Tips On Preventing Tips?
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Kerrville, Texas
Tips On Preventing Tips?
I've tipped my new CVO Limited twice now. Once, coming to a stop at an angle on an incline where my foot didn't touch the ground on the low side, and once stopping while in a turning configuration. From those experiences I've learned 'the hard way':
1. Always have the nose pointed directly uphill when you come to a stop on an incline, and;
2. Always straighten up before stopping.
I'm really not a glutton for punishment, and would prefer to learn 'the easy way' from now on. So, what other tips do you have to prevent tipping?
1. Always have the nose pointed directly uphill when you come to a stop on an incline, and;
2. Always straighten up before stopping.
I'm really not a glutton for punishment, and would prefer to learn 'the easy way' from now on. So, what other tips do you have to prevent tipping?
Last edited by VegasGeorge; Jan 4, 2017 at 12:00 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 1,968
From: Lake of the Ozarks
Platform shoes 
Don't use the front brakes at low speeds while the bars are turned
Be cautious of where you stop and take note of uneven surface, oil spots, inclines, loose gravel, etc.
Don't use the front brakes at low speeds while the bars are turned
Be cautious of where you stop and take note of uneven surface, oil spots, inclines, loose gravel, etc.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
At the risk of sounding condescending, that's the basic kind of stuff they teach at basic safety training courses.
Be that as it may, the lessons that stick are the ones learned the hard way.
Hope no damage was done.
Be that as it may, the lessons that stick are the ones learned the hard way.
Hope no damage was done.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 278
Likes: 58
From: Connecticut
Yup, what Mike said. I would look into a safety course. They have different courses for varying levels of experience from basic up to what the police bikes go through. It will save your bike and you from bumps and bruises. Also things to look out for on the road, coming up to intersections. Lots of good info that will save your *** if your a new rider.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,903
Likes: 29,883
From: PNW
I think the two best insights have been offered and can summarized as pick where you stop carefully, and don't use you're front brake at low speeds, especially while turning.
I know I'll get jumped on for the pick your spot part. I do know sometimes you don't have a choice. But I have seen many a rider roll right into a bad situation and inexplicable choose that place to stop. Look for oil, gravel, dirt, inclines, etc and plan ahead if you can.
When you can't do that, learning how to stop with one foot down is good form. You don't become so dependent on traction as much as balance. The norm is to put your left foot down/right foot on brake. But on a right hand incline, you will need your right foot - and balance. It takes practice and it's a lot easier for a tall guy like me, I'll admit.
Other things that can help is to lower your center of gravity. Removable tourpack takes 50 lbs from the highest part of your bike. A lower seat helps too.
Good luck and be safe.
I know I'll get jumped on for the pick your spot part. I do know sometimes you don't have a choice. But I have seen many a rider roll right into a bad situation and inexplicable choose that place to stop. Look for oil, gravel, dirt, inclines, etc and plan ahead if you can.
When you can't do that, learning how to stop with one foot down is good form. You don't become so dependent on traction as much as balance. The norm is to put your left foot down/right foot on brake. But on a right hand incline, you will need your right foot - and balance. It takes practice and it's a lot easier for a tall guy like me, I'll admit.
Other things that can help is to lower your center of gravity. Removable tourpack takes 50 lbs from the highest part of your bike. A lower seat helps too.
Good luck and be safe.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 712
Likes: 90
From: Central Coast, California
I am not sure how long you have been riding. I learned most of my do's and do not do's when I was young and a lot of years on a dirt bike, I am not comparing the two, dirt and street just fundamentals. Sometimes we all learn the hard way. So far I have been very fortunate.
My tip to you is......... Use good common sense.
My tip to you is......... Use good common sense.
Last edited by RWTDCT; Jan 4, 2017 at 09:24 AM.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
I've tipped my new CVO Limited twice now. Once, coming to a stop at an angle on an incline where my foot didn't touch the ground on the low side, and once stopping while in a turning configuration. From those experiences I've learned 'the hard way':
1. Always have the nose pointed directly uphill when you come to a stop on an incline, and;
2. Always straighten up before stopping.
I'm really not a gluten for punishment, and would prefer to learn 'the easy way' from now on. So, what other tips do you have to prevent tipping?
1. Always have the nose pointed directly uphill when you come to a stop on an incline, and;
2. Always straighten up before stopping.
I'm really not a gluten for punishment, and would prefer to learn 'the easy way' from now on. So, what other tips do you have to prevent tipping?
As far as "#1" goes, always plan ahead what you are going to do as far as leaning the bike towards the uphill side. This will make it a shorter reach for your foot. It also reduces the chance of having your pant cuff catch onto the rubber foot peg end. Or your boot lace on the shifter end. Or your foot landing on the peg instead of the ground, causing the bike to begin to lean.
In short, take a course. It really can help you develop strategies to become a more confident rider.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 25,054
Likes: 19,456
From: New York
Jerry "The Motorman" Palladino from https://www.ridelikeapro.com/, state if you are looking down to the ground, your are going down with the bike.
Last edited by 470004; Jan 5, 2017 at 10:47 AM.