Keep'n it Real.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
DarkMatter; Yeah, what all these guys said. I have been riding bikes since I was 12, (53 now) and every bike is different, bought my first big touring bike this fall. In all honesty, my Ultra doesn't weigh any more than my 1100 Shadow that I have been riding, yet I was pretty nervous when I rode her away from the dealership. After the hundred mile ride home, I was feeling much better. As far as riding "2 up", it can really make a huge difference with who your riding partner is and how much experience they have riding,,,,, as a passenger! They need to understand that YOU are the driver and their job is to sit their *** on that seat and let me drive the bike! Quick and erratic moves from the passenger can be a little tough to handle especially at slow speeds, or the passenger that is use to riding themselves,,,,, well they need to understand they are not in control now, sit back, relax, and let you handle the driving.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
You'll be fine. I was the same way when I got my King. Hadn't had a bike that big, ever. And the closest to it was 30 years earlier. Took a while to get my legs back, so to speak. And with the wife on, it was like your experience. Once I got used to the bike myself, and she got used to riding also, those awkward stops have gone away. Use your front brake to get you slow, but when time to stop, use the rear. It'll prevent that wild front end plunge and you'll be in better control.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 9
From: Eastern Colorado
There is no dishonor in fear. It is what keeps people in dangerous jobs and situations alive.
The big Harley's are heavy bikes. Mine is by far the heaviest bike I've ever owned. There is no replacement for seat time. Ride a lot and every chance you can, even short trips help. It'll come. The biggest bite for me was getting used to no front brake at low speed when the forks are turned. It'll drop you every time with no warning.
I had to be kicked three time by that mule before I caught on.
Bax
The big Harley's are heavy bikes. Mine is by far the heaviest bike I've ever owned. There is no replacement for seat time. Ride a lot and every chance you can, even short trips help. It'll come. The biggest bite for me was getting used to no front brake at low speed when the forks are turned. It'll drop you every time with no warning.
I had to be kicked three time by that mule before I caught on.
Bax
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: SOUTH JERSEY
dark matter , i have rode dirt bikes all my life, then finally in 06 i bought my first street bike its an 06 flhr roadking . that being said i rode by myself for quite awhile couple of weeks probably. then i added the wife , it was awkward at first but i got used to it. it just takes time .when i have to back in to a spot and its a bit tight i ask her to get off. im only 5'8 " so i know ur pain. lol i modified my seat myself which made it lower and narrower, that made it alot easier. well last summer i thought i would try to put on what i thought was a better seat, rode for about 500 miles and still didnt feel right . ifelt like i was riding on the bike rather than in it. needless to say i went back to my old seat . now i can ride comfortabley again. just give it time you will be fine. good luck and ride safe.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Experience. Keep your head up, look where you want to go, watch the vids, take a rider course, take the advanced one.
It's all in your head and technique. If your technique is wrong, it doesn't matter what you're riding.
Get confident and enjoy the bike!
It's all in your head and technique. If your technique is wrong, it doesn't matter what you're riding.
Get confident and enjoy the bike!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I think you should sell it right away, you'll never be able to ride it, it's to big for you, you don't have the skill to ride that bike!
Now then, did that **** you off, motivate you enough? Thought it might....
Of course you can ride it, he'll no it's not to big....he'll yes you have the skills to ride and master the bike....with 3000 miles under your belt, it's a no brainer.....
Just need some time with her, just like a woman...they are all different and take some getting used to, have to find all the right moves with both of them.....
Easy girls, we love ya.....
PRATICE and practice some more, it'll come to you and you'll wonder what the fuss was all about.....
Be safe, enjoy the new ride.....
Now then, did that **** you off, motivate you enough? Thought it might....
Of course you can ride it, he'll no it's not to big....he'll yes you have the skills to ride and master the bike....with 3000 miles under your belt, it's a no brainer.....
Just need some time with her, just like a woman...they are all different and take some getting used to, have to find all the right moves with both of them.....
Easy girls, we love ya.....
PRATICE and practice some more, it'll come to you and you'll wonder what the fuss was all about.....
Be safe, enjoy the new ride.....
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 470
Likes: 2
I had a VStar 1100 for a couple of years and was really comfortable with it and my skills. A coworker heard I was shopping around for an RK and he let me ride his RK one day around the parking lot. It was so much bike and being only 5'8" I could barley touch the floor compared to my VStar. I was so uncomfortable and nervous on the bike I started second guessing my plans. But as you can see I went with it anyway. It's almost like starting all over again but it will come to you with practice. I've had my RKC for about 4 months now and just hit the 3k mark. After a handlebar change, and tons of practice I'm fairly comfortable on it. I'm still unsteady at stops and slow speed maneuvers at times but it's getting better. Give it time and practice. I do suggest doing so before going 2up again tho.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Hey whats up DM I'm in the same boat lol lots of good advise here just practice more on your own and go out a little at a time with your girl and you will be fine. Every time I take the wife out I learn a little more so I take it slow. When the weather gets warmer you should do the advanced MSF course at Rockland Community College. I'm thinking about doing it myself, heard nothing but good things about it. Oh and Thanks for Your Service and don't worry too much about riding two up you will be fine ..... practice makes perfect. Enjoy the King
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 747
Likes: 7
From: NY
Just wondering DM...are you running a 20" stock windshield? Is the top edge cuttin thru or above your line of site? Take it off for your parking lot practice.
After I trimmed mine down my confidence went UP!! at all speeds.
SC
After I trimmed mine down my confidence went UP!! at all speeds.
SC