How long does it take?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,125
Likes: 6,618
From: Stafford VA
Went from a sportster to a RK, It takes some time to adjust to the weight. Also remember to use a little more back break on slow turns or stops the nose of the bike will certainly drop and you may lay it down. I have only done it once but crash bars are their for a reason.
rk classic
rk classic
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Ayep, they are big and heavy. Can't be cavalier with them, like you can a little dirt bike. That said, this 5'5" rider can handle it.
Taking a ride like a pro course was a huge help. You simply spend all day in 1st or 2nd gear, slipping the clutch and dragging the rear brake, riding ever tighter circles and clover leafs and such. By the end of the day, your amazed at your new found comfort and skill with tight maneuvers. And yes, sometimes I still foot paddle it around.
You also learn to be real careful about where and how you pull into driveways or parking spaces. ~800 of bike doesn't casually push around backwards. Especially if you have to push it uphill. Personally, I installed a reverse gear and no longer sweat it at all. Whatever I pull into or drive down, with the reverse, I can back it right out.
But in the end, it is a big heavy bike, no matter how used to it you become.
Taking a ride like a pro course was a huge help. You simply spend all day in 1st or 2nd gear, slipping the clutch and dragging the rear brake, riding ever tighter circles and clover leafs and such. By the end of the day, your amazed at your new found comfort and skill with tight maneuvers. And yes, sometimes I still foot paddle it around.
You also learn to be real careful about where and how you pull into driveways or parking spaces. ~800 of bike doesn't casually push around backwards. Especially if you have to push it uphill. Personally, I installed a reverse gear and no longer sweat it at all. Whatever I pull into or drive down, with the reverse, I can back it right out.
But in the end, it is a big heavy bike, no matter how used to it you become.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 64
From: West Liberty, Ohio
after 13 years of not riding, it took me 3 miles to tell my wife I was ready for her on my Valkyrie, another 10 miles and we was back to peg scraping and extreme excess of 55.
Now going to the RK later was like a lazy vacation. (I am 5-10,260 and not muscular)
Now going to the RK later was like a lazy vacation. (I am 5-10,260 and not muscular)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,366
Likes: 406
From: Connecticut
I've gone back and forth, light, heavy, somewhere in between... It takes time to become used to throwing around the weight.
It will not ride like the lighter bikes but you will become used it throwing around the weight.
It will not ride like the lighter bikes but you will become used it throwing around the weight.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
When I feel I'm getting a little rusty I go to the high school parking lot and paint a couple circles, figure 8 - 24' in diameter. Also practice U-turns in a 24" wide rectangle. These slow speed maneuvers help keep the skills up and gets me use to the weight of the bike.
63 yrs 5" 10" 148 lbs
63 yrs 5" 10" 148 lbs
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Sorry...had too. I actually thought for a minute you really meant 24" Then I realized, no way and figured out that it was a typo and you meant feet. Good advice though. Practice Practice Practice
To the original poster - I jump between a Road King and a Limited all the time and sometimes forget about the higher center of gravity on the limited when I first take off. It does take a little bit to get used to it again after coming off the Road King.
Someone already mentioned it, but turn the bars all the way to the right first and it will make it a lot easier to stand it up off the stand.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 4,671
From: West Texas Sandhills
Turning the front wheels to the right will make it easier to get the bike upright.
I'm in the market for a touring bike and coming from a 450lb. Ducati. I rented a King a few weeks ago and took about 1/2 hour of city driving to get use to the big bike, and I'm 5'7" 155 on a good day.
I'm in the market for a touring bike and coming from a 450lb. Ducati. I rented a King a few weeks ago and took about 1/2 hour of city driving to get use to the big bike, and I'm 5'7" 155 on a good day.
Turning the front end to the right really does make a difference. I can't believe something that simple was all it takes. Thanks again for the help.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I make no claim of being a good or skillful rider but I started riding on the road at 18 and am still alive at near 70. I have had and/or ridden about every kind, weight and size bike. With my poor memory I had the hardest time going to a 400lb 900 ninja (it became my favorite bike) from Electra glide? I had a garage full of dirt, sport and touring bikes that I would trade between with no issues. Ride the thing...
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 155
Likes: 29
From: Ft Campbell, KY
I was forced (US Army requirement) to go to the MSF Advanced rider course, great course that teaches the intricacies associated with a heavy cruiser (Braking, evasion, slow maneuvers etc). they also have the same course for sportsbikes.
