High speed driving
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: East Coast Aera
You can't possibly be serious 2,500 miles road time and your pushing it up that fast. Being in law enforcement you would definitely not get a warning from me, I usually don't light up a bike until they hit 83mph depending on conditions.Your basically a danger to everyone around you on the road at that speed.There's your verbal can of "Whoop A$$" Have a nice day sir.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
Mornin',
Granted, I'm a new rider. Relatively speaking. I've got @2500 miles on a 2010 FXDWG. I'm 6'4" with most of my height in my upper body. I make a big sail. Most of my riding has been on interstate type roads with very little traffic; either when I'm alone or when I go with friends riding. Without my windshield, my top "comfy" speed is @70; with it @80. After 80 or so, my front end sems to get a little squirrelly. Now while its well above the legal limit, some of my friends will, while riding, push the speed up to @100+ from time to time, while I seemingly cruise back at 75-85. I'm potentially planning a trip in the summer with these friends and REALLY don't want to be left way in the back ALL the time.
QUESTION: Is this just my comfort/inexperienced level that will increase with riding experience; or maybe not. Or do you think I may have something wrong with the alignment/front end that makes it a little lighter than normal should be?
Granted, I'm a new rider. Relatively speaking. I've got @2500 miles on a 2010 FXDWG. I'm 6'4" with most of my height in my upper body. I make a big sail. Most of my riding has been on interstate type roads with very little traffic; either when I'm alone or when I go with friends riding. Without my windshield, my top "comfy" speed is @70; with it @80. After 80 or so, my front end sems to get a little squirrelly. Now while its well above the legal limit, some of my friends will, while riding, push the speed up to @100+ from time to time, while I seemingly cruise back at 75-85. I'm potentially planning a trip in the summer with these friends and REALLY don't want to be left way in the back ALL the time.
QUESTION: Is this just my comfort/inexperienced level that will increase with riding experience; or maybe not. Or do you think I may have something wrong with the alignment/front end that makes it a little lighter than normal should be?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 2
From: Brampton, Ontario, Canada
I hit about 130-140 KMH (which I believe is about 80-90 MPH) and I'm holding on pretty snugg. as mentioned, ear plugs or head-phones do help quite a bit!
Although its fun to gun it once in a while, I dont do it often. Freeway crusing speed comfortably is about 75-80 MPH.
I've also heard that a full face helmet helps, but I'm assuming that has to do with wind noise reduction too. I recently got a daytona half, we'll see if it helps much compared to my heavy HD half.
Although its fun to gun it once in a while, I dont do it often. Freeway crusing speed comfortably is about 75-80 MPH.
I've also heard that a full face helmet helps, but I'm assuming that has to do with wind noise reduction too. I recently got a daytona half, we'll see if it helps much compared to my heavy HD half.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
From: Central IL
Most bike fatalities happen in the first year!
I'd go with the recommendations to slow down. 2500 miles is way less than a good year of riding experience. The majority of motorcycle fatalities occur because of rider inexperience.
Bones
Bones
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Westerly, RI
I hate to say it, but I agree with slowing down and getting to know the actual bike you are riding, even if it is not your first bike, it sounds like you are not familiar with Harley's.
I also agree with the change in tires. No matter what you are driving, increasing the quality of the rubber on the road will always be the shortest route to better handling.
I am assuming you purchased a removable quick-release type of windshield? I bought one when I got my bike, and quite frankly it only seems to re-route the wind and buffeting differently. I use it very infrequently, mostly on rainy days, because it make the bike feel like there is a kite attached to it.
One thing I didn't hear was the possibility of purchasing and adding on a fork stabilizer www.superbrace.com has a variety of choices.
Remember, watch out for the other guy, because he doesn't see you! Good luck and stay safe!
I also agree with the change in tires. No matter what you are driving, increasing the quality of the rubber on the road will always be the shortest route to better handling.
I am assuming you purchased a removable quick-release type of windshield? I bought one when I got my bike, and quite frankly it only seems to re-route the wind and buffeting differently. I use it very infrequently, mostly on rainy days, because it make the bike feel like there is a kite attached to it.
One thing I didn't hear was the possibility of purchasing and adding on a fork stabilizer www.superbrace.com has a variety of choices.
Remember, watch out for the other guy, because he doesn't see you! Good luck and stay safe!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
There is a lot of stuff you can do, to make the bike stable at 'high' speed. As most seasoned riders have already mentioned... at a total of 2500 miles, you really shouldn't be testing your abilities yet. If the people who are "leaving you behind" are your friends, they will wait for you to catch up.
Yes, you bought a new bike... but I've read so many stories about how the bikes really aren't setup that well from the showroom. Mine handled like crap when I started pushing it. I didn't push it any further until I did my own servicing, and part of that was different setup in hardware: new rear tire and new rear shocks, and doing complete alignment when the new rear tire went on: wheel alignment, vehicle alignment (and shimmed front motor mount). I have also 'messed' with my windshield and how the air moves around it and the bike. Tire pressures... and did I mention I do my own work, so I know exactly what to expect of the bike. If I was taking it to the dealer to do work, I'd never take it past 65.
All that gives me and the bike, the ability to exceed 100 no problem when required and do it fully loaded for touring.... the bike is rock solid. It cruises at 85, and is just really comfortable at that speed.. not a wiggle.
Yes, you bought a new bike... but I've read so many stories about how the bikes really aren't setup that well from the showroom. Mine handled like crap when I started pushing it. I didn't push it any further until I did my own servicing, and part of that was different setup in hardware: new rear tire and new rear shocks, and doing complete alignment when the new rear tire went on: wheel alignment, vehicle alignment (and shimmed front motor mount). I have also 'messed' with my windshield and how the air moves around it and the bike. Tire pressures... and did I mention I do my own work, so I know exactly what to expect of the bike. If I was taking it to the dealer to do work, I'd never take it past 65.
All that gives me and the bike, the ability to exceed 100 no problem when required and do it fully loaded for touring.... the bike is rock solid. It cruises at 85, and is just really comfortable at that speed.. not a wiggle.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Don't mean to sound too harsh but your friends are idiots if they expect you to keep up at those speeds knowing you only have 2500 miles under your belt. And you're not too bright yourself if you decide to try to keep up before you're ready (and you're not ready).
Dude, ride at your comfort level and don't worry about what others are doing. If that means you gotta ride alone more often than not, then so be it. Beginners trying to keep up with experienced riders is a dangerous thing.
A year from now (if you're still alive) you'll sit back and realize just how inexperienced you were. The following year you'll realize that you've learned something new when you thought you knew it all.....and so on. It's never ending.
There are plenty of idiots out there trying to kill you. Don't help them out. Be smart and stay alive.
Dude, ride at your comfort level and don't worry about what others are doing. If that means you gotta ride alone more often than not, then so be it. Beginners trying to keep up with experienced riders is a dangerous thing.
A year from now (if you're still alive) you'll sit back and realize just how inexperienced you were. The following year you'll realize that you've learned something new when you thought you knew it all.....and so on. It's never ending.
There are plenty of idiots out there trying to kill you. Don't help them out. Be smart and stay alive.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 500
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 413
Likes: 3
Note, if your FRIENDS egg you on about riding 100 + with them, tell em to kiss your a$$.Trust me when i tell you this my friend, nothing good happens at 100 mph + on a motorcycle on a public road or highway.Just ain't worth it dude.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 166
Likes: 1
I have been riding dirt bikes for years, but just got my first Harley,there is a huge difference in the handling capabilities of the bikes, 225 lbs to more than 550 lbs. I know I can't handle the street bike like a dirt bike so I have chosen to slow down on the highway( at least until I am comfortable with handling the bike in any situation) so my suggestion is to ride where you are comfortable at, and like someone else said, "if they are true friends, they will wait" Don't worry about dragging up the rear, better to drag it than not make it!