I was considering purchasing a second motorcycle. I have a 2016 Softail Slim S, and was thinking of a lighter, more maneuverable bike, like the Triumph Bobber Black.


A thought occurred to me. I am so used to the handling of my Softail, if I switched to the Triumph, and started getting used to that, would I be more at risk of being in an accident? Thinking that I would start to try to handle the heavier Softail like the lighter Triumph, and start to misjudge corners, or braking, etc?


Thoughts?


R,
Sanjuro

 

I doubt it. For example, I play many different guitars, and I feel it’s made me a better, more adaptable guitarist than if I played only one.

 

You have to be cognizant of which bike you are operating, as you are concerned about, you could find yourself in a dicey situation. I have jumped on my Low Rider after riding the Super Glide, the weight is close but the steering geometry is different. With those two bikes I can do low speed turns while applying front brake with no problem. If I try front brake on the Roadie at slow parking lot speeds then there could be problems. So yes be careful.

 

Here are my 2. While I suppose anything is possible, I believe just the opposite is true. After riding my Ultra, hopping on my Softail is like getting on a mini-bike. So, if you've gained proficiency with the "heavy" Softail, I'm guessing you will find the Triumph to be almost simplistic in it's handling.

 

I would say it depends on your skill level. If you are experienced on how to enter and exit a turn, then you know how to compensate regardless of the weight. If you are not it could be a problem. Take it slow and it should not be a problem.

 

I have a ‘17 Slim, and I *just* bought an ‘18 Deluxe. They are two entirely different animals. Like another poster said above, you just have to be cognizant of what you are riding.

 

I had a great bike that was really old, bought a new bike for fast interstate riding.
End result: Old bike sat in the living room more and more because of the easy starting and low maintenance of the new.
Finally sold the old one because I didn't want it to sit and collect dust.

 

Look at it this way, any mishap on either bike could be blamed on the other one, owning another bike could be an alibi....Hmm..

 

 

Just be aware, and practice emergency maneuvers on each regularly. I now have 3 bikes, down from four. I still find myself mistaking controls like turn signals, and horn. They're pretty much standard on the Harley's, but my Indian is laid out differently. I ride it most, so when I'm on the Harley's I sometimes have to think about what I'm doing. It's not really that big of a deal.