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I have only scrapped once in a curve. I scrape often in sharp 90+ degree turns & U-turns.That's just called normal slow speed manuvers. Again if you have never seen it, go on youtube & look up "Donnie Williams 1st run".
+1, or little Katlin Riley throw her Harley around.
If I scrape at high speeds, . . . I'm going too fast.
Pretty normal on most FatBoy's if you ride a little agressive. You can change your fork oil and add 1 to 2 oz more than factory charge and it will stiffin up the front end when going into th corner. It does help a little. Just make sure you check your manual for the factory charge before you add.
I would suggest you have an experienced rider, hopefully a riding instructor, follow you through the curves and watch your body posture. There is a method to reduce the lean and go just as fast, if not faster, through the curves.
While this is obviously not a sportbike, it will probably take the curves better than you realize. You have to make sure your upper torso is leaned to the inside of the curve, in other words your torso is leaned more than the bike is leaned. Most riders do the opposite, they tend to keep the torso more upright while leaning the bike more. That makes you drag the boards.
Keep your core relaxed, lean slightly forward, and as you go into the turn, move your chin toward the inside rearview mirror. It will make a big, big difference. Give it a try!
A Harley Softail may be, and can do many things . . . . and I do love mine . . . . but getting around corners quickly . . . . NOT!
You can increase the rear shock preload, bump the tire pressures up a bit, get as much weight off the bike as you can, assume radical riding postures, put race spec tires on it, get narrower Boards or eliminate the Boards altogether . . . . but it's still a Softail. Relax, enjoy the scenery . . . put the titanium lugs on your boards and watch the night light up along side you when you drag the boards. Definitely entertaining, particularly for those behind you . . .
I would suggest you have an experienced rider, hopefully a riding instructor, follow you through the curves and watch your body posture. There is a method to reduce the lean and go just as fast, if not faster, through the curves.
While this is obviously not a sportbike, it will probably take the curves better than you realize. You have to make sure your upper torso is leaned to the inside of the curve, in other words your torso is leaned more than the bike is leaned. Most riders do the opposite, they tend to keep the torso more upright while leaning the bike more. That makes you drag the boards.
Keep your core relaxed, lean slightly forward, and as you go into the turn, move your chin toward the inside rearview mirror. It will make a big, big difference. Give it a try!
+1... chin over wrist! (this keeps me off of the floorboards on my FLSTC)
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