Then, push forward with the thigh of the leg opposite your dominant leg, as if pushing it under the bike, to lift the bike's body.

The initial squatting position is not a full squat, but rather a stance where one knee (the one opposite your dominant leg) is on the ground.
From that position, focus on using your leg strength, like a sprinter in a crouch start, to lift the motorcycle. Gradually slide the thigh of the leg opposite your dominant leg further under the bike.
It's important not to try to lift with your arm strength, but to extend your dominant leg slightly backward and push forward firmly.

Methods and techniques to prevent standing falls

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This section explains methods and techniques to prevent standing falls.

When stopping your motorcycle

When stopping your motorcycle, pay attention to where your feet land.
Slippery road surfaces with sand or gravel, or situations where your foot can't reach the ground due to a step or road shoulder, will immediately lead to a standing fall.
By being mindful of where your feet land when stopping, you can prevent standing falls.

When starting your motorcycle

When starting, be careful with your clutch engagement to avoid stalling.
Unexpectedly stalling can create a discrepancy between your intentions and the bike's actual movement, easily leading to a standing fall or tipping over.
Since starting is a common time for stalling, if you're not confident in your starts, try releasing the clutch slowly and engaging the half-clutch for a bit longer.

Furthermore, if there's too much play in the clutch or if the clutch is worn, you'll have to extend your hand more to engage the clutch, which can make riding difficult.
To prevent this, it's crucial to perform daily inspections and maintenance.

When frequently riding at low speeds in traffic

When forced to ride at low speeds in traffic, firmly grip the tank with your knees (knee grip) and utilize the rear brake to suppress any wobbling of the bike.
Instead of using the front brake for speed adjustment, primarily use the rear brake, and sometimes drag the brake (maintain a slight braking force) to stabilize the bike.

Motorcycle training includes a "plank ride" where you ride across a narrow plank at low speed. In this exercise, you learn to control speed effectively using the rear brake.
Similarly, when slowing down in traffic, using the rear brake helps stabilize the bike's posture.

When mounting, dismounting, or maneuvering

When dismounting and pushing your motorcycle, being mindful of your balance to prevent the bike from tilting too much to either side will reduce the risk of a standing fall.
For motorcycles with a center stand, disengaging the center stand is also a moment when a standing fall can easily occur.
In such cases, turning the handlebars just slightly away from you when disengaging the center stand can prevent the bike from tipping towards you.

When parking your motorcycle

You also need to pay attention to where you park your motorcycle.
If the stand is placed on unstable ground, it can lead to a standing fall, so you should park on as stable ground as possible.
If you have to park on unstable ground, try to make the area around the stand as level as possible and place a metal plate or something similar to distribute the force on the stand, which will help stabilize the bike.
If you're parking for an extended period, it's also important to cover the seat to prevent theft or vandalism, or park it in a visible location to deter others.

For unexpected standing falls! Useful parts to protect your beloved bike

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In the event of an unexpected standing fall, there are parts that can reduce the impact and damage to your motorcycle.
Here, we introduce these useful parts that protect your beloved bike.

Engine guard

An engine guard is a pipe-shaped part that protects the engine.
When a motorcycle falls over, the guard positions itself between the bike body and the ground, preventing damage to the engine.
Also, having an engine guard during a standing fall slightly lifts the bike off the ground, reducing the distance needed to lift it and easing the burden on your body.
Therefore, it's a good idea to install one to reduce the burden during a standing fall or unexpected tip-over.

・Pipe Engine Guard CB1000R '18

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-31933

This is an engine guard for the CB1000R that can be installed with bolts.
It's an engine guard that doesn't detract from the bike's design and protects the engine from damage in relatively minor falls, such as standing falls.

• Product name: Pipe Engine Guard CB1000R '18
• Manufacturer:
• Material: Steel pipe
• Compatible models: HONDA CB1000R (2BL-SC80)
• Selling price: 23,150 yen (tax included)

・Engine Guard ZRX1200 DAEG

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-96092

This is a steel engine guard compatible with KAWASAKI's ZRX1200 DAEG.
With a black sub-frame design, it not only functions as an engine guard but also helps enhance the bike's aesthetics.

• Product name: Engine Guard ZRX1200 DAEG
• Material: Steel
• Compatible models: KAWASAKI ZRX1200 DAEG (-08)
• Selling price: 24,877 yen (tax included)

Engine slider

An engine slider is a cylindrical part installed around the engine.
Originally, these parts were installed to allow the bike to slide off the track when it fell, reducing the risk of secondary accidents by involving following vehicles.
While not as comprehensive as pipe-shaped engine guards, an engine slider prevents the bike from lying completely flat on the ground, making it slightly easier to lift.

・Engine Slider CB400SF ’99-’15

Source: https://bikeman.jp/

This is an engine slider compatible with the HONDA CB400SF series.
With a beautiful cylindrical design, this engine slider enhances the bike's aesthetic appeal without compromising its design, creating a subtle yet effective visual statement.

• Product name: Engine Slider CB400SF ’99-’15
• Compatible models: HONDA CB400SF VTEC ’99-07 (SPEC1-SPEC3), CB400SF ’08-’15 Revo, CB400 Super BOLD’OR ’08-’15 Revo
• Selling price: 12,790 yen (tax included)

・Engine Slider GSR750

Source: https://bikeman.jp/

This is an engine slider for the SUZUKI GSR750, compatible with models from '13 to '15.
The black, understated engine slider blends well with any body color.

• Product name: Engine Slider GSR750
• Compatible models: SUZUKI GSR750 ’13-’15
• Selling price: 10,563 yen (tax included)

Engine protector

An engine protector is a part attached to the engine area that absorbs impact and reduces damage during a fall.
Many of them are easy to install with bolts, and they are generally more affordable than engine guards.

・Engine Protector Model-Specific Kit CB400SF/CB400SB

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-91459

This is DAYTONA's engine protector, which can be easily installed with bolts.
It's a protector with an integrated resin pad and aluminum base that absorbs damage during a fall, thereby reducing damage to the motorcycle.

• Product name: Engine Protector Model-Specific Kit CB400SF/CB400SB
• Compatible models: HONDA CB400SF/CB400SB
• Selling price: 6,833 yen (tax included)

Side stand plate

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A side stand plate is a plate attached to the base of the side stand.
By increasing the contact surface of the stand, it becomes possible to park the motorcycle more stably.
Many models are easy to install by simply tightening bolts, and they are parts that offer a noticeable visual effect.

Front brake lock

When lifting a motorcycle, keeping the front brake engaged prevents the bike from moving forward.
As the bike is lifted and the front tire makes contact with the ground, if the brake isn't applied, the bike will move and become unstable.
A front brake lock prevents such a situation.

・Front Brake Lock Yellow

Source: https://bikeman.jp/products/d-96996

This is a compact front brake lock made by DAYTONA.

It's affordably priced at just over 700 yen and can be stored in a small space, so it's convenient to have one.

• Product name: Front Brake Lock Yellow
• Compatible models: Almost all models
• Selling price: 739 yen (tax included)

Summary

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We've explained the causes and situations of motorcycle standing falls, which many riders have likely experienced.
Additionally, we've discussed methods to prevent standing falls and convenient parts to have.
Standing falls can be prevented with a little awareness and caution, so please refer to this article to ensure a motorcycle life free from standing falls.