When parking a large heavy bike on an inclined spot, park the bike so that the front wheel is uphill, don`t nose the bike into a downhill spot.

Don`t put yourself in a spot where you will have to back the bike uphill...

 

Take the basic rider's course, it'll point out all those bad habits from back in the day that you didn't realise you had. Not sure on your model EVO but it'll all work out.
If not you'll be the first to know. Good luck.

 

As thc and ranger73 recommended, take the basic rider course. Not having been on a bike in a long time you don't realize how rusty you are.

Also keep in mind that the Softail is low...if the foot boards bottom out they will flip up, so don't panic...maintain your course. Be safe and enjoy.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice, I think I'll take the course.

As for having footboards...Tony_N.......I don't, I have the footpegs.....can these be changed out for the boards? I think I would prefer them.

 

Most of what I was going to say has been covered so I will add this.

Get the bike set up. Most of the time when I hear people complaining about a lousy ride, the bike isn't set up right. You can adjust the ride height with the rear shocks. So many people are only worried about trying to get a certain look that they have rear to the lowest it will go but wonder why it handles poorly, drags pegs / floorboards, and pipes.

Brakes tend to not be great on these old Softails. Part of it is design, part of it is age. There are a variety of ways to improve them. It is just something to keep in mind. In other words allow a little more distance to stop.

These bikes are very DIY friendly.

 

Yes, search around, there are adjustables on Ebay about $120. that replace the pegs.
I just did mine. There are mini and full size. Just swapped my minis for full size, like new only used for three short rides, if your interested.
May not be worth it though, with shipping.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/dr...part/DS-254412

 

Oh man I remember the Jawa brand....mopeds 'n small bikes. Wow..what a throwback!

 

It's been a long time since I went from my Sportster to my Heritage. I do remember it was almost a year in the saddle before I felt completely comfortable on it in all conditions. It happened though, and now the big twin feels like a dirt bike to me.


In addition to the refresher courses mentioned, I recommend the "Ride Like a Pro" series of DVDs. Some really good information here on slow speed riding skills on heavy bikes. Even after riding for over 30 years, I learned a lot watching them.

 

I go along with THC, take a basic course, age will get us all at some point. Balance and common since will go a long way. Am your age and plan to clock as many miles as I can. Ride safe.

 

I took the Ride Like a Pro course in June 2014. Felix, our instructor (out of Denver) said he thought he had 27 years of riding experience before he took the police school. What he learned was that he had ONE year of riding experience, repeated 27 times over. You have to be constantly polishing the skills.

To the OP: I took up riding about 2.5 years ago after a 25+ year absence. It's way different riding a 450 lb bike when you are 30, and riding a 750 lb bike when you're 60 (I'm 66). I had a really tough time for quite a while, until I realized I didn't lack the skills, I had just lost the confidence. After about 6000 miles, most of it came back. Now I don't have much trouble riding in most situations. Only thing is, at 5'7" and 145, if it starts going down, I just let it go. No sense breaking an ankle trying to be a hero. BTW, engine guards are your friends. If the bike rolls over, nothing gets hurt except your pride.