Just rode my 05 NT for the first time. What a rush!!!!!!!!!
Only put about 50 miles on it due to all the rain we've been having here in CenTex, but man I'm stked1

Since this is my first Harley and first street bike, a couple of questions for you HD Vets.

1. I'm used to dirt/motocross bikes, and I caught myself shifting sometimes without using the clutch. Will work on that, but if I do on occation, will it hurt the trans?
2. Since there is no tach, with a Stage 1 upgrade and V& H Stepped Drag pipes, what would a safe speed be to keep the RPMs where I don't have to worry about over revving the engine?
3. Do the V&H Stepped Drag pipes make the bike have more of a "popand rumbble" rather than just the rummble that a stock Harley makes? It just sounds like it has more of a bark or pop thatn I though it would.

I have to get used to relying on the "rubber" to hold the road instead of knobbies in the dirt, but a few more rides will cure that.

Overall, it felt good, really good, to be over two wheels and wind agains my chest.

Thanks for all the adive everyone has giving me in the past.This is a great place and glad I found it.

Jim

 

WTF is a "peral?"

 

Sorry, I meant: Pearl[X(]

 

Thats a great color, bud of mine has one.

 

Thanks.
I originally wanted the Denim Black, but after see a NT in BP, I knew that if I could find one, that was the color I wanted. Luck was on my side when this one showed up, because not only was it BP, but it had all the things I would have done to it anyway.
I love the Street Slammer bars. They put me in a very comfotable riding position. Plus...they look cool

Now to ride becuse it's not raining, for a change!

 

I honestly don't understand the difficulty in geting used to a clutch. It's a totally different bike!! Do you have problems going from a cage with an automaticto one with a stick shift?

 

One thing I forgot to mention...the foot brake.
Because of the air cleaner and my short legs (5'7"), to manipulate the foot brake, I have to take my foot off the peg, twist my ankle and rotate my foot to touch the pedal. Is this a common thing with HDs because of the air cleaner?
If any of you have/had this problem, what did you do to correct it?

Thanks

 

I am a Ex MXer,, many years,, myself...
now to Harley,,,,, clutch for every gear!!!
no more ****-n-git here,, its all about takin time and enjoying the ride!
slowly learn your lean angles,,,,, little at a time..time will teach ya!
as far as your foot brake,, there are extensions,, get one!! shouldnt have to do what you'r saying!
remember to brake 75% with the front 25% with rear
once again,,, it aint a race track,,,, sit back, go easy, and enjoy what we all do!!!

 

whaap: I was using the clutch most of the time, making a consious effort to. There was a couple of times in a curve, I had to down shift and my MX instinct took over. It will take some time for me to unlearn things I did in racing, I just wanted to make sure that if I did happen to down shift, and forgot to clutch first, my tranny wouldn't be all over the road. But I will use the clutch like it was intended.

electraRICK: any suggestions on where to find one of the extentions you are talking about?

Also, taking it easy is why I bought a Harley in the first place If I feel the need for speed and getting that racing feeling again, I will get me another MXer. But I have theneed to chill now so "cruising" is my thing now.

Thanks again all

 

No problem riding at crusing speed, but noboydy said that you have to take your time getting to that speed!