HELP. Layed the bike over when parking.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
From: Seattle Wa.
HELP. Layed the bike over when parking.
Am I getting to old (77) I got a 2013 EG Classic. my weight 145, wife 155
progressive mono tube up front. HD Premium adjustables in the rear.
went for a ride today. went to stop for lunch a Mac D's went into the parking lot, made a left turn into a parking spot, slowed to a stop and down it went.
I also have trouble in stop and go traffic, seems like if I dont have the front wheel pointed exactly straight when comming to a stop i have a heck of a time trying to hold the bike up right. this is just when the bike comes to a stop. (NO I am not using the front brake)
would putting a lowering kit on front & rear lower the center of gravity and help? been riding off and on for years since 16, but this bike is a hand full 2 up.
any help on what I am doing wrong would help......
Or is it time for me to get a trike or give it up all together, But I'll miss the wind in my face and scraping the boards in the curves........
Ed
progressive mono tube up front. HD Premium adjustables in the rear.
went for a ride today. went to stop for lunch a Mac D's went into the parking lot, made a left turn into a parking spot, slowed to a stop and down it went.
I also have trouble in stop and go traffic, seems like if I dont have the front wheel pointed exactly straight when comming to a stop i have a heck of a time trying to hold the bike up right. this is just when the bike comes to a stop. (NO I am not using the front brake)
would putting a lowering kit on front & rear lower the center of gravity and help? been riding off and on for years since 16, but this bike is a hand full 2 up.
any help on what I am doing wrong would help......
Or is it time for me to get a trike or give it up all together, But I'll miss the wind in my face and scraping the boards in the curves........
Ed
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 881
Likes: 13
From: ONT
Had a friend who had the same problem. When he came to a stop he would use only his left foot as instructed at a riding course he took. He was riding a EG Classic and probably dropped it 4 out of 5 stops. I suggested he use both feet at the same time and this solved his problem of dropping the bike when stopping. I must admit he got pretty quick at picking up his bike. Are you able to pick the bike on your own when you drop it? If not maybe it is time to go to a lighter or 3 wheeler. They have some pretty slick ways to convert your 2 wheeled bike to a 3 wheeler.
Last edited by Nute; Jul 4, 2014 at 08:12 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 52
From: Central Nc
Man, that's great, still riding at 77, and 2 up. Hope I can even get out of bed at 77. I know these beast are heavy at over 800 lbs and can get away from you once it's it off balance.
One year at myrtle beach, I ride behind a very small older gentlemen on a huge Goldwing, every time we slowed down at a traffic light there were 2 small wheels that automatically extended down from the saddlebags and by the time he stopped they were touching the ground and completely supported him, he never out his feet down or took them off the boards, by the time he let out the clutch they started retracting back up and at 5 mph they were fully retracted into the bags and you never knew they were there. The moved so smoothly and quietly I figured they were hydraulic. I watched him at at least thru 10 starts and stops thru traffic amazed at his system. I've never seen another one since don't know if it was a kit or homemade, but it was cool.
I'm sure lowering the bike to fit you better would help too.
Ride on!!
I've never thought to search for something like that but a quick search brought up one option here
http://www.landingear.com
One year at myrtle beach, I ride behind a very small older gentlemen on a huge Goldwing, every time we slowed down at a traffic light there were 2 small wheels that automatically extended down from the saddlebags and by the time he stopped they were touching the ground and completely supported him, he never out his feet down or took them off the boards, by the time he let out the clutch they started retracting back up and at 5 mph they were fully retracted into the bags and you never knew they were there. The moved so smoothly and quietly I figured they were hydraulic. I watched him at at least thru 10 starts and stops thru traffic amazed at his system. I've never seen another one since don't know if it was a kit or homemade, but it was cool.
I'm sure lowering the bike to fit you better would help too.
Ride on!!
I've never thought to search for something like that but a quick search brought up one option here
http://www.landingear.com
Last edited by Solex; Jul 4, 2014 at 08:43 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 2,564
From: CT/FL
I'd say don't keep the front wheel locked straight when you stop. Turn it towards the direction the bike is leaning. That'll counteract the lean. Joe
ps keep riding, and maybe you'll enjoy a sidecar. More stable coming to a stop and when you get that wild hair you can fly the car.
ps keep riding, and maybe you'll enjoy a sidecar. More stable coming to a stop and when you get that wild hair you can fly the car.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,991
From: King George, VA
Its called doing a dip just before the bike is completely stopped. They teach that in the Ride Like a Pro DVD. As you come to a stop, just slightly turn the front wheel to the left as you put your left foot down. Your right foot will come off the brake pedal when you are stopped as the bike leans back to the right. Give it a try and you will feel things just happen as they should.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
A lot of good advice in the above posts. I'm 67 and sometimes wonder how many more years I can keep riding my bagger. At 77 you give me hope that I have many years ahead. When I go to the gym I make sure I include a leg routine to keep them strong. So far so good but I notice the mind is thinking a bit slower, that may go before the legs! Lol