Softail riding tips.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
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...
Don`t put yourself in a spot where you will have to back the bike uphill...
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
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.
If not you'll be the first to know. Good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
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.
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.
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Telford, U.K.
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.
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.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,857
Likes: 17,908
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
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.
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.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
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
Last edited by RANGER73; Feb 23, 2016 at 08:14 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12,219
Likes: 7,786
From: Along the shoreline in SW FL
Oh man I remember the Jawa brand....mopeds 'n small bikes. Wow..what a throwback!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
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.
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.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Colorado
Even after riding for over 30 years, I learned a lot watching them.
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.
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