Ride or me?
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Space Coast Florida
Ride or me?
Morning, I just picked up a 98 ultra classic and one my first ride noticed it seemed top heavy and the wind pushed her a bit more than my last ride (1500vulcan classic). Heres the question is it the way the bike handles normally or is it the rider? I dont mind honesty and know I need to get used to her, but was wondering if she is normally top heavy. Its my first HD.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 9
From: Auburn Ohio
Vulcan Classic 659 pounds seat height 27.6 inches. Ultra Classic 772 pounds 29 inches. With heavier fairing, tour pack. Seems self explanatory. You did sit on the bike before you bought it....right?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 262
Likes: 12
From: Michigan
I have had the Vulcan classic and the Nomad 1500 also (currently still have), bought an 02 electra glide classic and first ride after paying for it rode 350 miles to get home, was a little different when I test rode it, but after about half hour on the bike it was fine. Now I can't even ride the nomad anymore just don't feel right, to low and heavy. Enjoy the new bike.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
The batwing and tourpac do cause most of that. You will get used to it. Its part of the reason I have a Road King. Windshield still does it a bit but not as bad as the fairing.
I delivered a Kawi for a buddy a couple of years ago and I was like a fish out of water so don't feel bad.
You will get used to it. Good Luck
I delivered a Kawi for a buddy a couple of years ago and I was like a fish out of water so don't feel bad.
You will get used to it. Good Luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 921
From: Northern MI
As others have said, everything will fall into place in no time. I mostly drive my truck, but if for one reason or another, I park it, and use the Jeep.... it takes me a full day to get used to it all over again. Turn signals, radio controls, seat controls, the way it turns or brakes are all alien to me for a while. Best advice has already been given.... just ride and enjoy, and in no time you will be asking yourself why you waited so long.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
You've changed bike, it's as simple as that! Every bike rides differently to your previous bikes and after a few rides you will relax and all will be right with the World. Harley hasn't been making Glides for fifty years only to fox every owner and leave us all wondering what we've let ourselves in for!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 17
From: Ontario Canada
Your last bike had a different rake as well than you new one. That may have a little to do with the heaviness of the bars. I found the Harley easier to ride especially at slow speeds than the vulcan
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 28
From: Iowa
I assume you have lower fairings on your bike? No one removed them?
I had an electra glide classic that did not have lowers and it really has a negative impact on
ride quality. The bike gets pushed around a lot more than one with lowers.
I had an electra glide classic that did not have lowers and it really has a negative impact on
ride quality. The bike gets pushed around a lot more than one with lowers.