newbies first ride
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Brookville, Ohio
newbies first ride
I do not know how many people do this, but I bought my first Harley unridden. I have a 08 ultra on order that should show up in a couple of weeks. I have been riding a Suzuki C50, which is a 800cc engine, and weights around 600 lbs., for 1.5 years. I have test rod a Goldwing, and a few other sport touring bikes, and one other cruiser. I did not like the other bikes at all, and feel in love with the Harley's, once I started looking at them. What I would like to know is, there any things that I need to know about riding a Harley? Any particular quarks, that I may need to know, about shifting, braking, anything?
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Norman, OK
RE: newbies first ride
I hadn't rode for 20 years, so I purchased a Sporty in 03/06 to get back in the saddle. After 3 months of getting reacquainted with 2 wheels I purchased a brand new 07 Ultra. I don't think there were any odd quirks to get use to. What I suggest is take your time and get use to your new ride. Ride it as often as you can and eventually you will know every sound, feeling, braking, acceleration, etc. My good friend purchased his Ultra the day after I did, and on the few occassions that I have rode his bike, it feels different than my bike. I'm sure alot of this is the fact that I know that I am not on my bike, but I can tell a difference in the two bikes.
RE: newbies first ride
Ride hard!
Ride often!
Ride safe!
Take your time learning your bike, its a big heavy bike,I went from a sporty to a big boy bike; be careful and enjoy.
Congrts and welcome to the big boy area!
Ride often!
Ride safe!
Take your time learning your bike, its a big heavy bike,I went from a sporty to a big boy bike; be careful and enjoy.
Congrts and welcome to the big boy area!
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: newbies first ride
Winghigh, that's good to know. After just sitting on one, it felt very similar to my C50. I do ride. I put 21000 miles on the C50 in 1.5 years, with a 5000 mile trip out to Colorado, from Ohio, last fall. That is why I'm getting the Ultra. I plan on doing a lot of long distance trip, and wanted something, more suitable for travel.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
RE: newbies first ride
I purchased my first Harley (an Ultra Classic) last fall. Had never been on one before and drove it straight off the lot.
I have had two Goldwings (GL1800's) and a Suzuki C90 (as well as other bikes over the years) so maybe I can provide some insight between the models.
The Goldwing is heavier than the UC but both are equally balanced to me. The Wing and UC is quite a bit heavier than the C90.
The Wing's fairing is frame mounted as opposed to the UC's handle bar mount. I was pleasantly surprised at how light the UC's steering was. It was difficult for me to feel any weight on the fairing. In addition, I think the fairing on the UC provides more wind protection for the hands. I could not ride the Wing without heated gloves in temps below 45 degrees. I can ride the UC at temps lower than that without issue due to cold.
I did put a windshield and lowers on the C90...that made a great deal of difference in its handling. Turn the bars on the C90 with a windshield and it wants to keep going over...not good!
I prefer toe shifting so that was not an issue as all three have that ability. But the floor boards on the UC and C90 are (IMHO) more comfortable then plain pegs. Plus the feet forward position is more comfortable (again, for me).
The Wing and UC have ABS, the C90 did not. Grab too much brake on the C90 and prepare for an adventure.
I do like the clutch (not just clutch lever) on the UC much better then the Wing...the UC's clutch is adjustable and I can set it the way that's best for me.
Yes, the Harley shakes at idle, is hotter at idle, and is louder at all speeds. Having owned and ridden the Wing and C90, I would choose the Ultra Classic again.
Hope that helps!
I have had two Goldwings (GL1800's) and a Suzuki C90 (as well as other bikes over the years) so maybe I can provide some insight between the models.
The Goldwing is heavier than the UC but both are equally balanced to me. The Wing and UC is quite a bit heavier than the C90.
The Wing's fairing is frame mounted as opposed to the UC's handle bar mount. I was pleasantly surprised at how light the UC's steering was. It was difficult for me to feel any weight on the fairing. In addition, I think the fairing on the UC provides more wind protection for the hands. I could not ride the Wing without heated gloves in temps below 45 degrees. I can ride the UC at temps lower than that without issue due to cold.
I did put a windshield and lowers on the C90...that made a great deal of difference in its handling. Turn the bars on the C90 with a windshield and it wants to keep going over...not good!
I prefer toe shifting so that was not an issue as all three have that ability. But the floor boards on the UC and C90 are (IMHO) more comfortable then plain pegs. Plus the feet forward position is more comfortable (again, for me).
The Wing and UC have ABS, the C90 did not. Grab too much brake on the C90 and prepare for an adventure.
I do like the clutch (not just clutch lever) on the UC much better then the Wing...the UC's clutch is adjustable and I can set it the way that's best for me.
Yes, the Harley shakes at idle, is hotter at idle, and is louder at all speeds. Having owned and ridden the Wing and C90, I would choose the Ultra Classic again.
Hope that helps!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: newbies first ride
elpoman, Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new E-Glide. You will not regret it.
The first time I rode a Glide, it was an Ultra as a matter of fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced and controlable it was. The sight of the big bike had me a little intimidated, but once on the road, it was a dream to ride. And that was two-up with my wife no less.
The only thing I believe you must always keep in mind is that this is an 800 lb plus motorcycle. It doesn't feel that heavy when moving, but if you stop off balance, or if your foot slips, than the bike acts more like a falling Redwood. There is no keeping the bike upright once it starts to go over. But fear not. I've done it twice with no damage to the bike at all (thank you engine guards) and maybe a little to my ego.
Here's one instruction video I highly reccomend. www.ridelikeapro.com This will show you all the proper techniques for handling a big bike, and will improve your riding skills dramaticly. Others on this forum will bear me out on this. In fact, the forum is whereI heard about it. Order yourself a copy. You will be glad you did.
Good luck with the new scoot and ride safe.
The first time I rode a Glide, it was an Ultra as a matter of fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced and controlable it was. The sight of the big bike had me a little intimidated, but once on the road, it was a dream to ride. And that was two-up with my wife no less.
The only thing I believe you must always keep in mind is that this is an 800 lb plus motorcycle. It doesn't feel that heavy when moving, but if you stop off balance, or if your foot slips, than the bike acts more like a falling Redwood. There is no keeping the bike upright once it starts to go over. But fear not. I've done it twice with no damage to the bike at all (thank you engine guards) and maybe a little to my ego.
Here's one instruction video I highly reccomend. www.ridelikeapro.com This will show you all the proper techniques for handling a big bike, and will improve your riding skills dramaticly. Others on this forum will bear me out on this. In fact, the forum is whereI heard about it. Order yourself a copy. You will be glad you did.
Good luck with the new scoot and ride safe.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: newbies first ride
Firstly , congrats on your first Harley.
I was kind of in the same boat , where my last bike was a Buell Lightning XB12S.
400 lbs and 100 horse , and handled like it was on rails all the time.
Bought my 06 EGS without a road test because it's what I wanted.
Picked it up on a rainy day , dealership was a bit slow that day , and I was really nervous about my first big Harley ride.
Parking lot was pretty empty so I had lots of room to practice before I rode home.
Started the bike and the salesman goes over the finer points of where everything is.
I drop the clutch and to my surprise it's very mild and controllable , so I start to do U turns and figure 8's and stops and starts.
I can't believe how tight this thing will turn going slow!
The salesman asks my wife (as I'm riding it) so how long has he been riding big Harleys?
The wife says........about 3 minutes.........The salesman says "no shxt!" (he's pretty cool actually).
I was blown away by how easy it is ride ride a big touring Harley.
It actually turns easier at low speeds than the Buell (half the weight twice the power)and first gear was quite a bit lower which makes it
pretty easy to go slow with.
I guess my point is , finesse and respect for it's weight while stopped is all there is to riding a big Harley.
Watch your footing when coming to a stop and respect it's weight.
Go order yourself a copy of "Ride like a Pro" http://www.ridelikeapro.com/
and watch what can be done with these bikes (when ridden properly) and you'll learn some great
rules and habits which will enhance your riding experience in a way that's hard to describe.
Good luck and ride safe.
Mick
I was kind of in the same boat , where my last bike was a Buell Lightning XB12S.
400 lbs and 100 horse , and handled like it was on rails all the time.
Bought my 06 EGS without a road test because it's what I wanted.
Picked it up on a rainy day , dealership was a bit slow that day , and I was really nervous about my first big Harley ride.
Parking lot was pretty empty so I had lots of room to practice before I rode home.
Started the bike and the salesman goes over the finer points of where everything is.
I drop the clutch and to my surprise it's very mild and controllable , so I start to do U turns and figure 8's and stops and starts.
I can't believe how tight this thing will turn going slow!
The salesman asks my wife (as I'm riding it) so how long has he been riding big Harleys?
The wife says........about 3 minutes.........The salesman says "no shxt!" (he's pretty cool actually).
I was blown away by how easy it is ride ride a big touring Harley.
It actually turns easier at low speeds than the Buell (half the weight twice the power)and first gear was quite a bit lower which makes it
pretty easy to go slow with.
I guess my point is , finesse and respect for it's weight while stopped is all there is to riding a big Harley.
Watch your footing when coming to a stop and respect it's weight.
Go order yourself a copy of "Ride like a Pro" http://www.ridelikeapro.com/
and watch what can be done with these bikes (when ridden properly) and you'll learn some great
rules and habits which will enhance your riding experience in a way that's hard to describe.
Good luck and ride safe.
Mick
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Norman, OK
RE: newbies first ride
Sounds like you do cover some miles, now those miles will be more enjoyable on the Ultra. You got the right bike for the job! If you are ever in Oklahoma make sure you go thru the Talimena Scenic Drive ("Absolutely the best ride in the state. Beautiful!") in eastern Oklahoma. You will not regret it!
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RE: newbies first ride
My 08 SG is my first Harley, and I find it quite easy to ride. I've had over 20 bikes over the years, mostly sportbikes. I did own a 1500 Goldwing for five years, and I guess after riding 880lbs of Leadwing, anything feels fine. If you're a good rider, you'll have no trouble getting on a Harley tourer.
10 miles from the dealer, I was making sweet shifts, and after 50, felt very comfortable on the bike. By 200mi, felt comfortable enough to be dragging the floorboards thru the turns. (Hey, may as well pop that new bike cherry early.) The weight is carried low on the Harley (feels even lower than a Goldwing), so once you're moving, it handles quite well. The clutch action is fine, and the good low end means you barely have to bring the engine above idle to get going. Steering feel is shockingly light, and you can flick this big bad thing side to side quickly if you like.
I'm very pleased, as I wanted another full on tourer, but one with soul. The Leadwing was a car on two wheels. The Harley looks cool, feels cool, and rides nice. Perfect. It helps that I love two cylinder motorcycles, as both of my bikes are air cooled twins.
10 miles from the dealer, I was making sweet shifts, and after 50, felt very comfortable on the bike. By 200mi, felt comfortable enough to be dragging the floorboards thru the turns. (Hey, may as well pop that new bike cherry early.) The weight is carried low on the Harley (feels even lower than a Goldwing), so once you're moving, it handles quite well. The clutch action is fine, and the good low end means you barely have to bring the engine above idle to get going. Steering feel is shockingly light, and you can flick this big bad thing side to side quickly if you like.
I'm very pleased, as I wanted another full on tourer, but one with soul. The Leadwing was a car on two wheels. The Harley looks cool, feels cool, and rides nice. Perfect. It helps that I love two cylinder motorcycles, as both of my bikes are air cooled twins.
