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Motorcycles » rec.motorcycles.harley » Riding techniques/windshield position
| Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763743] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 14:37 |
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2005 Electra Glide Standard
Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
staggered, etc. primarily in curves. I noticed this on the way home
from MAMBM cuz the boy and I would swap bikes every 100 miles or so.
With his Sporty it was like I was on a rail in the corners, but the
Glide and I had more difficulty. Obviously they are much different
bikes and handle as such, but I wonder why I'm having this difficulty.
I seem to wander the lanes on the EG, especially on curves. OK...no
jokes about Kansas having no curves. <g> I did some rare 2-up riding
this weekend, too. It just felt like it was fighting me in the curves.
Another rider that was behind me mentioned later that my wife wasn't
leaning with me, so that may be a factor, but even without a passenger
I find myself getting nervous in sweepers and curves. I didn't adjust
the air-shocks for the additional passenger, though.
Here's my observations. Purely unscientific. The top of the EG's
windshield is an inch or so higher than the Sporty. It is right about
eye level. Could it be causing me to be looking 'below' the top and
watching the road too close to me and the front of the bike. I
understand that looking too close in front of you makes you ride
erratically cuz you're constantly trying to correct your position.
Looking farther down the road will not do that. I thought about
lowering the windshield an inch or two.
During the trip I did my best to force myself to look 'over' the
windshield, but as soon as I let my mind wander I discovered that I was
looking just 30 feet in front of me. This didn't happen on the
Sporty.Then there is the chicken and the egg thing. Maybe I'm looking
too close and the bike wanders, or maybe the bike wanders and I'm
looking close cuz I'm trying to correct enough to stay in my half of
the lane.
Seems the Sporty required some effort to change directions while the EG
requires some effort to stay in a straight line. Maybe I'm just not a
great rider and I should slow down in curves.
Drinks for anyone that got this far, and thanks for any input.
Andy aka Big 'Oh shit! A curve!' Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763744 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 14:56 |
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On 5 Jun 2006 05:37:10 -0700, "big stinkie" <andythe [at] earthlink.net>
postulated :
>2005 Electra Glide Standard
>Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
(snipped the narrative)
You didn't mention tire condition but I assume you have some good
tread.
You didn't mention if you had packed some sort of tall or heavy bag
high in the center of gravity triangle.
Your passenger should be looking over your low shoulder.
You might want to see if the swing arm is tightened to spec.
I've never been comfortable looking the the distortion of a motorcycle
windshield. I always cut mine so that I'm looking just over the top
but can crouch down to get some some protection from rain.
Relaxing may also help.
With the exception of my '01 EG Standard I've never ridden a Glide
that wasn't stable if all the above wasn't up to snuff.
Ride Safe!
Greasy Rider SLOB-6
'97 FLHTCI Lehman trike
53 years of motorcyling
(This line intentionally left blank)
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763752 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 16:06 |
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On 6/5/2006 8:37 AM big stinkie mumbled something about the following:
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> staggered, etc. primarily in curves. I noticed this on the way home
> from MAMBM cuz the boy and I would swap bikes every 100 miles or so.
> With his Sporty it was like I was on a rail in the corners, but the
> Glide and I had more difficulty. Obviously they are much different
> bikes and handle as such, but I wonder why I'm having this difficulty.
> I seem to wander the lanes on the EG, especially on curves. OK...no
> jokes about Kansas having no curves. <g> I did some rare 2-up riding
> this weekend, too. It just felt like it was fighting me in the curves.
> Another rider that was behind me mentioned later that my wife wasn't
> leaning with me, so that may be a factor, but even without a passenger
> I find myself getting nervous in sweepers and curves. I didn't adjust
> the air-shocks for the additional passenger, though.
>
> Here's my observations. Purely unscientific. The top of the EG's
> windshield is an inch or so higher than the Sporty. It is right about
> eye level. Could it be causing me to be looking 'below' the top and
> watching the road too close to me and the front of the bike. I
> understand that looking too close in front of you makes you ride
> erratically cuz you're constantly trying to correct your position.
> Looking farther down the road will not do that. I thought about
> lowering the windshield an inch or two.
>
> During the trip I did my best to force myself to look 'over' the
> windshield, but as soon as I let my mind wander I discovered that I was
> looking just 30 feet in front of me. This didn't happen on the
> Sporty.Then there is the chicken and the egg thing. Maybe I'm looking
> too close and the bike wanders, or maybe the bike wanders and I'm
> looking close cuz I'm trying to correct enough to stay in my half of
> the lane.
>
> Seems the Sporty required some effort to change directions while the EG
> requires some effort to stay in a straight line. Maybe I'm just not a
> great rider and I should slow down in curves.
>
> Drinks for anyone that got this far, and thanks for any input.
>
> Andy aka Big 'Oh shit! A curve!' Stinkie SLOB#3
>
Thanks for the coffee.
I found that a lower windshield not only gave me better view, but I got
a lot less updraft from under it. Also, I've found that on the geezer,
anything less than 36 PSI in the tires will make it wander, and I've
come to prefer 38 PSI instead. I also noticed my Dunlog 402s cupped at
about 15,000 miles, but the 491s took till about 22k to notice the
cupping. I'll see how the ME880s will do now.
--
Odinn
RCOS #7 SENS BS ???
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763756 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 16:47 |
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"big stinkie" <andythe [at] earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:1149511029.961321.267260 [at] f6g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> staggered, etc. primarily in curves. I noticed this on the way home
> from MAMBM cuz the boy and I would swap bikes every 100 miles or so.
> With his Sporty it was like I was on a rail in the corners, but the
> Glide and I had more difficulty. Obviously they are much different
> bikes and handle as such, but I wonder why I'm having this difficulty.
> I seem to wander the lanes on the EG, especially on curves. OK...no
> jokes about Kansas having no curves. <g> I did some rare 2-up riding
> this weekend, too. It just felt like it was fighting me in the curves.
> Another rider that was behind me mentioned later that my wife wasn't
> leaning with me, so that may be a factor, but even without a passenger
> I find myself getting nervous in sweepers and curves. I didn't adjust
> the air-shocks for the additional passenger, though.
>
<snip the wobbles>
I haven't any complaints about the stability or tracking in curves
on the FLHT. I can understand the difference in the ease of
turning, swapping lanes, and such. DIt always seemed strange
to me that the un-modified Buell had a much higher effort to
steer than an 800 pound bagger. Must be the same on a Sporty.
did you notice this prior to the tree attack? Or is this a new
thing?
About the windshield, mine cracked in the center bolt hole
a couple of years ago, so over the winter I bobbed it an
inch. I see better, but for me at 6'4", it put me right in the
turbulance and annoyingly shakes my glasses. Guess I'll
go back to a stock height shield.
--
"frito"
Fred Snetzer
'01 FLHT, '97 M2
TOMKAT
IBA #10549 BS #162
http://users.ipa.net/~frito/
http://eddiekieger.com/
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763760 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 17:45 |
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"big stinkie" <andythe [at] earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:1149511029.961321.267260 [at] f6g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> staggered, etc. primarily in curves. I noticed this on the way home
> from MAMBM cuz the boy and I would swap bikes every 100 miles or so.
> With his Sporty it was like I was on a rail in the corners, but the
> Glide and I had more difficulty. Obviously they are much different
> bikes and handle as such, but I wonder why I'm having this difficulty.
> I seem to wander the lanes on the EG, especially on curves. OK...no
> jokes about Kansas having no curves. <g> I did some rare 2-up riding
> this weekend, too. It just felt like it was fighting me in the curves.
> Another rider that was behind me mentioned later that my wife wasn't
> leaning with me, so that may be a factor, but even without a passenger
> I find myself getting nervous in sweepers and curves. I didn't adjust
> the air-shocks for the additional passenger, though.
>
> Here's my observations. Purely unscientific. The top of the EG's
> windshield is an inch or so higher than the Sporty. It is right about
> eye level. Could it be causing me to be looking 'below' the top and
> watching the road too close to me and the front of the bike. I
> understand that looking too close in front of you makes you ride
> erratically cuz you're constantly trying to correct your position.
> Looking farther down the road will not do that. I thought about
> lowering the windshield an inch or two.
>
> During the trip I did my best to force myself to look 'over' the
> windshield, but as soon as I let my mind wander I discovered that I was
> looking just 30 feet in front of me. This didn't happen on the
> Sporty.Then there is the chicken and the egg thing. Maybe I'm looking
> too close and the bike wanders, or maybe the bike wanders and I'm
> looking close cuz I'm trying to correct enough to stay in my half of
> the lane.
>
> Seems the Sporty required some effort to change directions while the EG
> requires some effort to stay in a straight line. Maybe I'm just not a
> great rider and I should slow down in curves.
>
> Drinks for anyone that got this far, and thanks for any input.
>
> Andy aka Big 'Oh shit! A curve!' Stinkie SLOB#3
>
(Damn, am I outa bed already?)
Andy, I have never ridden a Sporty, but my guess is some of the differences
are from absolutely different bikes and frame construction. IIRC the touring
frames have rubber mounts for the swing arm, and they will flex a bit. I do
notice the flex in my Ultra. It was a bit un-nerving at first, but once I
got a few miles on I got used to it. It is also possible your bike needs to
be aligned properly. I have heard of fellows getting tires changed, then
having to get the rear and front tires in line to get it to ride correctly.
I think what you describe is probably normal. You just need to look for the
fabled Kansas curve and practice some!
--
PoorUB
'05 Ultra Classic
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position - overheard at Campground [message #763773 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 19:02 |
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big stinkie wrote:
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> staggered, etc. primarily in curves. I noticed this on the way home
> from MAMBM cuz the boy and I would swap bikes every 100 miles or so.
> With his Sporty it was like I was on a rail in the corners, but the
> Glide and I had more difficulty. Obviously they are much different
> bikes and handle as such, but I wonder why I'm having this difficulty.
> I seem to wander the lanes on the EG, especially on curves. OK...no
> jokes about Kansas having no curves. <g> I did some rare 2-up riding
> this weekend, too. It just felt like it was fighting me in the curves.
> Another rider that was behind me mentioned later that my wife wasn't
> leaning with me, so that may be a factor, but even without a passenger
> I find myself getting nervous in sweepers and curves. I didn't adjust
> the air-shocks for the additional passenger, though.
I have nothing to add to help but I heard this last week at a campground
in Georgia and thought it fitting.
Sport Bike Rider, "I'm amazed at how Harley riders can do Deal's Gap
without ever leaning".
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763785 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 21:47 |
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On Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:06:20 -0400, Odinn <bqvaa [at] ngynagnovxre.arg>
wrote:
> Also, I've found that on the geezer, anything less than 36 PSI in
> the tires will make it wander, and I've come to prefer 38 PSI instead.
My bike wandered so much with Avon Venoms that I contacted the
factory. They told me to run 42 pounds, front and rear, and that
seems to have fixed the problem, for the most part. I doubt that I'd
buy them again though. As highly touted as they seem to be, I don't
care for them.
I run with a -4" windshield. I *hate* looking through the things in
the rain, which we have an abundance of here in the PNW. I have to
live with a tad of buffeting, but I figure that the majority of my
riding is at a speed where it's not too much of a factor, so the
trade-off in being able to see better, is worth it for me.
--
Curly LaJolla AH #117 BS #107 Curly #1
93 FLHS Bark-O-Glide
"Smooth as a Stratoliner"
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #763791 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 22:29 |
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LaJolla wrote:
> On Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:06:20 -0400, Odinn <bqvaa [at] ngynagnovxre.arg>
> wrote:
>
>
>>Also, I've found that on the geezer, anything less than 36 PSI in
>>the tires will make it wander, and I've come to prefer 38 PSI instead.
>
>
> My bike wandered so much with Avon Venoms that I contacted the
> factory. They told me to run 42 pounds, front and rear, and that
> seems to have fixed the problem, for the most part. I doubt that I'd
> buy them again though. As highly touted as they seem to be, I don't
> care for them.
As much as I don't know about them, I don't believe for a moment that
any AVON is meant for riding in such conditions.
Well, I know a wee tad, as I had an Avon Super Venom on the back of the
"Yellow Pearl" I had, and it too was squirlly when I had to ride in the
rain.
I just bought it because it "looked kewl".
I sold that tire for about $7K.. bike attached!
Stunningly enough, I still like the stock Dunlops, for all around woo
hoo ness.
> I run with a -4" windshield. I *hate* looking through the things in
> the rain, which we have an abundance of here in the PNW.
Regarding windshields, I too have a problem while attempting to look
THROUGH it, so I never have, as that is not what you are supposed to do
with them.
I cut mine down as soon as I bought my bike, so that I could
look-n-peer OVER the damned thing for it's intended purpose... to
DEFLECT crap while still in a proper and comfortable riding position.
Granted, the bat wing/windshield doesn't do SHIT when yer only doing 15
MPH and the rain is saying "BWAAAAHAHAHAHAAAA!" in a straight downer!
:)
> I have to
> live with a tad of buffeting, but I figure that the majority of my
> riding is at a speed where it's not too much of a factor, so the
> trade-off in being able to see better, is worth it for me.
Ahhh.. Buffeting!
That's what makes you love a nice hot tub at the end of a long day of
"Who's boss?" kinda riding, while strong arming yer ride with constant
40+ MPH crosswinds...with gusts!
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position - overheard at Campground [message #763796 ] |
Mon, 05 June 2006 23:05 |
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"Tailgunner" <nick [at] byteme.nbrigham.com> wrote:
> Sport Bike Rider, "I'm amazed at how Harley riders can do Deal's Gap without ever leaning".
That cuz they're not Harley *riders*, but rather Harley *drivers* which
is to say that they're cagers with a cager mentality and don't know Jack
Shit about counter-steering. Or, maybe it's just sea sickness. ;^)
-=Grumbler
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770324 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:28 |
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GreasyRider [at] invalid.com wrote:
> On 5 Jun 2006 05:37:10 -0700, "big stinkie" <andythe [at] earthlink.net>
> postulated :
> >2005 Electra Glide Standard
> >Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> (snipped the narrative)
>
> You didn't mention tire condition but I assume you have some good
> tread.
>
Still good tread.
> You didn't mention if you had packed some sort of tall or heavy bag
> high in the center of gravity triangle.
>
Nope...just my fat ass.
> Your passenger should be looking over your low shoulder.
>
> You might want to see if the swing arm is tightened to spec.
>
I have the service manual, so I might just look that up tomorrow.
> I've never been comfortable looking the the distortion of a motorcycle
> windshield. I always cut mine so that I'm looking just over the top
> but can crouch down to get some some protection from rain.
>
Might hafta get out the dremel tool. I have a short smoked windshield
that I might try before I go cutting into the stock one...just to see
what happens.
> Relaxing may also help.
>
Kinda wonder if that isn't some of it. I get kinda nervous, so I don't
take the curve right. Not taking the curve right makes me nervous,
which makes me take the curve poorly, which makes me nervous. I see an
endless loop here. <g>
> With the exception of my '01 EG Standard I've never ridden a Glide
> that wasn't stable if all the above wasn't up to snuff.
>
Now I have something to go check. Thanks for the input.
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770325 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:25 |
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big stinkie wrote:
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
>
> My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> staggered, etc. primarily in curves.
<snip the wobbles>
> Andy aka Big 'Oh shit! A curve!' Stinkie SLOB#3
Something else to look at is the front motor mount, over on the HTT
list there have been several reported low mileage failures lately.
I just put the "C" version of the mount on my bike before heading
to MAMBM.It made a significant difference in the feel of the bike.
The old mount had the consistency of a marshmallow.
frito [at] work :(
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770326 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:29 |
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Odinn wrote:
(snip)
>
> I found that a lower windshield not only gave me better view, but I got
> a lot less updraft from under it. Also, I've found that on the geezer,
> anything less than 36 PSI in the tires will make it wander, and I've
> come to prefer 38 PSI instead. I also noticed my Dunlog 402s cupped at
> about 15,000 miles, but the 491s took till about 22k to notice the
> cupping. I'll see how the ME880s will do now.
>
Hmmmm. I have 35 in mine. I'll try more pressure. That might be the
cure.
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770327 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:32 |
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frito wrote:
(snip)
> >
> <snip the wobbles>
>
> I haven't any complaints about the stability or tracking in curves
> on the FLHT. I can understand the difference in the ease of
> turning, swapping lanes, and such. DIt always seemed strange
> to me that the un-modified Buell had a much higher effort to
> steer than an 800 pound bagger. Must be the same on a Sporty.
> did you notice this prior to the tree attack? Or is this a new
> thing?
Didn't really have that many miles on it when the tree leaped out if
front of me. About 3K was all, so I can't really say. It's something
I've thought about, though. I'll try some of the other fixes first. If
they don't work it might be the problem. Hope not. It'd probably be
expensive to fix.
>
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770329 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:36 |
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Greg O wrote:
(snip)
>
> Andy, I have never ridden a Sporty, but my guess is some of the differences
> are from absolutely different bikes and frame construction. IIRC the touring
> frames have rubber mounts for the swing arm, and they will flex a bit. I do
> notice the flex in my Ultra. It was a bit un-nerving at first, but once I
> got a few miles on I got used to it. It is also possible your bike needs to
> be aligned properly. I have heard of fellows getting tires changed, then
> having to get the rear and front tires in line to get it to ride correctly.
>
I think I'll have the alignment checked next time it's at the dealer.
> I think what you describe is probably normal. You just need to look for the
> fabled Kansas curve and practice some!
>
That might be the case. I have to admit that sometimes I head into a
curve and my Arkansas cedar tree thing comes to mind. Maybe I'm a bit
gun shy. Gotta get myself over that, cuz even in Kansas ya can't ride
very far without findind a curve somewhere.
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770330 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 06:38 |
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frito wrote:
> big stinkie wrote:
> > 2005 Electra Glide Standard
> > Recommended air pressure in tires and air-shocks.
> >
> > My son and I rode to/from Tennessee/Kansas last weekend. He on his
> > Sporty, me on my Standard. I have noticed in the last year (to the day
> > actually. Picked the EG up on the 5th of June last year) that I've had
> > more trouble keeping the EG in her half of the lane when riding
> > staggered, etc. primarily in curves.
>
> <snip the wobbles>
>
> > Andy aka Big 'Oh shit! A curve!' Stinkie SLOB#3
>
> Something else to look at is the front motor mount, over on the HTT
> list there have been several reported low mileage failures lately.
> I just put the "C" version of the mount on my bike before heading
> to MAMBM.It made a significant difference in the feel of the bike.
> The old mount had the consistency of a marshmallow.
>
> frito [at] work :(
I'll check it out. The dealer replaced it after I had it checked out
after the tree thing, but it could have shot craps again.
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position - overheard at Campground [message #770373 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 15:06 |
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Grumbler wrote:
> "Tailgunner" <nick [at] byteme.nbrigham.com> wrote:
>> Sport Bike Rider, "I'm amazed at how Harley riders can do Deal's Gap without ever leaning".
>
> That cuz they're not Harley *riders*, but rather Harley *drivers* which
> is to say that they're cagers with a cager mentality and don't know Jack
> Shit about counter-steering. Or, maybe it's just sea sickness. ;^)
>
> -=Grumbler
>
>
>
After seeing so many "drivers" on the the Blue Ridge last week, I do
know what you mean. I was behind one guy who looked like he was reclined
on a couch.
Each to his own.
Tailgunner
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position - overheard at Campground [message #770391 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 16:51 |
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"Tailgunner" <nick [at] byteme.nbrigham.com> wrote:
> After seeing so many "drivers" on the the Blue Ridge last week, I do know what you mean. I was behind one guy who
> looked like he was reclined on a couch.
Not everyone loves leaning into the curves even at a leisurely clip. While
at the Hells Canyon Rally last month was behind two V8-powered trikes
on Hwy 86 for several miles. They were a little too slow in the curves for
me, but hauled ass on the straights.
> Each to his own.
Indeed, and that goes for the ladies, too.
-=Grumbler
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770434 ] |
Tue, 06 June 2006 20:40 |
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big stinkie wrote:
>
> Hmmmm. I have 35 in mine. I'll try more pressure. That might be the
> cure.
If you are running stock Dunlops, 40 front and 40 rear all the time and check them every 7
days. You will be amazed at the road feel and the mileage you will get on the tires. Look
for more than 24k on the front and 12k on the rear. If you have air shocks, 25 rear and 15
front (but I think you have those new cartridge forks).
Lighten your grip and relax. My son says, when riding my Road King, that all he has to do is
'think' about where he wants to go and the bike does it.<g>
--
(^oo^) AH#120 SENS NEWT#11 BS#188 MISFIT DOF#YES
(_0_) RMH FAQs - http://rmhfaq.com
BEAR Reply-To: gtodd at eye_ex dot netcom dot com
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770470 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 00:38 |
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Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
> big stinkie wrote:
> >
> > Hmmmm. I have 35 in mine. I'll try more pressure. That might be the
> > cure.
>
> If you are running stock Dunlops, 40 front and 40 rear all the time and check them every 7
> days. You will be amazed at the road feel and the mileage you will get on the tires. Look
> for more than 24k on the front and 12k on the rear. If you have air shocks, 25 rear and 15
> front (but I think you have those new cartridge forks).
>
> Lighten your grip and relax. My son says, when riding my Road King, that all he has to do is
> 'think' about where he wants to go and the bike does it.<g>
>
Sounds like good advice...I'll try that tomorrow and take 'er for a
spin. BTW, I really liked the way your handlebars felt. Might try
something like that m'self one of these days.
Later,
Andy aka Big Stinkie SLOB#3
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770494 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 04:31 |
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"big stinkie" <andythe [at] earthlink.net> wrote:
> 2005 Electra Glide Standard
If you haven't done so already, read this article:
http://www.bikernet.com/garage/truetrack.asp
HTH,
-=Grumbler
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770510 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 06:29 |
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Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
> big stinkie wrote:
>> Hmmmm. I have 35 in mine. I'll try more pressure. That might be the
>> cure.
>
> If you are running stock Dunlops, 40 front and 40 rear all the time and check them every 7
> days. You will be amazed at the road feel and the mileage you will get on the tires. Look
> for more than 24k on the front and 12k on the rear. If you have air shocks, 25 rear and 15
> front (but I think you have those new cartridge forks).
>
> Lighten your grip and relax. My son says, when riding my Road King, that all he has to do is
> 'think' about where he wants to go and the bike does it.<g>
>
Tire pressures and shock pressures you're listing sound like
what's used for riding two up.......
Recently I experienced some major (I thought it was) high
speed wobble on my 2005 Ultra.
After checking everything, only thing I found was I had my
rear air shocks set for riding 2 up (I had been) at 15 PSI.
I reset it to 7.5 PSI (book says between 5 and 10 for a
single rider.
Suspension was just set WAY too stiff for the riding I was
doing and I was feeling some wheel hop on the back end.
My book calls for 36psi front and rear tires, unless I'm
riding 2 up, then I get 40 in the rear. My 2002 Deuce had
the same specs.
--
Steve Irving (Irv) - BS#237/SLOB#12
http://www.nite.com/bike.html
Under a black flag we shall sail.......
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770515 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 09:42 |
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LaJolla wrote:
> On Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:06:20 -0400, Odinn <bqvaa [at] ngynagnovxre.arg>
>
> My bike wandered so much with Avon Venoms that I contacted the
> factory. They told me to run 42 pounds, front and rear, and that
> seems to have fixed the problem, for the most part. I doubt that I'd
> buy them again though. As highly touted as they seem to be, I don't
> care for them.
> --
> Curly LaJolla AH #117 BS #107 Curly #1
> 93 FLHS Bark-O-Glide
> "Smooth as a Stratoliner"
I'm running Venoms currently, have to say I prefer the Avon Roadrunner
much more for better traction.
--
Railroad Bob
91 FXR
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770529 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 15:04 |
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SteveI wrote:
>
> Tire pressures and shock pressures you're listing sound like
> what's used for riding two up.......
>
> Recently I experienced some major (I thought it was) high
> speed wobble on my 2005 Ultra.
>
> After checking everything, only thing I found was I had my
> rear air shocks set for riding 2 up (I had been) at 15 PSI.
> I reset it to 7.5 PSI (book says between 5 and 10 for a
> single rider.
>
> Suspension was just set WAY too stiff for the riding I was
> doing and I was feeling some wheel hop on the back end.
I read where you experienced that wobble/wheel hop and I know every frame is just a little
different. I particularly like a stiff suspension, seems to give me a better feel of the
road. <shrug> And yes, I have hit pressure ridges in roads to make the wheels hop, sometimes
violently. I've also hit channels/groves worn in the tire tracks from heavy trucks that
makes the bike 'feel' like it is going into a wobble particularly in a turn and especially
if on a Macadam surface. Those are exceptions rather than the rule though.
I also carry about 30 pounds of tools in my saddlebags all the time. It's an old holdover
from the sixty's that I just can't shake.<g>
>
> My book calls for 36psi front and rear tires, unless I'm
> riding 2 up, then I get 40 in the rear. My 2002 Deuce had
> the same specs.
My manual calls for the same for the supplied Dunlop 402 tires, but the suggested pressures
from HD make my 99 Road King 'wallow' and 'wander' and wear a rear tire out in about 6,000
miles. After 82,000 miles, the settings work for me. <g>
From Dunlop tire info center:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=8 #tip
"Keep in mind that hard cornering, passengers, heavy loads and sustained high speeds will
require higher pressures (up to that indicated on the sidewall)."
I *do* ride my Road King like a Sportster! <g>
From the same site, different page:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=3 1#tip
"For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb. total)-minimum tire pressure of
32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.
Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up to maximum motorcycle
capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be
maintained."
"Up to 200 lb total"? I don't know about you, butt I weigh 220 lbs naked <g>, so that leaves
'only' the second "Heavier loads..." application for me.<g>
--
(^oo^) AH#120 SENS NEWT#11 BS#188 MISFIT DOF#YES
(_0_) RMH FAQs - http://rmhfaq.com
BEAR Reply-To: gtodd at eye_ex dot netcom dot com
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770538 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 15:51 |
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Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
>
> I read where you experienced that wobble/wheel hop and I know every frame is just a little
> different. I particularly like a stiff suspension, seems to give me a better feel of the
> road. <shrug> And yes, I have hit pressure ridges in roads to make the wheels hop, sometimes
> violently. I've also hit channels/groves worn in the tire tracks from heavy trucks that
> makes the bike 'feel' like it is going into a wobble particularly in a turn and especially
> if on a Macadam surface. Those are exceptions rather than the rule though.
Ain't that the truth (about exceptions). I was getting my
wobble/hop on downhill sweepers doing speeds higher than
85mph......roads were good asphalt without any channels or
grooves,
36psi front and rear, along with 7.5psi in rear shocks seems
to have solved the problem. And although I increase the
pressures on tires and shocks when my wife is on the bike
with me, I tend to ride slower (since the bike scares the
shit out of her anyway).
>
> I also carry about 30 pounds of tools in my saddlebags all the time. It's an old holdover
> from the sixty's that I just can't shake.<g>
I carry tools too, along with a cooler in my right saddlebag
holding a 6 pack of 1/2 liter bottles of water....topped off
with ice (I live in Phoenix <sfsf>. Been known to show up
carrying my own furniture.......but that's another story.
>
>> My book calls for 36psi front and rear tires, unless I'm
>> riding 2 up, then I get 40 in the rear. My 2002 Deuce had
>> the same specs.
>
> My manual calls for the same for the supplied Dunlop 402 tires, but the suggested pressures
> from HD make my 99 Road King 'wallow' and 'wander' and wear a rear tire out in about 6,000
> miles. After 82,000 miles, the settings work for me. <g>
I ran through rear tires on my Deuce in about 10K, I've only
got 6K on my Ultra so far and tires look almost new.
>
> From Dunlop tire info center:
>
> http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=8 #tip
>
> "Keep in mind that hard cornering, passengers, heavy loads and sustained high speeds will
> require higher pressures (up to that indicated on the sidewall)."
And those pressures are prescribed by OEM (Harley). So when
riding 2 up, I run it up to 40psi.
After a career in the car biz, and dealing with
tires.....the thing I've learned (and I didn't get it
through my thick head until rather recently) is that tire
manufacturers list max limits on the tires....
But the OEM vehicle manufacturers test and match tires AND
pressures to their vehicles under a variety of conditions.
Good example I can give ya is the little Nissan my daughter
was driving (now my wife).....after the first service I gave
it, I noticed the damn thing sounded like it was running
stone tires....
I quieted up some of the noise by replacing the front brake
pads (daughter had cooked 'em going up into the mountains
and riding the brakes)......but didn't solve the problem
till I started thinking about the tire pressure.
I was inflating them to 46psi (pressure spec on the
sidewall, and the "way I've always done things"). Started
reading the owners manual and found the sticker on the door
post which said the tire pressure in the front should be 36,
and the rear should be 32 (front wheel drive car, more
weight normally on the front).
Once set to those specs, the car rides and sounds SOOOO much
better. Now to go look at my truck and see what Nissan says
I'm suppose to air those tires to,....<sfsf>.
>
> I *do* ride my Road King like a Sportster! <g>
Only Sportster I ever rode was a worn out POS my brother in
law had (was scary just riding it in a straight
line).......but I do scrape floorboards in the twisties on
my Ultra, and at least one Sporty rider crashed trying to
keep up (sorry Brian...<sfsf>).
>
> From the same site, different page:
>
> http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=3 1#tip
>
> "For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
>
> Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb. total)-minimum tire pressure of
> 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.
>
> Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up to maximum motorcycle
> capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be
> maintained."
>
> "Up to 200 lb total"? I don't know about you, butt I weigh 220 lbs naked <g>, so that leaves
> 'only' the second "Heavier loads..." application for me.<g>
Couldn't snip any of this.......I was 216, but in the last
few months have trimmed back down to 201. The book on my '05
Ultra does not specify rider and/or passenger
weights....just says rider or with passenger.
Have a great week Bear.......I've got today and tomorrow to
prep my bike (among other things) for an outa state ride.
Also have to get setup for a little BBQ at my place tomorrow
night with some RMH'ers who are either headed east with me,
or just hanging out to visit with them who are.....
--
Steve Irving (Irv) - BS#237/SLOB#12
http://www.nite.com/bike.html
Under a black flag we shall sail.......
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770543 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 16:46 |
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SteveI wrote:
>
> Have a great week Bear.......I've got today and tomorrow to
> prep my bike (among other things) for an outa state ride.
> Also have to get setup for a little BBQ at my place tomorrow
> night with some RMH'ers who are either headed east with me,
> or just hanging out to visit with them who are.....
Have a great week yourself, Steve and a safe ride to you all. Enjoy.
--
(^oo^) AH#120 SENS NEWT#11 BS#188 MISFIT DOF#YES
(_0_) RMH FAQs - http://rmhfaq.com
BEAR Reply-To: gtodd at eye_ex dot netcom dot com
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770560 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 19:04 |
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Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
>
> I also carry about 30 pounds of tools in my saddlebags all the time.
> It's an old holdover from the sixty's that I just can't shake.<g>
Uhhh, Bear, 3 bottles of scotch does not count as "tools".
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770561 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 19:27 |
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Schmoe wrote:
> Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
>
>>I also carry about 30 pounds of tools in my saddlebags all the time.
>>It's an old holdover from the sixty's that I just can't shake.<g>
> Uhhh, Bear, 3 bottles of scotch does not count as "tools".
It is if yer liver needs fixin'.
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770573 ] |
Wed, 07 June 2006 20:40 |
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Schmoe wrote:
>
> Bear [at] anywhere.invalid wrote:
> >
> > I also carry about 30 pounds of tools in my saddlebags all the time.
> > It's an old holdover from the sixty's that I just can't shake.<g>
>
> Uhhh, Bear, 3 bottles of scotch does not count as "tools".
Heh,heh!
Not to mention the Flask of Courvoisier!
--
(^oo^) AH#120 SENS NEWT#11 BS#188 MISFIT DOF#YES
(_0_) RMH FAQs - http://rmhfaq.com
BEAR Reply-To: gtodd at eye_ex dot netcom dot com
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| Re: Riding techniques/windshield position [message #770664 ] |
Thu, 08 June 2006 05:12 |
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"SteveI" <steve [at] nospamnite.com> wrote in message
news:IRAhg.6$Zl2.443 [at] news.uswest.net...
<snip>
> Good example I can give ya is the little Nissan my daughter was driving
> (now my wife).....
<snip>
That, um, that can be read more than one way. Oh, uh, thanks for the tire
info. This whole thread has me thinking, I feel pretty unsteady sometimes
on my '75 FLH. But, having owned it only about six weeks now, and this
being the first HD I've ever owned, I don't have a frame of reference as to
what it _should_ feel like. I set the tire pressure per the HD service
manual but those numbers seemed real low to me as I set it, it was like 20
front, 24 rear. I think I'll bump it up a little and see how it goes.
Hopefully I'll find a happy pressure _before_ I screw it up so much that I
lay down the bike. Moons ago I loved side-by-side riding but the thought of
trying it on this ride has me shaking my head. I have an issue staying
between the lines right now, never mind staying in my tire-rut. Also
rattling around are thoughts of checking the triple tree and rear fork but I
haven't even bothered to figure out how to safely lift the beast yet. I'll
get a round to it on'a these days. Speaking of rounds, Shirley? A fresh
one for all those nearby!
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