Dropped a UC today
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
RE: Dropped a UC today
ORIGINAL: billnourse
Get the video "Ride Like a Pro IV". It will teach you everythign you need to know about riding a big bike slow.
Bill
Get the video "Ride Like a Pro IV". It will teach you everythign you need to know about riding a big bike slow.
Bill
Mark
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Dropped a UC today
The E-Glide is a helluva big bike - arguably about the biggest and heaviest in the m/c family of bikes I dare say. But you do get used to it after awhile.
I run my bike without the tourpack 90% of the time, but I do remember when I first got it and it was in full dress... WOW what a big bike! I'd gone from a 620 pound 1100 V-Star to the E-Glide and that's about 200 more pounds. The weight distribution isn't the same either, so it took some getting used to.
Now I can throw that Electra Glide around and manuever it like it's a part of me. It's just something that takes time.
Now therewere a coupletimes when I've nearly dropped it cuz of uneven ground when you put your feet down, etc. Once that thing starts to go over... EEEEK! I did manage to keep it from going all the way down once and I have no idea how I did it by myself thats for sure! When I got it upright the right side footboard had flexed upward on it's hinges if that gives you an idea how far over it was? hehe (I guess it was like one of those "Incredible Hulk" moments where I summoned superhuman strength to prevent my Baby from going to the ground? lol)
I run my bike without the tourpack 90% of the time, but I do remember when I first got it and it was in full dress... WOW what a big bike! I'd gone from a 620 pound 1100 V-Star to the E-Glide and that's about 200 more pounds. The weight distribution isn't the same either, so it took some getting used to.
Now I can throw that Electra Glide around and manuever it like it's a part of me. It's just something that takes time.
Now therewere a coupletimes when I've nearly dropped it cuz of uneven ground when you put your feet down, etc. Once that thing starts to go over... EEEEK! I did manage to keep it from going all the way down once and I have no idea how I did it by myself thats for sure! When I got it upright the right side footboard had flexed upward on it's hinges if that gives you an idea how far over it was? hehe (I guess it was like one of those "Incredible Hulk" moments where I summoned superhuman strength to prevent my Baby from going to the ground? lol)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,378
Likes: 1
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Dropped a UC today
ORIGINAL: mistermooster
For slow and tight maneuvers, use the rear brake and clutch. Dropped my EG in a parking lot making a tight right turn into a space. I'm convinced that I used my front brake too much.
For slow and tight maneuvers, use the rear brake and clutch. Dropped my EG in a parking lot making a tight right turn into a space. I'm convinced that I used my front brake too much.
Totally agree. Use the front brake, going slow with the wheels turned, is like getting slammed to the mat by a wrestler, especially with the weight of an UC. Even worse if you have a passenger. (Don't ask me how I know). Use of the throttle and rear brake is the secret.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 93
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From:
RE: Dropped a UC today
Keeping your head up and looking forward or in the direction you are headed is a huge part of keeping your balance/horizon correct.I have a close friend that is new to riding, at stop signs/lights etc, he gets the shakes, jerky on the bars etc. I couldnt figure out what he was doing till one day I was ahead of him, he came to a stop and was watching his front end, bars, wheel what ever he had his head down and not looking forward. He was loosing his horizon and part of his balance. I keep telling him now to keep his chin up and looking forward.
ORIGINAL: electaRICK
my take,,,, you prob'y a litle nervous,and intimadated,
you prob'y staring right in front of your front tire,concentrating way to much on that spot.
you have to train yourself, as you enter a say left hand U turn, imedeatley turn your head ,chin almost to your left shoulder,looking "through" your turn,gental on the gas,,, your bike will amazingly "follow you right around.
I tell everyone to practice this, all replys, how well this works,,, try it in a parkin lot
my take,,,, you prob'y a litle nervous,and intimadated,
you prob'y staring right in front of your front tire,concentrating way to much on that spot.
you have to train yourself, as you enter a say left hand U turn, imedeatley turn your head ,chin almost to your left shoulder,looking "through" your turn,gental on the gas,,, your bike will amazingly "follow you right around.
I tell everyone to practice this, all replys, how well this works,,, try it in a parkin lot
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Dropped a UC today
Use your rear brake in conjunction with feathering the clucth/throttle to keep power to the rear wheel. NEVER look straight down but continue to pick a spot where you want to end up after making your turn/u-turn.
Jerry "Motorman" Palladino produced a great video that my fellow LEO motor officer's use even though we have all gone through department training. It's a great refresher video and will give the every day rider some pointers.
Here is a link to his 'Ride Like A Pro' video: http://www.ridelikeapro.com/RLAP4.asp
Jerry "Motorman" Palladino produced a great video that my fellow LEO motor officer's use even though we have all gone through department training. It's a great refresher video and will give the every day rider some pointers.
Here is a link to his 'Ride Like A Pro' video: http://www.ridelikeapro.com/RLAP4.asp
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, SC
RE: Dropped a UC today
ORIGINAL: billnourse
Get the video "Ride Like a Pro IV". It will teach you everythign you need to know about riding a big bike slow.
Bill
Get the video "Ride Like a Pro IV". It will teach you everythign you need to know about riding a big bike slow.
Bill
Need to use rear brake and friction zone. all is taught on the video.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 163
Likes: 1
RE: Dropped a UC today
Probably just a little intimidation factor with the bigger bike. Just likeyour other scoot, it'll go where you look. That's easier to say than do when you're unfamiliar with a bike. One thing I've learned about mine is never try to stop it with the handlebars turned - it'll "fold up" on you and quickly pass the equilibrium point. I've also found that with the right amount of adrenalin, you can keep it from going over...LOL
