WITH

QUINN REDEKER

If getting thrown into oncoming traffic or pinned under your motorcycle doesn ’ t sound super awesome , learn to embrace the “ high side .”

Story by QUINN REDEKER / Photos by KEVIN WING

IN MY CAREER , my police motor slammed the pavement exactly five times when deploying the kickstand and dismounting the bike . And yes , it was on par with that dream we ’ ve all had where you show up at school with no pants and all the kids laugh at you . Exceedingly embarrassing for sure , but thankfully I ’ m still alive and riding because every single time I dropped my bike , I was following the Golden Rule : “ Always and forever mount and dismount your motor from the high side .”

That ’ s right , folks . It turns out there ’ s a correct side of the motorcycle to get on and off from , and it isn ’ t the side most of you use . Sounds ridiculous , right ?

Now , I know you ’ ve successfully accomplished the task of resting your motorcycle on its kickstand thousands of times . Heck , you ’ re almost psychic

Motor officers use the high side every time they get on and off because it works . when it comes to surface appraisal and road camber when you boot that stand out . In fact , you ’ re probably cursing me in your head , arguing that which side you mount or dismount from ultimately depends on where you park your bike or which hand is

54 / FEBRUARY 2024 / RIDERMAGAZINE . COM