Tips On Preventing Tips?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,214
Likes: 661
From: Prior Lake, MN
I also suggest you buy the ride like a pro video- lots of good technique to practice on slow riding- especially a heavy bike. Your bike weighs at least #900 and if it goes over center it's going to drop. At least check out the website, there are a few teaser videos and other advice.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
For me...keeping both feet flat on the ground at stops and most important, ride a bike that doesn't feel overwhelming. I love Street Glides but after riding one, there's no way I'd have one. It just felt too big and bulky.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 672
Likes: 99
From: Michigan
I never thought I would be able to get a Street Glide as I'm old 63, I'm short 5"7" with a 29" inseam.
There was a sales guy at the dealership I used to buy bikes from that was older and shorter than me that rode a Street Glide, he kept telling me I would be okay on a Street Glide.
So, finally I did take a test ride, liked it a lot and bought Street Glide.
I can not flat foot, the bike is heavy, but, (so far) I have had no issues. I have been riding since 1972, first Harley was in 1985 when I finally had enough cash.
Like others have said, you do need to pay attention when stopping, you do not want to put your foot down where it may slide. Never use your front brakes with the handlebars not straight. YouTube can be your friend, there are a lot of video's that will teach you a lot of riding techniques. Find a empty parking lot and practice.
Take a MSF riding course. When I started riding, there were no courses. The course was in the dealers parking lot, this is the clutch, this is the front brake, this is the back brake, this is the accelerator.
With all that said, you also need confidence in you and your abilities.
There was a sales guy at the dealership I used to buy bikes from that was older and shorter than me that rode a Street Glide, he kept telling me I would be okay on a Street Glide.
So, finally I did take a test ride, liked it a lot and bought Street Glide.
I can not flat foot, the bike is heavy, but, (so far) I have had no issues. I have been riding since 1972, first Harley was in 1985 when I finally had enough cash.
Like others have said, you do need to pay attention when stopping, you do not want to put your foot down where it may slide. Never use your front brakes with the handlebars not straight. YouTube can be your friend, there are a lot of video's that will teach you a lot of riding techniques. Find a empty parking lot and practice.
Take a MSF riding course. When I started riding, there were no courses. The course was in the dealers parking lot, this is the clutch, this is the front brake, this is the back brake, this is the accelerator.
With all that said, you also need confidence in you and your abilities.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 659
From: Yuba City, Ca.
The best way I ever learned to handle a big bike was to ride it as slowly as possible without putting a foot down. It helped me learn balance. Sometimes when I am approaching stopped traffic in front of me, with a passenger or without, I try to see how long I can go without completely stopping or putting a foot down.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 203
From: Fischer, Texas
The best way I ever learned to handle a big bike was to ride it as slowly as possible without putting a foot down. It helped me learn balance. Sometimes when I am approaching stopped traffic in front of me, with a passenger or without, I try to see how long I can go without completely stopping or putting a foot down.
You might also consider going to a Motorcycle Officer competition, take a lawn chair and sit and pay attention and take notes. Videos are fine, but being there and watching the pros will help.
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TexasCowGrower
General Harley Davidson Chat
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Nov 5, 2010 12:22 AM
