Keep'n it Real.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 10
From: Villa Rica, GA
'ride like a pro' videos are good. They also now offer classes in some areas. I still enjoy going to parking lots and practicing quite a bit. I must admit with my road glide I have less confidence than I had with my used electra glide. It's not because of the way it handles, it's just that I've never taken the chances with it on really tight, slow-speed turns because I'm afraid of scratching it. My electra glide was purchased with some previous owner 'oops' spots so I would push it to its limits (and sometimes past them).
Like everybody says, practice practice practice
Like everybody says, practice practice practice
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
No. Thank YOU (for your service to our country). Now ride and enjoy!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
Sharkbite, I think thats another great point, We spends a lot of money on these bikes and love how we look, **** 95% of this forum are guys tossing up ideas an looking for ways to make the bike look cooler and nicer. I think there is something to say about worrying about messing up the bike, dropping it scratching it denting it etc.. gives me chills just thinking about it
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 59
From: Port Neches Texas
Hey dark dude, the number of posts ( 13 in less than an hour) should tell you everyone has been in the same boat as you. Listen to their recommendations they will steer you right (pun intended). Leave the GF at the house until you are more comfortable, it will become second nature. Be safe and as mentioned earlier Thank you for your service.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
You have a good riding experience foundation, just take it easy until you become thoroughly familiar with all the handling and operating character flaws of your bike. Always respect the machine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
"Practice making slow turns and stops in a parking lot and learning to look where you want to go and not at the ground, using the rear brake and riding the clutch during slow maneuvers and never using your front brake when stopping if the front wheel is turned."
This is the best advice that I have heard, especially the part about looking where you want to end up, don't look at the ground, look down and you might go down!
If you really want to practice, add some garden hose over the bottom of your crash bars, then you can take it to a parking lot and practice all you want, and not scratch up your bars.
I felt the same as you when I got my first bagger, all I can say is take some time with your bike, learn it's secret's, don't be afraid of tipping over. A little fear is always good, keeps you on your toes. Before you know it, you will be amazing your buddies with your slow speed skills.
This is the best advice that I have heard, especially the part about looking where you want to end up, don't look at the ground, look down and you might go down!
If you really want to practice, add some garden hose over the bottom of your crash bars, then you can take it to a parking lot and practice all you want, and not scratch up your bars.
I felt the same as you when I got my first bagger, all I can say is take some time with your bike, learn it's secret's, don't be afraid of tipping over. A little fear is always good, keeps you on your toes. Before you know it, you will be amazing your buddies with your slow speed skills.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia
The plus's of the heavier bike are the weight. I started on a BSA but actually learned on my FLHS and got my license on it.
I fought that bike all the way. So afraid of dropping. Then I dropped her one day, fought it all the way to the ground. Once I gave up and let her down... I realized, that wasn't so bad. My fear of dropping was gone and my confidence level went way up. I bent a mirror was about it.
The plus's are they hold the road, battle the wind, plow through the rain, can do the snow if you have to.
I have a Dyna lowrider now and I tell you she slides so easy. Miss my big sled.
Being we are neighbors across the border, thank you for your service as well
cheers
I fought that bike all the way. So afraid of dropping. Then I dropped her one day, fought it all the way to the ground. Once I gave up and let her down... I realized, that wasn't so bad. My fear of dropping was gone and my confidence level went way up. I bent a mirror was about it.
The plus's are they hold the road, battle the wind, plow through the rain, can do the snow if you have to.
I have a Dyna lowrider now and I tell you she slides so easy. Miss my big sled.
Being we are neighbors across the border, thank you for your service as well
cheers
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I was like that after getting my Dyna...too big, too heavy. Dropped it on a no-speed turn and broke my collar bone on the fourth ride. Four weeks later i was riding it every day but it still scared the crap out of me. Seriously considered selling it.
One day while talking to the service manager at a dealer, I mentioned my problem. He looks at me - looks down, shuffles his feet a bit, and stares me in the eye.
"Own the bike." he says. "Ride it. You control it. You own it. JUST RIDE it, don't let it own you."
It was good advice. We've added 2 more bikes to the stable since then - including a Limited. Now I think of the Dyna as the 'small' bike.
One day while talking to the service manager at a dealer, I mentioned my problem. He looks at me - looks down, shuffles his feet a bit, and stares me in the eye.
"Own the bike." he says. "Ride it. You control it. You own it. JUST RIDE it, don't let it own you."
It was good advice. We've added 2 more bikes to the stable since then - including a Limited. Now I think of the Dyna as the 'small' bike.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Black Hills, SD
I may have missed it but did you say what year your new RKC is?
I dont want to discourage you at all but I had an 05 RKC that I tried everything under the sun to get the bike to "fit" me to no avail. I think I tried 3 or 4 seats, air ride rear suspension to raise and lower, handle bars, and on and on.... I just never was able to get that bike to feel good to me. I ended up selling it and rode a 97 FLHTC for a couple years and now have the 2012 FLHX that I love and fit right off.
I wish I could tell you what it was about that dam 05 that I could not get comfortable on but for the life of me I cannot. I have only told this to a few guys cause when I do people look at me like I have 3 heads or am crazy... When I considered buying the 2012 I rode 5 or 6 bikes trying to see if I could duplicate the bad feeling I had on that 05 and I could not. I did find that when I bought the FLHX I felt quite a bit better installing a little taller shock on the back. Im 6'2" though.
If it is simply a familiarity issue like many others have stated, Get the ride like a pro vids.... They are great for any level rider! I have been on bikes all my life but he says things out loud that just click in my head when Im riding.
As others have said, Thanks you for your service!
I dont want to discourage you at all but I had an 05 RKC that I tried everything under the sun to get the bike to "fit" me to no avail. I think I tried 3 or 4 seats, air ride rear suspension to raise and lower, handle bars, and on and on.... I just never was able to get that bike to feel good to me. I ended up selling it and rode a 97 FLHTC for a couple years and now have the 2012 FLHX that I love and fit right off.
I wish I could tell you what it was about that dam 05 that I could not get comfortable on but for the life of me I cannot. I have only told this to a few guys cause when I do people look at me like I have 3 heads or am crazy... When I considered buying the 2012 I rode 5 or 6 bikes trying to see if I could duplicate the bad feeling I had on that 05 and I could not. I did find that when I bought the FLHX I felt quite a bit better installing a little taller shock on the back. Im 6'2" though.
If it is simply a familiarity issue like many others have stated, Get the ride like a pro vids.... They are great for any level rider! I have been on bikes all my life but he says things out loud that just click in my head when Im riding.
As others have said, Thanks you for your service!