Eddieblz wrote:
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.