The "Ride Like A Pro" series is pretty good at showing the proper technique.geoffreyt said:I am about to cross the 1000 mile mark this week on my XL. I have never tipped it over. What would one do if they ever tipped over a big bike? Go find help to right it?
I dont really have much issue riding my XL. I see I become more "at ease" as each day passes. Mo bettah at remaining in control. I can see the day will come I want more bike. Power and style certainly play a part. The bigger motor is calling me. The forward controls are nice. I was just wondering if a big bike is going to be the same challenge all over.jgrant said:If you are a new rider then something lighter makes a lot of sense. If you have experience then it depends on your comfort and the bike. My Ducati weighs just over 400lbs and is harder to handle at slow speeds than my 650lb BMW RT. At slow speeds things like geometry and weight allocation take over (think rake and trail) regarding ease of handling. At quicker speeds the same is true but weight allocation is less of a player.
Have you sat on or ridden both bikes? (Does HD allow test rides?).
james
'04 BMW R1150RT
'99 Ducati 900 Supersport
Malpaso said:Personally, I think it is harder to ride a Sporty than a Big Twin. I have owned an Ironhead, Superglide and a Roadster, and have been riding for 30 years. The high center of gravity of the Sporty is noticeable to me. By harder to ride, I mean you have to pay attention in high speed curves, and the like. I recently test rode a Road King, and found it to be the easiest, most comfortable bike I've ever been on. It felt like an easy chair going inot the turns. YMMV.
FLSTFI-2005 said:geoffreyt - what type of bike are you looking into?
I have a Fatboy and I was suprised how well it handled the first time I got on it.
It has a low center of gravity, unlike the Sportster (which has a high center of gravity).
Thanks!! I will read that fore surealaskan302 said:This site shows the proper technique on picking up a bike with pics http://www.dps.state.mn.us/mmsc/latest/MMSCHomeSecondary.asp?cid=5&mid=32&scat=27
No other stock harley, besides the V-Rod, is going to beat the power to weight ratio of a 1200 sporty.
I.E. A stock 1200 sporty will pull away from a stock softail, dyna etc. if the riders are of equal ability