newbie basher
newbie basher
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
I've been riding for more than 20 years and the amount I don't know never ceases to amaze me. In fact, I'm often convinced that I don't even know what I don't know about! In any event, no matter how much one knows, there is always someone who knows more, as well as many more who think they do.
Yet, it's clear that something happened that we missed. How can we be of assistance MY02??...
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 55
From: Apex, NC
I'm often convinced that I don't even know what I don't know about!
My02HD, ignore the curmudgeons. They aren't unique to this site. Now see, the throttle is on the right, and using the front brake won't kill you. Oh, what were you asking?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
This was My02HD's original post (see below), to which he had hoped for a more satisfactory answer. I didn't personally find anything amiss in the answer; it was just mild jesting. Yet, My02, if you have a smart phone where you have a GPS and speed readout, you can check it against what your bike's speedo is reading without assistance. Otherwise, you can ask a buddy to drive at a constant 60 MPH for instance and see what your speedo reads.
I have an 02 Hugger 883, this morning I noticed it took me an hour to get to work with one quick stop..... most days it takes me 40 or so on the bike but when I drive my truck it's 30 minutes and maybe 40 with a quick stop. I just started riding and this is my first bike so I go no more than 5 over the posted speed.
So not only did it take a long time this morning, but I get passed by EVERYBODY even in a 25 mph school zone....
Any quick things I can check first before having it serviced?
I have an 02 Hugger 883, this morning I noticed it took me an hour to get to work with one quick stop..... most days it takes me 40 or so on the bike but when I drive my truck it's 30 minutes and maybe 40 with a quick stop. I just started riding and this is my first bike so I go no more than 5 over the posted speed.
So not only did it take a long time this morning, but I get passed by EVERYBODY even in a 25 mph school zone....
Any quick things I can check first before having it serviced?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 691
Likes: 151
From: Houston
From my little bit of experience here on the forum, There is more good than negative, hopefully you don't let your bad experience detour you.
I see you are "a new rider and can't get enough", that's the real deal!
Oh, don't forget to search previous threads, most of the things I want to know about is already here and worked over, I just have to find it.
Anyway, from one new member to another, welcome from Houston, Texas!
Shiny side up!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 324
From: Ponce Inlet
I don't know if this answers your original question or not. When my oldest got his first bike, we went for a ride together. He went painfully slow, well below the speed limit. But, I was glad he was cautious. When we got home, he mentioned how fast he went. Somehow he thought he was going a lot faster than he was. I guess just the excitement and adrenaline form being a new rider.
maybe you're experiencing the same issue. Remember, it takes time to get used to the bike. No need to rush, as long as you're not causing traffic issues.
maybe you're experiencing the same issue. Remember, it takes time to get used to the bike. No need to rush, as long as you're not causing traffic issues.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 1,231
From: The mountains of SW Virginia
First, Welcome from Virginia! (I'm way new here myself)
Second, I think you'll find the issue to be the tires. As they wear, the speedometer will com closer to what it should be unless of course the tires are used. In that case they may not be the correct size for the bike. I intentionally will be going up a little in size but my reasons I'll keep to myself for the time being. I do have a GPS though, and that does make things easier to judge.
I have also ridden rice burners which have the tendency to be off most of the time, usually between 5 and 8mph, whether the tires are now or worn to the threads. I've even heard of some that were as much as 10mph off.
I don't know if it is true or not, but I heard somewhere the Harley Stealerships have the ability to calibrate the speedometer to match the tires. As another member said, if you have a smart phone, and it does have the GPS feature, to use that a few times to judge how far things might be off. Then use the money saved from going to the Stealership and use it for further upgrades or additions to your bike.
Second, I think you'll find the issue to be the tires. As they wear, the speedometer will com closer to what it should be unless of course the tires are used. In that case they may not be the correct size for the bike. I intentionally will be going up a little in size but my reasons I'll keep to myself for the time being. I do have a GPS though, and that does make things easier to judge.
I have also ridden rice burners which have the tendency to be off most of the time, usually between 5 and 8mph, whether the tires are now or worn to the threads. I've even heard of some that were as much as 10mph off.
I don't know if it is true or not, but I heard somewhere the Harley Stealerships have the ability to calibrate the speedometer to match the tires. As another member said, if you have a smart phone, and it does have the GPS feature, to use that a few times to judge how far things might be off. Then use the money saved from going to the Stealership and use it for further upgrades or additions to your bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 233
From:
I don't know if this answers your original question or not. When my oldest got his first bike, we went for a ride together. He went painfully slow, well below the speed limit. But, I was glad he was cautious. When we got home, he mentioned how fast he went. Somehow he thought he was going a lot faster than he was. I guess just the excitement and adrenaline form being a new rider.
maybe you're experiencing the same issue. Remember, it takes time to get used to the bike. No need to rush, as long as you're not causing traffic issues.
maybe you're experiencing the same issue. Remember, it takes time to get used to the bike. No need to rush, as long as you're not causing traffic issues.