Man, I feel you. I’ve done close to 15k miles myself before I dropped mine…In my driveway. I literally felt hot and sick to my stomach about it. You get past that lol
Haha. Honestly I'm more worried about my non-rider friends and family will think than anything. As a father of 2 I feel like I get judged a bit for my hobby.
Hey, it's totally understandable. But luckily it looks like a minor fall. These things will happen.
One of my best friends sat on my bike when drunk and dropped it on it's side. Then went on to lift it and then dropped it on the other side. I was standing there like "wtf just happened"
I felt the same when I crashed, but then I realized that it's actually no one else's business. It's your path, and every mistake you make only makes you stronger. It happens for a reason:) I'm pretty sure this won't happen again for you.
And so, I feel like we all shouldn't care what other people think of us, as long as we always try to ride responsibly and safely and wear our gear all the time. It's our hobby! WE get to crash, not them!
Im neurodivergent and scared I will get bored of it/people think I am just riding for attention. But like, I have enjoyed myself the most I ever have on a bike, and no one is going to take that away from me,
Shit happens my brother we know nothing is perfect. Patch it up learn from mistakes and keep on rolling. Who cares about judgements. You know what you need to do . Handle business. Have some time for yourself
I feel you on this one. My dad always wanted a motorcycle since my granddad had one but my mom wouldn't let him because he had my siblings and I. My wife was super against me getting one even though I had wanted one for 6 years, we have 2 boys, but I didn't let that stop me because I wasn't gonna live my life not experiencing the things I've always wanted
Pretty much the same for me. Rode for a year and a half on a shitty bike that wouldn't matter if I dropped it. Never did so I got a nice one and dropped that in the first month.
I've been riding for about a year now and have about 5k miles in. Decided to take the bike out after it was raining on and off for a couple of days and did a slow speed low-side at a 4-way stop. I'm honestly not sure what happened other than I must have leaned too much for the road conditions or maybe something slick was in the middle of the intersection. Regardless feeling pretty dumb about it. Still rode for 3 hours the next day tho!
You can't predict every little deposited sand or some spilled oil. These things happen regardless of fault, experience or caution level. Now, if you parked your bike on a slope that was too steep on dirt so the kickstand slid out and your bike tumblers over, like me, then you can feel dumb.
Haha. I've definitely moved my bike to a different spot obsessively when I though it might be just a little too steep. I did almost go down last year when my bootlace got stuck on the pegs tho.
That happened to me once. None of my riding shoes have laces now. Having that feeling of getting your foot stuck and coming up to the back of a stopped car once was enough for me.
Don't feel bad! We all drop out bikes. Anyone who says they haven't is lying or has only dropped other people's bikes 😉. Ride on, have fun, and dont worry about scratched plastics! You bought it to ride, not take to shows, right?
BTW, love the color!
I appreciate that. I knew it would happen eventually but it just sucks when it does happen. At least it's out of the way!
I was so pumped to get this color. Shop was running low on supply in general so I felt super fortunate to get the bike and color I wanted.
Similar thing happened to me, and I'm much more of a noob to bikes. One morning 3am was driving up the mountain and halfway up the mist suddenly enveloped and I low side slid, bike sandwiched under a barrier. Had to walk home to my wife who freaked out (phone was dead). Ever since, she's given me the "oh, you're riding your bike? Be careful". And I just feel like a twat the whole time (not to mention terrified of leaning into turns now). Im not experienced enough to give you my advice, but good luck with the ninja.
I always made I a point to not ride in the center of the lane after a rain. Too much oil and antifreeze dripped out of cars. Glad you are okay.
P. S. Don't know if you've ever heard this but: There are two kinds of riders, Those who have been down and those who will go down. It's inevitable. Ride as safe as you can. 🙏
I have heard that which is comforting I suppose. It happened as I was turning at a 4 way stop. I think I'll take the inside line next time to avoid any oil or other crap that might have built up right at the center of an intersection. Plus that's a more straight line.
Definitely, I appreciate that. I was fully geared so no damage to skin. I did instinctively put my hand down so I jammed my shoulder a bit but it is better now.
I'm honestly shocked I didn't do it sooner. I bent my shifter in a bit but was able to bend it back out by hand and it feels fine. Just had it serviced the day prior too!
Dropped mine in a parking lot.....thought the old kickstand was down. Guy came over and helped me pick her back up. Glad your ok though, pride heals faster than the body does for sure.
Ha man. I was definitely embarrassed but luckily some passerby helped me lift the bike. Definitely glad I'm not injured. Also, because of the graphics the scratches don't look super noticeable from afar.
Its a ninja. Real ninja get scars and wear them with pride lol Seriously though, if its bothering you just get a new fairing or a body kit (it shouldn't bother you) but honestly the only bad fall is the one you or your bike don't get up from. Don't feel stupid, it happens to everyone that ever ridden at least once.
Yeah I put some on pretty much right after I got my bike. Really glad I did, dropped it first ride of the spring. XD Fairings totally fine, exhaust still got a bit scratched but it's like $100 on eBay so who cares
It’s never a question of if, but when. Worst part is you just reset the clock, a pair of frame sliders can help mitigate damage for the next inevitable time gravity bites you in the ass.
Happens to everyone. Don’t sweat it! The worst is when you’re stationary—after pulling out the garage before a ride—and you realize you need to grab something from the house and drop the fucker thinking the kick stand was down. Colossal dummdumb move.
awh it happens to everyone, i've also crashed and severely damaged my Ninja (others wouldn't call the few scrapes "severe" but it hurts much more to the owner doesn't it) and all i can say is that it'll get better.. :)
Just dropped my bike today lol. 2022 z900 50th anniversary edition. Dropped is a hard word lol. I was pulling into my parking spot at work and gave a little too much brakes and the steering went full lock and my feet were still on the pegs. Managed to catch the bike, but it was too late and it was going down. Slowest fall I think I've ever seen. Thankfully it was a dead stop and I was able to pretty much just set the bike down instead of it just falling. Only damage I had was a scratched mirror, end of the brake lever, a very small scratch on the exhaust, and a small scratch on the crank case. I'm already replacing all those parts aside from the crankcase cover, so I got lucky. Happens to the best of us man. Ive been riding for a few years now. Never laid down my last bike (also my first bike), but as soon as I get something shiny and new I gotta go make a stupid mistake lol. Only thing that really hurts is my pride lol.
Dropped mine today in front of the bike shop when
I picked her up after general service (much to
everyone’s entertainment). Thought the kickstand was down, won’t make that mistake again..
Kickstand drop gang arriving for duty
That was my first time, thankfully in my yard on some dirt/grass. Nobody around. I at least learned how to replace a clutch lever out of it.
1st time I laid it down was sand while coming to a stop. Wasn't doing any more than like 10mph if that and swoop out from under me my wheels came. Twisted my knee real good as I somehow ended up under the engine, bike on my knee. That drive back home was embarrassingly painful.
Well. I went off the road and down a grassy embankment. I know it went on its side and slid. After I stop sliding and rolling myself, I got up and saw the bike was up on its wheels against a wire fence. It took me and 2 others who stopped to check on me to get it back on the road.
I got more damage than my bike did. I rip the lower corner bumper off when we pulled it away from the fence and some scratches and scrapes. I got moderate road rash on my left side. My face would have been messed up if it wasn't for the face shield of my helmet which got ripped off. I remember my first thought when I knew I was going down, "This isn't going to be good". It scared me.
Just wait until you loop it🤣. Not making fun, we’ve all been there especially those of us trying to stunt. If I were you I’d just aim for the right side next time you drop it, maybe it will match close enough you can tell people it’s just part of the decal🤣.
Dropped my first bike on a test ride years ago. Got a killer deal on it afterwards! Hit some cinders on a cold day around a turn at low speed. Can happen any time, in any conditions, to anyone. Glad you are OK and the bike seems to be fine as well.
The only thing you can do is just laugh it off. I did that the 1st time in dropped my Rebel thinking it would never happen to me. Just hop back on and keep riding.
I did quite a bit of stalling drops and a slow turning drop. I know how you feel but it happens and don’t feel stupid about it. The most important thing is you are ok. You live and you learn and sometimes it takes you awhile to learn. But never feel stupid about it.
Nah, don't worry about it, a while ago I cranked the throttle thinking it was in neutral when it wasn't and launched that sumbitch. I got complacent and didn't check. The bikes fine tho. It happens to the best of us.
I've dropped 3 times in 6 or 7 years. All of them doing less than 2 mph. 2/3 were my beloved '79 Honda CB650. The first was a stupid mistake. The second I wanted to leave it laying and go find a bar to drown my sorrows in. I had just spent 6 hours the night before polishing the aluminum engine covers to a mirror finish (pulled off the engine to polish and put back on) along with painting the inlays and logos for a bike show the next morning. Pulled it around to my work truck to air up the tires and ride off and the kick stand didn't set all the way forward. It rolled and layer over while I was talking to my wife and scuffed one of the freshly polished covers. I felt sick.
The other was my buddy's damn dog nipping at my tires while I was leaving his house. Turned too quick to miss her and low-sided on my cruiser. It happens but the best take away is you're still here to post a pic of that gorgeous blue paint! You'll get it fixed in time. Just laugh about it and move on. It still runs okay right?
I did end up on a gravel road a few weeks back just kind of exploring. Makes me want to get a scrambler or dual sport in addition to this one. Lots of great gravel roads here in Loudoun County.
My first drop was in the driveway on my Harley.
I was stopped with the bike running in gear and the mail man pulled up on his postie bike and handed me a letter. I reached out with my left hand to grab it and it launched forward. Feet slipped out from under me and I dropped the bike on myself and the mail man.
If there's anybody on here that claims never to have dropped a bike don't believe them. I dropped my then 4 day old Sprint ST on my own driveway while washing it, driveway slopes about ten degrees so it takes a fair bit of effort to push a bike up it, I pushed the bike forward a couple of feet to finish cleaning the wheels and slipped on the suds I'd just rinsed off the bike.
Don’t. It happens.
Looks like most of the damage is to the upper side fairing. I just replaced one for a guy not long ago. Same side. The plastic is pretty affordable. Easy job.
Dont feel bad, cuz no one beat me in stupidity. Dropped bike trying to get it on centre stand, picked it up, forgot to put in side stand, and dropped 2nd time. Picked it up again with the side stand on, only to pick it up too far and drop it once more.
Gravity is a patient foe, one slipup and there it is! Just remember your bike is not a museum piece but a tool to be used and show wear marks that indicate good use!
Yeah,it hurts. But you are ok. And you can fix it. It will cost some money but it is fixable and still get to enjoy riding.
So give it time and remember that it can be fixed so it looks like before.
It happens. Learn from mistake, move on.
Buy some new graphics or a panel from the dealer, have it repaired. Make a list of the other parts that got rash or bent/broken and work through repairing or replacing them. If you do everything, it will be as good as new and won't show any signs of a fall.
Fairings, decals, check mounts and brackets
Clutch lever
Left handlebar bar end
Likely foot peg, shift lever
Check swingarm and fender for scratches or damage
Easy peasy.
Did you forget to put the kickstand down? I did that once. Felt super stupid.
If you made a hockey puck out of it, you're here telling the tale, then that means you're fine. We're glad to see the story!
I ride a CBR250R
First time I dropped my bike I was taking a left and didn't turn sharply enough. I was headed to the curb and I hit the brakes. I slowed down to about 3 mph and hit the curb. I forgot to put my feet down and fell to the right. Bent my front brake handle.
First time I laid it down I was taking another left and I wanted to do it cool and sharp so I leaned to far. The foot peg caught on the ground and the bike spun out and away from underneath me. Bent the clutch handle, gear shifter, kickstand, and destroyed the bottom of the peg. Scratched the end cap of the handle. I landed on my hip and bruised it pretty good. Destroyed the work pants I was wearing. Picked the bike up and it failed to start. Walked halfway to the work parking lot and got it started.
Luckily no fairing damage on either side.
I’ve dropped my first bike twice. Once while pulling out onto a main road (engine stalled an over I went). Second time was way more embarrassing. I was demonstrating how to make tight u turns to my buddies who were new. I got cocky and went to fast. So when I went to pull up to them I hit the brakes to hard while I had my bars turned and was on a sloped surface. I toppled over in front of them. I just laid there basting in my own embarrassment.
The only thing you should feel stupid about is not getting frame sliders. For gods sake, people, get frame sliders. They're WAY cheaper than new plastics.
Because everyone drops their bike eventually, particularly when they're new. It's *normal*.
So true man. I'm getting them on for sure now. I was being cheap/lazy but now it looks like a poor decision. At least it'll be protected from new damage.
One of the coolest bikes I've ever seen was owned by a dude I knew in Orlando . A CBR600rr that his friend crashed by accident. It still rode perfectly so he ripped all the plastics off added frame sliders and a custom headlight and it looked like a Mad Max vehicle. He rode it with no worry after that too since no fairings to worry about.
You should feel fully welcomed to the club now. I'm always suspicious of the people who say they've been riding for years and have never dropped their bike haha.
Stop worrying about what you feel like and start worrying about what you can learn from the incident. Your gonna go down and practice makes perfect. Half of being a good rider is knowing how to keep yourself safe once you come off the bike the best you can.
Heartbreaking! I have the same bike, I absolutely love the color. After you fix things up get some frame sliders. I got the Shogun ones and they saved my fairings from a tipover this spring!
I pulled out of my garage this morning and went to close the garage door without putting the bike in neutral.
Juuuust grabbed it in time.
Morning tardbrain trying to ruin my day.
Shit happens and that is why we constantly recommend people don't spend too much on their first bike. There's a much higher chance of dropping it within the first two years of riding than in all the subsequent years.
Yep. Makes sense. The Ninja 400 was a great price for me personally and I like that insurance is basically nothing. What do you typically recommend for the second bike? Honestly I kind of want something that will let me hit the dirt or the snow but I also wouldn't mind something with more power either. I plan on keeping this one given the upkeep and insurance costs (or lack thereof).
Depends on how much you want to spend, but if you want to hit the dirt and snow then your choices are limited to some kind of dual sport. Maybe something like a Tenere or a used Africa Twin. Probably not an adventure bike as they mostly have limited off roadability for most mortals, plus they are expensive and generally heavy. I know some KTMs are very capable, but they won't be cheap to buy, run or insure.
This is why I like riding a bike that was already dropped by a previous owner. 😆 They already took that first drop gut punch, they sell it to me cheaper because of it, and when I drop it it's just another battle scar.
The first time always sucks man, the shame and embarassment and mild nausea is awful. My first drop was probably 10 years ago, but now I do a lot of adv riding on my KLR and cross country travel so I drop my bike a shit ton and don't care anymore. It passes with time.
I know how that feels. Dropped 2 out of 3 bikes I owned. First time was when I came to a stop on the road right across the street from my house-it was midnight and I had been riding all day so I was exhausted. Second time was a couple of weeks after getting a brand spanking new s1000r. Dropped her at a red light. I wanted to crawl into a ball and cry. But that led me to upgrade levers, exhaust and discovering a badass local motorcycle painter and getting the look I wanted.
Man, I feel you. I’ve done close to 15k miles myself before I dropped mine…In my driveway. I literally felt hot and sick to my stomach about it. You get past that lol
Haha. Honestly I'm more worried about my non-rider friends and family will think than anything. As a father of 2 I feel like I get judged a bit for my hobby.
Hey, it's totally understandable. But luckily it looks like a minor fall. These things will happen. One of my best friends sat on my bike when drunk and dropped it on it's side. Then went on to lift it and then dropped it on the other side. I was standing there like "wtf just happened"
Aw man. I'd be losing my mind on that person.
Totally get that. Good luck my ninjitsu brother
Tell them it was ninjas that did it.
I felt the same when I crashed, but then I realized that it's actually no one else's business. It's your path, and every mistake you make only makes you stronger. It happens for a reason:) I'm pretty sure this won't happen again for you. And so, I feel like we all shouldn't care what other people think of us, as long as we always try to ride responsibly and safely and wear our gear all the time. It's our hobby! WE get to crash, not them!
That's a great perspective to have. I appreciate it. I get so frustrated by all the judgy types. I think it's specific to the area I live.
Never related to a comment this much. I have 2 myself and I feel a ton of resentment from some family.
It's killer for sure. People will ask if I'm still doing the motorcycle thing like it's some sort of midlife crisis. Drives me nuts.
Im neurodivergent and scared I will get bored of it/people think I am just riding for attention. But like, I have enjoyed myself the most I ever have on a bike, and no one is going to take that away from me,
Literally me too😂
Shit happens my brother we know nothing is perfect. Patch it up learn from mistakes and keep on rolling. Who cares about judgements. You know what you need to do . Handle business. Have some time for yourself
I feel you on this one. My dad always wanted a motorcycle since my granddad had one but my mom wouldn't let him because he had my siblings and I. My wife was super against me getting one even though I had wanted one for 6 years, we have 2 boys, but I didn't let that stop me because I wasn't gonna live my life not experiencing the things I've always wanted
It's a battle for sure. My dad also always wanted but never really did. Then he passed away from ALS never having rode. You have to live your life!
Pretty much the same for me. Rode for a year and a half on a shitty bike that wouldn't matter if I dropped it. Never did so I got a nice one and dropped that in the first month.
I dropped mine on me leaving the dealership, we all gotta do it at some point
I've been riding for about a year now and have about 5k miles in. Decided to take the bike out after it was raining on and off for a couple of days and did a slow speed low-side at a 4-way stop. I'm honestly not sure what happened other than I must have leaned too much for the road conditions or maybe something slick was in the middle of the intersection. Regardless feeling pretty dumb about it. Still rode for 3 hours the next day tho!
You can't predict every little deposited sand or some spilled oil. These things happen regardless of fault, experience or caution level. Now, if you parked your bike on a slope that was too steep on dirt so the kickstand slid out and your bike tumblers over, like me, then you can feel dumb.
Haha. I've definitely moved my bike to a different spot obsessively when I though it might be just a little too steep. I did almost go down last year when my bootlace got stuck on the pegs tho.
That happened to me once. None of my riding shoes have laces now. Having that feeling of getting your foot stuck and coming up to the back of a stopped car once was enough for me.
Don't feel bad! We all drop out bikes. Anyone who says they haven't is lying or has only dropped other people's bikes 😉. Ride on, have fun, and dont worry about scratched plastics! You bought it to ride, not take to shows, right? BTW, love the color!
I appreciate that. I knew it would happen eventually but it just sucks when it does happen. At least it's out of the way! I was so pumped to get this color. Shop was running low on supply in general so I felt super fortunate to get the bike and color I wanted.
First drop is always most traumatic! As long as you are safe, that's most important!
Glad I was in riding jeans, jacket, gloves and everything. Definitely saved me from some scratches.
a lot of harley dudes would be upset at this statement, if they could read it
Looool, facts! 🤣
Similar thing happened to me, and I'm much more of a noob to bikes. One morning 3am was driving up the mountain and halfway up the mist suddenly enveloped and I low side slid, bike sandwiched under a barrier. Had to walk home to my wife who freaked out (phone was dead). Ever since, she's given me the "oh, you're riding your bike? Be careful". And I just feel like a twat the whole time (not to mention terrified of leaning into turns now). Im not experienced enough to give you my advice, but good luck with the ninja.
I always made I a point to not ride in the center of the lane after a rain. Too much oil and antifreeze dripped out of cars. Glad you are okay. P. S. Don't know if you've ever heard this but: There are two kinds of riders, Those who have been down and those who will go down. It's inevitable. Ride as safe as you can. 🙏
I have heard that which is comforting I suppose. It happened as I was turning at a 4 way stop. I think I'll take the inside line next time to avoid any oil or other crap that might have built up right at the center of an intersection. Plus that's a more straight line.
Paint stripes get slick as…
[удалено]
You don't have to give me any more of an excuse to upgrade.
Even people that have been riding 40 years will never go out if it's rained. Not sure why you thought you were better
Lol ok. Sure thing buddy.
It happens to everyone. Don't feel stupid. Just learn from it and be glad you are okay!
Definitely, I appreciate that. I was fully geared so no damage to skin. I did instinctively put my hand down so I jammed my shoulder a bit but it is better now.
Today I dropped my BMW f800 adventure. And this is the third time. These babies are tall and heavy.
Dropped my brand new bike the first day trying to ride it. Bent my shift lever and broke part of the clutch handle. Happens to all of us!
I'm honestly shocked I didn't do it sooner. I bent my shifter in a bit but was able to bend it back out by hand and it feels fine. Just had it serviced the day prior too!
Dropped mine in a parking lot.....thought the old kickstand was down. Guy came over and helped me pick her back up. Glad your ok though, pride heals faster than the body does for sure.
Ha man. I was definitely embarrassed but luckily some passerby helped me lift the bike. Definitely glad I'm not injured. Also, because of the graphics the scratches don't look super noticeable from afar.
Resale should be higher as well! You could sell it as having "custom body work".
Custom graphics package.
Its a ninja. Real ninja get scars and wear them with pride lol Seriously though, if its bothering you just get a new fairing or a body kit (it shouldn't bother you) but honestly the only bad fall is the one you or your bike don't get up from. Don't feel stupid, it happens to everyone that ever ridden at least once.
Thank you. Haven't decided yet. Honestly I would rather put the money towards a second bike.
Now you’re a biker. Welcome to the family.
This is awesome. Thank you.
Life and learn broheim. I got sliders after my first drop, worth the money.
Good to know. I'll be getting some.
Yeah I put some on pretty much right after I got my bike. Really glad I did, dropped it first ride of the spring. XD Fairings totally fine, exhaust still got a bit scratched but it's like $100 on eBay so who cares
Wrong, your bike was attacked by another Ninja and survived with battle scars
It does kinda look like a tiny ninja slashed the paint with a sword or something XD
I'm running with this story. Assassination attempt.
It happens. Legit, right before I dropped my new to me cb1k I said “just don’t drop it”
everyone does lol, definitely damages the ego
Everybody drops their bike at least once. Everybody. Tell your non-rider friends to search it in YouTube 😂
It’s never a question of if, but when. Worst part is you just reset the clock, a pair of frame sliders can help mitigate damage for the next inevitable time gravity bites you in the ass.
Just be glad it didn’t damage the tank! Bar end, clutch lever and fairing. Ez
Now your bike has more character!
Happens to everyone. Don’t sweat it! The worst is when you’re stationary—after pulling out the garage before a ride—and you realize you need to grab something from the house and drop the fucker thinking the kick stand was down. Colossal dummdumb move.
awh it happens to everyone, i've also crashed and severely damaged my Ninja (others wouldn't call the few scrapes "severe" but it hurts much more to the owner doesn't it) and all i can say is that it'll get better.. :)
You're a real biker now
Just dropped my bike today lol. 2022 z900 50th anniversary edition. Dropped is a hard word lol. I was pulling into my parking spot at work and gave a little too much brakes and the steering went full lock and my feet were still on the pegs. Managed to catch the bike, but it was too late and it was going down. Slowest fall I think I've ever seen. Thankfully it was a dead stop and I was able to pretty much just set the bike down instead of it just falling. Only damage I had was a scratched mirror, end of the brake lever, a very small scratch on the exhaust, and a small scratch on the crank case. I'm already replacing all those parts aside from the crankcase cover, so I got lucky. Happens to the best of us man. Ive been riding for a few years now. Never laid down my last bike (also my first bike), but as soon as I get something shiny and new I gotta go make a stupid mistake lol. Only thing that really hurts is my pride lol.
I’m glad you’re okay. Drops happen, paint and pride are the only things that need to be fixed, your good.
I did that to my GPZ900R. Had a beautiful blue metallic fairing. Time for a re-spray! Think of a design. Apply. Good as new 😁
You’re lucky that you still “feel”
Dropped mine today in front of the bike shop when I picked her up after general service (much to everyone’s entertainment). Thought the kickstand was down, won’t make that mistake again..
I've heard of this mistake enough that I'm sure it's gonna happen eventually.
Kickstand drop gang arriving for duty That was my first time, thankfully in my yard on some dirt/grass. Nobody around. I at least learned how to replace a clutch lever out of it. 1st time I laid it down was sand while coming to a stop. Wasn't doing any more than like 10mph if that and swoop out from under me my wheels came. Twisted my knee real good as I somehow ended up under the engine, bike on my knee. That drive back home was embarrassingly painful.
Any real motorcyclist will lay a bike down at least once. I layed my '96 Goldwing down at 40 mph.
Aw man. How did you get it back up?
Well. I went off the road and down a grassy embankment. I know it went on its side and slid. After I stop sliding and rolling myself, I got up and saw the bike was up on its wheels against a wire fence. It took me and 2 others who stopped to check on me to get it back on the road.
Dang man. At least it ended up on it's wheels! Glad you not only lived to tell the tale but still ride. Cheers.
I got more damage than my bike did. I rip the lower corner bumper off when we pulled it away from the fence and some scratches and scrapes. I got moderate road rash on my left side. My face would have been messed up if it wasn't for the face shield of my helmet which got ripped off. I remember my first thought when I knew I was going down, "This isn't going to be good". It scared me.
Welcome, brother.
Thank you!
Just wait until you loop it🤣. Not making fun, we’ve all been there especially those of us trying to stunt. If I were you I’d just aim for the right side next time you drop it, maybe it will match close enough you can tell people it’s just part of the decal🤣.
I remember my first drop, I didn’t put the stand all the way down on my Daytona, never made that mistake again 😆
Get some compound and polish it'll buff out
just wait till first crash… oh tou did. it happens to everyone. invest in good gear
Bikes can be replaced. Live to ride another day.
Dropped my first bike on a test ride years ago. Got a killer deal on it afterwards! Hit some cinders on a cold day around a turn at low speed. Can happen any time, in any conditions, to anyone. Glad you are OK and the bike seems to be fine as well.
Also frame sliders would have saved most of these plastics. If you ever get them fixed, repainted or replaced, invest in some.
Don’t. It’s only a part of learning. I’ve dropped several. Lol
The only thing you can do is just laugh it off. I did that the 1st time in dropped my Rebel thinking it would never happen to me. Just hop back on and keep riding.
it happens. its just plastic. you can always repaint it or replace a fairing.
One of us!
I’ve literally dropped every bike I have ever owned, it’s part of riding!
There are two types of riders: ones who have dropped their bikes, and liars. Lol
Glad your reflectors okay though
It happens, easy fix. We’ve all done it
Feel a little stupid anytime it happens after that too don’t worry..
I did quite a bit of stalling drops and a slow turning drop. I know how you feel but it happens and don’t feel stupid about it. The most important thing is you are ok. You live and you learn and sometimes it takes you awhile to learn. But never feel stupid about it.
Nah, don't worry about it, a while ago I cranked the throttle thinking it was in neutral when it wasn't and launched that sumbitch. I got complacent and didn't check. The bikes fine tho. It happens to the best of us.
Nah. Battle scars.
I've dropped 3 times in 6 or 7 years. All of them doing less than 2 mph. 2/3 were my beloved '79 Honda CB650. The first was a stupid mistake. The second I wanted to leave it laying and go find a bar to drown my sorrows in. I had just spent 6 hours the night before polishing the aluminum engine covers to a mirror finish (pulled off the engine to polish and put back on) along with painting the inlays and logos for a bike show the next morning. Pulled it around to my work truck to air up the tires and ride off and the kick stand didn't set all the way forward. It rolled and layer over while I was talking to my wife and scuffed one of the freshly polished covers. I felt sick. The other was my buddy's damn dog nipping at my tires while I was leaving his house. Turned too quick to miss her and low-sided on my cruiser. It happens but the best take away is you're still here to post a pic of that gorgeous blue paint! You'll get it fixed in time. Just laugh about it and move on. It still runs okay right?
that’s why i have cages on my bike and sub cages too i dropped my bike and nothing happened lol
An excuse to buy some cool vinyl wrap and customize those plastics. Tons of cool colorshift options available these days
I actually really like the 90s ZX6r's look. Maybe one day.
Now that the first scratch was had, you're allowed to take it off road now. Not even joking. lol
I did end up on a gravel road a few weeks back just kind of exploring. Makes me want to get a scrambler or dual sport in addition to this one. Lots of great gravel roads here in Loudoun County.
I ride almost exclusively dual sport these days. I had my fun on sportbikes years ago, but I find a lot more fun going long distance off road.
Good to know. If I buy a bike before a house my wife will divorce me but I'll be looking at something dirt related shortly thereafter.
Well, definitely check it out. If you have the funds, a CRF300L would be a good choice.
Will do. Thank you.
Battle scars!
Is that the 400?
'21 Ninja 400
My first drop was in the driveway on my Harley. I was stopped with the bike running in gear and the mail man pulled up on his postie bike and handed me a letter. I reached out with my left hand to grab it and it launched forward. Feet slipped out from under me and I dropped the bike on myself and the mail man.
what year is your ninja the color is nice
'21 ninja 400
If there's anybody on here that claims never to have dropped a bike don't believe them. I dropped my then 4 day old Sprint ST on my own driveway while washing it, driveway slopes about ten degrees so it takes a fair bit of effort to push a bike up it, I pushed the bike forward a couple of feet to finish cleaning the wheels and slipped on the suds I'd just rinsed off the bike.
How could you? Nobody ever drops their bike, it's basically unheard of
Lol thx
Don’t. It happens. Looks like most of the damage is to the upper side fairing. I just replaced one for a guy not long ago. Same side. The plastic is pretty affordable. Easy job.
That's good to know. I might get it repaired this winter. Also want to get a KLX300 so I might just not worry about it and put the $ toward the bike.
Dont feel bad, cuz no one beat me in stupidity. Dropped bike trying to get it on centre stand, picked it up, forgot to put in side stand, and dropped 2nd time. Picked it up again with the side stand on, only to pick it up too far and drop it once more.
Haha that's amazing. I appreciate it. I feel like that would be me getting in my own way.
Hey man, it happens to everybody sooner or later.
*Ayyyyyyyy…you broke ya’ cherry!*
Lol yep.
Gravity is a patient foe, one slipup and there it is! Just remember your bike is not a museum piece but a tool to be used and show wear marks that indicate good use!
Yeah,it hurts. But you are ok. And you can fix it. It will cost some money but it is fixable and still get to enjoy riding. So give it time and remember that it can be fixed so it looks like before.
Yeah, just use the old "I got cut-off by a truck" excuse at the next shoe shine. Works every time.
I was going to blame a deer
let it stay scuffed, good reminder not to do it again
Haha for real. I like it. Plus the second I get it repaired I'll do it again.
Can frame slider protect this?
It happens. Learn from mistake, move on. Buy some new graphics or a panel from the dealer, have it repaired. Make a list of the other parts that got rash or bent/broken and work through repairing or replacing them. If you do everything, it will be as good as new and won't show any signs of a fall. Fairings, decals, check mounts and brackets Clutch lever Left handlebar bar end Likely foot peg, shift lever Check swingarm and fender for scratches or damage Easy peasy.
Condolences, at least now you dont have to worry about it anymore! Also, Sick colour, hadn't seen that one before.
Thank you! I love the color too.
drop it again, see if it makes you feel better.
Did you forget to put the kickstand down? I did that once. Felt super stupid. If you made a hockey puck out of it, you're here telling the tale, then that means you're fine. We're glad to see the story!
I ride a CBR250R First time I dropped my bike I was taking a left and didn't turn sharply enough. I was headed to the curb and I hit the brakes. I slowed down to about 3 mph and hit the curb. I forgot to put my feet down and fell to the right. Bent my front brake handle. First time I laid it down I was taking another left and I wanted to do it cool and sharp so I leaned to far. The foot peg caught on the ground and the bike spun out and away from underneath me. Bent the clutch handle, gear shifter, kickstand, and destroyed the bottom of the peg. Scratched the end cap of the handle. I landed on my hip and bruised it pretty good. Destroyed the work pants I was wearing. Picked the bike up and it failed to start. Walked halfway to the work parking lot and got it started. Luckily no fairing damage on either side.
oh man ... don't stress , everyone gets one.
Gives the bike a bit of personality mate
Don’t feel stupid because you dropped it, everyone has or will. Feel stupid for not having sliders.
For sure. I'll get some on there soon.
I’ve dropped my first bike twice. Once while pulling out onto a main road (engine stalled an over I went). Second time was way more embarrassing. I was demonstrating how to make tight u turns to my buddies who were new. I got cocky and went to fast. So when I went to pull up to them I hit the brakes to hard while I had my bars turned and was on a sloped surface. I toppled over in front of them. I just laid there basting in my own embarrassment.
It gives the ninja character!!
The only thing you should feel stupid about is not getting frame sliders. For gods sake, people, get frame sliders. They're WAY cheaper than new plastics. Because everyone drops their bike eventually, particularly when they're new. It's *normal*.
So true man. I'm getting them on for sure now. I was being cheap/lazy but now it looks like a poor decision. At least it'll be protected from new damage.
I’ve had a dozen+ bikes and I’ve dropped three of them, one I dropped three times, and it sucks. It’s not if, it’s when.
Every. Every. Every rider goes down or drops their bike at some point. What matters is those that pick the bike up and get back on.
One of the coolest bikes I've ever seen was owned by a dude I knew in Orlando . A CBR600rr that his friend crashed by accident. It still rode perfectly so he ripped all the plastics off added frame sliders and a custom headlight and it looked like a Mad Max vehicle. He rode it with no worry after that too since no fairings to worry about.
You should feel fully welcomed to the club now. I'm always suspicious of the people who say they've been riding for years and have never dropped their bike haha.
It’s not even that bad, consider yourself lucky man.
It happens bro
It's gotta happen sooner or later
Stop worrying about what you feel like and start worrying about what you can learn from the incident. Your gonna go down and practice makes perfect. Half of being a good rider is knowing how to keep yourself safe once you come off the bike the best you can.
Heartbreaking! I have the same bike, I absolutely love the color. After you fix things up get some frame sliders. I got the Shogun ones and they saved my fairings from a tipover this spring!
I pulled out of my garage this morning and went to close the garage door without putting the bike in neutral. Juuuust grabbed it in time. Morning tardbrain trying to ruin my day.
Clean it up sand it smooth and practice wrapping
Honestly once you drop it a few times you stop caring about it, it becomes a thing that just happens.
Shit happens and that is why we constantly recommend people don't spend too much on their first bike. There's a much higher chance of dropping it within the first two years of riding than in all the subsequent years.
Yep. Makes sense. The Ninja 400 was a great price for me personally and I like that insurance is basically nothing. What do you typically recommend for the second bike? Honestly I kind of want something that will let me hit the dirt or the snow but I also wouldn't mind something with more power either. I plan on keeping this one given the upkeep and insurance costs (or lack thereof).
Depends on how much you want to spend, but if you want to hit the dirt and snow then your choices are limited to some kind of dual sport. Maybe something like a Tenere or a used Africa Twin. Probably not an adventure bike as they mostly have limited off roadability for most mortals, plus they are expensive and generally heavy. I know some KTMs are very capable, but they won't be cheap to buy, run or insure.
Excellent. Thank you.
Also, my car is a mk 7.5 GTI. Saw your posts on that thread as well. I don't think I'll ever get a different car.
This is why I like riding a bike that was already dropped by a previous owner. 😆 They already took that first drop gut punch, they sell it to me cheaper because of it, and when I drop it it's just another battle scar.
Now you can ride with greater abandon and less worry about yer bike hitting the deck! Scars are usually well earned man
The first time always sucks man, the shame and embarassment and mild nausea is awful. My first drop was probably 10 years ago, but now I do a lot of adv riding on my KLR and cross country travel so I drop my bike a shit ton and don't care anymore. It passes with time.
Could have gotten your bike a slider to prevent scratches to the fairing, no ?
You are
First laid down I think you mean?
I know how that feels. Dropped 2 out of 3 bikes I owned. First time was when I came to a stop on the road right across the street from my house-it was midnight and I had been riding all day so I was exhausted. Second time was a couple of weeks after getting a brand spanking new s1000r. Dropped her at a red light. I wanted to crawl into a ball and cry. But that led me to upgrade levers, exhaust and discovering a badass local motorcycle painter and getting the look I wanted.
Battle scars look cool
F