rider position affect handling?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 39
From: illinois
rider position affect handling?
so my bikes an 08 EG that i turned into a street glide no tourpack any more
i had the lepera bara bones solo seat witch i liked the position it moved me back and down but a local guy was selling a '15 street glide seat i like the looks of it so i bought it installed it on my 08 and fist ride i noticed the bike felt different, i felt like the bike was more stable more predicable the ride felt a little smoother (might be seat padding not sure?) in sweeping turns its more planted
does rider position have that much to do with handling or is this just me sitting with extra pad under me im not feeling as much? the reason i ask is this SG seat moves me up a few inches and now i feel to close to the fool controls and my knees are bent more so legs are not as comfy
i had the lepera bara bones solo seat witch i liked the position it moved me back and down but a local guy was selling a '15 street glide seat i like the looks of it so i bought it installed it on my 08 and fist ride i noticed the bike felt different, i felt like the bike was more stable more predicable the ride felt a little smoother (might be seat padding not sure?) in sweeping turns its more planted
does rider position have that much to do with handling or is this just me sitting with extra pad under me im not feeling as much? the reason i ask is this SG seat moves me up a few inches and now i feel to close to the fool controls and my knees are bent more so legs are not as comfy
Last edited by stroker87; Aug 20, 2018 at 03:26 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
Owned a 2004 RK and took a test ride on a 2009 when they came out. Harley changed the frame that year and I can tell you it made a huge difference in the handling and the vibration. If your 2015 doesn't have the crummy rear air shocks that would be an improvement as well. Not sure how they changed the front forks so someone would have to comment on that.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 39
From: illinois
im not asking about frame changes, air shocks or any thing like that, I am asking if your sitting position comes into play with how the bike handles?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 123
Likes: 47
From: Cleveland
From my recent experience ... Absolutely
I just changed the stock seat out for a Corbin Classic Solo. First thing I noticed was how the bikes handling changed. Its like it lost 200 lbs. Much Much better handling. It feels much less top heavy.
It has to be the seating position.
I just changed the stock seat out for a Corbin Classic Solo. First thing I noticed was how the bikes handling changed. Its like it lost 200 lbs. Much Much better handling. It feels much less top heavy.
It has to be the seating position.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 680
Likes: 224
From: Buhl, Idaho
You better believe it does. Try going around a curve at speed, see how much lean angle is needed. Keep centered on the seat. Now try it while scooting to the inside of the seat edge, and you'll need less lean angle at the same speed. We call it "body English". Usually only used at high speeds, since at lower speeds, normal lean angle is sufficient.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,046
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From: Denver CO
Weight affects handling of a motorcycle. Moving your weight will change some characteristics of the ride. Put a passenger on, and it affects it.
So, yes it does
So, yes it does
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Those crotch rocket racers don't hang off the edge of the seat and drag their knees on the pavement for kicks. Riding position definitely effects handling. In your case, you have changed the center of gravity slightly and possibly the load on the shocks. Probably not enough to really tell the difference. My guess in your case it's simple muscle memory. For example, you could probably reach out without even thinking about it or looking and grab your grip. Now it's moved so it's not in the same place and feels different. I bet that's the kind of things you are feeling more than the handling. You're old bike that fit like a glove isn't the same glove anymore. It will just take some time to relearn the muscle memory of where everything is now.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 59
From: Virginia
Seat position or your position in the seat can also affect handling. Look at cop motors. They sit very close to the tank and sit well forward of where most of us casual riders sit. The VSP believe this position enhances the handling of the bike.