Mounting / dismounting

[RazMan]

In my youth I just seemed to hop on & off my bikes without a second thought. Now that I am rapidly approaching my 7th decade I find it increasingly difficult to get my leg over and now with the R3's panniers, backrest and forward controls, I find myself often scuffing the seat and panniers while trying to mount & dismount the beast.
I recently saw a video of me getting off the R3 and couldn't help comparing the whole procedure to an overweight Orangutan (dressed in leathers) trying to practice a ballet dance routine.
So how does everyone else do it with at least a modicum of dignity?

 

[youzguyz]

In my youth I just seemed to hop on & off my bikes without a second thought. Now that I am rapidly approaching my 7th decade I find it increasingly difficult to get my leg over and now with the R3's panniers, backrest and forward controls, I find myself often scuffing the seat and panniers while trying to mount & dismount the beast.
I recently saw a video of me getting off the R3 and couldn't help comparing the whole procedure to an overweight Orangutan (dressed in leathers) trying to practice a ballet dance routine.
So how does everyone else do it with at least a modicum of dignity?

The GT is hard to get on because of the forward controls. I have a GT, but with the R pegs. I get on like you would with a saddle stirrup. Left foot on the peg then stand on the peg and swing my right leg over. Can't say it is dignified, but it gets me there.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Not to be different but my Mom did say I was special . I mount and dismount from the high side or right side using my left leg to go over the Rocket. That way I'm away from the traffic lane and can run if something is coming on the shoulder in my direction. The real problem is I can't run anymore. Ramble or maybe gallop but not run.

 

[pietpetoors]

With both my bikes with panniers I mount from the right side. Put righ foot on right peg and swing left leg over. Nether touch the panniers and it is easy to get leg over the top box. The Rocket dont mind the weight and do not tip over but with the 1200RT I must lean my body weight slightly over the bike so it do not tip the bike to my side.

 

[RazMan]

I agree that mounting with a foot on the peg (left or right) would be the best answer but as @youzguyz said, the forward pegs of the GT make it quite a challenge. It looks like my monkey dance is the only way for me.

 

[Tripps]

Oh, you're talking about motorcycles, never mind.

 

[Bernard Vinet]

I've a touring model and mount from the right side and it works great . But maybe you could fit a small mounting step either on the right or left .Not a whole peg but maybe a half just for mounting ! Just an idea !?!?

 

[RazMan]

I've a touring model and mount from the right side and it works great . But maybe you could fit a small mounting step either on the right or left .Not a whole peg but maybe a half just for mounting ! Just an idea !?!?

You might have something there!

 

[ExtremeAntics]

Not having the pillion rack on the back makes things easier.

 

[Jagster]

Remember John Cleese's sketch about the ministry of silly walks?.......well......bear with me on this one....

Start on the left side because the bike is leaning toward you, which makes my 'process' easier.
Face towards the side of the saddle from about 3 feet away and pretend you're John Cleese by swinging your right leg up in the air to clear the top of the seat.........Are you with me so far?.......are you shaking your head or laughing at me yet?......perfect ........keep bearing with me......so, your leg has been swung up in the air as high as it can go so it will come straight down again cos it's heavy, right?.......right......so the trick is to land the back of your heal on the far side of the saddle. The saddle will steady and support you a bit while you follow through with your bodyweight going towards the side of the bike, and your right foot will continue down the right side of the bike with your right inseam sliding along the top right edge of the saddle....you will need to hop a little bit toward the bike depending on how far I am away from the bike when you swing up your leg.......and voila!! .......your're in the driving seat, I mean, saddle.

***Disclaimer alert***
I am fairly tall, so it might not work so well if you're more vertically challenged.
......and for goodness sake, don't swing the other leg by mistake, or you'll end up facing the wrong way