2016 RG first ride impressions
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 343
Likes: 224
From: Viera, FL
2016 RG first ride impressions
Thanks to all that commented on my other post.
The wife and I took a nice long easy ride yesterday afternoon on the new bike.
It ran fantastic but the front rotor is either warped or possibly contaminated in sections from sitting so long. It was extremely choppy when applying the front brakes. The front forks are also weak, not sure how much give to expect but the slightest touch of the front brake's sent the front end diving down.
The bitch is hot as you know what when it idles for any length of time.
The rear shocks bottomed out several times going over speed humps. My wife's a whopping 110 lbs so not sure what I need to do with them.
My biggest disappointment is in myself. After years of body building and having a grip of steel, I now have arthritis in my hands and was in actual pain after 30 mins of riding. Its been creeping up on me over the years and I'm only 52 yrs old. Hopefully with more seat time it will pass. Anyone else have this issue?
Safe riding
Tim
The wife and I took a nice long easy ride yesterday afternoon on the new bike.
It ran fantastic but the front rotor is either warped or possibly contaminated in sections from sitting so long. It was extremely choppy when applying the front brakes. The front forks are also weak, not sure how much give to expect but the slightest touch of the front brake's sent the front end diving down.
The bitch is hot as you know what when it idles for any length of time.
The rear shocks bottomed out several times going over speed humps. My wife's a whopping 110 lbs so not sure what I need to do with them.
My biggest disappointment is in myself. After years of body building and having a grip of steel, I now have arthritis in my hands and was in actual pain after 30 mins of riding. Its been creeping up on me over the years and I'm only 52 yrs old. Hopefully with more seat time it will pass. Anyone else have this issue?
Safe riding
Tim
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Put handlebars on it that fit you. First though, make sure you like the seat. If you change seats it changes where the bars are.
1. Seat?
2. Bars
3. header pipe and slip ons
4. Get it dyno tuned
Getting rid of the cat in the header will get rid of some of the heat. Getting it tuned at the same time will do wonders in how it runs and the heat
1. Seat?
2. Bars
3. header pipe and slip ons
4. Get it dyno tuned
Getting rid of the cat in the header will get rid of some of the heat. Getting it tuned at the same time will do wonders in how it runs and the heat
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,341
Likes: 982
From: Trinity NC
Here are a few thoughts
- The brake fluid needs to be replaced, should be replaced every 2 years. I know the bike is low mileage but have the system flushed
- Have a dealer check the rotors and pads
- I can’t remember if the rear shocks are air or hand adjustable. Either way make sure they are set for the correct weight when riding
- Like mentioned above a cat less header and tune will reduce the heat. Harley also makes a cool-flow fan for the pre ‘17 touring models. This pulls the heat down and away from the rider/passenger when setting still or in slow traffic
- Correct windshield can reduce stress on the neck, chest and arms
- Seat that is comfortable and allows for good control of the bike
- Highway pegs so you can change your riding position taking pressure off your back, legs and arms
- i have the same issues with my hands and elbows. For me it was getting the correct bars, I used 12” Factory 47 bars on my RG, 10” Wild Ones on my batwing bikes. Then just riding to get my arms used to it. Also when possible I use cruise control, always ensuing a comfortable amount of pressure on the grips. Since you have not been riding much recently you might have a tendency to grip to tightly causing the pain. I grip to tightly if I’m riding a lot of curves and switchbacks and my hands cramp in a matter of minutes. I’ve ridden in the mountains at a fairly fast pace for about 45 minutes to an hour. When I get off the bike I can barley keep my hands open, they were gripping so tight. For me it was something I had to work on. I stated working construction at the age of 14 and had a pretty physical job until my early 40s. This along with sports and weightlifting took a toll on my body, I’m now 53.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,487
Likes: 2,532
From: Lititz Pa
Here are a few thoughts
- The brake fluid needs to be replaced, should be replaced every 2 years. I know the bike is low mileage but have the system flushed
- Have a dealer check the rotors and pads
- I cant remember if the rear shocks are air or hand adjustable. Either way make sure they are set for the correct weight when riding
- Like mentioned above a cat less header and tune will reduce the heat. Harley also makes a cool-flow fan for the pre 17 touring models. This pulls the heat down and away from the rider/passenger when setting still or in slow traffic
- Correct windshield can reduce stress on the neck, chest and arms
- Seat that is comfortable and allows for good control of the bike
- Highway pegs so you can change your riding position taking pressure off your back, legs and arms
- i have the same issues with my hands and elbows. For me it was getting the correct bars, I used 12 Factory 47 bars on my RG, 10 Wild Ones on my batwing bikes. Then just riding to get my arms used to it. Also when possible I use cruise control, always ensuing a comfortable amount of pressure on the grips. Since you have not been riding much recently you might have a tendency to grip to tightly causing the pain. I grip to tightly if Im riding a lot of curves and switchbacks and my hands cramp in a matter of minutes. Ive ridden in the mountains at a fairly fast pace for about 45 minutes to an hour. When I get off the bike I can barley keep my hands open, they were gripping so tight. For me it was something I had to work on. I stated working construction at the age of 14 and had a pretty physical job until my early 40s. This along with sports and weightlifting took a toll on my body, Im now 53.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
A helpful hint from DK Customs in removing heat is to remove the left thigh heat shield. The idea behind this is the right will direct air behind the rear cylinder and out the side. On our last big ride, we were on the interstate in Iowa, the first week in August, the heat that gets trapped back there is incredible. Some will say the bike's looks won't be balanced, you only see one side at a time. My brother lives in central Florida and he has learned to remove his lower fairings in the hot months.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
