Glide for a Newb?
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 503
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Glide for a Newb?
I think I really need to rent one of these beasts and see for myself on how they ride. Im not a total newb, I had about 5 years of riding then about 5-6 years off and then I bought my Sporty 1 year ago. Assuming I have at least average riding skills should I be concerned about moving to a Glide? Does the Batwing add alot of weight to the front end / steering?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: Glide for a Newb?
road glides ....... super comfortable for solo... you will be 'amazed'. I ended up with the ultra as I do enough 2-up with my wife on the weekends etc. Didn't care for the look of the Road glides for a long time. (to me they just looked like a George Jetson type of motorcycle. But I've changed my views on those. Super sweet bikes. As the owners of the Road glides will undoubtedly point out.... they are probably the most comfortable solo bikes out there by harley and they can do Wheelies (See PhilM's BOTM pictures). 
RE: Glide for a Newb?
I went from a Yamaha Virago 750 to my Electra Glide and had little trouble adjusting. I did not feel that the batwing added any real change to the front that I couldn't handle. The handling and steering are effortless for such a big bike. It is really well balanced. I was hooked on it with in a few days of riding and no plans on going back.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Houston
RE: Glide for a Newb?
The balance of the Electra Glide is unbelievable. The only thing I've noticed with the fairing is a cross wind will give a little more shove than a bike without a fairing. I never would have thought I could leansuch a big bike that far over in the curves, but I can and it feels great.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
RE: Glide for a Newb?
Your transition should be smooth. You have enough experience IMO. After the rental I guarantee you will be buying one soon.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
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From: Houston (Area)
RE: Glide for a Newb?
I had never been on a bike a day in my life. I took the MSF and bought the King. Just take it slow and you will be fine.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,481
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From:
RE: Glide for a Newb?
Glides have a relatively lowcenter of gravity, and you sit fairly low as well. They're pretty easy to handle on the road. Biggest problem, in opinion, is in very slow maneuvering (as in turning into a tight parking space); if you don't pay attention to your balance, andit startsto go over... well, a bike that weighs 800-1,000 pounds, and might have a passenger, can be tough to hold up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
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From: Indiana
RE: Glide for a Newb?
I have an 07 Ultra and I agree totally with the ICE MAN. I thought the road glide looked lame.
But the next bike I buy will be a Road Glide in pearl Yellow with some nice stripe. Then I will add the tourpack and lowers.
The UC can be a hand full. I am 6'1" 340lb and have dropped mine 3 times. All slow moving at less than 8 mph.
Always stop pointed straight you should be alright.
But the next bike I buy will be a Road Glide in pearl Yellow with some nice stripe. Then I will add the tourpack and lowers.
The UC can be a hand full. I am 6'1" 340lb and have dropped mine 3 times. All slow moving at less than 8 mph.
Always stop pointed straight you should be alright.