Keep dropping the damn bike!
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 719
Likes: 69
From: Waxhaw NC
Keep dropping the damn bike!
I am an experienced rider, recently trading a Yami 1700 for an 02 Ultra. There is a 100 lb + difference in the bikes.
I have no problem solo but seem to run into a lot of trouble stopping when the wife is on board (no problem on old bike). I am becoming very conscious of NOT using the front brake, but just about the time the bike comes to a full stop it wants to go over. Of course there is no stopping it.
Any advice? (name withheld because of major embarrassment)
I have no problem solo but seem to run into a lot of trouble stopping when the wife is on board (no problem on old bike). I am becoming very conscious of NOT using the front brake, but just about the time the bike comes to a full stop it wants to go over. Of course there is no stopping it.
Any advice? (name withheld because of major embarrassment)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
A. What do you mean there's no stopping it? - I've had mine start to go over but always managed to recover.
B. What are the contreibuting factors? (not to be too delicate - is your wife "heavy" or inclinded not to sit still when the bike is at rest?)
I agree that Ultras can be a little tippy when fully loaded and a passenger on board but it should be manageable.
B. What are the contreibuting factors? (not to be too delicate - is your wife "heavy" or inclinded not to sit still when the bike is at rest?)
I agree that Ultras can be a little tippy when fully loaded and a passenger on board but it should be manageable.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 120
From: pontotoc ms
not a true drop unless all your riding buddies are around,still get ribbed by them.have had my bike little ovr 2 years,dropped it about 3 time.first 2 time within the first two months,this last time about two months ago,my foot hung on the passenger board went to pull my foot up and down i went.my buddies helped me pick it up.left for a trip with my friends day after on a trip to ark,heel was sore the whole week on the trip. it going to happen so dont beat yourself up,thats what highway bars are for.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Really?! If you have to put both feet down before coming to a stop then it's back to riders ed for you . . . 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,366
Likes: 406
From: Connecticut
Keep bars straight when stopping... Riding my Street Glide, I stop with my front brake with the wife.
Is she shifting her weight?
Come to a slower stop.
Practice... Take her in a lot and practice.
The extra 100 lbs in weight shouldn't have too much to do with it.
Practice...
Or, ride solo
Is she shifting her weight?
Come to a slower stop.
Practice... Take her in a lot and practice.
The extra 100 lbs in weight shouldn't have too much to do with it.
Practice...
Or, ride solo
Last edited by Honey-Badger; Sep 3, 2012 at 10:07 PM.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I am an experienced rider, recently trading a Yami 1700 for an 02 Ultra. There is a 100 lb + difference in the bikes.
I have no problem solo but seem to run into a lot of trouble stopping when the wife is on board (no problem on old bike). I am becoming very conscious of NOT using the front brake, but just about the time the bike comes to a full stop it wants to go over. Of course there is no stopping it.
Any advice? (name withheld because of major embarrassment)
I have no problem solo but seem to run into a lot of trouble stopping when the wife is on board (no problem on old bike). I am becoming very conscious of NOT using the front brake, but just about the time the bike comes to a full stop it wants to go over. Of course there is no stopping it.
Any advice? (name withheld because of major embarrassment)
We found that with her leaning back, it made the bike feel much more top heavy.
Give it a try for yourself and see if it helps.
Also, don't overload the tourpak. Try to keep the weight in the saddlebags.
Good luck and ride safe.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
Don't feel bad man, not everyone is built like an ostrich. My first Ultra went down 3 times and my passenger is very mindful and her little 100 lb self was most helpful at picking it back up. The trick for me was to absolutely positively be looking straight forward when I came to a stop, to the point of consciously leaning my head back to make sure. Front wheel has to be dead straight too. Don't know if that was it or just gaining experience, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. That and being very aware of any kind of slope or incline that you can try to avoid. That's what got me those 3 times. I can park the FXR on the front porch steps, but that beast of an Ultra is a different story that has to be adjusted to.
Last edited by Lakerat; Sep 3, 2012 at 10:08 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 2
From: Fort Bragg, NC Area
Use the front brake to stop as well. It is important to have both feet available for two-up stopping. Also ensure your passenger is not moving around at stops until you get used to the bike. Not always about weight.
