how to avoid getting 5 stiches and a tetnus needle

[indyjoel]

Hi

was working on the GS650 putting some carbs in after adjusting the butterfly openings.

My awesome technique is to sit on the frame after removing the seat (to do other work) and putting/pulling/pushing the carbs on.

Works ok (sometimes).

Put the carbs on and could not put the throttle cable back in. So I went to remove the carbs again using the same method.

Forgot that I had turned the front wheel into an awkward position in relation to the kick stand.

Well the bike starts to lean opposite the kick stand.

The next thing is one of the metal "chunks" under the seat is in my leg above my right knee.

Oh well, five stiches and a tetnus shot later was a fun way to spend Saturday.

Life lesson buy a wheel stand or use to learn the use the centre stand as well.

[landshark]

I nearly tore myself a new arse today,
I jumped off a fence at work and didnt see the nails sticking out about 20cm down.
I have a nice bruise and a scrape, but no tetnus shot or stiches for me thankfully.

[almarconi]

Put the carbs on and could not put the throttle cable back in.

You should attach the throttle cable before installing the carbs. Makes it much easier.

I guess you should count your blessings and be glad one of the family jewels didn't get snagged.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. indyjoel,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I pray you'll heal quickly and your story might save others from injury. I agree that using the right tool is best. Take care.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[spyug]

Sorry to hear of your misshap. Its all too easy to have happen as shop safety often goes out the window when we are excited to get the project underway. Almost the exact thing happened to a couple of pals yesterday.

They were working on getting the carbs on a Honda 650/4 that has been out of commission for about 10 years. The bike was on the center stand and they were pushing and pulling quite violently. I warned them tp strap off the front wheel and stand but they ignored me. a couple of minutes into it and sure enough it came off the stand. Luckily the 3 of us were able to keep it upright.

Never work on a bike whilst only on the sidestand (unless you have no other alternative. Always put it up on the centerstand and tie the front wheel to the stand to form a solid triangle so the stand can't fold up. If no centerstand then a rear paddock stand is an alternative or better, as you mention, a lift. When using the lift also make sure the bike is tied securely to it.

It is also a very good idea to keep the work are clear of tools especially sockets and wires for trouble lights and such as they are easy to slip and trip on. Store combustables away from the bike and of course don't smoke or have open flame around gas or paints.

As Norm Abrahams always says, "Think shop safety"

Be safe guys.
Cheers,
spyug

[chuck hahn]

I always put my GSs on the center stand to work on them..seems to be more stable to me that way. Another thing i do is to pump the front brakes a few times and then with the lever depressed i wrap a bungie cord around it to hold the front brakes. also a THICK plastic zip tie will work to hold the brakes.

[Dave8338]

Never work on a bike whilst only on the sidestand (unless you have no other alternative. Always put it up on the centerstand and tie the front wheel to the stand to form a solid triangle so the stand can't fold up. If no centerstand then a rear paddock stand is an alternative or better, as you mention, a lift. When using the lift also make sure the bike is tied securely to it.

This is the technique that I use. A good friend of mine used a floor jack, under the center of his bike (a 1400cc Kawi Drifter) and when it started heading for the floor, he grabed the bars and front wheel between his knees and though he saved the bike, he tore his ACL in the process.