Howdy from Illinois
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: FEMA REIGON V
Howdy from Illinois
Newbe checking in. I have rode bikes all my life, but just got my first Harley about a month ago. Looking to learn more about the do's n dont's about em. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the forum. 
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: KANSAS
WELCOME TO THE BROTHERHOOD!
From IL myself as well
From IL myself as well
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Welcome from tiskilwa il!
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 53
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From: Illinois
Welcome Teddy Bear. I also am located in Illinois, I am near Decatur in the central part of the state. I only had abiout 20 days that I actually was able to ride this January but that is an unusually high number of days here. I live to ride and ride to live but central Illinois is far from ideal winter riding territory. I stay home when there is ice or snow on the road. This year we were blessed by a mild winter and I actually rode during those 20 days in January.
As far as dos and don'ts, do not try to use the available torque that your bike provides. I find it much better, in the long run, to shift gears just like I needed to do with my rice burners. It is not that the Harley cannot accommodate the lugging of the engine but it is more like things stay reliable longer if you respect the need for power at low speeds and use your gear ratios to get there rather than demanding that the bike's engine take care of you. Yes the engine can do it but after the first few thousand miles do you want an engine that has been stressed or one that is responsive to your needs. I know well which situation I would prefer.
As far as dos and don'ts, do not try to use the available torque that your bike provides. I find it much better, in the long run, to shift gears just like I needed to do with my rice burners. It is not that the Harley cannot accommodate the lugging of the engine but it is more like things stay reliable longer if you respect the need for power at low speeds and use your gear ratios to get there rather than demanding that the bike's engine take care of you. Yes the engine can do it but after the first few thousand miles do you want an engine that has been stressed or one that is responsive to your needs. I know well which situation I would prefer.