Nervous 1st Timer
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Hell of a first bike ... I guess you'll figure it out or (hopefully not) die trying. Seriously there's aspects of a touring frame Harley that are totally unique and no amount of riding 250cc bikes at a msf course will prepare you for. Basic riding principles on the other hand can be learned on any bike. I've been riding for getting on 40 years and it still took me over a year to become totally comfortable with my e-glide (that's pretty darned comfortable mind you). Be careful out there.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I started this thread almost 2 months ago, funny to see it revived. I have taken the msf course, ride like a pro dvd's, and have over 1000 miles on the bike so far. Everything seems to be coming together and I am quite comfortable. I am VERY glad I went to the bike I wanted first and didn't get a small machine. I'm already wanted more power and put a stage 1 on it.
Thanks for everyone's advice in the beginning, it was a HUGE help and I really appreciated it!
Thanks for everyone's advice in the beginning, it was a HUGE help and I really appreciated it!
Thank you all for your feedback even when it was directed to West. I think I'm going to buy the pro dvd's too. Very Excited to join such a friendly and tight knit community.
Thanks again and happy riding to you all!
Last edited by Seth64; Aug 5, 2012 at 07:37 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
Congrats on the new bike. The Street Glide is big and unforgiving at low speeds. Keep your hands off the front brake at slow speeds or at a stop with the forks turned. Doing this will almost pull it to the ground. Slow speed handling is really the big difference between a Sportster or a Metric. Once you master that, and you're rolling, the Street Glide is just a more badass bike then the rest of them.
P.S.After dropping the bike the first time I bought the crash bars protections in case i did it again and didn't want to scratch the bars.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
You'll do fine. Just heed all the advice. It comes from people who have booked many miles.
I bought my 09 Ultra after not riding since my (new) '78 Kawaski kz1000. Put 30k on in 3 years and just traded for a '12 CVO Ultra. Doing a 5k trip in a couple days. I love it!
They're heavy bikes but thats half the fun.
Be careful, safe, and enjoy!
I bought my 09 Ultra after not riding since my (new) '78 Kawaski kz1000. Put 30k on in 3 years and just traded for a '12 CVO Ultra. Doing a 5k trip in a couple days. I love it!
They're heavy bikes but thats half the fun.
Be careful, safe, and enjoy!
Practice, Practice, Practice!! Slow and easy until your comfortable. Stay OUT of high traffic areas until your confidences grows and your skill level increases. Try side roads and empty parking lots to hone your skills. Always think defensively on a bike, stay out of blind spots and try to anticipated what other vehicles are going to do. Keep an escape route in mind in case you need to do a quick maneuver to get out of danger! Get comfortable with the front brake and its capabilities so It's instinctive to you in a quick stop situation, the last thing you want to do is lock up that front wheel in a emergency situation.....hell ANY situation for that manner! Jeez I could keep going on and on but just be man enough to admit that your not ready sooner than you actually are! No room for egos and macho stuff on a 800 pound bike! Take the riders course you won't be sorry you did, it will help immensely!
CONGRATS!
Ride safe!
CONGRATS!
Ride safe!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
I was very nervous too rode very small bikes back home and 25 years later I bought an UC lost sleep for few days worrying about it, but after riding it every 1K miles I got very comfortable with it, get familiar with it in some empty parking lot and don't worry if you lay it down can't hurt it but you will see what this bike is capable of.After taking few long distance ride more then 200 miles a day you will feel real good and proud of your bike and yourself.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque
Well, first...welcome...take the Riders Edge Course (SOON). Oh, and I loved that comment you made about buying exactly want you wanted now so you wouldn't have to spend more money down the road...REALLY? had you ever talked to a HD owner? We are worse than golfers when it comes to spending money on our bikes.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
UPDATE: Love my Road King Classic. Love riding its so freeing, (is that a word?) Thanks to all the advice here. Ride safe all!
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Stage I
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey shore
Hi Guys. Well I have always wanted a Harley so I finally bit the bullet and bought one. Taking delivery of a Street Glide on Monday. I have never ridden a bike before and now I'm a little nervous maybe the bike is too big for me based on what a few people have said to me. I have experience with high performance snowmobiles and atv's so I'm reasonably proficient with stuff like that. My original thought was to buy the bike I want and not have to spend the money a year from now anyways after taking a bath on the bike I didn't. Can't go back now, paid in full, so any tips on handling a Street Glide vs a smaller metric bike or sportster etc?
p.s. I am taking the MSF b ike course on May 11th weekend.
p.s. I am taking the MSF b ike course on May 11th weekend.
!). Luckily my guy is very patient and is supportive with his encouragement.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 2,876
From: Oklahoma
If your previous equipment did not have manual clutches, you are in for a learning experience. I won't waste a lot of space here but pm me if you have never ridden a gadget with a clutch lever. Everything has been mentioned except-backing up. You may need to do that at some point. Especially when turning while backing, the front wheel may seem to want to roll out from underneath you and you can't back peddle your feet fast enough to keep up. In this case, the front brake can lock the front wheel and let you catch up and locking the front wheel when getting on and off can stabilize things also. DON'T confuse this with front brake use while riding forward.