Using footrests to climb aboard
Discussion
As I get older I'm finding it increasingly difficult to swing my leg over the set of my 1200GS when getting on and off. Some people use the left footrest the way horse riders use the left stirrup but this seems a bit insecure to me, certainly on the side stand. One recommendation I saw was to use the footrests when the bike is on the centre stand, but getting the bike on the centre stand when I'm astride it sounds tricky. Are the footrests designed to take this? Do BMW mechanics often have to replace damaged side stands due to people putting all their weight on the left footrest?
I don't want a bike with a lower seat in relation to the footrests because it would be hard on the knees when riding. One option could be the lowered suspension GS which has the same seat/footrest relationship but with everything closer to the ground, I mentioned this to a dealer and he was incredulous that someone 6 feet tall would consider it, but I do have short legs. Is there any disadvantage to the low suspension considering I'm never going off road?
I don't want a bike with a lower seat in relation to the footrests because it would be hard on the knees when riding. One option could be the lowered suspension GS which has the same seat/footrest relationship but with everything closer to the ground, I mentioned this to a dealer and he was incredulous that someone 6 feet tall would consider it, but I do have short legs. Is there any disadvantage to the low suspension considering I'm never going off road?
I don't think it will damage the bike. I have seen many people doing it. Especially when riding with luggage/back box and particularly taller bikes like the GS. And if you think that the GS was designed to go long distances off road, including jumping over crests, etc, at speed, whilst standing on the pegs, then I can't imagine that climbing on will be a greater force on the peg than just using it to get on board.
Lots of people do it and I don't think side stand issues are viewed as a "common problem" on GSs.
My only observation is that, while the front brake should be on while getting on/off any bike, if using the stand/peg approach then ensuring the front brake is firmly on will be essential to minimise the risk of ending up in a heap of bike and rider.
My only observation is that, while the front brake should be on while getting on/off any bike, if using the stand/peg approach then ensuring the front brake is firmly on will be essential to minimise the risk of ending up in a heap of bike and rider.
I once bent the side stand in half on my CBF125. I used to kick the stand out as I was coming to a stop and jump off the bike as the side stand switch would turn the engine off. One day I did it and the bike kept coming with me. Luckily it was only a 125 so easy to keep upright.
I stopped doing it after that. I’ve seen plenty of people get on the way you mentioned but I wouldn’t based on my own experience.
I find it weird the lengths people go to making bikes lower to fit them. Especially all these lowered GS’s, surely it only affects the bike negatively?
I stopped doing it after that. I’ve seen plenty of people get on the way you mentioned but I wouldn’t based on my own experience.
I find it weird the lengths people go to making bikes lower to fit them. Especially all these lowered GS’s, surely it only affects the bike negatively?
putting your weight on the footrest should be fine, as the same method is used for pillion passengers to reach the pillion seat on many bikes.
I have seen the side stands used for lifting the whole bike and have done this in the past but no longer do. That said, if this is the bike you want to keep, I would just do what you need to do to get on it.
The other option which could help is lowering the bike slightly. The dealer doesn't sound like they are being responsive to your needs.
I have seen the side stands used for lifting the whole bike and have done this in the past but no longer do. That said, if this is the bike you want to keep, I would just do what you need to do to get on it.
The other option which could help is lowering the bike slightly. The dealer doesn't sound like they are being responsive to your needs.
Edited by bluezedd on Tuesday 25th June 15:51
Krikkit said:
Possibly a stupid question, but could you get on from the right-hand side, helping take a bit of weight off the stand?
When I have a luggage loaded bike it tends to lean over on the stand just that little bit further so that's exactly what I do. Very easy way to get on and off and no weight on the stand.Coming back from Wales on my Caponord we got chatting to a GS biker. He got on his bike by standing on the opposite peg to the side stand. He says he's done this always. Was very effective and takes the weight of the side stand completely. I would say this is better than doing it off the sidestand side peg.
black-k1 said:
My only observation is that, while the front brake should be on while getting on/off any bike, if using the stand/peg approach then ensuring the front brake is firmly on will be essential to minimise the risk of ending up in a heap of bike and rider.
When you sit on the bike your CoG moves forwards as you grip the bars, putting the weight forwards to the front of the bike. This is towards the direction of lock on the side stand. No additional care or considerations are required, but being at least ready to pull the brake (or leaving it in gear) are still wise precautions.
Also, if you don't rotate the bars as you mount the bike in this manner and keep them fully turned to the left, then the bike maintains it's most stable position.
It really is a very good (perhaps best?) way of getting on and off a bike. Especially if you've bags strapped to the pillion seat, or don't want to risk scuffing the seat/bike with your boots.
Dr Jekyll said:
As I get older I'm finding it increasingly difficult to swing my leg over the set of my 1200GS when getting on and off. Some people use the left footrest the way horse riders use the left stirrup but this seems a bit insecure to me, certainly on the side stand. One recommendation I saw was to use the footrests when the bike is on the centre stand, but getting the bike on the centre stand when I'm astride it sounds tricky. Are the footrests designed to take this? Do BMW mechanics often have to replace damaged side stands due to people putting all their weight on the left footrest?
I don't want a bike with a lower seat in relation to the footrests because it would be hard on the knees when riding. One option could be the lowered suspension GS which has the same seat/footrest relationship but with everything closer to the ground, I mentioned this to a dealer and he was incredulous that someone 6 feet tall would consider it, but I do have short legs. Is there any disadvantage to the low suspension considering I'm never going off road?
You will be absolutely fine climbing on using the footrest as a leg-up. On the ORS course (level 3), you ride around with all your weight one peg at times, you also mount and dismount while the bike is moving using this method. Crack-on I don't want a bike with a lower seat in relation to the footrests because it would be hard on the knees when riding. One option could be the lowered suspension GS which has the same seat/footrest relationship but with everything closer to the ground, I mentioned this to a dealer and he was incredulous that someone 6 feet tall would consider it, but I do have short legs. Is there any disadvantage to the low suspension considering I'm never going off road?
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