First ride today...
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO
First ride today...
Yesterday eve a 2010 SG Custom came to live at my house. 3200 miles. Looks new needless to say. Anyway, I spent the morning charging the battery, air in tires, adjust shocks, etc. I should say that I have not riden a motorcycle in over 30 years and was bitten by the harley bug upon retirement. So; this bike does NOT have forward controls and I am 6'5" and 280 lbs. My first ride down to the corner and back was not so good. I am either real rusty or those close in controls are terrible for me to manipulate. I was luck to get home in one peice. I have arranged to have forward controls installed next week so I can ride. I also have signed up for rideing school and am hopeing thing improve. Have you folks ever heard of a tall guy not being able to ride a SG because of those standard, close in foot controls? What say you? Kinda disillusioned in Missouri...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,641
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From: Cleveland Zoo
When I picked up my 2004 it had 3,300 miles on it in 2009. I was a little rusty and I've been riding forever, so give it a few miles and ride carefully before you decide on any changes.
Good luck with your new bike,
Mike
Good luck with your new bike,
Mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 8
From: NW Arkansas
I am 6'2" and have ridden bikes with mid controls no problem. I have forwards on mine because its just more comfortable. The class will definately help you though. Good luck and congrats on the new bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,998
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From: Central Ohio
Glad to hear you're taking a riding course. I took the one offered by the State of Ohio... cost me $25.
I started riding in April 2006 at the age of 49. That was almost 65,000 miles ago (on two differant bikes) ... I never knew that'd I enjoy it this much and I know for certain that taking that class has had a lot to do with it.
I started riding in April 2006 at the age of 49. That was almost 65,000 miles ago (on two differant bikes) ... I never knew that'd I enjoy it this much and I know for certain that taking that class has had a lot to do with it.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Cincinnati
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I've ridden both forwards and mids before and let me tell you forwards are much better IMO. Im 6'2 190lbs but for some reason I was always uncomfortable with mids. Something with my hips. If you're uncomfortable riding then the ride becomes more complicated. Though mids are good for bumps so you can stand up a little and absorb the shock ill take forwards anyday. I think a combo of rusty riding experience and mids could be your problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: SC Lowcountry
Taking the course is a very wise choice. It will boost your confidence and you will learn things that are necessary for survival. In the meantime, visit some deserted parking lots to work on getting used to the bike at lower speeds. My son is 6' 6" and does not feel comfortable on my 2010 FXDC with the mid controls, so your feeling abit cramped doesn't surprise me. Good friend of mine who just started riding had to have mods done to his 2003 Road King because of his size. At 6' 9" he needed to have mods done to his floorboards and foot controls, added some small apes, and had custom work done to his seat to move him back abit. Possibly having your seat worked on and adding some small risers would help along with the forwards. I'm sure you'll get it all sorted out. Good luck and be safe out there.