2014 Limited
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Tomball
Just keep in mind the weight factor. That has been the hardest thing to get used to for me personally. With a 900 lb bike. It takes quite a bit to get used to just because Of the leverage and high center of gravity.
We like to give ourselves way too much credit. Bottom line is, if you have basic skills, riding ANY motorcycle is extremely easy. I say get the bike and ride it. This isn't rocket science.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
I faced the same situation as you before I bought my 08 E Glide, had ridden dirt bikes for years but never a street machine, let alone one that was pushing 900lbs.
Take a rider course you'll be amazed at what you will learn. Buy the limited and TAKE IT EASY for the first season. Concentrate on your skills, head turn, friction zone, counter steer, etc. and wait as long as possible before adding a passenger. That extra weight and higher center of gravity changes the whole dynamic of the way the bike handles. Good luck and welcome.
Take a rider course you'll be amazed at what you will learn. Buy the limited and TAKE IT EASY for the first season. Concentrate on your skills, head turn, friction zone, counter steer, etc. and wait as long as possible before adding a passenger. That extra weight and higher center of gravity changes the whole dynamic of the way the bike handles. Good luck and welcome.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Middle TN
I've owned smaller bikes and find the newer touring frame to be amazing. I personally find the '14 Ultra Limited very easy and relaxing to ride. I did lower mine 1 inch by installing the premium ride adjustable rear shocks. I am now flat footed when stopped and quite comfortable. You will have to get used to whatever new bike you get. The Limited is a great bike, but folks are different and like different things. Do some test rides or rent. Let us know what you end up with.
Advanced
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Lockhart, Texas
Rick, I would make two suggestions. Take the rider safety course !!!!!! second, Try and not mess with the hand and screen control until you get used to the bike. I have been riding since 1972 and I get distracted by all the buttons and gadgets.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Rick, While the Ultra is easy to ride, give some thoughts to some previous post and take the safety course(s). This will give you some time in the seat of a road bike so you can see some of the differences. They will also get you a discount on your insurance.
A couple other suggestions that I would throw your way is find a bare bones used 500 or 750cc street bike to get some time maneuvering and operating a street bike. You should be able to pick one up for $3-$4k and after a couple months, get your money back. This way when you lay it over, (which you will at some time) you can easily pick it up and brush it off for a few dollars.
If you plan to do some group riding, start with 3-4 friends to learn staggered formations, hand signals, how to deal with road hazards, etc. I was on a Christmas toy run with a first time group riding rider and she were terrified. (So were those around her)
You might take the Advanced safety course as well with this lighter bike. I started back after 16 year hiatus from riding and I am glad I didn't jump at a $30k bike as my start point. It would have been an expensive lesson(s).
After you have some miles under your belt, (the more the better) you can then add on your most precious cargo and enjoy many miles together. Baby steps can be your best teacher.
A couple other suggestions that I would throw your way is find a bare bones used 500 or 750cc street bike to get some time maneuvering and operating a street bike. You should be able to pick one up for $3-$4k and after a couple months, get your money back. This way when you lay it over, (which you will at some time) you can easily pick it up and brush it off for a few dollars.
If you plan to do some group riding, start with 3-4 friends to learn staggered formations, hand signals, how to deal with road hazards, etc. I was on a Christmas toy run with a first time group riding rider and she were terrified. (So were those around her)
You might take the Advanced safety course as well with this lighter bike. I started back after 16 year hiatus from riding and I am glad I didn't jump at a $30k bike as my start point. It would have been an expensive lesson(s).
After you have some miles under your belt, (the more the better) you can then add on your most precious cargo and enjoy many miles together. Baby steps can be your best teacher.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
I took a riding safety course and, understandably, agree this is a good Idea.
If you're the type who digests information well by reading, I can tell you I found "Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike" by Pat Hann informative and pertinent to the riding of big cruisers. Most "how to" books these days are more aligned to the sport bike rider. This one isn't.
If you're the type who digests information well by reading, I can tell you I found "Maximum Control: Mastering Your Heavyweight Bike" by Pat Hann informative and pertinent to the riding of big cruisers. Most "how to" books these days are more aligned to the sport bike rider. This one isn't.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 422
Likes: 4
From: SC
I am signed up for the beginner MSF course. It starts Friday so got that one covered. Might have to look for that smaller bike but I don't want to be doing this swapping bike thing over and over. I have a friend who had never rode and started on a Switchback, a year later she is wanting a bigger bike. I don't want her Switchback.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Everyone's cautions are well enough founded but there's no point in making this out to be more than it is. You are a mature enough rider to be able to stay within your comfort zone while riding & cornering and you can resist the temptation to keep up with a group for the sake of misplaced pride. Remember the Rule to "Ride Your Own Bike". Do that, take a course and you'll be safe as anyone else. Guys who have been riding 80 years can corner faster than you (and me) but the prize money ain't that great
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
I am going to buy a bike in the next 2 or 3 months. I am wondering if starting with a Limited is a bad idea? I haven't been on a bike in several years and never on a street bike. I really like the limited and come spring of 2015 plan on doing some 2 up with the wife. Thanks in advance for advice.
You already know how to ride. Take an MSF course. Ride within your limits. You'll be fine. You're much better off than the dude that buys a Harley at age 49 that has NEVER ridden anything before, doesn't take a course, doesn't know what the front brake is for, doesn't know about downshifting, counter steering, etc. (there are several in my HOG - they are scary to ride with).
I would suggest that you rent a Limited first to make sure it's the bike you want to learn how to ride. They are a different beast than a dirt bike.