Bike (motor) Size

Bike (motor) Size

I am a new rider, and find my Harley Sportster 1200 hard to maneuver at very low speeds, turning sharp out onto roadway, it seems to be more to do with my hand strength and the clutch. Is it too, big, or will it get better with practice? (I have passed a Rider Safety course)

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Bike (motor) Size

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Aug 16, 2010

Thanks for the tips.
by: Anonymous

My bike is a 2009 Sportster. I have taken a couple of long rides in the last couple weeks and the seat time has made a big difference. I am comfortable with the bike in high speed turns, still need practice on tight parking lot turns. Although I ride a Harley, (I liked the look of the bike). I ride with a mixed a group of riders. My son has a crotch rocket and friends have Yamaha's. These are also great bikes. Thank you all for your comments and support. j

Aug 16, 2010

Sporty Turning
by: Anonymous

Slow sharp turns are better done I find if you can keep the bike upright. Avoid using the front brake too when the handle bars are fully turned as this tends to make the bike fall quickly. Careful control of the clutch is also important. I have dropped my bike when sharp cornering once because I front braked while the handlebars were at full lock and was looking to the right.

Another thing is put your foot out as wide as possible when stopping because if the handlebars are at full lock this can bring you foot closer to the bike if its still moving and you can lose balance.

Jul 07, 2010

Harley's aren't the only bikes!
by: Anonymous

I resent the remark about cheap Metrics. I love my Honda Spirit 750. I hadn't ridden in over 30 years and had no trouble getting used to riding again. The Honda is a great bike and very easy to ride.

Jun 29, 2010

Keep Practicing!
by: Sassy2731

I had trouble at first with my sportster also, but after awhile it does get easier with practice. I still have trouble even with my fatboy and roadking making some turns. Just remember to not try to turn like if in a car. You have to push the handgrip on the side that you are turning, but not too hard. (left handgrip for left turns and right handgrip for right turns)as this is how a bike steers. I had a lot of trouble remembering this too! Just keep practicing because it is not the bike. It time you will be riding with so much ease and not even thinking about what you do to turn or shift it will all come very naturally with time.

Jun 28, 2010

Sporty
by: Anonymous

H-d sporty's are no more top heavy than any other bike. Keep riding you get it. I am glad your bike is a Harley not a cheap metric bike. I guess you ride what you can afford.

Jun 28, 2010

Sporty
by: kp

What year is your Sportster? The older ones were pretty top heavy and harder to maneuver at slower speeds. Are you able to flat foot the bike? It really just takes time in the saddle. Take the bike to a big open parking lot and practice practice practice. 10 right turn loops, 10 left turn loops, figure 8's still your bored. start stop start stop. You'll get there. And never forget: we were ALL newbs at one point!

Jun 28, 2010

Sporty
by: Anonymous

Sporty's are very heavy on the bottom end and tall. Maybe not the best bike to start out on.

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