I cant get comfy on my sportster
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
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I cant get comfy on my sportster
I finished to MFS class and got my endorsement, I learned to ride on a 250 rebel, now I want to get on my sporty, my dh has been taking me out to the parking lot to practice. I can ride it pretty well, I can turn it ok, stop it ok, balance it pretty good,, I rode on it over an hour last night, but I never feel comfortable on it.. I just dont know what it is. My dh thinks I am reaching too much for the handlebars, I am seriously thinking of selling it to get something with a lower COG and a little lighter. I just get this feeling that it will tip over on me if I get into a quick stop or something that could throw my balance off some. I just feel very upright and rigid on it, I am more comfortable on the rebel,, but that little thing has got to go. Does anyone have any suggestions before I throw in the towel?? I really like harleys, I cant afford to get a lowrider or softtail,, but the sportster is just not feeling right... I am thinking vstar,, Iknow what your thinking, but it is supposedly easy to ride and hold up.... thanks for any suggestions..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 17
From: Albuquerque, NM
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
First off congrats on your endorsement! [sm=happy046.gif]
Second is that sometimes it takes a while to get used to a new bike. I am used to riding my Fatboy, but rented a big ol' Electra Glide this past weekend and it took me a while to get used to it. It could be because you wern't worried about damaging the Rebel in the MFS class because it wasn't yours and you might be a little scared about wrecking a new one.
The fact that Sportys are so popular is not by accident. It is a good solid bike and I think that you will learn to feel comfortable on it in a few days.
Good luck.
Second is that sometimes it takes a while to get used to a new bike. I am used to riding my Fatboy, but rented a big ol' Electra Glide this past weekend and it took me a while to get used to it. It could be because you wern't worried about damaging the Rebel in the MFS class because it wasn't yours and you might be a little scared about wrecking a new one.
The fact that Sportys are so popular is not by accident. It is a good solid bike and I think that you will learn to feel comfortable on it in a few days.
Good luck.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14,849
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From: Fortville, IN
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
I felt the same way when I first got my Sporty. I put the pull back handlebars and a reach seat on it and it made a WORLD of difference. The pullback bars bring the bars back towards you and the reach seat brings you closer to the tank so you do not feel so stretched out. The bike is very comfortable to me now.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 279
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From:
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
Congrats on the MSF course. Stick with it a while longer. My instructors told us our own bikes would feel different. You can try the reach seat and hanle bars like mentioned, and try not to think about balancing so much and just do it. Sometimes our thoughts screw us up if we think about it too much. I'm a new rider too and have an '06 xl1200 C and was a bit shakey at first, but now have just over 300 miles on it and am loving it. You'll do fine.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
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From:
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
I thought the same way leaving the dealer yesterday, should I have gone for the bigger V twin etc.
But after riding it yesterday and today just getting used to it I love it no mistake made decent price great ride
I am a big car guy too, I have had 2 vettes ,3 GTOs, 2 V8 Vegas (my favorites) El Caminos etc.
But I love this Sporty. Adjust the bars if you have to, but ride it you' ll see.
I am sure later in life I'll buy a bagger but never gonna part with this one
KMM
But after riding it yesterday and today just getting used to it I love it no mistake made decent price great ride
I am a big car guy too, I have had 2 vettes ,3 GTOs, 2 V8 Vegas (my favorites) El Caminos etc.
But I love this Sporty. Adjust the bars if you have to, but ride it you' ll see.
I am sure later in life I'll buy a bagger but never gonna part with this one
KMM
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,183
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From: Burbank, CA
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
Just stick with it a while, some things just take getting used to. The seat can also have an effect so you might consider that first. Anytime i switch bikes, even if it's a buds it takes me a few miles to get used to it, when you are new it's just magnified. Give it a chance.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Orange County,Ca
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
Stick with it for a while longer. I'm a former MSF instructor and if you went out and bought a Rebel you would feel right at home on it because that is what you are most used to. Then in two weeks you would want to be trading up to get a real motorcycle because the Rebel would no longer be a challenge.
If it's just a case of being uncomfortable, stick with it till you know that things are not going to improve for you. If it's a matter of the bike not fitting you physically, there are so many modifications that you can perform to make the bike fit your physique better.
If it's just a case of being uncomfortable, stick with it till you know that things are not going to improve for you. If it's a matter of the bike not fitting you physically, there are so many modifications that you can perform to make the bike fit your physique better.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Umatilla,Fl.
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
What year sportster do you have?Does it have forward controls? Not sure what the rebel has but I think sometimes forward controls make it harder to get used to and when stopping maybe feel a little bit like falling over until you get used to them.And depepnding on how comfortable you feel on the size of the bike you may be better off with mid controls.I had mids and went to forward and I know it felt a little odd at first but being 6'0 it lets me stretch out more plus I have drag bars which also helps for me.Anyway ride it around a while before you decide what to do and see if you get more comfortable on it.
Good luck whatever way you decide to go.
Good luck whatever way you decide to go.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: I cant get comfy on my sportster
Don't change a thing yet.
You need much more time on the bike first. Otherwise you will spend money to make it different, but maybe not right.
Remember that the bike will balance itself for the most part. Give it at least 100 miles of cruising your neighborhood at 25mph or so and I bet you will feel just fine.
You want to take small steps. It will come with time. Don't expect to be a pro overnight. Wait till your first time doing 70mph on the freeway... what a rush. You will get there soon.
Congrats on passing, and your new bike.
You need much more time on the bike first. Otherwise you will spend money to make it different, but maybe not right.
Remember that the bike will balance itself for the most part. Give it at least 100 miles of cruising your neighborhood at 25mph or so and I bet you will feel just fine.
You want to take small steps. It will come with time. Don't expect to be a pro overnight. Wait till your first time doing 70mph on the freeway... what a rush. You will get there soon.
Congrats on passing, and your new bike.