Okay guys, I hate to admit this, but here goes. I bought a new Road King a couple of days ago after a little over 30 years without a bike. The first day I had it, I took it out for a little ride in the country where I live. A dump truck pulled out in front of me and I had to stop really fast. It was not a panic stop, and I was not going very fast. When I came to a stop, the bike started to fall on it's left side. I could not hold it up. It layed down very easy and there was no damage. The next day I was coming home on a busy highway and came up on a red light. As I came to a stop the bike started to fall on it's right side this time. There was cars in front of me, behind me, and to the right of me. I was luckie again and did no damage.

I think what I am doing is not getting both feet down it time or something. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I plan on taking a riding course as soon as I can find one.

RK

 

you will get a lot of advice but here's a start.
Keep the weight of the bike on the wheels, its heavy.
practice using both brakes with slow stops and build speed.
as the bike is coming to a stop use your left foot to help support and then when stopped use both feet.
dont over think, its a 5 step process but dont think 5 steps. 1. roll off throttle. 2. squeeze clutch. 3. brake by pressing foot brake and squeeze hand brake. 4. downshift and use engine braking if you want. 5 left foot down.
make sure bike is upright and handle bars are squared when braking and dont use front brake along with handle bars turned and dont look down when stopping.
whew! is that a mouthfull or what.
hope it helps

 

Ouch...I would take a riders course before you get hurt of trash that bike.

 

Might want to take an MSF course!

 

Make sure to keep the front tire straight when applying front brake..... I noticed this is more important on my touring bike than my soft tail...

Did you consider a trike....?

 

After 30 years without a bike you probably should "get back in the saddle" with a smaller/ lighter bike! It's probably a combination of putting your feet down at the wrong time, timing your stops incorrectly and not having the balance "memory" in your legs/ body from the long hiatus. I suggest you go to a training class, they'll put you on a smaller bike and help you to relearn the basics.

PS- I thought this thread was going to be about lowering suspension, LOL!

EDIT to add- I see while I was typing that a couple of people beat me out on the training class suggestion, so I'll just say "ditto"

 

MSF course,Ride Like A Pro DVD,and lots of practice.

 

Never stop while in a turn! Keep the bike straight and upright while stopping. Never use the front brake at slow speeds and most importantly take a MSF or similar course before you get hurt. As heavy as these bikes are they are super EZ to handle with the proper techniques!

 

The Harley Dealer where you bought your bike probably offers a Riders Edge course. If they do, take the course - you will build back up your confidence and re-learn some of the things you have forgotten.

 

Are you keeping your front wheel straight when you stop? I remember my wife dropping her bike because of that years ago..