Riding Tips?
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 19
From: Indiana
Riding Tips?
I've ridden dirt bikes since I was a kid, and for the past year I've been riding a Honda Rebel 250, but I am new to Harleys. My Super Glide is my first "big bike" really.
I saw in another post here about a pinging issue where someone suggested to "Learn to ride correctly" as the best and cheapest way to keep your engine running its best.
So, I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to ride correctly to keep my engine in the best shape possible?
I ride conservatively; I just enjoy cruising. I'll open it up a little bit on the freeway, but for the most part I just cruise near the speed limit.
I don't have a tachometer, so I can't monitor my engine's RPMs. I've just been shifting by ear. I have a service manual for my Super Glide, but I definitely feel like the suggested shifting speeds are early. Shifting into 6th gear at 65, seems unnecessary. Maybe my ear is untrained?
Anyway, I would love any overall riding tips for extending the life of my engine. I don't like to abuse my things -- especially unknowingly!
Thanks!
I saw in another post here about a pinging issue where someone suggested to "Learn to ride correctly" as the best and cheapest way to keep your engine running its best.
So, I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to ride correctly to keep my engine in the best shape possible?
I ride conservatively; I just enjoy cruising. I'll open it up a little bit on the freeway, but for the most part I just cruise near the speed limit.
I don't have a tachometer, so I can't monitor my engine's RPMs. I've just been shifting by ear. I have a service manual for my Super Glide, but I definitely feel like the suggested shifting speeds are early. Shifting into 6th gear at 65, seems unnecessary. Maybe my ear is untrained?
Anyway, I would love any overall riding tips for extending the life of my engine. I don't like to abuse my things -- especially unknowingly!
Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
Shifting by ear on a bike, isn't much different that in a car. When I know the RPMs are up high enough, I shift. Sometimes I look at my speed but it's a feel and sound mostly. I always use premium gas too.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 8
From: illinois
take into account i have a 103 but at 65mph im running 2600 rpms. i shift by ear alot of the time even though i have a tack. all i can say really is you will know if you need to shift up or down. take a few good rides and the bike will start talking to you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
The advice most of us who have raced bikes offer for the road:
Treat your entire front as if it was a bike apart from the rest.
You can always make a bad situation better by shifting your weight.
Look ahead in turns, not at the front wheel ever. At least 12 feet ahead in turns.
When you brake hard make the front wheel your priority. Most of the stopping is up front.
In a turn both the front and rear need to be balanced when braking but always try to get your weight over that front, the back will follow.
Always practice balancing your bike, make it a personal challenge to balance longer before resting at lights. This extra control your brain picks up will help you everywhere.
Treat your entire front as if it was a bike apart from the rest.
You can always make a bad situation better by shifting your weight.
Look ahead in turns, not at the front wheel ever. At least 12 feet ahead in turns.
When you brake hard make the front wheel your priority. Most of the stopping is up front.
In a turn both the front and rear need to be balanced when braking but always try to get your weight over that front, the back will follow.
Always practice balancing your bike, make it a personal challenge to balance longer before resting at lights. This extra control your brain picks up will help you everywhere.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Survive the ride. Pay attention to your elders. The ones that have rode a long time are doing something right. If you are having close calls when riding ----it is you. Maintain your motorcycle.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 14
From: Canadian in Germany
Or they are just lucky........a lot of times the "older guys" have some SERIOUS bad habits....
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
To keep your engine at it's best (besides maintenance) error on the side of higher RPM's rather then lower. Harleys don't like to be lugged and live in the higher RPM's
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Honolulu
I find the bike purs at the about 2500 rpm Feels like it's ready to shift at about 3300 rpm. But since you don't have a tach just go by ear and the bike will tell you if you're shifting too early. Never forget to do your maintenance on your bike! Take care of it, and it should serve you well!
Safe riding tip when in traffic, If you're behind another vehicle always favor the side of the lane nearest to the car in an adjacent lane. That way the other driver in the next lane can see you better, and won't think the lane is clear to switch. Make yourself visible! Don't ride in someones blind spot if at all possible! 99% of all accidents happen because the driver doesn't see you!
When slowing down alway do a mirror check to see if the driver behind you is slowing down. (Getting rear ended really sucks!) End of the day? Right of way or not. In an accident you will be the loser!
Make yourself as visible as possible! I'd love to have the black helmet black jacket and jeans looks when I ride. But I opted for a White helmet and a safety reflective vest, and bright colored gloves. These day because of technology and about a million distractions! Most drivers are only paying attention to the road about 60% of the time! A bike rider in dark colors can easily go un-noticed. IMHO!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Safe riding tip when in traffic, If you're behind another vehicle always favor the side of the lane nearest to the car in an adjacent lane. That way the other driver in the next lane can see you better, and won't think the lane is clear to switch. Make yourself visible! Don't ride in someones blind spot if at all possible! 99% of all accidents happen because the driver doesn't see you!
When slowing down alway do a mirror check to see if the driver behind you is slowing down. (Getting rear ended really sucks!) End of the day? Right of way or not. In an accident you will be the loser!
Make yourself as visible as possible! I'd love to have the black helmet black jacket and jeans looks when I ride. But I opted for a White helmet and a safety reflective vest, and bright colored gloves. These day because of technology and about a million distractions! Most drivers are only paying attention to the road about 60% of the time! A bike rider in dark colors can easily go un-noticed. IMHO!
Good luck and enjoy the ride!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL