Advice needed
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
Advice needed
(back ground) I have riden bikes most of my life, dirt bikes as a kid/teen, then got a Honda Rebel and rode that through college. I recently got back into riding when I bought my Sporty after a 10 year break.
Well Saturday we took a 260 mile ride around Gainsville TN and some other places. Most of these roads were very twisty, hair pins, switch backs, very challenging. After that ride I've got two words for my ability to ride twisties - I SUCK! I played with gearing, tried looking through the curves etc. It just never consistently felt right. Sad part was I was riding with two Ultra Classics and they have no problems throwing those big bikes in the curves.
Any words of wisdom on how to improve my twisty riding??
Well Saturday we took a 260 mile ride around Gainsville TN and some other places. Most of these roads were very twisty, hair pins, switch backs, very challenging. After that ride I've got two words for my ability to ride twisties - I SUCK! I played with gearing, tried looking through the curves etc. It just never consistently felt right. Sad part was I was riding with two Ultra Classics and they have no problems throwing those big bikes in the curves.
Any words of wisdom on how to improve my twisty riding??
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
RE: Advice needed
There was one section that was simply amazing. Freshly paved and not a car on it either time we did it. It was like a mini-dragon.
When you guys are taking sharp curves are you typically in a lower gear reving the motor? Do you apply much brake prior to curving? I'm still not confident with how far I can lay over, before the bike low sides. Also the Sporty front shocks give a lot of feed back to the road.
When you guys are taking sharp curves are you typically in a lower gear reving the motor? Do you apply much brake prior to curving? I'm still not confident with how far I can lay over, before the bike low sides. Also the Sporty front shocks give a lot of feed back to the road.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Advice needed
ORIGINAL: Road Head
There was one section that was simply amazing. Freshly paved and not a car on it either time we did it. It was like a mini-dragon.
When you guys are taking sharp curves are you typically in a lower gear reving the motor? Do you apply much brake prior to curving? I'm still not confident with how far I can lay over, before the bike low sides. Also the Sporty front shocks give a lot of feed back to the road.
There was one section that was simply amazing. Freshly paved and not a car on it either time we did it. It was like a mini-dragon.
When you guys are taking sharp curves are you typically in a lower gear reving the motor? Do you apply much brake prior to curving? I'm still not confident with how far I can lay over, before the bike low sides. Also the Sporty front shocks give a lot of feed back to the road.
I would suggest you enroll in an experience rider course like the one provided by MSF as soon as possible.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Advice needed
In general, I brake (if necessary) going into the curve, downshift (if necessary)then enter the curve and accelerate through the cruve. But that all depends on many different variables.
You mentioned riding with some other people. The main thing when riding through the twisties is ride at your comfort level. Don't try to keep up with the other bikes unless you can do it within your riding ability.
You mentioned riding with some other people. The main thing when riding through the twisties is ride at your comfort level. Don't try to keep up with the other bikes unless you can do it within your riding ability.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
RE: Advice needed
I found the twisties much more difficult with a bike in front of me. It made it difficult to look through the curves, due to transitioning back to make sure I was leaving enough space. I only ran up on the Ultra once and I only bled the lines into the oncoming lane once. I was average 20-40 mph through most curves. I really should have been leading, but it all happened quick and I had no way to pass. I must admit, I was very impressed with the handling of the Ultras.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Ile, Mi
RE: Advice needed
Speed is irrelevant. Taking a curve smoothly is the important thing. The speed will come as you go along over time. Ride safe and, the next time while riding in a pack, try to get off to the side to let the others pass so that you won't me hampered by their presence. You must have done alright since you were able to write about your experience without a mishap.
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