Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi! I'm new to the forum and new to riding. I've got a Sportster 883L and I've been riding for about 2 months. I didn't like the stock seat so I put on a Sundowner which sits me a bit higher. I'm having a horrible problem with balance, I've dropped my bike 5 times while standing still! Help!! My feet aren't flat on the ground, would changing to a lower seat so my feet are flat make a difference? Or is this just something I need to learn?
This is getting really frustrating! I'd almost feel better if I was putting the bike down while I was moving! But just plain tipping over? I feel like an idiot every time it happens.

Thanks!

Are you tipping over becasuse you aren't sure which side the bike is going to lean? If so, here's a trick that works on level pavement. Remember, not all intersections are level in your lane, so you'll need to take note of any high crowning on the roads you ride.

Okay, when you approach the stop...just before you come to a complete stop...stick the foot you intend to put down out to the side as you put it down. At the same time, push lightly on the handlebar on that same side just as you are stopping. Use the foot brake for final braking to the stop, and put your left foot down whenever possible (again, pavement irregularities and oil spots at some intersections don't make this an easy maneuver).

Doing this causes the bike to lean predictably to the side you want it too, and you are ready with the foot in place to catch it. You could try some boots with a thicker sole, as well.

Try to get it so you can flat foot.... especially if you have a tendency to drop it. The bike might be a bit heavy for you if you keep dropping it standing still... so either try to get it so you can flatfoot or get a lighter or shorter bike.

It is also a lot easier on the knees when you are able to keep the bike straight up with both feet on the ground.

How much is the bike leaning with one foot on the ground?

The last 2 times it happened I stalled the engine when I tried to start while going uphill. If I am just coming to a stop I don't have too much of a problem although it does feel a little shakey sometimes. The lean isn't that bad with just one foot on the ground, but it's almost far enough to lose it. And if I'm not on level ground it doesn't take too much lean before I lose it. It doesn't help any that I'm short. I'm going to try a lower seat and maybe some new boots. Then I guess I just need to get comfortable with it.
Thanks for all of the help!

Quick question. How tall are you? sounds like you are one of those who is "Veritcally Challenged". Strange that you wouldn't be flat footing on a sportster L (the hugger model iirc). Im 5'10" and the standard model sportster is too cramped for me (and its still heavy for its size). I fit ok on a sportster custom but dont like the cruiser riding position.

Go to eBay and type "Sportster Lowering" into the search box. My buddy and I put a set of lowering blocks on his '98 883 and dropped the rear a full inch. The blocks were only $40.00 and installed very easily.

Sounds like you need to spend more time practicing starts/stops and slow stuff in a parking lot (did you take the MSF basic riders course?). Mastering throttle/clutch control will help greatly.

There is a technique to starting on a hill, but you've got to have a good feel for your bike's friction zone first.

P

I don't know what state you live in , but in Cali if both feet do not sit flat on the ground while stopped , your illegal . Keep that in mind too .
Regards, Wizzard

Wizzard wrote:I don't know what state you live in , but in Cali if both feet do not sit flat on the ground while stopped , your illegal . Keep that in mind too .
Regards, Wizzard

Really? I've seen a lot of sportbike riders with only one foot down. some not even a whole foot.