Learning to ride a top heavy bike

Learning to ride a top heavy bike

I'm 5'2" and late 50's. I was searching for a Rebel 250 and all the guys I know said I would be bored within a couple of weeks. A really special buy on Honda Shadow 600VLX came up and I purchased it. I agree that eventually this will be the bike for me but should have bought small and traded up as I am not only having to learn the "riding" but am fighting the weight of the gas tank which makes it top heavy. Have dropped it twice and have put too much money into it to want to damage while learning. Other than crash bars does anyone have a suggestion?

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Learning to ride a top heavy bike

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Nov 15, 2011

Ride Your Own Ride
by: Anonymous

I started riding when I was 54 years young on a Yamaha 250. Kept it about a year and then purchased a Yamaha 650 which weighs about 525 lbs and kept it about 5 or 6 years and decided it was time to upgrade to a Yamaha 950 which weighs about 635 lbs. Its great. I wouldn't take anything for the learning experiences on the smaller bikes. Always remember: RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE, Keep money in your pocket and know your way home. When someone tries to tell us how or what to ride then we're uncomfortable and nervous and that's when we make mistakes.

Sep 21, 2011

Thanks for the input!
by: Anonymous

Thanks to everyone who has contributed, though some may not have understood that I actually already listened to the wrong people and bought the bike that I now find too big for me, LOL!
Special thanks to those that suggested hugging the tank with my legs, I have already realized that I am prone to keep them pulled away from the bike, will try to correct that positioning.
Have ordered the crash bars and hope that helps to eliminate some damage if I drop again.
Also, for the person who suggested that I take a class; I did try it but the temps were 98deg and I'm not able to wear all that gear so I had to drop out. Will try again but that may not be til end of Nov as I'm not going to keep paying for a class I can't complete until its actually cold outside.
In case anyone hasn't noticed, I've mentioned money and cost a couple of times, so I'll say I'm interested in riding not in spending money on a bike. LOL - So I guess I'll just keep trying and if that fails I'm get it when I complete the class in Nov.
Thanks everyone, hope you are enjoying your ride!!!

Sep 21, 2011

Building on what Angie said...
by: Sandra

Good tips! Remember that you do not control your bike with the handle bars (alone)! The more you learn to use your whole body, the better your control will be. Just like riding a horse, the reins help you "steer", but the animal responds to input from your knees, heels, body lean, etc.

The motorcycle may not have a mind to read your body language, but learning to use your whole body, knees hugging tank, LOOSE grip on handle bars, press, lean, roll techniques...is the key to better control.

It's a "whole body" experience, so don't make your upper body/arms do all the work.

Sep 21, 2011

So far, lots of "comments" but no advice. Here's some:
by: Angie

1) DON'T Don't don't use your front brake when you're going slow, such as in a parking lot. Use the back brake and feather your clutch.

2) HUG HUG HUG the gas tank with your knees in addition to "pressing" on the side of the handle bar in the direction you want to go in a curve. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll take corners. My tendency for a long time (and I didn't even realize I was doing it) was to throw my knee and upper leg out in the direction that I was trying to turn. That actually works against you.

I'm 49 and ride an 850 pound very top heavy Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. Had dropped it several times until I put the 2 tips above into practice. Haven't dropped it since. \

Good luck!

Sep 21, 2011

My experience wit the VLX600
by: Lisa

Hi Dawn,

I started out 18mths ago on a Honda VLX600, yes I let it have a sleep on several occassions - I think 3. I found it top heavy, I think it also has something to do with the rake of the front forks. However after getting my full license I traded up to a Honda 750 Shadow, much easier to handle, even though heavier, have been riding her for about 5mths, clocked up about 10,000 klms and have gained the confidence to trade up again to a Honda 1300R, once again a heavier bike - however still feels lighter than the 600! Even though I know I won't be able to lift the 1300 if she goes down (you never know) I love the feel when she corners, pulling up I never have that "I'm a little out of control" feeling. Maybe the VLX600 will be a transition bike to something more balanced?

Sep 20, 2011

Do you!
by: Dawn

I started out 8+ years ago taking the MSF class. Best thing I ever did! I bought a 1200 Goldwing (was old even back then), but I knew that was too big to start with so my (now) husband rode the bike I got and I learned riding his GS500E. Light enough, nimble enough... don't let anyone else tell you what you should do in regards to riding a specific bike. I'd rather feel comfortable, regardless of size and move up when I'm ready than crash because I'm riding something outide my abilities! When we rode together, we learned after I had a couple minor crashes trying to keep up with him, that the more inexperienced rider should go first.

If you're new to riding, you may want to consider communicators. My husband and I use the Scala rider Q2 (I think) when we ride together. They help immensly. It allows the person with experience to point out problems, give good/bad advise, or make changes to your itinerary at any given time. Not cheap (roughly $300-500 depending on model), but WELL WORTH the buy!

Good luck and remember, there are 2 kinds of riders: Those who have fallen down and those who WILL fall down (or drop it!). I've done both and trying not to do either again.

Sep 20, 2011

Try to stick with it until 3000 miles.
by: Dawn

I have that same bike, and I tell you I couldn't keep it upright the first year. I probably fell over 6 times trying to figure out how to corner. I wished over and over that I had something smaller, but I couldn't afford to switch bikes. Crash bars did make a world of difference when picking it up, and keeping the engine from getting damaged.

I agree with something I read here that said you have to ride about 3000 miles before you feel comfortable.

This summer was a pretty good one, and when I read the 3000 mile thing, I realized that at the beginning of this summer I had gone about that distance, so before you trade down, try to get to the 3000 mark and know you gave it a real test.

I had a chance to ride a Rebel a few weeks ago, and now that I've finally gotten comfortable on my Shadow, I can't imagine myself on anything else. It's small enough to flat foot the ground and has enough zip to go on the freeway without problem, and heavy enough that the traffic doesn't push it around too much on the freeway.

Yes, it does feel heavy at first, but you do get used to it. And just for the record I'm a 45 year old, overweight, out of shape, grandmother, that didn't take up riding again until I turned 40 after a 23 year break. So believe me, if I can do it, most of the other readers should be able to too.

Sep 20, 2011

Rebel 450
by: Sharon

I have a 1986 Rebel 450 with 17,000 miles. In great condition and asking 2500.00......All original. If interested let me know....You can email me at deputylady58@yahoo.com

Sep 20, 2011

Don't listen to guys!! :)
by: Anonymous

First of all don't listen to guys...or anyone else for that matter. U know what is right for u...trust that!! With that said, did you take a riders safety course? Best thing I ever did!! Even tho guys told me not to buy a little bike...I did. I bought a 250 Yamaha Exciter...1980....I rode that for two years! Then upgraded to my HD Superglide and never looked back. Even tho guys don't admit it...everyone drops their bike. Better a $1000 bike then a $20,000 bike!! Don't give up you'll be fine!!

Sprglidegrl :)

Sep 20, 2011

Top Heavy Bikes
by: Marci

When I first learned to ride, my husband thought a 1200 cc Sportster would be a great idea for me. Well, I dropped it once and almost hit a car once. So, I now have a Yamaha Virago 250, and yes, I get bored and yes, it's not great on the highway, BUT I can ride that bike anywhere with confidence.

I will trade up someday soon - can't wait, but it is best to start small until you are confident and secure, and then to go bigger.

Everyone told me, "Oh, if you can handle that Sportster, you can handle anything, so it's good to learn on it." I didn't agree.

Sep 20, 2011

First time rider also
by: Rose

My hubby bought me a Suzuki Boulvard S40 it is a 650 and it light enough i can control it and touch the ground good. I am5'5 and 135 so it is a great bike to learn on, i love riding it. When i get my (Road Legs) as my hubby calls it then i will get the Harley Davidson i want. But for now i am happy with this, it cost so much less to fix if u drop it. It works for me hope you will check it out for yourself. Very Happy Suzuki Boulvard S40 rider.

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