What Happens When a Motorcycle Exits a Moving Train?

[Darkloud]

Hello my constituents! Was having a discussion with a coworker of mine and we reached an impasse. If a train is in motion at regular traveling speed, what would happen if a motorcycle were to exit the train while moving? This question presented itself to us in the form of a movie we were watching. Multiple motorcycles exited out of the side doors of the train. My thought is that as soon as the motorcycle hits the ground, it would fall over if the wheels are perpendicular to the trains velocity. If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts about this because this event has been bugging me for half an hour now.

 

[Drakkith]

My thought is that as soon as the motorcycle hits the ground, it would fall over if the wheels are perpendicular to the trains velocity. If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

I believe you are correct. Landing with the wheels perpendicular to the trains direction of motion will result in many tumbling motorcycles.

 

[davenn]

If it managed to land parallel, it may begin rolling at the same velocity?

probably not quite the same velocity ... there will be losses caused by ... eg air friction ( drag) and the wheels/ground friction once contact with ground is made

 

[Darkloud]

I believe you are correct. Landing with the wheels perpendicular to the trains direction of motion will result in many tumbling motorcycles.

Thanks! I value your input. Puts my mind at ease a bit.

probably not quite the same velocity ... there will be losses caused by ... eg air friction ( drag) and the wheels/ground friction once contact with ground is made

I did assume their would be loss of velocity, but in general, the momentum would cause the rider to more than likely crash.

 

[Noisy Rhysling]

I've seen empty barrels slide off a flatbed truck on a curve. When they hit the ground they rolled in the direction they were going in when they left the bed. I had expected them to go off at right angles to the travel of the truck, but this wasn't the case.

They did chase several sailors around the truck park for a few minutes. That met with general approval.