Some advise for a newbie
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
HA! apparently you haven't spent much time at rallys? Riding a motorcycle most certainly does not require you be in good shape. heh
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
No, not much time all ... only 33 years of riding on over 10 different bikes. Of course when you evaluate my total mileage of somewhere around 170,000 miles I may be a bit behind schedule. Guess I'm still green.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
Welcome to the touring forum and TEAM BATWING! I would definitely invest in a back rest, I will not own another bike without one, gives you alot more miles out of a days riding. Stay safe.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Thanks very much guy's for all the great input! It's a great bike. Test rode many before deciding. For those that asked, yes I do have highway pegs. As well as the Sundowner 2 up seat, I put the Streamliner passenger floorboard kit on for my wife as well as the 4 point docking system, removable standard height sissy bar with the large backrest pad. I re-used the rear foot pegs on the engine guard with the billet mount kit. There seems to be a common solution emerging. Backrest and bars. Too start with I'll get the removable backrest and have my dealer move the stock bars a little closer to me. If that doesn't fix it then as suggested I'll go to higher bars. I'm guessing higher bars will involve a longer clutch cable and front possibly brake line at least? I'll try the backrest and closer stock bars first to keep the cost down. Thanks again. Great forum
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 344
Likes: 4
From: California
Along with what the others have said, make sure your not tensed up when riding. Try to relax and get comfortable....
Side note: coming from dirtbikes I'm sure you understand how important it is to learn the reactions of the bike, depending what input the rider gives it, as well as getting comfortable on the bike. be sure you are using the push method when cornering. when entering a right hander push on the right side handlebars, this will initiate and set the bike for the corner, (try pushing on the bars on a straight away, you will understand how it works,) Keep your head up and look through the corners.
Side note: coming from dirtbikes I'm sure you understand how important it is to learn the reactions of the bike, depending what input the rider gives it, as well as getting comfortable on the bike. be sure you are using the push method when cornering. when entering a right hander push on the right side handlebars, this will initiate and set the bike for the corner, (try pushing on the bars on a straight away, you will understand how it works,) Keep your head up and look through the corners.
Last edited by NAILIT RK; Jun 22, 2013 at 10:31 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
The best and cheapest solution may just be putting on more miles.
I was convinced my RK bars were from hell when I first got the bike. Now after 8000 miles the are perfect!! At about the 5,000 mile mark the bars started to transform themselves!
I was convinced my RK bars were from hell when I first got the bike. Now after 8000 miles the are perfect!! At about the 5,000 mile mark the bars started to transform themselves!
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
Along with what the others have said, make sure your not tensed up when riding. Try to relax and get comfortable....
Side note: coming from dirtbikes I'm sure you understand how important it is to learn the reactions of the bike, depending what input the rider gives it, as well as getting comfortable on the bike. be sure you are using the push method when cornering. when entering a right hander push on the right side handlebars, this will initiate and set the bike for the corner, (try pushing on the bars on a straight away, you will understand how it works,) Keep your head up and look through the corners.
Side note: coming from dirtbikes I'm sure you understand how important it is to learn the reactions of the bike, depending what input the rider gives it, as well as getting comfortable on the bike. be sure you are using the push method when cornering. when entering a right hander push on the right side handlebars, this will initiate and set the bike for the corner, (try pushing on the bars on a straight away, you will understand how it works,) Keep your head up and look through the corners.
YouTube: Ridelikeapro.com
Last edited by 03snake; Jun 22, 2013 at 11:43 AM. Reason: change
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
This makes sense as well. Now I've got a great excuse to rack up the miles!