Turning

[maintheburgh]

I've done some searching on this forum, and I get pretty consistent posts back from everyone going form an H-D or Crotch Rocket to the BD. Everyone agrees that the turning radius is something to get use to. I didn't see anything on tips anyone might have. For me going from a crotch rocket to the BD is quite a challenge when turning, and I've never rode cruisers before, so I was wondering if anyone had some tips?

 

[Raywood]

Best thing to do is take the MSF course for experienced riders. They will teach you to move your ass in the seat when turning and this will help you turn tighter. I took the course (military requirement) on mine and was doing the figure 8's better than some with smaller bikes.

 

[KDF]

Knowing how to counter-steer also helps...


KDF

 

[maintheburgh]

I think it's the rake that has me on my toes so to speak. On my sport bike it was turn on a dime, I was real comfortable leaning, counter-steering etc... I've been riding for about 4 years now, so I wouldn't say I'm experienced by any means, but I thought I would have gotten the hang of the BD by now. I signed up for the safety course so hopefully that will help

 

[BBChopper]

I agree with Ray, take a cource. There is alot we take for granted and dont realize!!!!!:2thumbs:

 

[BigMex]

Try staying on top of the bike instead of leaning into the turn. Push the bike into the turn. hope it helps

 

[woodbutcher]

one definite thing to remember when making a turn, look way out to where you want to go., not right in front of you. screw you up faster than you would expect. and YES, the safety course can be completed and passed on a K9.

 

[Gas Man]

Do the corner speed limits.

Turn the bars at slow speeds.

 

[barhopper]

Push forward on the outer end of the grips with the palm of your hand the direction you want to go. It makes a huge difference to make the bike lean and go where you want it to go.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Countersteering and speed is the key to a safe ride through a turn. RH'ers are pipe scrapers so watch the leaning to the right with big radius pipes or other.

 

[seatmaker]

. RH'ers are pipe scrapers so watch the leaning to the right with big radius pipes or other.

Gee I wonder where you got that information,lol

 

[Ratman]

All of the above...PLUS-if you want to learn how to ride at slow speeds-buy the "How To Ride Like A Pro" video. Practice the steps and take notes. Once you learn how to turn that baby around in the road without going off the pavement and ride slow through tight areas without "duckwalking"-everyone else will look like the beginners. Ride safe!

 

[greybeard 59]

Having not yet picked my K-9 yet ,I wondered the difference in the turning dept bettween the wideglide 84 & the 07 K-9.never rode crotch rockets thank god.but the turning radius has to be larger overall than that of the wide glide, but if your transitioning from crotch rockets to the K-9 forget the 60mph turn on a dime turn theory of riding.practice on back roads by your crib till you feel comfortable to venture out to the main road. slow and deliberate turns you'll get used to it faster than you think.:up:

 

[stlmikie]

Get out in a parkinglot and do it a few times. It only took me a short bit to get it down.

 

[K9Anniv]

My first reaction, going from a Harley to a Chopper, was "Man, this thing's got the turning radius of a sailboat!!!"...:lol:

Time & practice = familiarity & mastery...ENJOY!!!

 

[maintheburgh]

Thanks for all the great advise. I'm signed up for the MSF course so hopefully I will gain insight there. I like stlmike advice as well, so i think I'll find a parking lot and see what I can do.

 

[Baldielox]

You can't go wrong taking the course. I've been riding 27 yrs. and I take slow tight turns very easy as my bike wants to stand up and go straight if you're on the throttle any more than just a little. Above 25 mph she handles fine though.

- B

 

[ga3808]

Definately take the course, you won't regret it. They will show you how to shift in the seat when cornering, and look ahead where you want to end up after the turn.

 

[hoat]

just ride it and practice

 

[coach]

I'll add one small piece of advice......anticipate your exit strategy.....for example, enter a steep down-hill driveway, may best back down. When ever I park any where I need to think ahead more than I did with the HD.....as you said....duck walking to maneuver out of a situation sucks. Practice slow u-turns. It is surprising how slow you can maintain your balance with the long wheel base.