Downsizing to a Sportster ?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 278
Likes: 244
From: AZ
Put a set of normal width bars (32-34 inches) and the top heavy feel is completely gone.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
I always wonder about "top heavy".
Is it top heavy at a particular speed? Do people expect the bike to basically stand up on its own? Where is the CoG, where is the weight in the bike?
Is it top heavy at a particular speed? Do people expect the bike to basically stand up on its own? Where is the CoG, where is the weight in the bike?
For example, my neighbour's CB400SF weighing 200 kg with low and narrow handlebar felt like solid piece of cast iron. And 270 kg XL1200T does not feel any more heavy than that!
Light (only 175-180 kg) but tall Pegaso felt light, regardless it has high CoG indeed.
I did not try to toss and lean new FatBob and Deluxe I took for test drive, but low-speed maneuvering were much easier than on Sportster. Long chassis gives great stability, while Sportster demands to yaw with handlebar, especially when stopping.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
I only ask as with no reference to other bikes I think the Sportster stands up pretty well. I can get my feet up as soon as the wheels start turning. I don't know what I should be feeling if it is top heavy.
Despite Sportster is not so short, and rake is way not the sharpest, but is shows same effect.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
Must be just how I ride as when I stop and at that precise moment the wheels stop I put my feet or rather left foot down. The right foot is on the brake pedal. Again obviously if you are not balanced and with any bike it will just fall over if you do get the timing right.
If you put your feet down before stopping then they drag and if they stick bad things can happen.
If you put your feet down before stopping then they drag and if they stick bad things can happen.
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Must be just how I ride as when I stop and at that precise moment the wheels stop I put my feet or rather left foot down. The right foot is on the brake pedal. Again obviously if you are not balanced and with any bike it will just fall over if you do get the timing right.
If you put your feet down before stopping then they drag and if they stick bad things can happen.
If you put your feet down before stopping then they drag and if they stick bad things can happen.
