Using ANY amount of front brake in a U-Turn WILL cause you to go down.

 

One of things I do when talking to prospective students who want to take the Ride Like A Pro course is ask them if they have seen the dvd. Most of the time those that have seen it, understand the technique, and have practiced it, do rather well in class. The rest usually end up buying the dvd from me at the end of class.

Mark

 

The E-Glide is a helluva big bike - arguably about the biggest and heaviest in the m/c family of bikes I dare say. But you do get used to it after awhile.

I run my bike without the tourpack 90% of the time, but I do remember when I first got it and it was in full dress... WOW what a big bike! I'd gone from a 620 pound 1100 V-Star to the E-Glide and that's about 200 more pounds. The weight distribution isn't the same either, so it took some getting used to.

Now I can throw that Electra Glide around and manuever it like it's a part of me. It's just something that takes time.

Now therewere a coupletimes when I've nearly dropped it cuz of uneven ground when you put your feet down, etc. Once that thing starts to go over... EEEEK! I did manage to keep it from going all the way down once and I have no idea how I did it by myself thats for sure! When I got it upright the right side footboard had flexed upward on it's hinges if that gives you an idea how far over it was? hehe (I guess it was like one of those "Incredible Hulk" moments where I summoned superhuman strength to prevent my Baby from going to the ground? lol)

 

Totally agree. Use the front brake, going slow with the wheels turned, is like getting slammed to the mat by a wrestler, especially with the weight of an UC. Even worse if you have a passenger. (Don't ask me how I know). Use of the throttle and rear brake is the secret.

 

I had an 04 RK custom and my UC seems more agile then the RK. I can make tighter turns or maybe I am more used to it. Whatever stay off the front brake and drag the rear brake,

 

Keeping your head up and looking forward or in the direction you are headed is a huge part of keeping your balance/horizon correct.I have a close friend that is new to riding, at stop signs/lights etc, he gets the shakes, jerky on the bars etc. I couldnt figure out what he was doing till one day I was ahead of him, he came to a stop and was watching his front end, bars, wheel what ever he had his head down and not looking forward. He was loosing his horizon and part of his balance. I keep telling him now to keep his chin up and looking forward.

 

Use your rear brake in conjunction with feathering the clucth/throttle to keep power to the rear wheel. NEVER look straight down but continue to pick a spot where you want to end up after making your turn/u-turn.

Jerry "Motorman" Palladino produced a great video that my fellow LEO motor officer's use even though we have all gone through department training. It's a great refresher video and will give the every day rider some pointers.

Here is a link to his 'Ride Like A Pro' video: http://www.ridelikeapro.com/RLAP4.asp

 

+1

Need to use rear brake and friction zone. all is taught on the video.

 

Probably just a little intimidation factor with the bigger bike. Just likeyour other scoot, it'll go where you look. That's easier to say than do when you're unfamiliar with a bike. One thing I've learned about mine is never try to stop it with the handlebars turned - it'll "fold up" on you and quickly pass the equilibrium point. I've also found that with the right amount of adrenalin, you can keep it from going over...LOL

 

A few more rides and you will be fine just make sure you use their bike until you have it mastered!! You'll be fine!