I started riding again 4 years ago after being away from it since 1990. Bought a small bike, rode it for a while and then a big Yamaha and then bought a Road King. I think it is like a lot of things. You have to ride to get better and understand how the machine handles. The R/K is much different than my Volusia or Silverado when cornering. Even though I am an Ok rider I still set myself up for corners and twisties/ramps etc. Get slowed down off the gas and maybe on the brake before the corner depending on the curve and then on the gas coming out. This sets up the geometry of the bike to corner better and I find it works well for the RK and me...... Keep riding

 

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Sorry, didn't read all the comments. I'm sure my comments will echo the previous. I also took a long hiatus from riding, spent my childhood racing motorcross and riding off road. I got back to riding full time in 2010. Today, I too am 50. I did complete two MSF courses in 2000, same course, once on my bike and once on a provided bike. It was a military/insurance SNAFU, one not recognizing the other, but anyway, good training, right?

In the period you rode 4K, I rode 40K. I get it, job, responsibilities, and life in general. Find a group of riders with skills you can learn from with a set of common core values, dedicate yourself to riding, not this cruiser **** to a restaurant in flip flops, shorts, and tank top, but 200 mile day rides, 2-3K long weekend rides, and once a year 5-6K, 10-14 day rides. Learn how to ride in groups, no more than 4-6, at speed, with distance between riders, learn how to identify and mitigate hazards, both manmade and natural, get to the mountains, learn how to "look where you want to go," and "look through the curve." Ride 250 miles a day in the mountain switchbacks for 3 days, then hit the slab home.

It's like any skill set, you want to be better, do it as often as possible and challenge yourself. Get some cones, go the school parking lot on a weekends, make a slow moving course, and have fun!


For what its worth, I got back into riding on a BMW F800ST, put 8K on the bike, upgraded to a BMW R1200GSA (a beast), got 42K on her in 2.5 years, and just purchased a 2014 RK, 300 lbs heavier than the bike I called a beast! The skills learned on a lighter bike transfer to a big touring bike, just some minor adjustments recognizing the weight and limitations.


r//Chuck

 

I quit playing golf for the same reason.

 

I have a TON of respect for you that you are able to identify the areas you need to improve and are willing to be so forthcoming on a forum website.

I didn't read the whole thread but everybody has their limits so "if" you try all of these things and you still aren't improving realize it's OK and accept the skill level you are at and enjoy it.

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