Stop at the hardware store and pick up some pipe insulation to wrap your guards.

 

The -first- video was a Sportster, second Video is a big one. Just check how its on the crash bars on the rear, without them it's the exhaust.

I think they'll teach you in little steps depending on the progress you do. Shure you can do this whitout having to lay it down.

But always be prepared for the unexpected!

Good luck!

 

Good luck filtering through all of the advice. I'll add my two cents to further confuse you. The RLAP videos recommend to hold the throttle at twice idle speed and find the friction zone with the clutch. Riding in the friction zone while adjusting the speed with the rear brake will allow the bike to stand up. With this method it allows you to let off the rear brake if you need to accelerate to pick up speed if you feel that the bike is starting to go over. It takes a lot of practice for this to feel right but once you develop the technique your slow speed control will be much better.

As far as the handle bars, being able to get them into full lock comfortably is a big help.

 

IMHO RLAP method work great. I'm in stop and go traffic during the work week and thus my rear brake pads are changed every 10K. This method is your bread and butter for slow riding. Any one can ride a bike over ten MPH. The better rider's master slow riding.

 

This reminds me, I need to adjust mine. Thanks for the heads up.

 

Take your bags off and wrap the front crash bar in an old garden hose.

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But every time I've dropped it, I've been so pissed at myself I've just jerked the thing upright.