What To Check After Dropping Motorcycle: Complete Guide

Every rider, whether novice or experienced, can attest to the fact that accidents are unpredictable. A momentary lapse of concentration or an unforeseen obstacle can lead to your motorcycle tipping over. Trust me, I hear “I dropped my motorcycle” all the time.Such incidents can be unsettling, but understanding how to assess the situation and check for potential damages can provide peace of mind.

This guide offers insights into what you should inspect after your motorcycle has had a minor mishap. So what’re you waiting for? Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Your Motorcycle Tipped Over, Should You Be Concerned?

When your motorcycle falls, it’s normal to feel a pang of anxiety. But don’t worry, the damage is usually minimal if the drop occurred at a low speed or while stationary. However, it’s essential to check for potential damages to ensure your ride is still safe and sound.

Still though, I recommend checking all of the vitals (really, just the controls) before trying to ride your bike anywhere else – even in minor situations.

Brief Overview of Usual Concerns With Motorcycle Tip Over Damage

Motorcycles are designed to withstand minor falls without sustaining significant damage. However, there are few areas you should examine after a tip-over:

Controls: Check for bent or broken levers, foot pegs, and pedals.
Engine Cases: Look for cracks, punctures, or leaks in the engine case.
Handlebars: Ensure they are straight and aligned correctly.
Frame: Check for any signs of damage to the frame.
Lights and Indicators: Make sure they are operational and unbroken.

Remember, safety is paramount. If you’re unsure about any potential damage, it’s best to have your bike checked by a professional mechanic.

Related: Beware of This Motorcycle Death Wobble

Step-By-Step Guide for What To Check When A Motorcycle Falls Over

Check All Controls (levers, foot pegs)

Start by checking all the controls, including the levers, foot pegs, and pedals. Make sure they aren’t bent, broken, or loose. The brake and clutch levers should move smoothly without any resistance. Also, ensure the foot pegs are secure and not cracked or bent.

Here, you can see the right foot peg and brake lever were snapped completely off. This occurred in a low-speed roundabout. — In this example, the foot rest & brake lever were snapped clean off.

Check Engine Cases

Next, inspect the engine cases for any visible damage. Look for cracks, punctures, or any signs of oil or coolant leaks. If there’s a leak or if a hole has been punched into the case, you’ll need professional assistance to fix it.

Check Handlebar Alignment

The handlebars are another critical area to inspect. Check for any signs of misalignment or bends. You can do this by riding the bike slowly in a straight line and noticing if there’s any pull to either side.

Check For Frame Damage

Inspect the motorcycle’s frame for any signs of damage. Check for bends, cracks, or any signs of distress. The frame is the backbone of your motorcycle, and any damage to it could significantly impact the bike’s performance and safety.

This is an example of a broken indicator light, after the motorcycle was dropped at a standstill. — Sometimes you can get lucky though. In this case, the indicator light assembly is cracked from a stationary drop. Often times, this can result in a broken lever, misaligned handlebars, or worse.

Can I Run The Engine After I Dropped My Motorcycle?

Before starting the engine, make sure it’s not leaking any fluids. If there’s no leak, you can start the engine. However, listen for any unusual sounds. If the engine isn’t running smoothly or you hear strange noises, it’s best to get it checked by a professional.

Related: Lean Fuel Mixture Symptoms for Motorcycles

Should I File A Claim? Depends

Whether or not to file an insurance claim after your motorcycle tips over depends on the extent of the damage and your insurance policy. If the damage is minimal and can be repaired easily, it might not be worth making a claim, particularly if you’ll end up paying more in increased premiums.

Recap of Main Concerns and Points To Check

In conclusion, if your motorcycle tips over, remain calm and systematically check the bike for potential damages. Pay close attention to the controls, engine cases, handlebars, and frame. Always prioritize safety over cost and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about the bike’s condition. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How bad could the damage be After My Motorcycle Tipped Over?

In most cases, especially if the tip-over occurred at low speed or while stationary, the damage is generally minimal. However, it’s crucial to assess particular areas of concern such as controls, engine cases, handlebars, the frame, and lighting systems.

Which parts of the motorcycle should I check first after a fall?

Start by inspecting the controls (levers, foot pegs, and pedals). Then, move on to the engine cases, handlebars, and finally the frame. Also, ensure lights and indicators are operational.

Can I run the engine immediately after the bike tipped over?

Before starting the engine, it’s crucial to check for fluid leaks. If there are no leaks and the engine area seems undamaged, you can proceed to start it. However, listen for any unusual sounds or disruptions, and if detected, seek professional advice.

Is it necessary to file an insurance claim after a tip-over?

Filing an insurance claim depends on the damage extent and the terms of your insurance policy. For minor damages that are inexpensive to repair, it might be more economical to skip the claim, considering potential premium increases.

Is it safe to continue riding after a minor tip-over?

If after inspecting all critical areas there appears to be no damage and the bike runs smoothly, it’s likely safe to continue riding. However, if you’re in doubt about any aspect, consult a mechanic for a thorough inspection.