Most Uncomfortable Situation
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 1
From: North Central Ohio
Most Uncomfortable Situation
I'm into my second month of Streetglide ownership and am diligently unlearning bad habits and trying to ride in true motorman style. I'm coming to this touring machine from my last 3 bikes, a Fatboy, sport touring Ducati ST4S and Moto Guzzi. These lighter bikes let me get away with things that require real technique on the SG.
I've owned a lot of bikes and interesting cars in my 45+ years of driving but nothing has proven to be more rewarding than the SG.
Except...uphill busy stop sign intersections that are off camber to the right and require a slow right turn merging into busy traffic. Releasing the brake and keeping my right foot up and on the floorboard when the road's camber, and the natural motion of the bike into the turn, both lean the bike to the right is very disconcerting. I'm keeping my eyes up and modulating speed with the clutch but it still feels very uncomfortable.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks to this forum and all the participants for providing such a great place to learn and just be entertained.
I've owned a lot of bikes and interesting cars in my 45+ years of driving but nothing has proven to be more rewarding than the SG.
Except...uphill busy stop sign intersections that are off camber to the right and require a slow right turn merging into busy traffic. Releasing the brake and keeping my right foot up and on the floorboard when the road's camber, and the natural motion of the bike into the turn, both lean the bike to the right is very disconcerting. I'm keeping my eyes up and modulating speed with the clutch but it still feels very uncomfortable.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks to this forum and all the participants for providing such a great place to learn and just be entertained.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 8
From: virginia
Have you tried to hold the bike with the front brake until a couple cars have moved 2 or 3 car lengths at a time, or is the traffic constantly?? I have a ramp here that has a stop sign at the end that is slanted to the right so i know what your going through, trying to stop while leaning to the right is not very easy to do on these beast and even harder when riding two up!! Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Pendleton Oregon
I have found I can use my front brake and throttle at the same time. I have pretty big hands and I am sure that helps me a lot. I can kind of use my palm and slowly release the brake with my fingers. This way I still have good balance with my legs and can put my feet down.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 3
I have found that at very slow speed maneuvering, I do not use my front brake because of the dual front disc brakes. If I do, a little too much front brake with the front wheel turned (which it some times is when balancing at low speed) causes the bike to dive and throw me off balance. I have better balance with feet up at low speed when I don't use the front brake.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
It might also help just taking that scooter out and practicing turning right from a stop on level ground in a parking lot or the like. I know you have experience riding, but as you said, this bike is bigger, heavier, and has different riding characteristics then your previous bikes. Take some time ensuring the basics and then go out and add your unique challenges to the exercises.
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
I'm not sure what "true motorman style" is but if it involves not using your right foot when stopped and during starts, you are far more tightly wound than I am if you worry about that. To the best of my knowledge, NO modern motorcycle has a foot clutch and you are discovering why. Unless you are practicing to ride some antique, use your right foot as necessary, especially while learning the bike. Around here there are frequent gusty cross winds so my right foot is always ready or on the ground already. If this difficult area is on a daily or frequently used route, you'll get plenty of practice just going from A to B and eventually will achieve what you have in mind. Also, as your tires wear, they will want to follow the road more and more making this area more challenging even as you learn the machine.