Lowering for "balance"
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland, Canada
Lowering for "balance"
Hi everyone,
As I mentioned in the new member section, I am new here. I have a bit of a special situation, and am hoping that you guys can help! I am 29 (not that its relevant), 6'0" and 147 lbs. about 10 years ago I had surgery on my spine due to a sports related injury. As a result I sold my bike and gave up on the idea of riding again.
Well, it seems that today, I am able to ride again. The problem I am currently faced with is getting the bike off the kickstand and into the "riding position". Physically I can do it, but it is painful. Once the bike is upright, everything is OK. I am open to most models, but prefer the DYNA series.
My questions to you guys are:
1) Has anyone here had experience lowering their bike/ can comment on how it affected ease of getting the bike upright from the parked position?
2) Any other ideas?
3) Anybody with a dyna low-rider that can compare to a dyna glide?
Sidenote: I've recently been on a Ducati monster 1100, and the bike was as easy to stand up as my pedal bike. Creating this effect on a Harley would be Ideal.
As I mentioned in the new member section, I am new here. I have a bit of a special situation, and am hoping that you guys can help! I am 29 (not that its relevant), 6'0" and 147 lbs. about 10 years ago I had surgery on my spine due to a sports related injury. As a result I sold my bike and gave up on the idea of riding again.
Well, it seems that today, I am able to ride again. The problem I am currently faced with is getting the bike off the kickstand and into the "riding position". Physically I can do it, but it is painful. Once the bike is upright, everything is OK. I am open to most models, but prefer the DYNA series.
My questions to you guys are:
1) Has anyone here had experience lowering their bike/ can comment on how it affected ease of getting the bike upright from the parked position?
2) Any other ideas?
3) Anybody with a dyna low-rider that can compare to a dyna glide?
Sidenote: I've recently been on a Ducati monster 1100, and the bike was as easy to stand up as my pedal bike. Creating this effect on a Harley would be Ideal.
Last edited by Heli-Tim; Jun 10, 2014 at 10:37 AM. Reason: additional question...
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I'm kind of new to HD bikes but instead of lowering the bike I wonder if they make a jiffy stand that'd put the bike in a more upright and not so leaned out position? Making the transition to upright easier. Only down fall I could see is it might make mounting and dismounting a tad more difficult. But it couldn't hurt to research it. Best of luck and maybe somebody else in the forum will have a better solution.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
In general I think HDs that come with floorboards (not touring) have lower seat height and center of gravity than most other models. Maybe push down with your foot on the curb side floor board to pop the bike upright before you get on it?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland, Canada
Thanks for the input so far guys.
@mjremington : I'll look into the jiffy stand idea. Not sure if it will completely fix the issue, but it may help.
@Hogpro: I'll look into that, it sounds good in theory. I'll do a bit of research.
@jmr1971: I've played around a little bit with this on a fatboy. It is still a bit to heavy for my back to overcome. Thanks for the suggestion though!
@mjremington : I'll look into the jiffy stand idea. Not sure if it will completely fix the issue, but it may help.
@Hogpro: I'll look into that, it sounds good in theory. I'll do a bit of research.
@jmr1971: I've played around a little bit with this on a fatboy. It is still a bit to heavy for my back to overcome. Thanks for the suggestion though!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There is at least one product available that holds the bike upright, using out-rigger wheels, which lift when you start moving. Also look for websites aimed at disabled veterans, as they are used to adapting bikes for all manner of challenges. Any Harley is heavy and IMHO lowering yours isn't going to help much with getting it upright, but will introduce other problems, such as reduced ride quality, hence comfort.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland, Canada
There is at least one product available that holds the bike upright, using out-rigger wheels, which lift when you start moving. Also look for websites aimed at disabled veterans, as they are used to adapting bikes for all manner of challenges. Any Harley is heavy and IMHO lowering yours isn't going to help much with getting it upright, but will introduce other problems, such as reduced ride quality, hence comfort.
Cheers!
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 3
From: GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
Do you straighten the handlebars before raising the bike upright?
This takes some weight off the side stand and makes it easier to bring the bike to the riding position. When parking, do turn the bars to full left lock and weight the jiffy stand.
This takes some weight off the side stand and makes it easier to bring the bike to the riding position. When parking, do turn the bars to full left lock and weight the jiffy stand.
Last edited by PigSnot; Jun 15, 2014 at 09:26 PM. Reason: added info
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
Thanks for the input so far guys.
@mjremington : I'll look into the jiffy stand idea. Not sure if it will completely fix the issue, but it may help.
@Hogpro: I'll look into that, it sounds good in theory. I'll do a bit of research.
@jmr1971: I've played around a little bit with this on a fatboy. It is still a bit to heavy for my back to overcome. Thanks for the suggestion though!
@mjremington : I'll look into the jiffy stand idea. Not sure if it will completely fix the issue, but it may help.
@Hogpro: I'll look into that, it sounds good in theory. I'll do a bit of research.
@jmr1971: I've played around a little bit with this on a fatboy. It is still a bit to heavy for my back to overcome. Thanks for the suggestion though!
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland, Canada
, otherwise I'll at least have a few good options to look into 