Joined: Jan 01, 2007 Posts: 760 Location: Ulasigi Ulogilv
Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 7:06 am Post subject: Tips for riders of big bikes
Most altitudinally-impaired riders learn to ride a motorcycle on something smaller than a GoldWing. Assuming you are thinking of moving up to a bigger bike, these 10 points may help you enjoy the move.
No matter how many miles you have behind you on a smaller bike, don't assume you can ride a bigger one on the street without practicing on a parking lot first. Moving up to a bigger bike is almost like starting over. (Most little riders going up to a bigger bike don't have to be told this, but you never know.
If you can flatfoot one side and have 'ball of the foot' control on both sides of a big bike, you can probably ride it safely under most circumstances. <You>
Since the fear of dropping a big bike needs to be overcome early, assuming your bike has sufficient guards on it to prevent damage, you may want to take it onto a grassy area and practice dropping it gently from a standstill a couple of times in order to learn the art of standing on the high peg and stepping away from the bike with your other leg, in the event you ever do. This, in order not to end up underneath it. You also may need either a reverse gear (if such is available for your model) or to ride with accommodating friends in order to get your bike out of incline trouble, now and then.
Before you take your big bike on the road for the first time, sit on it and learn where all the controls are, even the ones you don't think you will need (your 'mute' button, for example.) It can be so exciting to ride one of these beasts that should you forget to learn some of the basics early on, it may be too late when you're out there in traffic and too terrified to even move around on the seat.
When you stop a big bike on an incline across your lane, put your foot down on the HIGHER side only at first, and reach very carefully with your foot for the lower side. If you have to, you CAN hold that big bike up with one leg for a very long period - after all, its weight is on the tires, not carried by your leg. Short-legging a big bike (and dumping it) is usually a matter of absent-mindedness... but in some groups, you'll be wearing that pacifier for a while if you forget.
When turning a big bike at slow speeds, a tiny amount of pressure on the rear brake can help you maintain control of the degree of lean you want. NEVER forget to look through the turn!
To get a big bike off the side stand when it is leaning so much you can't easily pick it up, grip the front brake and clutch levers securely (whether the engine is running or not) and push the bike FORWARD as you try to bring it upright in one smooth movement. (This modestly compresses the front suspension, making the bike a little shorter.)
Be sure before you take your big bike on the road that you don't have pant-legs or chaps which will tangle on the peg as you put your feet down at a stop.
Just because it's big doesn't mean it won't lean smartly. If your engine will dependably carry you through a curve with power, you'll be able to lean a bigger bike just as much as a turn requires, with normal skills, at prudent speed. This is a matter of confidence and parking lot practice. You can control it through the foot brake and the clutch.
If the wind seems to be buffeting a big bike more than the little bike you used to ride, try to relax and know that your wheels are securely under you. The weight of the big bike will tend to keep the rubber on the road in the absence of crisis braking, even if you have to lean. If you increase speed somewhat in a strong crosswind, this may help to give you stability (and will get you to the next stop a little sooner, where you can relax your pucker string for a while).
You will soon get past the feeling that you are 'flying a 747' or that the big beast 'wants to go faster', although those are common reactions when you get on a bigger bike. Big bikes tend to have smoother engines and a somewhat different gear ratio from your smaller ride. Once you do get the hang of it, and after that magic 'click' in the mind that tells you you're really RIDING this thing, remember to relax and enjoy yourself -- and now and then, when you feel comfortable, to wave at your admirers! _________________ Chrome Cowgirl
Real & Steel
Honda VTX 1800N
~Geyatahi Soquili~
Vice President National Operations
Joined: Jan 04, 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Jersey Shore
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:53 am Post subject:
I would echo these points. I went from my Sporty to the Deluxe and now to my obnoxiously yellow Goldwing 1800. The transition, no doubt, came with a learning curve (so to speak). But it has been worth it. The weight was the most daunting factor and the second day with it, I learned that the proper techinique for picking up downed bikes does actually work with big bikes. However, if you are moving more than 2mph, the bike floats like a cloud.
I would never try to disuade anyone who is thinking of a bigger bike not to do it. It is true that is you should be able to get your feet on the ground. But I would encourage homework to be done. Research, read and most of all go sit on and, if you can, see if the dealer will let you take it around the lot. Mine did and I was hooked!
Joined: Jul 16, 2007 Posts: 154 Location: Fayetteville, AR
Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject:
This is pretty darn good stuff...
The one about needing help getting out of "incline trouble" every now and then is smart. I have watched that issue carefully from the start, though Roy actually once (and only once) took a place in a downhill forward slant with no way to pul forward and had to ask for help from our daughter's boyfriend;) I can't get much leverage with my short legs but they are strong and I can use one leg at a time with more bike lean to get out of some places that are a bit of a slant. I will also use the cover over the primary to prop against if I really need more umph.
The other one I like is the "watch out" on which leg you put down when the road slants. The first night I brought ours home I made the downhill leg mistake and almost dropped it. Found out that night just how heavy the bike is and how much I can handle when I must.
I of course love the comfortable ride and smooth handling of my BMW1200LT. So I think bigger is better.
LilNinga you should look at the BMW K1200GT. It claimes to have 152 horse power with some touring comfort. And with all those miles I saw you post you might like it.
I also like having the ABS braking which is found on the bigger bikes.
Joined: Jul 16, 2007 Posts: 154 Location: Fayetteville, AR
Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:07 pm Post subject:
Since this thread is revived...I want to add...
Once you get switched to the BIG bike...take care in any changes you make to the set up. I would say that all changes (seat style, and other things) can cause big changes in the way you ride it so be sure and take time to try out new set-up's before you just take off!
Joined: Jan 11, 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Macon, Georgia
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:29 am Post subject: New Bike
I rode a 650 Yamaha for about 1 year and almost got c-r-e-a-m-e-d because I couldn't move fast enough, but luckily the piece of wood didn't get me.
I knew that I had to have a faster bike WITH MORE POWER BUT I am a small lady (5'1") and that narrowed the possibilities.
I sat on a 1100 Yamaha and could touch the ground with my toes so I purchased it because it was so beautiful and the color I wanted. I sold my other bike to a smaller lady.
GAAAAADDDDDS!! Don't know how many times I dropped that bike but
it became a joke with my fellow riders. However, it was not a JOKE with me. It was a good thing that I had highway bars (crash bars) put on it before I picked it up from the dealer.
This is what I had to do to be able to raise my confidence again on the bike:
1. Purchased a lowering kit......had it lowered two inches....that was a mistake because I went over a speed bump and banged the bottom of the bike so loud that the person in front of me heard ti. I was fortunate
that I was not thrown off it. Off again to have it reaised one inch. That
seemed to solve one of the problems.
2. My reach was much less than I thought so I purchased risers which helped me sit up straighter and allowed me to turn the handlebars without
almost falling off the side of the bike.
3. I had the seat cut out a little so I could comfortably flat foot the bike.
4. I had the soles of my boots raised 1/2 inch so there is a slight bend in
my knee.
I now have almost 28,000 miles on the bike but I have tons of respect for the heavy bike and stay off gravel as much as possible.
WOULD I BUY THAT BIKE AGAIN......................GREAT QUESTION!! _________________ silversis
Joined: Jan 01, 2007 Posts: 664 Location: CENTRAL NJ
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:34 am Post subject:
i think the tip about practicing lowing your bike to the ground while practicing standing on the opposite peg is a winner...and an ankle saver!!! _________________ ~~we ride under the same sun and rest under the same moon~~
**personal motto: to embrace the people, perspectives and pathways I encounter while riding
Joined: Oct 08, 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Somewhere in the Kettle Moraine State Forest
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:25 pm Post subject:
Excellent topic!!!
I used to ride a Honda CBR 600 it was too tall for me and I kept falling over..........
I had a big scare with it in traffic and didn't ride again for YEARS!!!! One day I sat on a Honda Spirit750 and fell in love! I did, however dump that bike too about three times...........I have changed the seat to a Corbin (lowered my seat about 2 inches and WOW is it comfortable) and put risers/extensions on my handle bars..............sometimes in a tight turn the right bar was so far away from me it would cause me to twist the throttle............BAD!!!
SO NOW I want to move up to a VTX1300...........my Husband wants me to get an 1800, but I feel like it is too big for me.........I have a hard time lifting it off the kickstand..........weird thing is, the 1300 weighs almost the same but I pick that up easily..........I think the 1800 sits over on it's kickstand further............
Well, anyhoo, great topic and when I DO move to a bigger bike, I am FOR SURE going to practice a bit and see how it handles BEFORE having it bite me out in traffic somewhere~~............. _________________ Broo
...Always be a first rate version of yourself.......not a second rate version of somebody else....
Joined: Jan 11, 2007 Posts: 130 Location: Macon, Georgia
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:37 pm Post subject: Leans Over
Broo,
Think about having a piece welded to the botton of the kickstand.
I saw a bike with a one inch piece welded to the shape of the foot of the kick stand and it raised the bike just enough to assist with straigntening it
up.
Joined: Oct 04, 2007 Posts: 159 Location: Rochester, Minnesota
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:37 pm Post subject:
Broo, I know this sounds stupid and you may be doing it already, but I have always told Phats that his bike was to heavy for me (he has a Road King Classic) and I could not lift it off the kick stand. He showed me that by just turning the front wheel to the right past center will make it easy and it really does. Now this skinny old lady can get his up with ease. Now if he will just let me ride his pride and joy...............NOT!
Joined: Oct 08, 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Somewhere in the Kettle Moraine State Forest
Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 2:47 pm Post subject:
Not stupid at all!!! And yes, I have tried it that way too and it does make it easier, but still not as easy as a VTX1300
I also worry about parking these big bad bikes Right now, my 750 is easy peasy.................. _________________ Broo
...Always be a first rate version of yourself.......not a second rate version of somebody else....
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