[bigfish3]

I was attending a funeral recently and observed the Police Escort Motor Cops using a Mount and dismount technique that was very interesting. Can someone please explain the high side mount and dismount technique?

I couldnt tell from where I was if the officer actually stepped on the right side running board to step up and over the seat.


Any explanation here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx,
Butch

 

[Paniolo]

It is a habit ingrained in them from training to avoid passing traffic. If you pull a vehicle over to the right side of the road, and then dismount on the leftside, you are stepping into traffic and run the risk of being hit by a passing car. Same with approaching a car. Approach from the right side, the passanger side. This keeps you out of traffic, and lets you have a better look inside the car as you walk up. If they stepped up on the floorboard, it was because with all the gear on their belts, swinging that leg up and over can be a challenge sometimes.

 

[bigfish3]

Thank you for the reply!

So is the technique to step on the right floorboard, supporting your weight and then swing the left leg over?

 

[fresnohog]

Just throw a leg over and get on. It is natural to grab the right grip so grab some front brake also to keep the bike from rolling as you upright up. Stepping on the floorboard is not usually a good idea. If you step on the floorboard, you take enough weight off the kickstand to cause the front end to swing to the right (because you are holding onto the right grip) and the bike then usually follows as your weight on the board uprights the bike. You have to remember, most cops also carry an extra 30-40 lbs or so with all their gear and uniform.

 

[trooper113]

You have to remember, most cops also carry an extra 30-40 lbs or so with all their gear and uniform.

One of the many things that destroyed my back over the years.

T113

 

[Paniolo]

Thank you for the reply!

So is the technique to step on the right floorboard, supporting your weight and then swing the left leg over?

Well that's if your wearing the utility belt with all that gear. I guess eating too many doughnuts would cause a problem with highside mounting and dismounting too.

However, high side dismounts are a good thing to keep in mind if you ever pull to the right side of the road to read a map or take a break. It's real easy for a cager to get distracted and hit you. Dismounting and remounting on the high side keeps the bike between you and the road. It's something I always do.

 

[Paniolo]

One of the many things that destroyed my back over the years.

T113

Yes, wearing that Batman Utility belt, and then having to sit in a radio car all day long. Nothing will screw up your hips and back quicker than that.

It used to be just a revolver, extra rounds and cuffs, That wasn't too bad. Then they added the dreaded Motorolla Handi-Talkie, remember the first generation brick? Then came the upgrade to automatics, which meant extra magazines. Then came the two hand cuff options, and baton. Then pepper spray, cell phone, and mini cassette recorder option to go with the in car mounted camera. Add to that a level two kevlar vest and you have a recepie for a bad back and messed up hips.

Sorry, got off topic here. For your own safety, if you ever pull to the right side of the road, dismount on the high side and keep yourself out of traffic.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Yep, it is part of the training. We were taught to turn the front wheel to the left lock, grab the right grip with your left hand and get off to the right side. The reasons are to keep traffic from hitting you, as pointed out above, to keep the bike from falling on you should it fall, allow you to cover your weapon with your right hand (since the majority of people are right handed). We don't step the right board for getting on or off.

 

[ShakyJake]

All the reasons above are goosd but I would like to expand on what XXX said about the revolver...it is good to be able to cover it but right side dismount also keeps the damn thing from poking you in the side. You figuire these guy mount anfd dismount 40-50 times a day you would either have a constant bruise or callous on your upper thigh. By the way Thanks to all of you who serve to keep our communities safe.

 

[MegaGlide]

Since I went to a bagger, I just flat find the high side mount/dismount easier.
30 years on and off non-baggers from the low side swinging my leg over caused some serious tour-pak kicking until I started doing it from the high side.
Of course, there are those individuals who lurk here and elsewhere who will mock a newbie/RUB like myself for going at it from the high side, because they know everything.

 

[LittleBear]

MegaGlide,
You're damn right I know everything, just ask me.:hystria:
I have to grab my right leg at the calf and pull it in to keep from hitting that Tour Pak. As far as a High Side Mount/Dismount, My bikes are so close together in the garage, I have to mount one from the left and the other from the right.
I have used it on the side of the road many times, just never though about it. Guess the brain, just naturally kept me safe.

 

[VB05Custom]

Trooper, you are right. I wore a duty belt for 20 years, just before retiring at the age of 40, I was in a car accident with a police car. After examining the x rays, the Dr said, you will have arthritus in your lower back. I am in decent shape 5 10 at 175 lbs. The belt hanging on your back and waist kills your back. Even with the prognosis, at this time, I have a good back with no pain, even after riding over 700 miles.

 

[duhast]

Never been a cop, but have always mounted the FLSTCI from the high side. Even had a debate with the Motorcycle Safety course instructor. I think I won, and here's why.

From the left side with the bars in left lock, the position of the bars force you toward the rear of the bike. With a sissy bar or tour pack, swinging the right leg over gets you rapped in the shin, or forced into a ridiculous Kung Fu high kick position.

From the right, you are at least 18 inches farther forward, and it is easy as pie to lift the left foot and step right through the bike.

Try it.

 

[DownLow1100]

Just finished motor training and we were trained to mount and dismount from the right mainly because of the traffic hazard. This also gives us cover protection from a driver who decides to get out of his car shooting. It also looks better when everyone gets off on the same side.( ie. funerals)

We do not place our foot on the board to get on or off. This would throw the weight of the bike to the right.

 

[twaav8r]

old habits

Ive been riding since 1972 and have always mounted and dismounted from the left side. Old horse rule you know.
I always aproach my Ultra from the right side first so I can unlock the ignition and open the bags to get my riding gear. Then I walk around to mount the bike. After reading this thread I feel like a rube. I guess it's never to late to learn new tricks.:bowdwn:

 

[BigD]

One of the many things that destroyed my back over the years.

T113

What about before the double cuff craze? We were taught to put the case right in the middle of our back so it could be reached with either hand. You know, right on your spine, then you sat on it all day.

I know it did wonders for me :thumbsdn:

 

['05FLHTCUI]

Megaglide nailed it. After many types of bike over the years, when I got my Ultra I had trouble getting on and off the usual left side. The right side was easier by far. I thought maybe it was the smaller space on the left between the handlebars and tour pak. With the bike on the kick stand and front wheel turned left, the right hand grip is about a foot further forward than the left allowing me to stand further forward and gives me more room to swing my leg over. In addition to the other reasons all these fine officiers have mentioned, having that extra room make mounts and dismounts faster and easier.

 

[8-Ball]

Lone Ranger style here... half sprint approach from the rear, two hands on the tour pack and over to a 2 nut plant right on the seat.

Dismount... always to the right in Olymic pummel horse hand stand off the bars.... flips at this point are optional. Personally I find them a little showy.

 

[Paniolo]

Lone Ranger style here... half sprint approach from the rear, two hands on the tour pack and over to a 2 nut plant right on the seat.

Dismount... always to the right in Olymic pummel horse hand stand off the bars.... flips at this point are optional. Personally I find them a little showy.

Got a video of that?

 

[84FXRP]

Since I went to a bagger, I just flat find the high side mount/dismount easier......

Me too, it was a LOT easier to mount/dismount my FLT from the high side (easier on my back).