Beginner
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Beginner
I have a Harley Davidson sportster 1200 custom, but the controls are forward, and my handlebars are like drag bike handles. any advice to make things easier for me, I love my bike and refuse to change. I have went out 2 times to practice, tipped it one time, but the second time I did not. I am also having a
problem popping the clutch, would clutch adjustment help as well? I am 5'7"
problem popping the clutch, would clutch adjustment help as well? I am 5'7"
Last edited by Halowell6778; May 15, 2017 at 05:51 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 209
Likes: 30
From: SC Lowcountry
Practice, practice and then do more practice. Start out in a parking lot until you can make turns and quick stops and just get comfortable with the weight and feel. Then work your way up in increments. It'll take some time.
If the bars are uncomfortable because of leaning forward, look into getting some pullback risers. It's a cheap solution to get the bars back closer to you.
Have fun and ride safe!
If the bars are uncomfortable because of leaning forward, look into getting some pullback risers. It's a cheap solution to get the bars back closer to you.
Have fun and ride safe!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 291
Likes: 88
From: utah
The clutch is probably fine. It will just take hours of practice. When I'm helping a new rider out, I have them leave the throttle alone and just slowly let out the clutch until the bike starts to roll forward. After a few times of getting the feel of that, a little gas and take-offs are a lot easier.
A good MSF rider's coarse is a good idea for starting out. It's a lot more fun when you're dropping their bikes instead of yours. Every time I've watched them out in the parking lot, I've seen at least one bike get dropped. That's why they have all those extra crash bars.
As far as the handle bars go, give them a few weeks of riding. If they don't feel right after a few weeks, you can do anything from adjusting them to replacing them with bars that feel better.
A good MSF rider's coarse is a good idea for starting out. It's a lot more fun when you're dropping their bikes instead of yours. Every time I've watched them out in the parking lot, I've seen at least one bike get dropped. That's why they have all those extra crash bars.
As far as the handle bars go, give them a few weeks of riding. If they don't feel right after a few weeks, you can do anything from adjusting them to replacing them with bars that feel better.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 138
Likes: 15
From: Anderson, SC
Ride it like it was stolen. Then get up and practice. You don't know what you can do until you find out what you can't do. Worked for me!
Just kidding. Take a safety course, or get someone you trust with your life and learn from him. Worked for me! For real...
Just kidding. Take a safety course, or get someone you trust with your life and learn from him. Worked for me! For real...
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 150
From: Michigan
Anyway, you'll significantly reduce your odds of dropping your bike, and learn a few things that can save your life.
Welcome to the forum! Ride safe and have a blast.
Last edited by rjo3491; May 15, 2017 at 06:24 PM.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 4,510
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From: someplace
I have a Harley Davidson sportster 1200 custom, but the controls are forward, and my handlebars are like drag bike handles. any advice to make things easier for me, I love my bike and refuse to change. I have went out 2 times to practice, tipped it one time, but the second time I did not. I am also having a
problem popping the clutch, would clutch adjustment help as well?
problem popping the clutch, would clutch adjustment help as well?
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Supporter
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 248
From: Milton Mills NH
Go to the dealer, get fitted with some bars that will work for you. If you are not totally comfortable you are not going to enjoy your ride or be safe.
Some one else can chime in on the forward controls, not sure if you can covert to mid's.
Some one else can chime in on the forward controls, not sure if you can covert to mid's.
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
You've gone out twice and you don't know how to "pop" the clutch? What you should be concerned about is how to ease the clutch out for a smooth transition to forward motion. Do you have prior experience on two wheels?