Getting Old
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 2
From: Mid TN
RE: Getting Old
Its taken me 3 weeks, but I now feel comfortable solo, not so much 2 up. When it leans its actually got further than you think, before she'll go over. Best advice I've got was from this site, "When going slow in turns, keep the clutch in the friction zone, foot on the back brake and don't touch the front brake and you'll be fine". This is true and I found it easier if you don't drag your feet as much, just get'em up on the bike and go.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 572
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Getting Old
There are a couple of things you can do. If you do not have a Road King Custom (they are already lowered an inch), you could lower the rear suspension an inch. Also, rework your seat, or get a different one that sits you "in" the bike rather than "on" it.
Handlebar location may also have an affect on how it feels during slow speed manuevering.
Using the throttle, brakes and clutch (friction zone) and the weight should not be an issue except at a full stop.
Good Luck!
Handlebar location may also have an affect on how it feels during slow speed manuevering.
Using the throttle, brakes and clutch (friction zone) and the weight should not be an issue except at a full stop.
Good Luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: Getting Old
The other thing that works for me when 2 up is to only put the left foot down when coasting to a stop whenever possible. This frees up my right foot for the brake. Whenever I don't put both feet down I come to a much more controlled and less waivering stop.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,421
Likes: 108
From: Tennessee
RE: Getting Old
Good answers above.
It’s a trade off: smooth highway ride vs. maneuverability.
My suggestion: Teach yourself the maneuverability part. You will get the hang of it with some road/bar hopping hours in saddle.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
RE: Getting Old
How tall are you? I switched to the reach seat which is 1 1/2 inches lower and that really got my feet flat on the ground. With the built in back rest, it made riding the RK much more enjoyable.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: SUNNY,FL
RE: Getting Old
ORIGINAL: Road Head
Its taken me 3 weeks, but I now feel comfortable solo, not so much 2 up. When it leans its actually got further than you think, before she'll go over. Best advice I've got was from this site, "When going slow in turns, keep the clutch in the friction zone, foot on the back brake and don't touch the front brake and you'll be fine". This is true and I found it easier if you don't drag your feet as much, just get'em up on the bike and go.
Its taken me 3 weeks, but I now feel comfortable solo, not so much 2 up. When it leans its actually got further than you think, before she'll go over. Best advice I've got was from this site, "When going slow in turns, keep the clutch in the friction zone, foot on the back brake and don't touch the front brake and you'll be fine". This is true and I found it easier if you don't drag your feet as much, just get'em up on the bike and go.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: Getting Old
The problem I have found with the Ultra is that once it starts going down while standing or stopping, there is almost no keeping it up unless you catch it early. I think a lower seat will help with that initial feeling that gravity is pulling it over.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
RE: Getting Old
ORIGINAL: Old Texas Gringo
I must be getting old. Traded my Indian for a 05 Road King and man is it heavy. On the highway it is king but as a bar hopper I almost dropped it several times last week. Its not the beer the bike is just heavy and bulky.
I must be getting old. Traded my Indian for a 05 Road King and man is it heavy. On the highway it is king but as a bar hopper I almost dropped it several times last week. Its not the beer the bike is just heavy and bulky.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 4
From: Oxford, Mississippi
RE: Getting Old
I went from a Heritage to an Ultra last year and it took a few weeks to really get used to the difference, but it was worth it. The RK's and EG's are as manueverable as the Fatboys and Heritages, maybe even more so with practice.