Hey Fellas,

I just started riding about a year ago. Had an 09 Fat Bob. Earlier this month I traded her in for a '12 Street Glide - love it. I'm not a real biker... I've only put about 6k miles in total for the last 12 months, and I have a job. So, sorry about that. Please indulge this poser if you will

Question is this.... The fat bob had the flat - wide handlebars and fat front tire. I got really used to riding her and thankfully have never dropped either of my scoots. But, with the Street Glide with the way the bars turn in and the more narrow front tire, I find myself constantly aware of just how easy it would be to lay her down in a very slow turn. I'm working to correct this. Don't get me wrong - it's not something I worry about - but I know at slow speeds (especially from a stop) with a big turn - you're most likely to drop the bike. On the Fat Bob hand position and everything made it really easy to prevent. With the Street Glide I find my elbows are inward and more naturally bent , etc. Just seems like I'm begging to eventually drop her.

My concerns are essentially turning into my driveway with is a 90 degree angle with a heavy down-slope and the occassional parking lot situation and u-turns where there's not a lot of space.

I'm sure I'll have it licked in a hurry - but I figured I'd ask you guys if there are specific exercises, actions, etc. you've done that, if nothing else, made you more confident in these situations on a bagger? I figure if I know it's the most likely opportunity to drop her, then there's no harm in figuring out the most effective way to avoid it. BTW - I took the MSF and understand counter balance and where to look , etc.

Any tips?

Thanks fellas. Ride Safe.

 

If you are near a Ride Like A Pro location, take the class, highly recommended. They have a location in Houston - http://www.ridelikeapro.com/locations/houston- probably not terribly convenient for you, but there are no words of wisdom that can be delivered to you from the forum that will cause you to suddenly know how to handle your bike.

Take the class.

 

Look into the Ride Like a Pro DVDs. They will teach you exactly the skills you are looking for. There are some sample videos on YouTube if you search. I just got the DVDs myself but have yet to get a chance to practice the techniques. Looking forward to it though.

 

Or buy the Ride Like A Pro DVD version 5. It has it all and it will give you some great insight into the techniques that will help you achieve the riding skill you desire.

 

The engine guard is your friend.

 

Ride like a pro is a great video or like said above, take the course if possible. In the meantime practice using the rear brake and clutch friction zone while doing slow turns. Helps keep the bike upright. Never use the front brake in slow turns. Always look where you are going, not down at the ground.Good luck!

 

I have found as slower speeds, slipping the clutch and revving engine a little seems to feel more stable.. no physics expert, possible gyro effect ?, seems to work

prolly gonna get a s#$& storm for that

 

Ride Like a Pro will definately help...if you can take a live class, do it.

 

+1 on Ride like a Pro. I have the DVD, and also had an opportunity to take the class.

and btw, 6k miles in 12 months is a hell of a lot more than many people ride.

 

Slip the clutch and ride the back brake. As long as the rear tire is pushing you forward, you'll feel stable....even at very slow speeds.....pull that clutch in all the way, and gravity takes over. Get in the Walmart parking lot and practice.