hello ppl !! need advice...i've been riding a metric cruisera 1100 cc v star,logged about 11,000 miles its a low center of gravity bike easy ride, ... i stated on a virago that was top heavy ,took my lumps ,tipped it a couple of times at first,never rode a bike before the virago...Now i have a chance to buy a 2005 King ,I want the bike but am afraid about dumping ,because of the wieght being more up top than i'm used too,..what i'm asking is there THAT MUCH of a differance or is it just being a little awareof the wieght? what is stopping me from buying is thinking that i'm not gonna be able to handle the bike at stops and turns .....thanks

Hey uglydave - Welcome to the forum!!
Riding a heavy bike takes practice, but- you have to have a heavy bike to practice on...
Ultimately - no matter what you ride - you must have confidence.
I've had my bike on its engine guards a few times, no it's not cool/fun but I learned how to not do it again more often than a repeat performance. Get the bike- take it slow- practice(x3)- and enjoy.

Welcome to the forum uglydave. Jeeze you guy love those big bikes. Not Knowing how much you weigh and how tall you are can't say. I'm 6'1" and 240 but right now I ride a Sportster, I have tested some of the big cruisers, for a possible purchase but the bike touring mostly. My sporty will be the bike that I will log in the most miles, its easy to handle, very versatile, responds better than any of the bigger bikes and just flat out more fun. I've only dumped it once and that was because I forgot to put the kickstand down . Whatever you get you have to be comfortable with.

Actually the only time the bike gets heavy is if you let it get too far off center. I use a trick my buddy taught me, I keep my legs positioned against the seat to keep the bike upright instead of using the handle bars. All my problems have always been my foot slipping out on loose or wet ground and the bike slowly tipping over. Looks really pathetic... wonk-wonk-wonk as it goes over. I also learned to put the kick stand down - before- you tip it back up- LOL. You cant let the fact that at some time you are going to have to pick it up stop you.
So here's how you pick up a bike thats resting on its engine guards:
First put the kickstand down.
Stand facing away from your bike, squat down next to it- grab the saddle guard bar- put your butt against the seat and stand up.
With your hip/upper leg against the seat turn and grab the handle bars and slowly let the the bike rest on the kickstand.
IF you have to pick it up from the left side- trickier - but doable.
After you get to the bars compose and center the bike first then get the kickstand down.
Yes I have almost over balanced the bike and had it go over the other way... LOL...
No matter what- as long as those engine guards are on a bike - it can only go over so far if it tips.

As far as ride quality vs. lighter smaller bikes. the larger heavier bikes can still corner well and make riding far more pleasurable. Less bouncing- longer wheelbases- more stable - easier slow speed handling-

As for the weight differences, maintaining a certain level of vigilance at those moments that are most likely when the bike will tip will become second nature once you start. Take your time in the beginning and practice.

What ever happened to this guy???
Never even came back to say thanks...
You're Welcome-

Maybe we need more showers.

No surpises. This is a faceless,nameless and unapreciable format. I can't say in the 3-4 years I been using it that I've met anyone of any substance in person as a consequence. I have met in person many who I have initially met while posting on a forum but the majority have been older 1st time bike owner yuppy ahole POS's and I don't fit in.

I take that back there is one solid and old school hard riding scooter tramp who has since given up forums and who we still stay in touch with each other. And no its not Tourist. Apparently I'm on his chit list too...give a chit.

sorry that i didn't say thanks for the replys!!!! been looking at a few bikes,looking at used Kings!!! i will keep updates more frequently!! and once again THANKS ....

Nice to know you're still alive!!
Hoping to hear the great news when you finally pull the trigger.