Handling 08 SG
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From:
Handling 08 SG
OK, I have heard & read they are the smoothest handling mc out there @ low speeds especially. Then why is it anytime I get anywhere near 45 degrees it want's to dump on me. (lay down) I have no problems other than between 0-5 mph.I have been riding a FatBoy for 10 years and have never even come close to laying it down. What gives? Noted, it is a little more noticable when riding 2 up, which is a problem I have never felt on my Fatboy. (which is lowered) I have been looking into a lower shock, even though it's liable to void the warranty. the same as an air assist program. I have considered a lower profile seat, or at least not as wide. Tommorow, I am gonna play with the adjustable air ride system, see if that makes a difference. Any comments at all would be appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
RE: Handling 08 SG
I wouldn't know if raising the bars would help. That's all about personal preference.
My Dyna has mid controls with forward pegs. I like having my weight on the mid control pegs when maneuvering like that. I used to have one hell of a time making any speed of right hand turn. Just anytime I had to go right sucked!
I look through all my turns and I've taken extra time to get to know my stopping distance and how to turn at very slow speeds.
I do get that "gonna dump it" feeling at slow speeds, but I never do. I think it's just awkward going that slow. Anything less than 20 MPH is like muscling the bike rather than riding it.
My Dyna has mid controls with forward pegs. I like having my weight on the mid control pegs when maneuvering like that. I used to have one hell of a time making any speed of right hand turn. Just anytime I had to go right sucked!
I look through all my turns and I've taken extra time to get to know my stopping distance and how to turn at very slow speeds.
I do get that "gonna dump it" feeling at slow speeds, but I never do. I think it's just awkward going that slow. Anything less than 20 MPH is like muscling the bike rather than riding it.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Handling 08 SG
You have more riding expeience than I, but for what it's woth..
I ride an '07 road king. I was taught to ride with the ol' friction zone, drag the rear brake technique. The way first gear is geared, for me, if i let the power away from the rear wheel the bike lugs and slows and wants to dump. 0-5mph sems pretty slow i would say my slow manuver speed is closer to +-10mph I would think. You have been riding 10+ years so I am sure you arleadyknow whatI am talking about. Just thought i would try to help things get started. Help him out here guys!!
I ride an '07 road king. I was taught to ride with the ol' friction zone, drag the rear brake technique. The way first gear is geared, for me, if i let the power away from the rear wheel the bike lugs and slows and wants to dump. 0-5mph sems pretty slow i would say my slow manuver speed is closer to +-10mph I would think. You have been riding 10+ years so I am sure you arleadyknow whatI am talking about. Just thought i would try to help things get started. Help him out here guys!!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 16
From: Arizona
RE: Handling 08 SG
ORIGINAL: Kid Rat
OK, I have heard & read they are the smoothest handling mc out there @ low speeds especially. Then why is it anytime I get anywhere near 45 degrees it want's to dump on me. (lay down) I have no problems other than between 0-5 mph.I have been riding a FatBoy for 10 years and have never even come close to laying it down. What gives? Noted, it is a little more noticable when riding 2 up, which is a problem I have never felt on my Fatboy. (which is lowered) I have been looking into a lower shock, even though it's liable to void the warranty. the same as an air assist program. I have considered a lower profile seat, or at least not as wide. Tommorow, I am gonna play with the adjustable air ride system, see if that makes a difference. Any comments at all would be appreciated.
OK, I have heard & read they are the smoothest handling mc out there @ low speeds especially. Then why is it anytime I get anywhere near 45 degrees it want's to dump on me. (lay down) I have no problems other than between 0-5 mph.I have been riding a FatBoy for 10 years and have never even come close to laying it down. What gives? Noted, it is a little more noticable when riding 2 up, which is a problem I have never felt on my Fatboy. (which is lowered) I have been looking into a lower shock, even though it's liable to void the warranty. the same as an air assist program. I have considered a lower profile seat, or at least not as wide. Tommorow, I am gonna play with the adjustable air ride system, see if that makes a difference. Any comments at all would be appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
RE: Handling 08 SG
ORIGINAL: Kid Rat
OK, I have heard & read they are the smoothest handling mc out there @ low speeds especially. Then why is it anytime I get anywhere near 45 degrees it want's to dump on me. (lay down) I have no problems other than between 0-5 mph.I have been riding a FatBoy for 10 years and have never even come close to laying it down. What gives? Noted, it is a little more noticable when riding 2 up, which is a problem I have never felt on my Fatboy. (which is lowered) I have been looking into a lower shock, even though it's liable to void the warranty. the same as an air assist program. I have considered a lower profile seat, or at least not as wide. Tommorow, I am gonna play with the adjustable air ride system, see if that makes a difference. Any comments at all would be appreciated.
OK, I have heard & read they are the smoothest handling mc out there @ low speeds especially. Then why is it anytime I get anywhere near 45 degrees it want's to dump on me. (lay down) I have no problems other than between 0-5 mph.I have been riding a FatBoy for 10 years and have never even come close to laying it down. What gives? Noted, it is a little more noticable when riding 2 up, which is a problem I have never felt on my Fatboy. (which is lowered) I have been looking into a lower shock, even though it's liable to void the warranty. the same as an air assist program. I have considered a lower profile seat, or at least not as wide. Tommorow, I am gonna play with the adjustable air ride system, see if that makes a difference. Any comments at all would be appreciated.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Handling 08 SG
I could be wrong but there's no reason to even be trying to lean a motorcycle 45 degrees at 5 MPH. You increase the lean angle to keep the turn radius the same as the speed increases. At 5 MPH, you turn the handlebars, shift your butt a bit and TURN!
I think you said it best morgan, ride it like you stoled it. I guess I have been intimidated by the extra weight & have let that factor into my thinking. I will still play with the air shocks tomorrow and see if that helps me feel a little more stable at low speeds rideing 2 up. Alone I have no problems.
I think you said it best morgan, ride it like you stoled it. I guess I have been intimidated by the extra weight & have let that factor into my thinking. I will still play with the air shocks tomorrow and see if that helps me feel a little more stable at low speeds rideing 2 up. Alone I have no problems.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
RE: Handling 08 SG
ORIGINAL: Time2ride
You've heard and read that the ROAD GLIDE is the smoothest... not the Street Glide. You have the weight of the fairing on the handlebars with the SG, not so with your Fat Boy or with a RG. Low speed manuevering with a handlebar mounted fairing takes some getting used to, and even after you're used to it the weight of the fairing is always there and always a factor.
You've heard and read that the ROAD GLIDE is the smoothest... not the Street Glide. You have the weight of the fairing on the handlebars with the SG, not so with your Fat Boy or with a RG. Low speed manuevering with a handlebar mounted fairing takes some getting used to, and even after you're used to it the weight of the fairing is always there and always a factor.
You've got 30 pounds or so up on your handlebars. That WILL affect how the bike feels in low speed turns. You get used to it, you learn to compensate for it, but you always need to be aware of it, and paying attention to it. The VERY few people I have ever let ride my bike, get a lecture about it before they get on the bike, because most people have never ridden a bike with a batwing full of stereo, gauges, etc, and the weight they ad to the steering.
Tell ya what, you think the harley is bad, test ride a Yamaha Royal Star Venture sometime... HOLY CRAP!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Handling 08 SG
KR--if you expect an answer to a riding topic as your OP was written within 26 minutes (time lapse from OP to your bump) then bump it again 15 minutes later, you will wear out your patience.
If you want some good information on how to ride your bike at low speeds, buy the Ride Like A Pro V DVD and practice what it shows.
If you want some good information on how to ride your bike at low speeds, buy the Ride Like A Pro V DVD and practice what it shows.