Wait, does everyone mount a bike from the left?
Discussion
I was also wondering why, if I lose my balance at slow speed, I'm more likely to recover if the bike is falling to the left. Something to do with the side I get on from? Do some folks practice mounting their bike from the other side? Maybe get on from the back like a Hollywood cowboy?
Similarly, I'm happier taking a tight left turn than a right turn, and you don't usually see motocross motor bikers on right hand circuits. Hmmm.
Similarly, I'm happier taking a tight left turn than a right turn, and you don't usually see motocross motor bikers on right hand circuits. Hmmm.
I always get on as described, from the left. I think it makes sense as you keep your left foot on the floor, and your dominant foot is then on the pedal ready to push. It also means you get on from the pavement, rather than the middle of the road, but not sure how much that affects it.
Regarding finding left turns more comfortable, is that just because of how we are used to getting on and off? Not sure.
Regarding finding left turns more comfortable, is that just because of how we are used to getting on and off? Not sure.
I always get on from the left, but if I stop and put a foot down I think I'll just use whichever is more convenient (ie wherever there's a raised curb).
Every so often I get on my motorbike from the right when I've pulled up to close to a petrol pump and it just feels wrong. I'll pull my push bike away from things and walk round it to get on from the left though.
Never carried a sword but I did use to ride a pony
On a related note, I used to fly gliders, and was always more comfortable thermalling left (anti clockwise) than right despite the position of my knee and the airbrake handle on a K13 meaning full left stuck was quite awkward.
Every so often I get on my motorbike from the right when I've pulled up to close to a petrol pump and it just feels wrong. I'll pull my push bike away from things and walk round it to get on from the left though.
Never carried a sword but I did use to ride a pony
On a related note, I used to fly gliders, and was always more comfortable thermalling left (anti clockwise) than right despite the position of my knee and the airbrake handle on a K13 meaning full left stuck was quite awkward.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Tuesday 9th June 13:01
I seem to have two methods, always from the left. Firstly, as used on my previous bike due to an unreliable drive train, and still in use if I'm at the bottom of a very steep hill or other short take off area, is to lean the bike at up to 45 degrees to the left and swing my right leg over on to the pedal. Not the most elegant, perhaps.
The other method, as taught by my buddy at schools, is to place the left foot on left pedal, scoot a bit with the right foot, then smartly swing the right leg over. Maybe if I'm feeling adverturous I'd have the left pedal at 8 o'clock or so to power off. This was alluded to on another site as an "old man's method". The cheek.
The other method, as taught by my buddy at schools, is to place the left foot on left pedal, scoot a bit with the right foot, then smartly swing the right leg over. Maybe if I'm feeling adverturous I'd have the left pedal at 8 o'clock or so to power off. This was alluded to on another site as an "old man's method". The cheek.
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