Came off my bike... need help making a decision
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 265
Likes: 111
From: Arkansas
Thanks,
~john
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 8
From: Australia
Yes, it's hilarious 
Since coming off my bike last year I've made two changes and I haven't scraped the pegs on my Iron 883 since....
1) I removed the hero blobs off the bottom of my pegs.
2) When taking corners that I think there may be the slightest chance that I could scrape a peg I slide my butt 1 to 2 inches off the seat and move my upper body and head into the turn more so i can keep my bike more upright. I do this a lot more often then I did when I used to ride a sports bike as there was plenty of lean angle on my previous bike.
Those two things have made a big difference. I also have been wanting to upgrade to a 2018 Fat Bob, I took one for a test ride and loved it and was about to pull the trigger on one but couldn't get a good deal or trade in on my Iron. It's end of financial year in Australia with some dealers starting to discount... so going to try again in over the next few weeks...
Since coming off my bike last year I've made two changes and I haven't scraped the pegs on my Iron 883 since....
1) I removed the hero blobs off the bottom of my pegs.
2) When taking corners that I think there may be the slightest chance that I could scrape a peg I slide my butt 1 to 2 inches off the seat and move my upper body and head into the turn more so i can keep my bike more upright. I do this a lot more often then I did when I used to ride a sports bike as there was plenty of lean angle on my previous bike.
Those two things have made a big difference. I also have been wanting to upgrade to a 2018 Fat Bob, I took one for a test ride and loved it and was about to pull the trigger on one but couldn't get a good deal or trade in on my Iron. It's end of financial year in Australia with some dealers starting to discount... so going to try again in over the next few weeks...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,967
Likes: 7,068
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
It seems as if "scraping a peg" is a goal to some.
I've had students that want to learn to "drag knee" on the street. No, it isn't taught in the BRC. Not in the ARC either. For this, you need to go to the track. They'll be happy to accommodate any rider that wants to learn to drag a knee. It is actually a useful tool to have (on the track.)
I've had students that want to learn to "drag knee" on the street. No, it isn't taught in the BRC. Not in the ARC either. For this, you need to go to the track. They'll be happy to accommodate any rider that wants to learn to drag a knee. It is actually a useful tool to have (on the track.)
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 514
Likes: 263
From: Appalachia
Ok, you guys win... I will use the time while my bike is in the shop being repaired to 'get my head right' regarding riding this bike. You all had valid points and I appreciate you taking the time to post your views on this thread! I don't know any experienced riders so your comments are valuable! I'm still going to make some small mods to improve clearance but I understand that needs to be teamed up with the right riding attitude for this particular bike.
You can probably find a pair of lightly used take off shocks for your bike for short money. Measure your current shocks and try a set 1 inch longer to start. That should give you a bit more cornering clearance.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
As for old threads, we come here to discuss stuff. After the orginal post, it is usually discussing who is right and you are wrong. Which is fine with old threads.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
Came off my bike... need help making a decision
Raise the suspension. Call Howard at Motorcycle Metal.
Raise the suspension. Call Howard at Motorcycle Metal.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 233
From:
i came from a sportbike background, and a ducati monster background.....i feel your pain.
First harley i had first time around a corner in the hills i scraped something and it scared me and i stood the bike up....i wasnt even leaning far. Ive done it a few times since then but ive trained myself that with these bikes when it comes to corners you have to take them slow as hell. Now these folks on this board will argue with that because they dont know what taking a corner at a fast speed means. So my advice to you is this, if you want to take turns at a normal speed then your on the wrong bike. Sell it and get something else. Ive considered selling mine multiple times for this reason.
First harley i had first time around a corner in the hills i scraped something and it scared me and i stood the bike up....i wasnt even leaning far. Ive done it a few times since then but ive trained myself that with these bikes when it comes to corners you have to take them slow as hell. Now these folks on this board will argue with that because they dont know what taking a corner at a fast speed means. So my advice to you is this, if you want to take turns at a normal speed then your on the wrong bike. Sell it and get something else. Ive considered selling mine multiple times for this reason.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 265
Likes: 111
From: Arkansas
Now THAT is an interesting piece of information! I've tested quite a number of sporties over the past month. I hated the SuperLow and Low, to a lesser extent. Not thrilled with the Custom (seems like more gyro-effect wanting to keep it upright). But I loved the 2008 883 (no C, L, T, N, R or anything). Great in the turns. No scraping. Confidence-building. I guess part of the problem I'm encountering is trying to unravel all the flavors of Sportsters and figuring out which ones fulfill my needs/expectations.
This is only an issue for me because I was looking to buy new and HD doesn't seem to offer a standard Sportster anymore. Everything is lowered or Iron or some other thing. Getting the right specs for comparison is not easy.
Thanks for the insight!
~john
This is only an issue for me because I was looking to buy new and HD doesn't seem to offer a standard Sportster anymore. Everything is lowered or Iron or some other thing. Getting the right specs for comparison is not easy.
Thanks for the insight!
~john
