Close call, but lesson learned!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
I've been riding since I was 13, I'm 71 now, so that's 58 years, and hundreds of thousands of safe riding miles. Admittedly, I'm on my first Harley, with only 3,000 miles under my tires on it. But, your post has made me think.
Maybe there is some difference in Harley handling that contributed to the scare. I'll be watching for that.
Maybe there is some difference in Harley handling that contributed to the scare. I'll be watching for that.
On a downhill slope, with your bars turned (even a little) as you start rolling you need to make it one smooth motion and get moving forward.
As you start to move, do not hesitate.
Gravity is wanting to pull that bike down to the ground.
You mentioned riding two up, so that is even more weight to deal with.
A little hesitation or even a light touch on the front brake, and your going down.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,137
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Another issue, especially with dressers that have ride floorboards is that IF you're going down, DO NOT get your foot between the floorboard and the pavement.
I was watching a guy making some practice turns (like the officer in the video) and when the bike went over his RH boot was trapped between the RH floorboard and the pavement. A few of us quickly lifted his bike.
Had I not been for his "brand new" boots, his foot may have been crushed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Depends...
Some down grades, you need both feet down to balance..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Hold the bike (on a hill or otherwise) with the rear brake, left foot down. Don't pick your left foot up until the clutch engages the rear wheel. Drag the rear brake and work the clutch friction zone as needed if you're obligated to creep in lieu of proceeding on your way. Holding a motorcycle with the front brake on a hill or otherwise encourages low speed front brake use which can cause a tip over. Sometimes a wriggling passenger or strong cross wind will make it necessary to put both feet down at a stop and hold the bike stationary with the front brake. As soon as the clutch powers the rear wheel put both feet on the pegs or boards and locate the rear brake immediately. Make a conscious effort to close your hand around the throttle and resist the urge to cover the front brake with your fingers.
There's a world of difference between 20 years experience and 1 year experience 20 times in a row. I've often found that the worst riders I've ever seen thought they had nothing left to learn.
There's a world of difference between 20 years experience and 1 year experience 20 times in a row. I've often found that the worst riders I've ever seen thought they had nothing left to learn.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; May 7, 2017 at 05:19 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 718
Likes: 152
From: Ozarks
I always try to start rolling straight ahead and then make turn once rolling. Just making a wider turn. It's just easier that way for me. The front tire wont want to grab and try to make the turn for me.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 265
Likes: 56
From: US
Hold the bike (on a hill or otherwise) with the rear brake, left foot down. Don't pick your left foot up until the clutch engages the rear wheel. Drag the rear brake and work the clutch friction zone as needed if you're obligated to creep in lieu of proceeding on your way. Holding a motorcycle with the front brake on a hill or otherwise encourages low speed front brake use which can cause a tip over. Sometimes a wriggling passenger or strong cross wind will make it necessary to put both feet down at a stop and hold the bike stationary with the front brake. As soon as the clutch powers the rear wheel put both feet on the pegs or boards and locate the rear brake immediately. Make a conscious effort to close your hand around the throttle and resist the urge to cover the front brake with your fingers.
There's a world of difference between 20 years experience and 1 year experience 20 times in a row. I've often found that the worst riders I've ever seen thought they had nothing left to learn.
There's a world of difference between 20 years experience and 1 year experience 20 times in a row. I've often found that the worst riders I've ever seen thought they had nothing left to learn.
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