Weight of a bike
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 338
From: Upstate, SC
Weight of a bike
Can someone explain how the weight of a bike makes any difference at all? I can see it makes a difference when backing it up when you have to use muscle to move it, but once it's pointed forward, what does it matter?
Yeah I dropped my bike once. It was operator error, not the weight of the bike that caused it.
Yeah I dropped my bike once. It was operator error, not the weight of the bike that caused it.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 267
Likes: 4
From: MN
Its the amount the bike weighs while its leaned over at slow speeds or while tipping over thats the issue. It takes alot more strength/practice to keep a heavy bike upright when it wants to fall over. A heavy bike in a slow tight parking lot is more of a handfull than a small light bike in the same place. Both can be ridden there very effectively, its just a little harder and takes more practice (in my opinion) on a heavier bike.
It is also a factor of how high the bikes weight is off the ground. A bike with a fully loaded tour pack and 2 people on it is more difficult to handle at slow speeds than a Dyna or a Sportster at the same speed.
Just my thoughts.
It is also a factor of how high the bikes weight is off the ground. A bike with a fully loaded tour pack and 2 people on it is more difficult to handle at slow speeds than a Dyna or a Sportster at the same speed.
Just my thoughts.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 608
Likes: 42
From: Kingston, Washington
A heavier bike is more stable at speed, at least for me.
I went from a restored '71 Sportster to a '12 Dyna-
No windshields on either, I get blown around a little but the bike is more stable.
Most apparent 60 mph and up.
I went from a restored '71 Sportster to a '12 Dyna-
No windshields on either, I get blown around a little but the bike is more stable.
Most apparent 60 mph and up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,722
Likes: 9,152
From: Georgia
I don't really get it either. I can see coming off a Rebel and being apprehensive about taking out an Ultra, but my dad rides a Deuce and refuses to take my Road King out because "it's too heavy". The only time I really notice the weight of a bike is kicking it off the stand.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 43
From: Upstate NY
The main thing I noticed when I upgraded to a heavier bike is that it is much more stable in strong cross winds or being passed by a big rig in either direction. Like night and day from my 650 to my big twin heritage.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Land of OZ
I don't really get it either. I can see coming off a Rebel and being apprehensive about taking out an Ultra, but my dad rides a Deuce and refuses to take my Road King out because "it's too heavy". The only time I really notice the weight of a bike is kicking it off the stand.
Learn how to ride it properly and professionally and you won't have any issues
