Keep'n it Real.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 386
Likes: 3
From: Easley, South Carolina
DarkMatter thank you Brother for your service to Our Country.
When I bought my 1st Bagger she felt much the same as you have described here.
There where many times that I felt scared when walking the bike, worried about parking the bike in new places where I had never been.
When I first bought my bike I was new to dating so that meant getting myself and my new ride in situations where I was uncomfortable a lot.
Going to towns that I had never been before so that meant finding myself in odd situations, I had to deal with each one as I encountered it.
I don’t believe any course can prepare you for everything that your going to encounter, confidence will come from your encounters and your ability to think ahead of each thing you do.
If something don’t feel right that’s time to stop or plan your next move to avoid the situation.
Your confidence will best be served by building your riding skills alone then move into each new encounter thinking ahead of each move.
I’m 5’9 so I know where your coming from, it does get easier as you grow with time with your new ride.
I'ts all about the ride :-)
When I bought my 1st Bagger she felt much the same as you have described here.
There where many times that I felt scared when walking the bike, worried about parking the bike in new places where I had never been.
When I first bought my bike I was new to dating so that meant getting myself and my new ride in situations where I was uncomfortable a lot.
Going to towns that I had never been before so that meant finding myself in odd situations, I had to deal with each one as I encountered it.
I don’t believe any course can prepare you for everything that your going to encounter, confidence will come from your encounters and your ability to think ahead of each thing you do.
If something don’t feel right that’s time to stop or plan your next move to avoid the situation.
Your confidence will best be served by building your riding skills alone then move into each new encounter thinking ahead of each move.
I’m 5’9 so I know where your coming from, it does get easier as you grow with time with your new ride.
I'ts all about the ride :-)
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: TN
Everyones adviced about solo time is good and I agree. If your "ego" gets in the way with you GF while explaining you need more solo time you have a few options.
1) Tell her she doesn't know how to ride and you need a little more solo time to compensate.
2) Tell her she needs to drop a few pounds.
3) I'm riding with some buddies, just a bunch of guys no women going to be there.
I don't recomend option 2 unless you want alot of solo time. I use option 3 the first few weekends. Then I started using option 1. Now when we have a little wobble or something I use option one not to get seat time just to explain what just happened
Option 3 only works a few times a year now
Hope this helps.
Sath
1) Tell her she doesn't know how to ride and you need a little more solo time to compensate.
2) Tell her she needs to drop a few pounds.
3) I'm riding with some buddies, just a bunch of guys no women going to be there.
I don't recomend option 2 unless you want alot of solo time. I use option 3 the first few weekends. Then I started using option 1. Now when we have a little wobble or something I use option one not to get seat time just to explain what just happened
Option 3 only works a few times a year now Hope this helps.
Sath
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
A Marine AFRAID heheheeh
Now that my smartass remark out of the way, like the others said, you should ride solo a few more thousand miles or until you do feel comfortable, always know your limits. You are not too small, I have seen 120 lb girls maneuver these bikes like a ride like a pro video. I don't like HOG organizations or any organization that has any rules but I have to give them props for their skills training, they should have it in your area. I used them when I got my first RKC, they are skilled and will get your skills and confidence up to a good level. I also rode dirt my whole life starting at 6 with a 5 hp minibike and have no prob asking for advice or help even today. My local HOG has a great skills training course, Miami HOG North .
Now that my smartass remark out of the way, like the others said, you should ride solo a few more thousand miles or until you do feel comfortable, always know your limits. You are not too small, I have seen 120 lb girls maneuver these bikes like a ride like a pro video. I don't like HOG organizations or any organization that has any rules but I have to give them props for their skills training, they should have it in your area. I used them when I got my first RKC, they are skilled and will get your skills and confidence up to a good level. I also rode dirt my whole life starting at 6 with a 5 hp minibike and have no prob asking for advice or help even today. My local HOG has a great skills training course, Miami HOG North .
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
Yes its an 05! Of all the years its ironic u said 05 and thats what I have, I was at the local dealer this Friday looking at used kings and the seats on them an feel in love with the flhx an felt very comfortable on the bike, which is weird cuz its heavier
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 945
Likes: 121
From: Where The Bluegrass Grows
When I bought my Yamaha RSV in 2008, I did the same as you. I went to the MSF course and got my motorcycle license. The instructor at the course told me to get at least 3000 miles of solo time before trying to ride two up. And by the way, Thank You for giving time out of your life for service to our country.
SugsPa
SugsPa
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Fleming Island, Florida
I debated sharing this thread or even asking for advice as the ego gets in the way, We Marines are hard headed this way but Im going to keep it real :
Last summer I took MSF an got my motorcycle license, by June I have a naked sv650. Rode it 3000 miles over the summer 1/2 solo an 1/2 two up.
Sold the bike in October and in Dec bought my dream bike (road king classic) at 35 felt confident an good. Rode it the 1st time last week for 100 miles an then took it out on Saturday with my G.F an I have to be honest I was a little afraid sometimes of the ride, I didnt feel confident at slow speed an turn esp walking the bike and stopping.
I dont want to drop the bike or worse hurt anyone but I just didnt feel the control and confidence I felt before with my other bike this bike felt heavier (im 5'8). I didnt feel great about the ride and second guessed myself, is this bike to much for me is it to big to powerful or do I just need more solo experience.
Ive been thinking about this for 3 days an wanted to hear from my fellow Harley riders if this is normal and if anyone has felt this or had a similar experience after getting a heavier bike and what the best next step is.
Thanks!
Last summer I took MSF an got my motorcycle license, by June I have a naked sv650. Rode it 3000 miles over the summer 1/2 solo an 1/2 two up.
Sold the bike in October and in Dec bought my dream bike (road king classic) at 35 felt confident an good. Rode it the 1st time last week for 100 miles an then took it out on Saturday with my G.F an I have to be honest I was a little afraid sometimes of the ride, I didnt feel confident at slow speed an turn esp walking the bike and stopping.
I dont want to drop the bike or worse hurt anyone but I just didnt feel the control and confidence I felt before with my other bike this bike felt heavier (im 5'8). I didnt feel great about the ride and second guessed myself, is this bike to much for me is it to big to powerful or do I just need more solo experience.
Ive been thinking about this for 3 days an wanted to hear from my fellow Harley riders if this is normal and if anyone has felt this or had a similar experience after getting a heavier bike and what the best next step is.
Thanks!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From: North Cackalacky
Two words Parking lot practice. Okay that was 5. But you will get the hang of it just go out to an empty parking lot and work the slow speed maneuvers! It will get easier. The RKs flip around pretty easy for a big bike and it won't feel big for long. Just get the solo practice until you are comfortable with the GF
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Black Hills, SD
Please don't let that be a hang up for you. I cant tell you for the life of me what the hell the problem was on that dam bike... I see the guy that I sold it to riding it all over town and he seems to be plenty happy with it. I did try everything under the sun to fit that bike and just gave up on it and got a different one. Never had anything like that happen before or since. I hope it doesn't happen again..... That was an expensive deal for me.
Your a Devil Dog.
Thank you for your service.
She is heavy, give it some time.
Practice some where you feel comfortable.
Welcome home.
Thank you for your service.
She is heavy, give it some time.
Practice some where you feel comfortable.
Welcome home.
Last edited by Clutch70; Jan 9, 2012 at 08:54 PM. Reason: misspelling
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Let me add my thanks for your service as well.
RKC may not be the best, first FL but you can definitely get used to it. I am 5'8to and when I moved from metric to HD I thought the front end of my Heritage weighed a ton and handled poorly. Got used to it soon enough and added a Street Glide recently. Slow speed is the easiest opportunity for a drop. Saw an experienced rider drop a bike outside an icehouse yesterday with a crowd looking on. Most all of us have layed one over a time or two. I was lucky ....my last TWO were alone in my garage!
As for the g/f....just tell her straight up you want to get used to and practice before you spend a lot of time 2 up. I'm betting she will appreciate your honesty and concern for safety and be that much more confident about riding with you when you are ready. That and you'll enjoy riding double more when you are confident in your skills.
RKC may not be the best, first FL but you can definitely get used to it. I am 5'8to and when I moved from metric to HD I thought the front end of my Heritage weighed a ton and handled poorly. Got used to it soon enough and added a Street Glide recently. Slow speed is the easiest opportunity for a drop. Saw an experienced rider drop a bike outside an icehouse yesterday with a crowd looking on. Most all of us have layed one over a time or two. I was lucky ....my last TWO were alone in my garage!
As for the g/f....just tell her straight up you want to get used to and practice before you spend a lot of time 2 up. I'm betting she will appreciate your honesty and concern for safety and be that much more confident about riding with you when you are ready. That and you'll enjoy riding double more when you are confident in your skills.