Ok, I have been riding since I was 21yrs old and am now 65, I have only dumped a bike twice in all those years. The first time was with a cb350 Honda with the wife on the back in sand. The 2nd time was the 2nd of April this year and with a 2007 ultra classic. Pulled up to a stop sign and was going right, I had shifted the bike to netural, when I went to shift it to first things went down hill from there. Taking my left foot off the ground to shift, put the bike kind of off balance and then the wife on behind shifted her balance too and over we went, I felt like a idiot and traffic was behind me. I managed to right the thing, fire it up and we were off again. Can some of you older gents like me give me some tips on keeping things up right on stops and traffic lights. The wife said ( thats it you ride alone till you get that under control) Never have had a problem till I bought this bike, course is 400lbs heaver then my midnight virago.

 

Sounds like a few things going on here.
If you keep your bike in 1st while at a stop, it'll cure the off balance thing, also will possibly allow you to escape danger thats approaching from your rear.
Also sounds like your wife could use some instructions on what and what not to do as a passenger.
Do a search on 2 up riding techniques, do some practicing in an empty parking lot. You got a heavy bike but with the proper techniques, it can feel pretty nimble.
One thing for sure, if either one of you are not confident on it, it will seriously diminish the riding experience.

 

7X30

Same with Patsfan siad about 1st gear' Keep that thing in gear at stops and Reds just in case! I started doing that a while ago after hearing/reading of so many rearend hits from idiots in cars'
Just a good safety thing anyway...

When that bike starts slowing down it does get more unstable as you know but with all that weight it's doublefold! Teall your wife she should really be a little extra cautious with fumbling around back there while coming up to stops'

OR BETTER YET!
Just keep telling her it's NOT under control and she won't have to ride wit ya' anymore! lol (justkidding) hmm or am I?...

Pete

 

About the same for me, I am 61 (going on 15 as per some). I laid over my former ride (Kawasaki Vulcan 1500) twice. Both times were due to stopping and trying to steady the bike with one foot in a "V" drain running across the street one block from my home. FWIW, I have found the 05 FLHTCUI to be more stable when riding.

 

I'm almost 30.

 

Practice a couple of figure 8s before you head out on each ride. I force myself to do this as much as I just want to hit the road sometimes and it has made me a better rider.

This bike heavier than my last couple of bikes and I have to respect that and learn how to control it.

I also have tried to stop finding neutral as I come to a stop. If I can find it fast, great.

If not, I let it go because I spend so much time fiddling with the damn shifter that I forget to balance the bike!

 

I've been riding since I was 8 years old (now 55).....................and I agree with your wife.

 

I've been riding since age 25. I'm 68 now! Went down a few times back in the late 60's early 70's while racing Honda's. I've been down 1 time in street riding. I had a rear go flat and was in a curve. I managed to ease it to the edge of the road and laid it down in the ditch. I was by myself and lucky, I actually rode on the side that was up until it stopped. only a few scratches! I know your feeling with the heavier bikes. I came off a Dyna to the UC. My wife talked me into it for more comfort. Glad now she did! Took some practice to get comfortable stopping with her on it. If you don't have to stop quick, gear down and be in 1st when you roll to a stop keeping the bike upright as possible. Ask her to remain upright and be very still while you are stopping until you get your feet down. Order Ride Like a Pro Video, you will get some good tips from it. Good luck and ride safe!!

 

Not to be a know-it-all but if you're not keeping your bike in 1st at a red light you need to take a riding course or possibly an advanced riding course if one is avalialable in your area. I took one at the age of 54 after 36 years of riding and still learned alot. It might help you on your insurance and might even save your life.

 

Been riding since my brother put a BS engine on our bicycle, I was about 10 and now 62. Always have it in gear when I stop and never move it to neutral unless I'm going to sit for a while.