How long does it take?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 4,670
From: West Texas Sandhills
How long does it take?
This question is basically for those who went from a lighter bike to a touring bike. I bought a new to me 2913 ultra limited a couple of months ago and am having one helluva time adjusting to the weight, especially the front end and having difficulty getting it upright to get it off the kickstand. I'm not exactly a 97 pound weakling either. I have been riding a 2006 Heritage Classic since late 2005 and never had a problem with the weight coming off of a 883 Sportster. I have never came close to dropping it but I'm still having trouble getting used to the extra weight. Any input would be appreciated.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 4,420
From: Texas
Went from a 380 lbs bike to a 850 lbs bike. Took a couple days to remember that when backing in to spaces and doing tight turns. Other than that, no issues. I'm 5'10", 200 lbs. with a 30" inseam, no issue ever getting the bike to stand up off the jiffy stand. Bars are usually locked left, and when I sit on the bike, I turn the bars centered as I am standing the bike upright. I'm sure I use a little left leg power to push toward the right as well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
Wait until you have a passenger moving around stopped on an off camber uphill road with a little gravel sprinkled around with one foot off the ground.
I am 6' with a 32-33 inseam and just had thick logging soles put on my boots to gain a little traction. You get used to it lol.
I am 6' with a 32-33 inseam and just had thick logging soles put on my boots to gain a little traction. You get used to it lol.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
I think you'll get used to it; I'm 5' 8" and about 150 lbs. I've always ridden Electra Glides. Recently I added a Heritage Softail to the garage. I can't believe how light that bike feels. It's like I could pick it up and walk away.
What I'm saying is it's a matter of what you're used to. Give it some time.
What I'm saying is it's a matter of what you're used to. Give it some time.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
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From: Out west
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Toledo ohio
Those rocket boosters on the 2913 models make it more top heavy! JJ.. I went from a 2000 Heritage to a 2006 Ultra and it took a while to get used to a top heavy bike. 3 or 4 months of normal riding you will get more comfortable.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 7,681
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From: Utah
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
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 7
From: Central, AL
I had the same issue at first. I saw a video showing how to pick the bike up after being dropped. At the start of the video they gave a hint on how to easily upright the bike.
Turn the handlebars full right. Instead of using the bars to upright it put your left hand under the tank and upright the bike using your left hand which is now under the tank.
Even a 930 Lb. Roadglide Ultra 2 Up is not an issue on level ground.
Turn the handlebars full right. Instead of using the bars to upright it put your left hand under the tank and upright the bike using your left hand which is now under the tank.
Even a 930 Lb. Roadglide Ultra 2 Up is not an issue on level ground.
