big bikes: how often do they get dropped?

[Biker80]

I'm wondering about getting some crash protectors for my first big bike, but I intend to keep the bike carefully and avoid it falling over, I already dropped a big bike during training when pulling the front brake during a slow and tight U-turn manoeuvre, so I kind of know now what to avoid doing!

Curious to know from any experienced riders out there how often (if at all) your bike is falling over or getting dropped?
is it reasonable to say most people can get away without ever dropping the bike and therefore not need crash protectors fitted?

[Mattaria]

I'd say it is prudent to put crash bungs on the bike regardless of however experienced you are. But if you've already dropped it i'd say it'd be stupid not to.

Personally i reckon i'm going to go down the engine cage line....

[recman]

If you think you might drop it, fit protectors.
If you think you might not, don't fit protectors.
Simples.

Can you honestly see yourself never dropping your bike?

Bit like saying ride in a shell suit if you don't intend falling off.

[bridgedino]

At least once.

I dented a tank once after laying my stationary bike down, stopping and putting my foot down on a slippy bit of road surface was just enough to tip my balance.

I have also cracked my radiator (£300 for a new one) from laying it down in my back garden after manoeuvring it from its parking spot. Something that I do every day without problems appart from that one time.

So never say never

[supZ]

[J.M.]

[krarkol]

Not dropped mine yet (touch wood)

I'm on tip toes as it's got a different shock to standard and it's a big heavy thing. First day I had it I just had to do a bit of forward planning taking notice of the road camber and any pot holes.

Within a few hours I was used to it and slide my ass off the seat a bit so I can flat foot my left foot and hold the bike up while the right foot is on the rear brake pedal.

My advice? Get the crash bars fitted! I'll be doing it as soon as I can
I'd quite like the look of them on my bandit tbh!
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Bandit 600 - deaded

[pinkyfloyd]

Treat it like condoms.

Its better to have protection and never need it than need it and not have it.
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Vracktal]

even if you never drop the bike,. there's always the chance of a motorist backing into it while parked, or the wind blowing it over, or even just the sidestand collapsing (it happpens), so if you've got the cash for crash bars or bungs i'd say it's a worthy investment.

[Fem1]

I have had crash bungs put on my bike.

Only thing is its in the garage waiting for me to pass my tests

[Biker80]

thanks all for the replies, also for having the honesty in admitting to dropping the bike before

I was hoping to gauge for how common it is for this to happen and now I think I'll get some crash bungs fitted just in case!

[AlexW]

Depends on the bike in my view too.

I dropped my SV twice, both time doing the same thing, Trying to turn too tightly on a road I didn't know, while also being on a hill.

First time I snapped the rear brake lever, and bent the front brake lever like a banana, Second time (now with shorty levers and a folding brake pedal) I marked the small indicator and the bar end.

Wouldn't fit crash bungs to it now knowing the above. I do have a high level tucked in exhaust though, Can imagine the standard can getting mashed, or helping damage other things due to the change of pivot point when on the floor.