Second the quick detach windsheild. Mine is the factory HD one, works excellent and is just the right size. Does protect good but isnt to big for the smaller Sportster look. Forward controls are a must.

Borrow a cheap ol dirtbike or buy one. Find a big dirt feild or some trails and learn to ride a motorcycle. This is advice I tell anyone who never reallyowned a bike and is wanting to get into street riding. You will learn more by sliding that thing around in the dirt than you ever will on the street because to know what limits a motorcycle has and to get the feel when things are going to go bad you have to push it past the limits and fall on your *** which would get real painfull and expensive on a streetbike.

 

Hey jsned,

I was thinking of doing that. My buddy has a few dirt bikes and he wants me to go out and ride with him.I'm just not sure my 40 year old bones can handle the beating..LOL.But I'm gunna go and push it to my limits..I will be going to tramas MFSriding course here in NY come May..So I should be ready to go between the two..

I was already thinking of the detachable glass..I guess that is the best of both worlds..

And I will retrain my rear braking into my riding..

Thanks for the tips All..

Vinny

 

I have a quick detach windshield. It is great for the interstate. It helps keeping you from feeling like you are getting blown off of the back of the bike. Also....it is no fun to catch a good size bug or a clot of dirt or rock in the face or throat at 70mph. I recommend the quick detach windshield. Around town I take mine off. When I am going to be getting on the interstate I pop it back on. It takes all of about 30 seconds.

Brake deal...if you use the front brake too much, you will eat it and tear your bike up in a slow turn. Use your rear more. Even though the front can have more stopping force, get used to using them both. VERY IMPORTANT!!!

 

I know you already decided for the shield, but I still gotta tell ya that you'll be glad you did when you nail a bird at 60+. Leaves a hell of a smear, though.[:'(]

 

I for one would probably not own a bike without a windshield. I think they're great.

Oil change? I personally don't try to outguess the manufacturer. I figure they are smarter than I am and follow their recommendations for oil changes.

Brakes. Get your butt to an MSF class. You're developing some real bad habits you should try and break NOW. I use both brakes together all the time except for two conditions. One is if I come into a corner a little too fast and want to shave off just a little speed. I will gently feather my rear brake. The other is at slow speeds (parking lots for example) where you are physically turning the front wheel. If you should accidentaly lock up your front wheel in situations like that you will go down. I just use the rear brake when making slow maneuvers.

 

i got the 'sporty' style one from teh dealer .... no 'police' type chrome 'TT'

 

Hey dragon you have any pictures of the sporty style windshield?

[IMG]local://upfiles/23996/063AE1F1C1C2458290CED3FB0FFEC697.jpg[/IMG]

 

You look great on your scoot Vinny. Just ride and have fun. Most like the shields riding long distance. I don't.

 

If you want to pretend your Tom Cruise, Peter Fondaor Clint Eastwood from 20+ years ago don't get a windshield. On the other hand if you want to enjoy a comfortable highway ride go for it. Sooner or later we all mature

 

I dont like the windshield personally. i like the buffeting and what not...makes me feel like i am riding. only time that thought process ever changed was after taking a dragon fly to the forehead at 95mph. dang near took me off the bike.

seriously though..cant go wrong with a detachable....i know with some of the older (03 and earlier...not sure about the 04-up but i magine it would be the same) the quick detach hardware can be used with more then one windshield and the quarterfairing...gives mucho felxibility