Keep'n it Real.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
Keep'n it Real.
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!
I'm 5'7" and weigh 135lbs and have been riding Harleys 15 years. But, I've also raced MX since I was 12. With that siad, I suggest that you ride solo a little longer in order to get the feel of the bike. You need to be confident in your abilities before riding 2-up IMO.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
I think it is certainly normal for first time Harley riders, especially if their first Harley is a heavy tourer. If it is the slow speed riding that bothers you maybe getting the DVD, Ride Like a Pro is in order. You can find many clips from this DVD on Youtube. 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.
I still sometimes feel unsure when walking the bike but it has nothing to do with my, or your, size. Go to a dealership and you will probably see 100 pound employees pushing the bikes around the show room.
If you drop the bike it is not the end of the world, just embarrassing. And with a Road King Classic the drop will probably not hurt the bike or you.
Good luck.
I still sometimes feel unsure when walking the bike but it has nothing to do with my, or your, size. Go to a dealership and you will probably see 100 pound employees pushing the bikes around the show room.
If you drop the bike it is not the end of the world, just embarrassing. And with a Road King Classic the drop will probably not hurt the bike or you.
Good luck.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
I can say when I first started riding my FLHRC, which was my first Harley touring bike, it took some getting used to. You're more on top of the bike than in it- that was what I had the most trouble adjusting to. But with more and more time it got to be second nature and now it's not an issue at all. Maybe give it a few thousand miles and see if you still have trouble... or maybe you could get a seat that drops you an inch or two to get a lower center of gravity?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 210
Likes: 2
From: South East PA / DE
Take it slow and build your confidence. If it is slow speeds your concerned with by all means watch the video then go to an empty parking lot and practice.
My son of 21 got his license a year ago. Bought a rocket gsxr 750. I took him to a school lot and make him ride in circles figures eights and back and forth until he hated me. wanted him to be comfortable at tight turning at slow speeds.
He had the GSXR for 6 months. Kept trying to get him to ride my Street Bob but he kept stating that it was to heave. He then bought a nightster and complained it was heavier and he felt uncomfortable.that lasted about 6 weeks. In june of this year while away on a 2400 mile trip. I traded his nightster for a Street Glide and he got the Street Bob. Again he said it initially felt uncomfortable due to weight.
He is happy as can be with the bike and wishes he had just started out with one.
point being, give it a little time and patience. Confidence will come with riding.
My son of 21 got his license a year ago. Bought a rocket gsxr 750. I took him to a school lot and make him ride in circles figures eights and back and forth until he hated me. wanted him to be comfortable at tight turning at slow speeds.
He had the GSXR for 6 months. Kept trying to get him to ride my Street Bob but he kept stating that it was to heave. He then bought a nightster and complained it was heavier and he felt uncomfortable.that lasted about 6 weeks. In june of this year while away on a 2400 mile trip. I traded his nightster for a Street Glide and he got the Street Bob. Again he said it initially felt uncomfortable due to weight.
He is happy as can be with the bike and wishes he had just started out with one.
point being, give it a little time and patience. Confidence will come with riding.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 3
From: North Georgia
I think it is certainly normal for first time Harley riders, especially if their first Harley is a heavy tourer. If it is the slow speed riding that bothers you maybe getting the DVD, Ride Like a Pro is in order. You can find many clips from this DVD on Youtube. 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.
I still sometimes feel unsure when walking the bike but it has nothing to do with my, or your, size. Go to a dealership and you will probably see 100 pound employees pushing the bikes around the show room.
If you drop the bike it is not the end of the world, just embarrassing. And with a Road King Classic the drop will probably not hurt the bike or you.
Good luck.
I still sometimes feel unsure when walking the bike but it has nothing to do with my, or your, size. Go to a dealership and you will probably see 100 pound employees pushing the bikes around the show room.
If you drop the bike it is not the end of the world, just embarrassing. And with a Road King Classic the drop will probably not hurt the bike or you.
Good luck.
And yep, if ya do drop it... probably only gonna put really small scratches on the bottom of the guards. Ask me how I know.
Get more comfortable with the bike before adding passenger.
Practice, practice, and more practice!
Beav
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
It's normal. You're just not accustomed to the new bike yet. Ride solo for a while. Having someone else to be responsible for will make you more nervous and tentative. After you ride the RKC for a while you will discover that it is a VERY surefooted bike that holds the road really well. When you know its reliability and you and the bike "are one" you will be more comfortable with your passenger. I think you will find that the RKC handles really well at slow speeds. I can tell you it is much better at slow speed U-turns and maneuvers than my Sportster was.
When you get back to riding 2-up, have your passenger get off before you back the bike or "walk" it. It is much easier to handle without the higher center of gravity that a passenger adds. Get the bike ready to go and aimed in the right direction, then have your passenger mount.
Don't give up. You will love the Road King. (Don't tell these other guys, but it's the best bike Harley makes.
)
When you get back to riding 2-up, have your passenger get off before you back the bike or "walk" it. It is much easier to handle without the higher center of gravity that a passenger adds. Get the bike ready to go and aimed in the right direction, then have your passenger mount.
Don't give up. You will love the Road King. (Don't tell these other guys, but it's the best bike Harley makes.
)
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 3
From: Portland OR
Thank you, I think riding two up my 2nd time out was not the brightest idea, Im looking to get another seat, either a corbin or mustang solo, I love the bike and I worked hard to get her, I just need to adjust to the weight and differences ,
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I travel for a living, sometimes I go 5 or 6 months without being at the wheel of anything...
When I get home I take the bike to the school parking lot and practice- alot.
Then I drive my car a bunch while I get back to reading traffic patterns.
practice pays off.
Mike
When I get home I take the bike to the school parking lot and practice- alot.
Then I drive my car a bunch while I get back to reading traffic patterns.
practice pays off.
Mike