Ride quality on a Pitbull rigid?

R

Robert_Harris

New Member
I'm looking at buying an 03 Pitbull. My concern is the rigid suspension, I've heard a lot of people say it's not bad but I'd like to get the opinion from some Pitbull or Ridgeback owners. I owned an old shovelhead rigid and it used to beat the crap out of me and handled horribly. My girlfriend will ride on the back from time to time, how is the ride quality for the passenger. I realize it's not going to ride like a bike with rear suspension but I was just curious what current riders think about it.

Thank you so much for any feedback,
Robert
 
HMAN

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Welcome Robert. Be sure an make a post in the intro section. I've got an 04 Pit. I thought the same too, but I was surprised to find the ride isn't that bad. Ya gotta watch the big bumps, but overall, I'm very happy with the way it rides. The seat is enough to absorb most of what you ride on, you'll learn what streets to avoid rather quickly though. Just my 2 cents.
 
linemup

linemup

Active Member
06 Pitbull............rides smoothly as long as the road is the same. Almost took a dump twice this past weekend on a backroad that had 2 20 ft sections of "waves" in the road. Very scarey to say the least. However, as stated, if the road is nice, so is the ride. Gel seats are nice for the passenger.
 
Five Five

Five Five

Well-Known Member
Well I ride a 2003 Pit ....rode hard tails all my life..pans & shovels.....In my opinion the Pitbull rides a little harder due to the rear tire being wide & low profile, not much sidewall compared to the old rigids with 16" tires where you can play with the tire inflation to smooth out the bumps.

I suggest test riding one see what you think.....

As you can see in the picture below not much of a side wall rubber.

:2thumbs:
"five"


 
RoofDude

RoofDude

Well-Known Member
Hmmm... I think the answer is subjective.:D There are a number of factors involved. Obviously, road conditions matter. Ive owned a lot of bikes in my riding career. However, none had me paying attention to every detail of the road like my Pitbull. If you have a bunch of shitty roads where you're at.... you wont like it. I have a shitty road out the back of my subdivision... I dont ride it.

Age/physical shape matters. If you are in great shape, no aches/pains/problem areas, you'll take it better than some of us. Im a pretty active guy at 40. I ignored the "discomfort" at first. It was cool, & that's what mattered to me. After some time went by, I found myself riding my Harley more. Why... it didnt beat me up near as bad. I would get really nervous on the freeway.... say 70mph, in a turn, over a bridge...

I had my seat done last year. I had a custom setup fab'd, that added springs, & a soft seat... WOW what a difference. I really enjoy it ALOT more now. I have already put more miles on it in the 6-7months since I did this that the previous 12-18 put together. Im in love again.

This link shows the thread where I had it recovered for looks, & includes the thread showing the fab--->RoofDude's seat

As far as a passenger...... never had one on my Pitbull :D My OL wouldnt get on it. I dont blame her. There is really nothing to take the bumps except ass. She wasn't interested. Although, she has no problem riding on the back of my Harley. So, I cant speak from experience with a passenger but, it dont look comfy :)

I bought my Pitbull new in 2004. I bought it cause to me it was the baddest looking bike I had seen. The performance is lights out. I was in love with it from the moment I laid eyes on er. After the "honeymoon" was over, I started to hate the bumps yet, still loved the bike. So, it became more of a barhopper for me. (7yrs ~ 5000miles :( ) Now, with my new seat setup, Im riding her more. Im liking the ride, & still loving the bike....
 
3dognight

3dognight

New Member
I have an 04 Pit. I have nothing to compare it to though as this was my first ride. Like most have said here, the road makes an impact as to how comfy the ride is. I have found that you can play with the air pressure a tad to find the sweet spot. I have no complaints as to the hardtail ride. It may not be as cushy as a shocked scoot but the trade-off is definately worth it, to me anyway. I know I could get a shocked Dog but I got what I got and love it! The looks and comments far outweigh the jolts on not-so-smooth roads. I would say ride it and see for yourself. Good luck on your search.
 
Five Five

Five Five

Well-Known Member
Well said "Roof" your absolutely correct about our bikes....some of our cali roads are beat to shit out here.... I have selective routes...frwys ...streets that I travel and you have to pay attention to whats going on a good bump will send you flying out of your seat ......

Roof I did the opposite of you on the seat, I removed padding :D

I have one group of friends that I ride with we all have rigids so we always agree on the same route :2thumbs: the smooth one...

:2thumbs:
"five"
 
A

atburt

Member
I have a 05 Ridgeback and would buy another one in a heartbeat. Oh wait I can't BD doesn't exist anymore. Well than I will keep the one I have and keep smiling every time I ride it.
 
Chippy Chad

Chippy Chad

Member
I started out wanting a pitbull cuz I still think they are the best looking big dog in my opinion. I have owned 2 rigid Harleys and I got rid of them because I found myself obsessed with the road in front of me instead of enjoying the ride. We have horrible roads here in VT from potholes to frost heaves. If you plan on putting on a lot of miles on I would go with a rear suspension. Just my opinion.
 
kmalysa

kmalysa

Active Member
Pitbull rider here, also have a Goldwing GL1800. I know right? what a difference.
My Pitbull is surprisingly a comfy ride. Just pick your roads carefully. In my neck of the woods, lots of potholes that get filled with asphalt every spring. Those can knock your teeth out or break your ribs!
You just learn to cinch up on the seat when you see something rough and unavoidable ahead.
 
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Nukeranger

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Here's my :zz2cents: I am going to be 51 next month. I am in fairly good shape (Bowflex 6 days a week and run 3 miles a day weather permitting). I now ride a 2008 Ridgeback. Louisiana rodes are not good and not bad. What my Ridgeback has going for it is front forks (duh), long frame, 330mm back tire, and a push seat. I usually forget there are no shocks on the back end. A bad bump in the rode will remind you. However, if you watch the vehicles in front of you, you can pull on the handlebars and no problem. I ride between 300 and 400 miles. I also ride to work as much as possible. I don't ride any of my other bikes more than 3 to 400 miles a day. It just isn't fun and so boring that I tend to get drowsy. Now, if I am going to ROT, that is a different story. I have to get there regardless of the distance which is about 500 miles for me.:whoop:
 
XTREEME

XTREEME

Active Member
Nukeranger said:
A bad bump in the rode will remind you. However, if you watch the vehicles in front of you, you can pull on the handlebars and no problem.
Click to expand...
Perfect point Nuke. IF you are paying attention to the road (ie. not checking out that skinny blonde with big tits walking down the sidewalk), then you always have time to give a little pull on the bars at the right moment, quickly alleviating the weight off your seat.

Its in those specific situations though, at just the wrong time, I have found myself relaxing for just a second with my attention on the blonde, and that MF'ing pothole jumps in the way and gives the spine a jolt like a gunshot in the back. My reaction is always the same too - "FUCK!"

:lol:
 
RoofDude

RoofDude

Well-Known Member
Im betting that the Ridgeback is not a fair comparison. Ive never riden one but, being longer, it seems to me would allow it to "flex" more, in turn making the shock of a bump easier on the rider. I dont believe an '03 Pitbull rides, or absorbs "shock" nearly as well as a RB. Just my opinion, with absolutely nothing to back it up, other than thoughts :D
 
Nukeranger

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
XTREEME said:
Perfect point Nuke. IF you are paying attention to the road (ie. not checking out that skinny blonde with big tits walking down the sidewalk), then you always have time to give a little pull on the bars at the right moment, quickly alleviating the weight off your seat.

Its in those specific situations though, at just the wrong time, I have found myself relaxing for just a second with my attention on the blonde, and that MF'ing pothole jumps in the way and gives the spine a jolt like a gunshot in the back. My reaction is always the same too - "FUCK!"

:lol:
Click to expand...
:whoop:If there is a skinny blonde with big tits to see, I'll take the ass whipping. No pain, no gain:roll:

I am also guessing that a Pitbull and Ridgeback are not the same ride. Just guessing though.
 
Jersey James

Jersey James

Jersey James
I just love my 03 Pit Bull. One fine riding/looking motorcycle. I ride the living heck out of mine, and I am an old fart. I can stay in the saddle all day, with any of the younger riders, no matter what they are riding. Pull the trigger on any (good deal) 03 Pit Bull, you will be glad you did. Ride on....
 
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