Riding Tips
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Riding Tips
Ok guys I need some help here. My wife and I went on our first long ride together this weekend with a couple from our work, and I need some help here.
This is my first harley and my first bike in 12 years due to the x. Rode the crotch rockets when I was younger and a 750 yammi, and have not had a bike since the 750, stupid me thinking it would all just come right back but NO.
Had problems with the wind and getting it to turn in the curves, and the bike wiggled like crazy with me running east and west with a south wind and the gusts OH MY, I dont think the wind was more than 15mph with gusts up to 20, the couple that we rode with had no problems what so ever ANY tips would be GREAT.
This is my first harley and my first bike in 12 years due to the x. Rode the crotch rockets when I was younger and a 750 yammi, and have not had a bike since the 750, stupid me thinking it would all just come right back but NO.
Had problems with the wind and getting it to turn in the curves, and the bike wiggled like crazy with me running east and west with a south wind and the gusts OH MY, I dont think the wind was more than 15mph with gusts up to 20, the couple that we rode with had no problems what so ever ANY tips would be GREAT.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
RE: Riding Tips
don't give up! keep on ridin. maybe a little more practice or solo ridin before join'g others or a group?
if that "wiggle" is more than you two or the wind; don't hesitate to get it checked out pronto! good luck
if that "wiggle" is more than you two or the wind; don't hesitate to get it checked out pronto! good luck
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 14
From: Oklahoma
RE: Riding Tips
Nice to have ya Firecap501. No it doesn't just come back. A lot if it is being comfortable with the bike. You were probably a little tense, which makes the bike seem harder to handle. If you haven't taken the MSF course, it would be great. The problems you are describing are just lack of saddle time. I bought a new SG 6 weeks ago, after 2 years with out. It took some getting used to. Just remember to keep your head on a swivel and watch out for crazy drivers. They are worse today than 12 years ago, with cell phone use and all. Make sure to use both brakes in an emergency situation, the front break is 70% of stopping power. It will help as your wife rides more also. If she moves around a lot that makes the bike very hard to handle as well. Ride safe and look into the MSF course.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 651
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From: Up state NY
RE: Riding Tips
Make sure of tire pressures and were your shocks set up for two up riding if adjustable? Try riding in a big Empty parking lot two up and practice turns and what not it will help ya and if you dump it you won't get hurt to bad. Sometimes it takes awhile to get the feel for two up riding.
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Former Sponsor
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RE: Riding Tips
Way ahead of you guys with the riding course going to take the one sponsered by the local OKC harley dealership, I had decided when I got the bike I was not going to take a course but after yesterday I will be there asap.
As far as tire pressure was running 36 in the front and 38 in the rear, My wife and I rode a few days before in the city and I had put 15 in the rear shocks, but I did not check the shock pressures before we left, and after reading on the forums this morning, I should have check that also, seeing that they do not hold the air.
We live across the street from a elementary school, and we can practice in that parking lot and WE WILL. Where can I get the Ride like a pro Video IV, this appears to be a must have for my video collection and saftey. Have a ton of practicing todo before we make our planned trip to the Blues and BBQ In Oct.
Thanks a MILLION
As far as tire pressure was running 36 in the front and 38 in the rear, My wife and I rode a few days before in the city and I had put 15 in the rear shocks, but I did not check the shock pressures before we left, and after reading on the forums this morning, I should have check that also, seeing that they do not hold the air.
We live across the street from a elementary school, and we can practice in that parking lot and WE WILL. Where can I get the Ride like a pro Video IV, this appears to be a must have for my video collection and saftey. Have a ton of practicing todo before we make our planned trip to the Blues and BBQ In Oct.
Thanks a MILLION
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Riding Tips
Just make sure to stop leaning when the wind dies down or you'll fall over...... 
ORIGINAL: KeithB
Ditto on the suspension and tire presures. Also with a stiff cross wind you gotta lean the bike into the wide a little.
The MSF course is a great idea.
Ditto on the suspension and tire presures. Also with a stiff cross wind you gotta lean the bike into the wide a little.
The MSF course is a great idea.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Riding Tips
http://ridelikeapro.com/
ORIGINAL: Firecap501
Way ahead of you guys with the riding course going to take the one sponsered by the local OKC harley dealership, I had decided when I got the bike I was not going to take a course but after yesterday I will be there asap.
As far as tire pressure was running 36 in the front and 38 in the rear, My wife and I rode a few days before in the city and I had put 15 in the rear shocks, but I did not check the shock pressures before we left, and after reading on the forums this morning, I should have check that also, seeing that they do not hold the air.
We live across the street from a elementary school, and we can practice in that parking lot and WE WILL. Where can I get the Ride like a pro Video IV, this appears to be a must have for my video collection and saftey. Have a ton of practicing todo before we make our planned trip to the Blues and BBQ In Oct.
Thanks a MILLION
Way ahead of you guys with the riding course going to take the one sponsered by the local OKC harley dealership, I had decided when I got the bike I was not going to take a course but after yesterday I will be there asap.
As far as tire pressure was running 36 in the front and 38 in the rear, My wife and I rode a few days before in the city and I had put 15 in the rear shocks, but I did not check the shock pressures before we left, and after reading on the forums this morning, I should have check that also, seeing that they do not hold the air.
We live across the street from a elementary school, and we can practice in that parking lot and WE WILL. Where can I get the Ride like a pro Video IV, this appears to be a must have for my video collection and saftey. Have a ton of practicing todo before we make our planned trip to the Blues and BBQ In Oct.
Thanks a MILLION