Rolling stop problems
Novice
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15
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From:
RE: Rolling stop problems
I agree with less front brake and more pedal when going slow.The bulk of your stopping power is in the front brake as we all know but there is no need for it on a gradual stop. The weight transfers to the front of the bike much quicker when using the FB then it does when you use the pedal. The pedalcreates a much more subttle and controllable stop because the bike is on more of a level plane (rear drag vs. front drag). I rarely never use the FB without applying some pressure to the pedal. Using both at the same time will plane out the bigger rides. Give it a try I am sure it will work.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,074
Likes: 6
RE: Rolling stop problems
+1 on the rear brake. Also, stay loose. If you are tightening up in preparation for a wobbly stop, that is what you will do. None of my bikes are as heavy as the UC, but I also can't get both heels down on any of them (one set of toes on the Triumph), and these things are key to a smooth stop...looking ahead, loose grip on the bars and more smooth rear braking.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 867
Likes: 1
From: Texas
RE: Rolling stop problems
Try this,
Left foot on the ground,
Right foot on the rear brake,
Clutch in friction zone
Give it some throttle and hold it there for a second,
Slowly let off rear brake,
This technique should help you have smoother, less wobely starts.
To make sure you are doing it right,
lay a 6 foot 2x4 on the driveway and drive the front wheel over it and move the bikeforward until the back wheel just touches the board,
Try the technique described above,
If you are doing it right the back tire will roll gently over the board without moving the position of the board,
If you do it wrong the board will shoot out the back several feet.
This technique works well for slow controled u-turns as well.
Gives you the power you need to keep the bike up while leaning and you control the speed with the rear brake.
Cops use this in their training.
Left foot on the ground,
Right foot on the rear brake,
Clutch in friction zone
Give it some throttle and hold it there for a second,
Slowly let off rear brake,
This technique should help you have smoother, less wobely starts.
To make sure you are doing it right,
lay a 6 foot 2x4 on the driveway and drive the front wheel over it and move the bikeforward until the back wheel just touches the board,
Try the technique described above,
If you are doing it right the back tire will roll gently over the board without moving the position of the board,
If you do it wrong the board will shoot out the back several feet.
This technique works well for slow controled u-turns as well.
Gives you the power you need to keep the bike up while leaning and you control the speed with the rear brake.
Cops use this in their training.
ORIGINAL: Thunderchild
does anybody else have the same problem starting off from a stop light or something...i seem to kinda get a little wobbly then too??
does anybody else have the same problem starting off from a stop light or something...i seem to kinda get a little wobbly then too??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,406
Likes: 3,948
From: Vermont
RE: Rolling stop problems
The problems that I have had in the past when I first got a dresser was riding slowly in traffic I would notice that my handlebars would be moving side to side and I noticed other guys in a group ride that could keep theirs straight. It's just a matter of practice and you should get the hang of it.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
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From:
RE: Rolling stop problems
ORIGINAL: hubble
I hate to admit it but I have the same problem. I think its because of the fairing. All my other bikes have never had a fairing and i was able to see everything around me. I use to pull up to a stop and come to a complete stop with my feet on the pegs and wait a few seconds before i would have to put my foot down.
I can't do that on this bike, i'm all wobbly an sh#@!.[:@] Sometimes i do pretty good though.
I hate to admit it but I have the same problem. I think its because of the fairing. All my other bikes have never had a fairing and i was able to see everything around me. I use to pull up to a stop and come to a complete stop with my feet on the pegs and wait a few seconds before i would have to put my foot down.
I can't do that on this bike, i'm all wobbly an sh#@!.[:@] Sometimes i do pretty good though.
Also, I saw someone else posted regarding leaving the line a little wobbly. This was a huge challenge for me at first and I sometimes still flubber a bit.
For me, the problem is getting used the first gear ratio on this bike. That and the power to weight ratio of the whole bike. My metric were much lighter, so, I needed only a small amount of throttle to get her rolling. With this monster and that long first gear, I need to remind myself to give her some more gas on the departure. My other bikes had wider tires and lower seat height as well.
Thanks again dudes, I'm glad to see it is/was more than just me with this issue.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
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From:
RE: Rolling stop problems
ORIGINAL: DanB
Had a 98 Heritage..traded in for 01 Ultra...found out I felt like Artie Johnson from Laugh In..came to a stop and feel over. Seems the Ultra is very top heavy and when you get a passenger, it is even worse. After 9000 miles of falling over, I went to an 01 Heritage. Rode it for 6 years and have now gone back to 07 SE Ultra. Seems this bike is a little longer, so not quite as tippy over...and the seat position allows me to be almost flat footed. I changed to the "short shocks" with just a few hundred miles on it back in May, and have been riding fine up until last week. Noted the right shock was leaking, Dealer is trying to get a "good will" replacement as they were out of warranty after 90 days, so I put the stock shocks back on. Now, seems the front end has a tendancy to fall to the right more often when coming to a stop, throwing me off to the left and fell over now twice. Seems that just that 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch lower in the rear made the front end more stable. Waiting to hear still on the replacement shock from dealer, if not I will bite the bullit and get another set and put them back on.
Everyone is right though..you gotta keep looking forward. You have lost the ability to see the ground in front of you with the fairing now, and it is a big difference. Just have to keep practicing and working on it. Watch slowing down to a stop on a curve, like making a u turn under a freeway. Big mistake there. Always straighten up before you stop, else you will look like Artie Johnson.
Ride safe. Enjoy the ride.
DanB
Had a 98 Heritage..traded in for 01 Ultra...found out I felt like Artie Johnson from Laugh In..came to a stop and feel over. Seems the Ultra is very top heavy and when you get a passenger, it is even worse. After 9000 miles of falling over, I went to an 01 Heritage. Rode it for 6 years and have now gone back to 07 SE Ultra. Seems this bike is a little longer, so not quite as tippy over...and the seat position allows me to be almost flat footed. I changed to the "short shocks" with just a few hundred miles on it back in May, and have been riding fine up until last week. Noted the right shock was leaking, Dealer is trying to get a "good will" replacement as they were out of warranty after 90 days, so I put the stock shocks back on. Now, seems the front end has a tendancy to fall to the right more often when coming to a stop, throwing me off to the left and fell over now twice. Seems that just that 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch lower in the rear made the front end more stable. Waiting to hear still on the replacement shock from dealer, if not I will bite the bullit and get another set and put them back on.
Everyone is right though..you gotta keep looking forward. You have lost the ability to see the ground in front of you with the fairing now, and it is a big difference. Just have to keep practicing and working on it. Watch slowing down to a stop on a curve, like making a u turn under a freeway. Big mistake there. Always straighten up before you stop, else you will look like Artie Johnson.
Ride safe. Enjoy the ride.
DanB
I too looked like this for the first few times the wife was on the tail. I was blown away at how much extra effort it took with her on the back.
I rode for three days solo racking up a ton of mileage andthen Isaid, Ok...let's take the wife for a ride. Wow, what a difference in the dynamics.
She goes 100 lbs soaking wet with rocks in her pockets, but I can tell she is there. I also had to retrain her on riding. Sit still, don't lean against me, rub my........back.......while we ride, don't spill my beer. He he he.
We went and practiced departures in a parking lot with her on the back. I gained confidence in this pretty quickly, but I still occaisonally slip and forget to give a little more gas on the start. I stumble, look for witnesses, and then pull out as normal.
I love my bike, just taking me a little longer than I expected to get the full hang of her I guess.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Rolling stop problems
Unless the 06 UC is different than the 06 classic, there is no air pressure in the front.
If you've never riddena big heavy bike like this before, it could be just a learning experience. And if you're a little on the short and light side that can add to it.
I've been riding since the early 60's (yep I'm old). Been on the big RG,RK, and classics for little over ten years. Still have problems rolling to a stop sometimes and taking off straight.
But yes it won't hurt to check the bike out for anything wrong with it.
But I too am mostly a front brake person (I practice controlled frt / rear panic stops). I find if I left my feet hang down when stopping and taking off I get better balance.
(like the kids toy that should fall off the end of a pencil eraser but doesn't because the legs / arms hang low).
Works for me, especially when the g/f is on back.
If you've never riddena big heavy bike like this before, it could be just a learning experience. And if you're a little on the short and light side that can add to it.
I've been riding since the early 60's (yep I'm old). Been on the big RG,RK, and classics for little over ten years. Still have problems rolling to a stop sometimes and taking off straight.
But yes it won't hurt to check the bike out for anything wrong with it.
But I too am mostly a front brake person (I practice controlled frt / rear panic stops). I find if I left my feet hang down when stopping and taking off I get better balance.
(like the kids toy that should fall off the end of a pencil eraser but doesn't because the legs / arms hang low).
Works for me, especially when the g/f is on back.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: West Plam Beach FL
RE: Rolling stop problems
The only time I have ever had a problem was when I wasn't paying attention and used to much front brake at a stop - damn near dropped the bike. I try not to use the front brake at stops and and only after being completely stopped do I use the front brake to keep me from rolling...............