[Drake]

Have been riding off and on foe 25 years
Recently moved up from an 1100cc 550lb metric to my dream bike brand new Street Glide. Have been riding it around the neighborhood and parking lot but just can’t get over the fear of dropping it at low speed. Have watched the ride like a pro videos and practiced the drills. The bike is just so much heavier feeling in the front end than what I am accustomed to and when I go to make a tight turn from stop I tend to straighten up and make too wide turns. I am trying all the tricks, vision, etc I know it’s all in my head but wonders if anyone had any words of encouragement or advice about how king it took you to get used to a big bike.
Till then I’m still on my metric.

 

[Mr G]

Practice practice practice! The only way to get better at it is to ride it. I stepped up from a metric 800 cc to an electra glide 96 inch. Weight and balance is way different, but in the end it's still just a motorcycle. Practice in a parking lot until you get comfortable and then hit the road on a sweet bike and enjoy it!

 

[Justjoe]

Never had a issue moving up to heavier bikes myself. Maybe just to long on your other one and now your stuck in your ways. I’d just ride it eairher way and park the other and you will be forced to get used to it

 

[Mr G]

When I made the jump I believe that it was more of a mental block than anything. Fear of dropping my Harley.

 

[RoadQueen]

I can totally appreciate your apprehension! I am moving up from a Yamaha 1100 to a Road King. It's 200lbs heavier and just bigger all around. I haven't been able to drive it yet (I rode "bitch" the day we picked it up), just waiting for the weather and roads to improve a bit. I have been watching a ton of YouTube vids for tips and I am going to practice in a big parking lot before I head downtown on it. It's also brand spanking new so I really don't want to drop it or drive it into something! My hubby has a 2015 Street Glide and I know how heavy that big batwing is when going slow and maneuvering in parking lots. It will also feel different for you when riding on the highway and those big gusts of wind hit you. You've been doing this for 25 years....you've got this dude!

 

[Radar]

First, go ahead and just drop it so that you get that fear out of the way. Everybody has done it at least once, some multiple times. Hint: find a dirt road or grassy area so that you don’t scratch anything. The practice of lifting it back up (watched those videos yet?) will add to your confidence and determination. Also, don’t limit your riding to slow speed maneuvers. Find a country road and get lost for a few hours, it will help you get familiar with the handling.

Second, quit using your metric as a crutch. For the next two months, if you’re going to ride, do it on the Street Glide.

Third, start shopping for a new seat and rear shocks. Those will be the next things that bug you about the bike, so you may as well get a running start.

Fourth, if the Street Glide doesn’t work out, there are plenty of folks on here who will buy it at 50 cents on the dollar.

Seriously, you’ve got this, just need continued riding to get familiar.

 

[ARIZONA MISFIT]

I agree with Radar.

I never went thru that.
I jumped right in the a full Dresser.
So I really never had the fear of dropping it bother me .
Not saying I didn’t drop it lol.
I use to practice my slow riding at the park during the day.
By my self for learning how enter the slow race contests.
Even at a stop sign or red light I would see how long I could hold her up just for fun.
It’s a lot different if you have a passenger .
Stop thinking about it and ride.
Your going to drop it every one does.
Like what was said PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.
Do what you have to do to make the Bike your own an for you.
Don’t worry about what everyone else does.
Enjoy your bike an get out there an Ride.
Safe travels.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gorillathehun]

Consider taking one of these classes on the new bike:

Scheduled Courses | Total Control Training

www.totalcontroltraining.net

 

[tekslk]

Put 40 lbs of air in the front tire.

 

[siriusblue]

Put 40 lbs of air in the front tire.

+1
The front of the SG “grabs” a lot less at low speeds w/ the extra 4PSI. Maybe it’s just a newbie “cheat,” but I thought it made for a bit less fighting and more enjoying w/ ”extra” air in the front.

 

[jpassh2o]

Congrats on the new to you ride. Don’t over think it. Just stay diligent.

 

[Drake]

+1
The front of the SG “grabs” a lot less at low speeds w/ the extra 4PSI. Maybe it’s just a newbie “cheat,” but I thought it made for a bit less fighting and more enjoying w/ ”extra” air in the front.

I have heard this a lot
Why not just use 40lbs factory is there a drawback?

 

[siriusblue]

Only drawbacks I can think of would be tire wear and mileage, maybe a bit more harsh over bumps, and maybe sacrificing some grip at higher speeds.

 

[1/2 Ton]

All great advice right there!
I got over the fear of dropping it on the initial ride home... My fear, is picking it back up! Hence the name 1/2 Ton 🤫

Check the tire pressure, if its a tad low, it steers like a train. Keep ur fingers away from that front brake when practicing slow speed maneuvers! I bounce back and forth between the Ultra and the Sporty, the sporty is easier to toss around in the slow work and just feels more nimble. But the Ultra will make the same maneuvers. You may find it a bit easier to run the parking lot trials either with more RPM or even in 2nd gear running at the lower rpms. Personally i prefer to run it in first gear with more throttle. NOT any more speed, just more throttle.

Switch up the choices for find what works best for you. Try watching Jerry's Motorcycle Dancing video... and listen to the rps. Donna keeps hers steady while Jerry is constantly blipping the throttle. Both are at the exact same speed. The waltz cuts out at 2:33 for just enough time to hear the differences in their techniques.

 

[scspartan]

Over the years I have met rider with years of experience that have taken the Riders Safety Course as a refresher, come away saying that they learned a lot of techniques that they have forgotten. So, you might consider taking a Safety Course near you as it will help with your slow turn maneuvers.

 

[Drake]

Over the years I have met rider with years of experience that have taken the Riders Safety Course as a refresher, come away saying that they learned a lot of techniques that they have forgotten. So, you might consider taking a Safety Course near you as it will help with your slow turn maneuvers.

Thanks I registered for one and plan on doing that this weekend.

 

[Drake]

All great advice right there!
I got over the fear of dropping it on the initial ride home... My fear, is picking it back up! Hence the name 1/2 Ton 🤫

Check the tire pressure, if its a tad low, it steers like a train. Keep ur fingers away from that front brake when practicing slow speed maneuvers! I bounce back and forth between the Ultra and the Sporty, the sporty is easier to toss around in the slow work and just feels more nimble. But the Ultra will make the same maneuvers. You may find it a bit easier to run the parking lot trials either with more RPM or even in 2nd gear running at the lower rpms. Personally i prefer to run it in first gear with more throttle. NOT any more speed, just more throttle.

Switch up the choices for find what works best for you. Try watching Jerry's Motorcycle Dancing video... and listen to the rps. Donna keeps hers steady while Jerry is constantly blipping the throttle. Both are at the exact same speed. The waltz cuts out at 2:33 for just enough time to hear the differences in their techniques.

Thanks
I bought his video and book and have been practicing. I signed up for one of his courses in May but someone else told me they would not put their bike through that course as they felt the maneuvers were more extreme than typically required. The video is good and his techniques seem good.

 

[Gorillathehun]

Thanks
I bought his video and book and have been practicing. I signed up for one of his courses in May but someone else told me they would not put their bike through that course as they felt the maneuvers were more extreme than typically required. The video is good and his techniques seem good.

You couldn't find a better big Harley riding coach than Palladino.

 

[tibadoe]

I remember stepping up to my Electra Glide UC. Was a big change for me but had no issues. You could go to a big public parking lot that has little to no traffic (maybe on Sunday). Take is easy and cruise around like you would any other full parking lot with cars. Up & down the isles and in & out of parking spaces. When comfortable, work up to other low traffic riding that is slow moving. For me the key was the seat - feet flat on the ground helps with stops, starts, slow moving, and may build your confidence. Practice is the key.

 

[scspartan]

You couldn't find a better big Harley riding coach than Palladino.

+2
Drake, your friend couldn't be more wrong. In an emergency situation you will need every technique you can muster to save yourself.