Bike Arrives Tomorrow.

[Cshores]

I wanted to post my first official thread (other than the intro) and say my Big Dog is being delivered tomorrow. I am nervous and excited and wanted to ask the one question that needs answering most......is there any "trick" to handling with the big rear tire that I should be weary of??

I have heard war stories from some none Big Dog fans that the rear tire is difficult and potentially dangerous...blah blah blah. It didn't keep me from getting one but I just want to be sure. I never have ridden a big dog so I am needing to hear the details from the experts.

I have read the thread about "turning" with the big rear tire. Is there any more that I should know before I ride her home tomorrow?

thanks in advance.


Cason

 

[woodbutcher]

it had been about 34 years since i rode a bike of any kind before i bought the K9, didn't even test ride it. signed my name to it, put down the money, climbed on and rode away.
you will do fine.

best thing you can do is to remember to watch where you want to go in a turn instead of right in front of the bike. watch as far out as you can and don't be afraid to slow down for the curves.

as soon as you can, sign up for the Motorcycle Riders Safety Program. they are some excellent classes with good teachers.

Have fun.

 

[MN K9]

Just take it cool until you get used to the bike. Watch out for uneven pavement. It will push you around.

Oh Ya....CONGRATS!

 

[HMAN]

FWIW...you'll find you can lean into turns a whole lot more than your used to. At least that's been my experience. Take it easy for a while but once ya get used to how she handles....ride it like ya stole it!!!

 

[Trainguy]

Here's what Earl thinks of the wide tire issue

 

[Peckerwood]

No problem, but it'll definitely handle slower than a "normal" bike. Slow down before the turns, accelerate thru the turns; you'll get used to it quickly. Enjoy!

 

[K9Anniv]

Congrats!!! I'll bet you're getting excited!

The bike's turning radius will be a lot wider than a Harley, but some of that has to do with its overall length.

Just take it slow for awhile and you'll figure it out. :2thumbs:


ps- you might want to avoid riding the Tail of the Dragon (Deal's Gap, 318 turns in 11 miles) your first time out!! :lol:

 

[Iman]

Wolf has a 220 I believe so it won't be like a 300 or 330. You should be fine with that model BD

 

[BOBE]

I have two other Harleys and on one of my first outtings with my chopper I scrapped the frame on out back road curves. Slow speed turning is a bit challenging. Take it slow for awhile and then ride it like it belongs to the brother in las you can't stand.

 

[alphadog]

Enjoy the ride!! Watch the pipes depending on whats on em especially the V&H big radius. They will scrape the pavement and even bounce you in an uneven turn. I lost a few exhaust bracket bolts that way and some have even broken the weld on that bracket.

 

[woodbutcher]

after you get used to the bike, like most, you will notice that both pegs are wearing on the bottom tips and the exhaust (if you have V&H 2/2) will have a hole worn in the front heat shield.

 

[Slick-Dog]

Go big or go home....LOL!!! Enjoy it and congrats, youll love it... just like they have been saying "take it slow and get use to it"

CDFL

 

[Slick-Dog]

Go big or go home....LOL!!! Enjoy it and congrats, youll love it... just like they have been saying "take it slow and get use to it"

CDFL

 

[shovelcowboy]

I'd be excited too. Watch crossing 'gutter' depressions at an angle. Have FUN!

Shovelcowboy

 

[Ray]

Congrats on the new bike , you will love it,,,,,, get use to the curves and be ready to
"Slow Down" especially at first till you get used to it and you will do great. Another thing turning out of driveways kinda barely moving is a little tricky at first as well,, but you get used to it no big deal,,,

Have a great weekend,
Ray :2thumbs:

 

[armad]

Take it slow and easy for a while. Be careful on uneven pavement while at a slow speed. COUNTER STEERING! Then let er rip!

 

[Bmarchant]

FWIW...you'll find you can lean into turns a whole lot more than your used to. At least that's been my experience. Take it easy for a while but once ya get used to how she handles....ride it like ya stole it!!!

I came from riding sport bikes and the first thing that happened going into a turn on the new Big Dog was sparks were flying from my kick stand. I found out I couldn't lean as much as I wanted to. Couldn't stop either. These bikes are a lot of fun, but they are pigs. They don't turn, or stop anything like a standard bike.

Take it slow and cautious at first and get used to it. They are a blast to ride, but nothing like other bikes. You'll find that once you have counter steered to start the turn, you'll have to actually turn into the turn to cut down on the arc. Very odd feeling at first. Its taken a while, but I can turn this bike with the best of them now.

 

[toodie]

Here's what Earl thinks of the wide tire issue

Hang on and let'r rip

As you can see Earl still has plenty of daylight on that left side:roll:

 

[erldawg]

Here's what Earl thinks of the wide tire issue

Thanks DJ n toodie... That was one fun ride and I'd highly recommend running the Dragon at least once. N yes the pegs were scrapping.....

When I first started riding the bike laying it over made me a little nervous. Now it's just routine.

 

[steve03mastiff]

i had the same concern as mentioned above.
going slow and turning...the balance is waaay different than my heritage.
haven't tried laying one over like EARL......that is awesome... may have to try that someday.

CONGRATS on the new to you DOG!!!!