Falling from your motorcycle is dangerous at any speed, and there is probably not much you can do about it. When you're in the moment, it's nearly impossible to think clearly about what you should and shouldn't do with your body position, and you may have no ability to control yourself even if you can think of what to do anyway.
However, on the outside chances that knowing the proper techniques may help at least one person through a fall from their motorcycle, let's examine two schools of thought.
First, let's talk about a lowside fall. This is when you dump and your bike winds up out in front of you. You really, really want to stay behind your motorcycle. Really. So logic dictates you need to increase your amount of friction with the ground to create as much drag as possible. If you can, try to roll onto your back and spread yourself out to make the most surface contact possible. Do not attempt to get up in anyway until you're completely sure you have come to a full stop. Tumbling breaks bones.
Now let's talk about highside falls. In this case you have the unenviable position of being in front of your motorcycle after the spill. You really want to make sure you don't come to a stop until after your motorcycle does. Really. In this case, your best bet is to tuck your arms and legs in to lessen your amount of surface friction to keep moving longer, hopefully avoiding your motorcycle catching up and impacting with your body.
While we realize that there may be no way to control your body during a fall from a motorcycle, hopefully knowing the correct way to handle it in theory will help your situation if it ever happens to you.
However, on the outside chances that knowing the proper techniques may help at least one person through a fall from their motorcycle, let's examine two schools of thought.
First, let's talk about a lowside fall. This is when you dump and your bike winds up out in front of you. You really, really want to stay behind your motorcycle. Really. So logic dictates you need to increase your amount of friction with the ground to create as much drag as possible. If you can, try to roll onto your back and spread yourself out to make the most surface contact possible. Do not attempt to get up in anyway until you're completely sure you have come to a full stop. Tumbling breaks bones.
Now let's talk about highside falls. In this case you have the unenviable position of being in front of your motorcycle after the spill. You really want to make sure you don't come to a stop until after your motorcycle does. Really. In this case, your best bet is to tuck your arms and legs in to lessen your amount of surface friction to keep moving longer, hopefully avoiding your motorcycle catching up and impacting with your body.
While we realize that there may be no way to control your body during a fall from a motorcycle, hopefully knowing the correct way to handle it in theory will help your situation if it ever happens to you.
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