New #1: New to motorcycling. I don't own currently a motor nor will I until June. My friends/relatives that do cycle but live in Dallas while I live in Houston. They don't ride in a group or tour and they don't look to their motors as their primary source of transport. My father-in-law used to ride solo and used his V-Star as a daily commuter. His intention was to have family rides (he has 7 children aged 18-34) and have their spouses ride. Before he passed in September I made a series of promises and some included organizing us all being together to visit places he loved (Yellowstone, Rockies, Mt. Renere, Death Valley, etc.). My own bio-father used to ride a Hondamatic for years and became a motorcycle trainer. He used to work with the Shriner's parade groups too. My questions revolve around stupid questions sometimes like "should I keep the motor upright or lean on the stand when refueling". Uh, I'm really new to the sport.

New #2. New to HD. Harley Davidson and motoring are not necessarily the same thing. I think you can be accomplished on your bike and not be accomplished with the HD community. I'm not one that enjoys the slander and mud-slung conversations I know are infamous from the HD community. I've honestly not really heard too much that I would not consider normal health ribbing from one enthusiest to another. I've heard stories of very aggressive and violent interactions between HD and non-HD people. I've even recently heard about HD people that like X-ride over Y-ride and will get into fights claiming one type of HD is superior to another. I'm not into this. I hope to find that most HD enthusiests just love the experience and want to ride the ride (even with friends that might not ride a HD).

New #3. New to Touring. I say this even though I've already stated that I have no real motorcycling experience. I don't find this to be redundant to my statements in my #1 bullet. The reason is because I plan on having my first motor be a 2008 Ultra (with ABS). My bio-dad rode a bagger, my father-in-law was to get a 2008 Ultra along with me before he passed, and I refuse to go through some upgrade process. I served in the Corps, am 6', 34, have plenty of body to muscle the bike around, and am committed to learning my Ultra as I garage my car and use it as my primary vehicle. I'm willing to purchase DVDs or ride with groups to learn how to ride (or ride better). My class is scheduled for May and I'm excited.

That's basically me. The only things that *I* can think of that don't come on my desined motor are a central kickstand (for vertical lift) and a CB. Please share your experience with me ... and if you live near me and want to raise up a new brother by teaching me how to ride you can just let me know. Safety over speed for me. Can't wait to get out there.

 

Thomas, 11 years ago that was me with a couple of twists. I new I wanted a Gold Wing, instead ofa Harley and had people tell me to go buy a 250cc or something small to learn on, I didn't listen and have no regrets. It took me a little longer to master the heavy touring bike than some one that was an experienced rider but I did it in less time than it would have taken me to learn how to ride a 250 or something light and then transfer those skills to a touring bike. I have test ridden an Ultra and it is considerably easier to handle comfortably than a Gold Wing. I immediately took the MSF (old basic course) and started out in the parking lot with a couple of experienced riders and got to the point where I could get through the Old ERC course in about 2 months. I spent a couple of more months in the parking lot and then went two up. My wife had never riden either so we had to learn together.

Learn the basics, Lee Parks has a great book out entitled "TOTAL CONTROL"excellent to give you the dynamics of what makes a motorcycle do what it does and what it takes to make it do what you want it to do and then practice, practice practice. David Hough,"Proficient Motorcycling"is another excellent book. H-D Rider Edge program is excellent, IMO one step above the MSF program. I am not knocking MSF at all, it is excellent but I think H-D has gone a step further. I am in San Antonio and don't get to Houston often but would be happy to work with you logistics permitting but I am sure you can find someone locally who is willing to spend some time with you, As much as it hurt me to do so, One of the best things that I did was go out on the back seat of a bagger (Wing) with a very good wing rider. He taught me what it means to be smoooooooth. That helps a lot in learning to master a heavy machine and taught me to think ahead of the bike.

 

Oh and the CB does come on the Ultra as standard I believe. Too bad they don't put a Center Stand on it..

 

Charlie, how long did it take you to feel like you were able to really ride on your wing? I know from review people state that the wing is more sportsbike-like and is vastly different from the ultra. I'm curious on how much effort (calculated in riding, working with an experienced rider, and reading theory (of which I'm very happy to be knowledgable rather than experienced alone)) it will take to be at a point where I can ride to the Redwood National Forest (currently my #1 dream spot to go). Then, how long will it take to go tour the Dragon's Tail.

It's also funny, Charlie, that you have your wing for sale and am hoping "Santa" will bring you an ultra for Christmas. Can you elaborate a little on this? I'm just curious.

Yesterday I was at the HD dealership and Jason (salesdude) said that the Ultra was wired for the CB but did not come with one. It was about $1400 added to the price of the bike to get one installed. Was this bogus????

 

Welcome to the forum from the Seattle area.Get DVD ride like a pro,take motorcycle training available in your area.Practice before riding in groups and dont be in a hurry.Do not outride your ability trying to keep up with others.Most importantly-enjoy it!

 

Welcome from Birmingham, AL. Can't offer any better advice than you have already been given. Enjoy it!

 

Welcome from Wesley Chapel Fl. Practice !

 

Welcome from INDY

 

Welcome from Bowling Green, Kentucky

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welcome from cali