Ridgeback Ride Quality

Energy One
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Bendie

New Member
Hey Guys
I love the way the ridgeback looks, clean lines.
Question:
Are these models a really harsh ride vs a K9.
Do the frames twist up when getting on the gas hard and drive the bike in the opposite direction from where your pointing it? (Saw this in a review, sounded like BS to me).

I usually trailer my bikes (Yep, I'm old) and then enjoy the Texas Hill County with them.
Thanks
Bendie
 
Th3InfamousI

Th3InfamousI

Administrator
Staff member
Frames twist when getting on the gas hard? That's a new one. And absolutely Not.

I don't know how old you are but some struggle >100 miles on a rigid. I'm 30 and I'm beat around 250-300
 
garyb69

garyb69

Active Member
I havent really travelled that far in one hit yet on mine, i am nearly 49 and i usually stop for a break after about 70 miles and i am good to go again. Our roads are alot different over here in the UK as well as being in a state of disrepair and the BD's weren't really made for them so it takes alot out of you trying to navigate a 9ft long beast around them at times. I did reduce the reduce the rear tire pressure down from the recommended 40+ to 26psi and that made quite a difference and i am hoping to get the seat re done with a gel insert as i still have the stock one and it sometimes feels like you are sat on a block of wood to be honest. Apart from that and the fact it's still off the road waiting for an engine rebuild, i have no complaints. I have a planned 250 mile trip down to Cornwall with the family in about 6 weeks time and "wife permitting" i am hoping to follow them down on my scoot, 90% of the journey is decent 70 - 80 mph main roads and motorways and i am hoping to do that with just the one stop halfway.
 
Nukeranger

Nukeranger

Nukeranger
Th3InfamousI said:
Frames twist when getting on the gas hard? That's a new one. And absolutely Not.

I don't know how old you are but some struggle >100 miles on a rigid. I'm 30 and I'm beat around 250-300
Click to expand...
I agree with Eric. I'm 55 and for traveling on any bike 350-400 miles a day on trips works for me. I'll do a 500 mile trip but it gets boring and it is hot where I'm at. So, another day of riding will have to wait a day or two. On a Ridgeback, you have to watch for the bumps in the road and pull up on the handlebars a little or you'll get a good jolt up your spine.
 
rasdes

rasdes

Active Member
No issues while riding, my longest has been less than 100 miles, when riding slow on bumpy roads each bump causes the throttle to jerk a little so I just hit the cruise mate, smooths the ride somewhat. With all this said it doesn't come close to the ride of my previous Wolf
 
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liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
image.jpg image.jpg Ridgeback VS K9 is like comparing these two pictures! One is for 50-100 mile rides and the other is for 50-500 mile ride!
 
liferider

liferider

Looking forward to retirement
With my 03 chopper I usually go 100-125 miles, fuel up stretch , drink a water and give my ass 20 minute break then I'm off again. The big deal breaker for me is speed! In 1990 when I broke my neck front wind force hurts me BAD! I do have a small wind shield and it helps! But the differance in 75-80 still hurts my neck, while 65-70 and I can go 8-10 hrs which usually adds up to 500-600 mile day stopping 125 mile stops!
 
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Bendie

New Member
Thanks guys for the reply's !
I was more worried about the frame twist (BS) more than anything!
Short trips is all I had in mind so the Ridgeback will prob be ok. I can always borrow my older bro's BMW if long travel is needed!
Any suggestions on the stock seat, replacement, mods or just leave it alone?
Thanks Guys !
 
Coolbreezin

Coolbreezin

Active Member
Ive had mine for 10 years. I dont beat on her but sometimes you just wanna feel 117ci wisk you down the road (not forgetting the exhaust note also!). The only things I would mention is:
1) As said above, watch the road and pull up slightly on the bars just before the bumps.
2) Mention to yr passengers that you get knocked on or off the throttle when you do hit the bumps. So keep one hand always on you.
3) Frame cracks, normally at the welds. Check the forum for threads on this.

Good luck and enjoy.
 
Kobi

Kobi

Member
I just bought a Ridgeback last summer. I never rode a Big Dog before it was shipped to my home. I also Have a Harley Deuce. I too was worried how hard it would ride. Never rode a ridged bike before either. I have to say I was surprised how well it rides!! Sure, you have to watch for bumps in the road. I too just pull up on the handles to take the load off the butt. I also think the rear of the bike looks nice without the suspension, not to mention the 330 tire.. I have to say, on the highway, it rides very well. That's when it rides the best.. I don't even want to ride the Harley anymore!!! Harley Deuce For Sale!!!
 
awg

awg

Guru
The looks between a ridged and a softail is like night and day. I do like the fender hugging the rear tire. The ride is not as smooth as a softail ....but it rides pretty well. Took the one I put together over the winter up to Sandusky for Bike Week. I was pretty happy on how it rode. Must be that big fat seat!
 
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Doug760

Member
I test rode a K9 and a Ridgeback back to back before I drove to Wichita to get my '09 Ridgeback.... I actually preferred the ride of the Ridgeback. It rides so dang well for a rigid that I forget about the limitations...
 
Blackie

Blackie

08’ RIDGEBACK
Troop Supporter
Supporting Member
59 yrs old. Had my 08' since new. Sometimes it knocks the shit out of me(bridge abutments, potholes, etc.) or racks me pretty good. Can ride 200 miles at time but most ever was 450 one day. 6'5" so it fits me we'll. no frame issues yet. 35000 miles and on my 6th rear tire and 4th front. You have to have that "hard tail" attitude or You won't appreciate it. Rode hard tail in 80's but didn't ride this good. :)
 
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