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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 11:42 AM
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Navy UC Rider's Avatar
Navy UC Rider
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Well, I did it today. I was at the end of a line of bikes in a parking lot, we were moving at walking speed, everyone stopped, for some reason, I hesitated, grabbed the front brake (I know - BIG NO-NO, I was "power walking" at the time). Well, long story short, we went down. Surprisingly, no real damage. My decorative tip on the back of the front fender is slightly out of shape, the crash bars buffed out. Bike was easy to get back up, I thought it was going to be heavy, but I planted my butt in the seat and walked backwards and up she came.

Anyways, tip of the day -- Front brake is not for slow maneuvers.

Cale
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:00 PM
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Been there; I grabbed front brake returning from a test ride with the salesman. He forgot to tell me the trick about not using the front brake. Coming from a Sportster I was amazed at how heavy The Ultra is when falling. No harm, no foul... salesman said "Oh yeah, don't do that".

Bet ya won't do that again!!!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Fewe
Been there; I grabbed front brake returning from a test ride with the salesman. He forgot to tell me the trick about not using the front brake. Coming from a Sportster I was amazed at how heavy The Ultra is when falling. No harm, no foul... salesman said "Oh yeah, don't do that".

Bet ya won't do that again!!!
That is almost like getting a speeding ticket while test driving, we ended up not buying the car. hahahaha
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:09 PM
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If you were at a walking speed I would presume you had or should have had both feet off the floorboards and therefore no alternative but to use front brake. I'm confused....
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by strtarrow
If you were at a walking speed I would presume you had or should have had both feet off the floorboards and therefore no alternative but to use front brake. I'm confused....
You are correct, however, if I was pay attention instead of star gazing, I could have mitigated the problem by using the rear brake. I know there are cases where you have to use the front brake (I have to back into my Cycle Shell cover) I know that when positioning the bike, when using the front brake, the bike just feels big and cumbersome, simply because I am backing and the handlebars are not straight.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:28 PM
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Welcome to the club!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:30 PM
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I've dropped every Harley I have owned. It is just a matter of time until I drop my new Limited!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:35 PM
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Front brake use at low speed is fine, as long as the front wheel is pointing STRAIGHT AHEAD and the bike is not leaning one way or the other.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:36 PM
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Did about the exact same thing..........hardley a scratch on it but it sure did hit my pride hard!
 
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Old Jul 2, 2010 | 12:52 PM
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Anyone that's been riding for any length of time has done that. I know I have.
 
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