It's operator error; not the bike. As others have mentioned, no front brake at slow speed with the handlebars turned; practice in parking lots; use the friction zone; and, the Ride Like A Pro video is excellent--even better take the RLAP class.

Most of us will never achieve the skill of motor officers, but these Touring models are nimble at slow speeds. Check out the videos from police rodeos; here's one of many:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csf3O...eature=related

Carl

 

I personally think using the rear brake more then the front brake helps a lot when stopping (not slowing down). Use less of the front brake and mostly all the rear when going at very slow speeds, this won't give you the feeling of falling over when having the handle bars slightly turned or straight. Its something you need to practice though

 

All good advice. Nothing explains it better than the Ride Like a Pro video. Gives you exercises to practice.
The truth is that these bikes are amazingly agile at low speeds as long as you don't make critical errors. Look up videos showing police motorcycle drill teams and you'll see what I mean.
Order or borrow the video asap before you develop bad habits or fear of the bike. Welcome to the forum and to touring. You're going to love it.

 

Don't forget to put the kickstand down after you stop.

 

Bought the video and looking forward to taking the course.Money well spent!!

 

Harleys are among the best balanced bikes out there. You can toss this big bikes around with ease.... It's a matter of technique.

Do straight line slow speed control in a parking lot.
Twist throttle to about 2000 rpm and keep it there
Release clutch to the point it is just starting to move.
KEEP THESE TWO THE SAME
Control your slow speed with rear brake....
What this does is create a gyroscopic effect which helps greatly with balance.

Once you feel comfortable with you hand and brake technique, you will now want to try your turning.

LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!
If you want to make a uturn you must turn your head as far as it will go. We used to bite our shirts above the appropriate shoulder to make sure you kept your head where it should be...

Using the slow ride technique start making turns. Lean the bike, turn the front wheel but keep your body square with the ground.

Gyou practice enough you can go in circles scraping floor boards, one handed even....

If your going to really practice, you may drop it, no biggie just get some pipe insulation to put over your crash bars and saddle bag bars...

When I trained my cousin he dumped his bike 8 times in one day, he is thankful for it now and has total control of his bike!

Good luck and enjoy the new scoot

 

Lol, not to confuse with the task at hand.... We trained using front brake at slow speeds and putting our right foot down first due to traffic and cover/concealment issues. But you should not need to worry bout that...lol

 

I must get my $.02 in about that front brake! I didn't get, understand, believe the "lay off the front brake." Two tip overs on my beautiful Davidson got me to thinking I just might be doing something wrong. A DANGER TAG should be hanging on the bars of each bike! But then, some of us have to learn the hard way. Front brake=caution.

 

Ride Like a Pro and practice will get you there.

 

An outstanding written course available free of charge is "Motor Lessons" prepared by a former motorcycle officer trainer. Just send a request via email to: motorlessons@hotmail.com. Harris will send you a 40 page course free of charge via return email.

Carl