Who is riding Touring Harley for the first time?
#1762
I Hear You
#1763
I have had my wife on a pile of sport bikes in the last 25 years, and then on the back of my Dyna...she said NO MORE after that ride, she hated the back of that Low Rider S. One of the reasons I got my first bagger. I always thought I would hate them, and I am only mad because I should have done it 20 years ago.
#1764
Tip #1: Watch, follow and practice Ride Like a Pro videos. Tennis ***** (cut in half) are a cheap way to set up cones. Get used to using that friction zone.
Tip #2: Know that your bike will handle almost exactly the same whether Momma's on or not. Just make sure that Momma knows to sit straight up in the saddle and doesn't try to help with leaning especially at slow speeds. About the only difference I've found at the beginning, with two-up, is that it took a touch more brake pressure to come to a stop. I never even notice now.
Tip #3: Never, ever touch that front brake at slow speeds or when actually coming to a stop,,, especially if your bars are turned even the slightest. Did I mention never, ever???
Tip #4: Once you've got confidence with slow speed and with Momma along, practice your Ride Like a Pro exercises with Momma on. You'll be impressed with yourself
#1766
#1767
#1768
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Western South Dakota
Posts: 55,909
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Softails are bottom heavy and dressers, dyna's and sportsters are top heavy.
Top heavy bikes go down easier than do bottom heavy bikes.
#1769
Purchased a 2019 Street Glide Special a month or so ago. Living in Ontario, the season is pretty much over now, but I did manage to get out for 1 ride a couple of weeks ago. Was able to put about 120km on it that day. I'm coming from a Kawasaki Vulcan S. That was a great little bike, but was just too small and uncomfortable for me on a ride longer than 1-2 hours.
The difference is amazing between the two bikes. Obviously the weight difference, but being on the Harley was a night and day different riding experience. Smooth, comfortable, refined.
Looking forward to spring and warm weather!
Ryan.
The difference is amazing between the two bikes. Obviously the weight difference, but being on the Harley was a night and day different riding experience. Smooth, comfortable, refined.
Looking forward to spring and warm weather!
Ryan.
#1770
Yes, big Sister is heavier, but I don't notice the extra weight at all when riding, even 2-up. May have to be a bit more careful at stops though.
I am able to do just about the same slow manuvers with either bike and actually find the SGS to be a little more forgiving. Haven't quite mastered a 18' U-turn on either bike yet, but can do under 20' circles...go figure.
And, because of the fairing I do not get as physicaly fatigued riding Big Sister as I do riding Cherry. After about 2 hours or 100 miles I need a break when riding Cherry. I'm good for 3+ hours or some 200 miles on Big Sister. (sometimes my bladder may dictate otherwise).
I'm convinced that age and weight has nothing to do with what bike you choose to ride. I'm a healthy 77 year old and as long as I keep my upper body and leg strenght good I should be riding both bikes for a while yet. If my legs give out, I don't think I will be able to ride either.