HELP: Accidental throttle
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Sounds like you need more pullback than new risers are going to give you. Take your time, do the research and pick out the right bars for you.
But the first thing you need to work on is clutch/throttle control. Just like when you first learned to drive a stick shift car that is only going to come from practice and more practice. In a safe environment which imo is a long straight and lonely stretch of road. Not a parking lot.
I just taught my son how to drive a stick and what I kept drilling in his head is that when the clutch is pushed in the car steers and brakes just like the automatic he was used to. If the clutch is in it doesn't matter if you have a brain fart and twist the throttle wide open when you actually want to stop.
But the first thing you need to work on is clutch/throttle control. Just like when you first learned to drive a stick shift car that is only going to come from practice and more practice. In a safe environment which imo is a long straight and lonely stretch of road. Not a parking lot.
I just taught my son how to drive a stick and what I kept drilling in his head is that when the clutch is pushed in the car steers and brakes just like the automatic he was used to. If the clutch is in it doesn't matter if you have a brain fart and twist the throttle wide open when you actually want to stop.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
before your class, get the ride like a pro dvds and watch them, that will help you to not feel like a total noob when you get to class. also, might help to keep you from learning 'bad habits' early on that your class will be making you unlearn.
you might think about a seat that moves you up forward some as well as handlebars with more pull back.
also, adjust your switch housings so that when you have your fingers extended over the brake and clutch levers, everything is in a straight line.
the way bikes come from the factory, or even previous owners, is not necessarily the way that will fit the new owner. adjustments have to be made.
you might think about a seat that moves you up forward some as well as handlebars with more pull back.
also, adjust your switch housings so that when you have your fingers extended over the brake and clutch levers, everything is in a straight line.
the way bikes come from the factory, or even previous owners, is not necessarily the way that will fit the new owner. adjustments have to be made.
BTW, love ya sig.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Slow speed, parking lot skills are very important and are the hardest part about riding.
Carry a tennis ball around with you, have one in your car/truck and on in front of the T.V. Squeeze it to build up your hand muscles.
Also, nothing wrong with shadow riding when your sitting around the house, or in a waiting room. Imagine you are on the bike (at the starting line of a race just to make it fun). Go through the motions, throttle, clutch, shifter and brakes. It won't take long to imprint the controls on your mind.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 248
Likes: 3
From: NYC
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you were riding above your skill level.
Slow speed, parking lot skills are very important and are the hardest part about riding.
Carry a tennis ball around with you, have one in your car/truck and on in front of the T.V. Squeeze it to build up your hand muscles.
Also, nothing wrong with shadow riding when your sitting around the house, or in a waiting room. Imagine you are on the bike (at the starting line of a race just to make it fun). Go through the motions, throttle, clutch, shifter and brakes. It won't take long to imprint the controls on your mind.
Slow speed, parking lot skills are very important and are the hardest part about riding.
Carry a tennis ball around with you, have one in your car/truck and on in front of the T.V. Squeeze it to build up your hand muscles.
Also, nothing wrong with shadow riding when your sitting around the house, or in a waiting room. Imagine you are on the bike (at the starting line of a race just to make it fun). Go through the motions, throttle, clutch, shifter and brakes. It won't take long to imprint the controls on your mind.
My wife already thinks I'm nuts. I can't wait to hear what she has to say when she sees me shadow riding in front of the TV. lol. Reminds me of my younger hockey playing days. Back then skates were made of leather and the usual way to get them to fit you better was to soak them in warm water and let them dry on your feet so they would mold to your foot. She thought I was nuts then too, lol.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
You just need more practice. After you get the right handlebars on there, of course. Find yourself a big, open, empty parking lot and spend two or three hours each day for a few days, just going over the basics. Practice your stopping and low speed turns, figure eights and U turns. Practice using only two or three fingers to apply the front brake.
You'll be fine. Oh, get David Hough's book "Proficient Motorcycling". It helped me a bunch.
You'll be fine. Oh, get David Hough's book "Proficient Motorcycling". It helped me a bunch.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: "Arlen", Tx
Slow tight turns require a lot more skill than just riding around the block. Ease off the death grip on the bars. By the end of summer you'll be surprised how well you'll be able to handle your bike.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 902
Likes: 6
From: STL
Good on ya' for learning to ride at 60!
Please, stay off the roads and out of the parking lots until after your MSF class. You are making beginner mistakes that are easily overcome and the class will address that. There is no reason to end your riding career before it begins. Even if local classes are full, show up the day of with your gear, a registration form and the money and see if there are any "no-shows". The chances are pretty good that you will be able to get in.
IMHO, i wouldn't go swapping bars and seats until after the class either. You should be able to get your Dyna to fit pretty darn close as it sits. You dont know what is comfortable yet and you could very well be wasting money making changes before you know exactly what you want.
No disrespect intended. Everybody's been there. I just don't wanna see you or anyone else get hurt in an avoidable incident.
Please, stay off the roads and out of the parking lots until after your MSF class. You are making beginner mistakes that are easily overcome and the class will address that. There is no reason to end your riding career before it begins. Even if local classes are full, show up the day of with your gear, a registration form and the money and see if there are any "no-shows". The chances are pretty good that you will be able to get in.
IMHO, i wouldn't go swapping bars and seats until after the class either. You should be able to get your Dyna to fit pretty darn close as it sits. You dont know what is comfortable yet and you could very well be wasting money making changes before you know exactly what you want.
No disrespect intended. Everybody's been there. I just don't wanna see you or anyone else get hurt in an avoidable incident.