New Fat Boy advice
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 1
From:
New Fat Boy advice
Pick up my Motorcycle license tomorrow. It's supposed to be 71 degrees!!! Looking forward to my first HD Ride!! Now in the class we were on 250's. The biggest bike I have ever rode is a 750. I'm sure I will be okay but any advice on learning to drive it? How were you the first time on a big bike?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: New Fat Boy advice
A big bike to me is easier to ride than a small one.
Drive slow...don't be an idiot....drive DEFENSIVELY as the cars will not see you.
You might make it through the end of the day.
Drive slow...don't be an idiot....drive DEFENSIVELY as the cars will not see you.
You might make it through the end of the day.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New Fat Boy advice
Wow!! Just did it!! Rode up to the gas station and back. Easy and rides like no other!!! I think it is easier than riding a small bike. Can't wait to ride all day tomorrow. Kind of sad I already have 5 miles on it now!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
RE: New Fat Boy advice
Go into an empty parking lot and set up cones (or use cups, tennis ***** cut in half, whatever) invarious configurations, and practice slow speed manuevers until you're sick to death of it. Slow speed stuff is all about clutch and rear brake control. You'll get it. Can't practice too much.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: New Fat Boy advice
A word of advice....it seems easy now...but trust me....you don't have it down yet.
Ride defensively and stop often....many new riders make mistakes when they start getting fatigued.
Have fun.
Ride defensively and stop often....many new riders make mistakes when they start getting fatigued.
Have fun.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
RE: New Fat Boy advice
I moved from the bikes in class, 250cc to a 750cc to a fatboy. No issuew whatsoever. It will be second nature in no time. Just remeber to always watch the other guy and keep a safe following distance.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
RE: New Fat Boy advice
All good advice especially the "invisible" comment and the clutch control/dragging rear brake/slow speed manuevers suggestion. Regarding the added weight of a full-size bike, remember when the bike is straight up and down, it's effectively weightless.
RE: New Fat Boy advice
All excellent comments, drrandall1...although I'm not too sure about closing your eyes and praying advice!
You ARE invisible to the cars!Don't even think or assume that, "I'm sure that guy in the SUV on the cell phone knows I'm in this lane next to him!" Or how about as you approach a side street with a car waiting to pull out, "Of course she sees me, my lights are on and it's daytime...she won't pull out in front of me and cut me off!"
The point is...right, wrong, or indifferent...you have to be on guard anytime you're in that saddle! It doesn't do you any good if you slam into a car that cuts you off at 45MPH and they get the ticket! Just be aware...motorcycling is a great sport, and these warnings are not meant to diminish the joy of the new beauty in your garage, we just don't want you to end up as a statistic!
Enjoy the new Harley-Davidson...Fat Boy, oh yeah!
Steve
You ARE invisible to the cars!Don't even think or assume that, "I'm sure that guy in the SUV on the cell phone knows I'm in this lane next to him!" Or how about as you approach a side street with a car waiting to pull out, "Of course she sees me, my lights are on and it's daytime...she won't pull out in front of me and cut me off!"
The point is...right, wrong, or indifferent...you have to be on guard anytime you're in that saddle! It doesn't do you any good if you slam into a car that cuts you off at 45MPH and they get the ticket! Just be aware...motorcycling is a great sport, and these warnings are not meant to diminish the joy of the new beauty in your garage, we just don't want you to end up as a statistic!
Enjoy the new Harley-Davidson...Fat Boy, oh yeah!
Steve