2014 Low Rider
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: ****U,USA
Also having owned multiple sport bikes I found myself grinding down hard parts when riding the Wide Glides, I started using what Keith Code calls the 'Hook Turn' and was able to carry more speed through the corners. Instead of increasing lean angle on the bike you move your upper body forward and down to the inside of the turn to 'hook' around it, a bit hard to explain and it did feel a bit odd at first with forward controls but became pretty natural with a bit of practice... I guess whatever it takes; less lean angle, a continuous throttle roll-on and the drive out of the corner is what we're after 
Last edited by rrmerlin1650; May 10, 2015 at 01:18 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
You should have seen me the first day on my Wide Glide. Embarrassing to say the least. I still don't feel one with the bike so my slow speed turns still feel like crap. And to make matters worse I still have my sport bike too. Its really strange feeling when I ride one, one day and another the next. Lol and I still catch myself wanting to pull my feet off the ground and back under me instead of out in front onto the forwards off a stop when on the Harley. I chuckle at myself every time I do it.
With the forwards and the front end geometry of the Wide Glide she's an interesting ride at slow/parking lot speeds. One thing I've always done is practice slow speed exercises setting up drills with cones in a school parking lot, it will help immensely with your confidence. Head and eyes, friction zone, and the rear brake are the three techniques you need to master to make your slow speed handling effortless. If you're not familiar with 'Motorman' Palladino get to know him
He's got videos on YouTube and you can get his books and DVD's here, this information will change your riding forever! https://www.ridelikeapro.com
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15,460
Likes: 14,353
From: Illinois
I think my SF agent once told me that they go by engine size regardless of bike make and model. Maybe that's changed but it'd make sense.
To make a long response longer...I see you came from a sport bike, I'll be curious to see how you do with the smaller lean angles of the Harley. I love Harleys...owned 3 of them over my first 6 years of riding but I needed to be able to lean more. I've been leaning pretty good for that last 4-5 years and think I'm about ready to 'come home.'
To make a long response longer...I see you came from a sport bike, I'll be curious to see how you do with the smaller lean angles of the Harley. I love Harleys...owned 3 of them over my first 6 years of riding but I needed to be able to lean more. I've been leaning pretty good for that last 4-5 years and think I'm about ready to 'come home.'
I am aware of the lesser clearance and lean angles. My days of aggressive sports style riding are over. Did not scrape anything during two demo day rides. Guess I shall find out here over the coming weeks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15,460
Likes: 14,353
From: Illinois
We are not too far apart. It was the same weather in my area of IL. I would rather the dealership take their time and get it right. Would rather them do it Mon rather than Fri.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 54
From: GA
I've gotten used to the idea I'm going to scrape and I'm okay with that. Like MCHAD said, I'll have to learn what I can and can't do. I am probably 6 months out from seriously considering a return to Harley but I'm leaning towards a cruiser. One thing's for sure, I never got rid of any of my Harley gear b/c I knew one day I'd return.
Now I have to sort out LR or SB. I like the LR with the exception of the headlight situation which causes issues with having a decent selection of windscreens, etc. I'd also like to see the LR have more options in the HD1 program. I'm digging some of the bling paint jobs of the SB.
Now I have to sort out LR or SB. I like the LR with the exception of the headlight situation which causes issues with having a decent selection of windscreens, etc. I'd also like to see the LR have more options in the HD1 program. I'm digging some of the bling paint jobs of the SB.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
I've gotten used to the idea I'm going to scrape and I'm okay with that. Like MCHAD said, I'll have to learn what I can and can't do. I am probably 6 months out from seriously considering a return to Harley but I'm leaning towards a cruiser. One thing's for sure, I never got rid of any of my Harley gear b/c I knew one day I'd return.
Now I have to sort out LR or SB. I like the LR with the exception of the headlight situation which causes issues with having a decent selection of windscreens, etc. I'd also like to see the LR have more options in the HD1 program. I'm digging some of the bling paint jobs of the SB.
Now I have to sort out LR or SB. I like the LR with the exception of the headlight situation which causes issues with having a decent selection of windscreens, etc. I'd also like to see the LR have more options in the HD1 program. I'm digging some of the bling paint jobs of the SB.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15,460
Likes: 14,353
From: Illinois
Now I have to sort out LR or SB. I like the LR with the exception of the headlight situation which causes issues with having a decent selection of windscreens, etc. I'd also like to see the LR have more options in the HD1 program. I'm digging some of the bling paint jobs of the SB.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Arlen Ness Big Sucker Inverted Deep Cut A/C
Vance and Hines Big Radius 2 into 2 Black
Power Vision tuner
Roland Sands Vintage Short Stack Handle Bars (Black Ops)
Arlen ness Deep cut Grips
DK Customs Triple trap Foot Pegs
Custom Chrome (Black) Tri Cut Levers
DK Custom HID LED bulb
Off brand mirrors with turn signals. (Black)
I will be either Plasti Dipping or Epoxying the forks and trees, belt guard, rear struts, battery box.
Haven't looked into suspension or a seat yet. Gonna figure those out after i actually have the bike for a bit and op test a few seats.
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Club Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 54
From: GA
I knew the bars and headlight would come off the Low Rider before I bought it. I picked it for the dual front discs. I would have considered the fat Bob, but I don't like forwards and mids aren't an option w/o some serious mechanical changes that I wasn't into doing to a new bike. So the LR it was. As much front brake as possible was the decision for me. Everything else I knew I could customize.
Can anyone explain why the LR makes peak torque at 3,500 RPM vs. 3,000 RPM for the SB?
Also, why does the SB weigh less dry but more wet? It's the same sized fuel tank according to the specs.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 71
Those are all key reasons why I prefer the LR aside from its more handsome looks. But one of the most important is tubeless tires. Throw a bottle of Ride On in each tire and never worry about balancing or a flat, let alone a tube style blow out that can't even be repaired on the road side.