When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've ridden bikes for over 50 years and picked up my new to me 2007 FXDC a couple of weeks ago....this is my first Harley.
Current and prior bike is a Suzuki GS1100L and I have owned it for 40 years.... GS weighs 556lbs and FXDC 645lbs.
I can never/ever remember a time that I had any trouble negotiating a curve or turn on my Suzuki and riding it is like second nature. I have a little over 200 miles on my FXDC and was/am having an issue with curves and turns....almost always wide on curves and slow turns can be either. Highway and long radius curves are no problem at all and my Superglide exceeds my expectations.
I was actually very concerned with my curve/corner problem and thought the extra 100 lbs might be the problem or even my bike has a flaw....thought maybe I screwed up and a Superglide was just too big for me.
Went to Google and did a search and found this is a very common issue and I need to look through the curve and keep my eyes focused on where I want to go. On my next short ride I tried the look ahead rule and yes it does help me but it is very awkward to intentionally keep my head turned and eyes focused but getting easier.....I did notice that at times I would be focusing more on where I am at instead of where I want to be.
50+ years of riding and still learning and with more riding I expect to be more comfortable and turns/curves will be second nature like on my Suzuki.
BTW....I wanted a Harley for longer trips and it really has a comfortable ride and looking forward to some of these trips.
Anyone else have this curve/turn issue when changing bikes?
OP I notice your Dyna has forward controls and the GL has mid controls. I have owned several HDs, some with forwards, some with mid controls. I find that the forward controls make for an awkward riding position.
For me, the mid controls offer a more natural feeling, upright position. I had a 2002 and a 2007 Dyna with forwards on them and I had a 2005 and a 95 Dyna with mids. I was much more comfortable and felt a more precise control and input when riding the mid control bikes.
Something to consider...
The most common single vehicle accident involving a motorcycle is in a curve.
After that many years adapting to the correct method of looking through the curve will feel strange. Keep up with it and it will second nature.
The old adage "look where you want to go cause you'll go where you are looking" as Chief Three Bears would say has iron in the words.
As a "seasoned" rider who start riding long ago with a 3 minute riding instructions of throttle right side, clutch left side, put your foot when stopped and don't dump the clutch off you go.
Riding should be a life long never ending learning adventure. There's always opportunities to improve, learn more, adapt to new features/technology, recognize new limitations as we age and how to adjust to them.
Take a MSF basic rider class you'll be amazed at what you'll learn in the class and on the range. It will be a weekend we'll spent.
As that old saying, ( The day I stop learning is the day that I die ) is very true for a motorcyclist. The best technique I have recently learned after over a half century of riding is when going into a curve, look where you want the bike to go, not where you do not want the bike to go.
OP, that is a nice looking GS, Had a couple of Suzuki GS models back in the 80's.
Last edited by MRFREEZE57; Oct 21, 2021 at 08:54 AM.
As that old saying, ( The day I stop learning is the day that I die ) is very true for a motorcyclist. The best technique I have recently learned after over a half century of riding is when going into a curve, look where you want the bike to go, not where you do not want the bike to go.
OP, that is a nice looking GS, Had a couple of Suzuki GS models back in the 80's.
I am giving up trying to figure out why this happened after many years of riding with no issues and I am learning new tricks or really just basics...maybe I looked through the curve on my GS and just don't realize it.
Thanks everyone for the advice and youtube does have good videos on the curve.
Bought my GS1100L new in 1980 and it has always been a fun bike to ride....old age is catching up with me and I had to get something that has a better ride and forward controls...always wanted a Harley and now was the time
Different motorcycles react a little different due to their geometry. You're on to the fix so hang in there have fun and stay aware and be safe !!! Find a empty parking lot and get to know your Harley !!
Years ago, I had a hardtail that I built with a raked front end, but not over on the fork length. It steered like a go cart (just a hint of the direction you wanted to go, and you were there). I got used to it.
You'll get used to it.
OP I notice your Dyna has forward controls and the GL has mid controls. I have owned several HDs, some with forwards, some with mid controls. I find that the forward controls make for an awkward riding position.
For me, the mid controls offer a more natural feeling, upright position. I had a 2002 and a 2007 Dyna with forwards on them and I had a 2005 and a 95 Dyna with mids. I was much more comfortable and felt a more precise control and input when riding the mid control bikes.
Something to consider...
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Looking Thru The Curve
