Think I'll have to admit defeat. [Archive]

rosie631

7th November 2009, 15:39

CookMySock

7th November 2009, 15:44

I think the T100 may be more me. Am hoping to test ride one of those next week.Thats not defeat. Thats temporary setback. :scooter:

Steve

hayd3n

7th November 2009, 15:51

your not defeated its just that youve seen the light
welcome:yes:

rosie631

7th November 2009, 15:55

Yeah, maybe. I do know, I'm sick of watching everyone disappear in front of me as soon as we hit the twisties.

riffer

7th November 2009, 16:22

Do yourself a favour and try out an XR1200X.

If one of them doesn't help you ride better I don't know what will.

Crasherfromwayback

7th November 2009, 16:34

Yeah, maybe. I do know, I'm sick of watching everyone disappear in front of me as soon as we hit the twisties.

Get a fuel injected Sporty of some type...you'll dust the big blocks off in a straight line and in the twisties!

Oh...and buy it from me!

Trudes

7th November 2009, 16:39

Sorry to hear Rosie, it is a blow to the confidence when your bike gets the better of you eh. Hope you find something that suits you better soon, there's nothing wrong with admitting defeat and trying something else, just as long as your choice makes you happy at the end of the day:sunny:

Ecclesnz

7th November 2009, 17:46

I was sort of feeling the same way about the 1100 Shadow I upgraded to, however with getting custom pegs and different bars put on I feel a whole lot different now.

It might be worth looking in to.

awayatc

7th November 2009, 17:51

Don't go riding with hoons...
Go for cruises with old sedate people like me.....
Harleys are cruisers...
cruisers are called cruisers for a reason....

rosie631

7th November 2009, 18:14

I was sort of feeling the same way about the 1100 Shadow I upgraded to, however with getting custom pegs and different bars put on I feel a whole lot different now.

It might be worth looking in to.

I've put different bars and seat on. Has helped a little but not a great deal.

rosie631

7th November 2009, 18:15

Don't go riding with hoons...
Go for cruises with old sedate people like me.....
Harleys are cruisers...
cruisers are called cruisers for a reason....

Yeah, but you can still throw yours around when you want to. I have gotten so slow it's ridiculous.

Sketchy Snr

7th November 2009, 18:16

Get a fuel injected Sporty of some type...you'll dust the big blocks off in a straight line and in the twisties!

Oh...and buy it from me!

What he said :yes:

duckonin

7th November 2009, 18:31

Yeah, maybe. I do know, I'm sick of watching everyone disappear in front of me as soon as we hit the twisties.

So who cares rosie !!!:whocares: you know where they are going, kick back and enjoy your ride safely..Had a chap today disappear into the distance in the Karangahake gorge fast as he was ha ha, wife and I dicked along behind a couple of cars, at the other end, here was our hero sitting on the side of the road, waiting for someone or thing, gave him a wave then laughed as we had the longest ride and good it was too....:yes:

JMemonic

7th November 2009, 18:39

Shame to hear Rosie, after all the time you took looking at getting the old one back and repairing as well as having the new bike, as was suggested, (and this from not a huge Harley fan but I like this bike), the XR1200 could be worth a look, Shadows is on his second, (or third?), and he is a Harley fan, seems to love it.

Either that or steal Rick's Duc for a ride if you can.

nallac

7th November 2009, 19:07

Try a Buell on for size...They're ridicously cheap at the mo.

Got the Harley sound with better handling and braking, and lighter to.

Molly

7th November 2009, 19:14

Hi Rosie. Don't beat yourself up about this. Some bikes you get on with and some you don't. I just didn't get along with my Fat Bob and now it's gone and I'm back on a Springer I'm as happy as a pig in shit.

I'd give a 1200 Sportie a go before you pick up a T100. I just think after the Dyna you'll find the Triumph 'insubstantial' by comparison. On mine there were aspects of the finish and switchgear that just seemed to reek of compromise too. Also, the motor sounds like a sewing machine and the TOR (Triumph Off Road) pipes sound 'clacky' and lack depth compared with a nice set of Screamin' Eagle.

The 1200 Sportster is one handsome bike too. Your Dyna should be worth enough to get you a beaut!

Finally, awayatc had it right when he said cruisers are for cruising. Had a great ride today and was happy to wave the sports bikes past (not that anybody said thanks - bastards... ;-)

Take it easy.

YellowDog

7th November 2009, 19:17

Rosie, I can't pretend to understand where you are at. You're suppose to let the bike to all the work and all you have to do is move your weight around a bit and steer.

Confidence is a BIGGY so if it is all about comfort, then you are right to look at changing. But if it is something else that is preventing you from relaxing and enjoying yourself, I think you should first get to the bottom of that one.

You might find that a new comfy bike does the trick on both counts, but don't jump in until you are sure.

Good luck :)

PeeJay

8th November 2009, 07:59

Well, it looks like the Harley's for sale. Have never really fully got my confidence back after my accident in June. Went out and bought another superglide and have done over 3000ks on her but I'm just finding her too big and heavy for me. I have had a life time love of Harleys and this is my 4th one. I love this one too but I'm just not able to ride her the way she should be ridden. In fact it feels more like the bike is riding me than the other way round. Only problem is I don't really know what other bike will do it for me. Took the new bonnie with the small front wheel out a few months ago and didn't really enjoy it. I think the T100 may be more me. Am hoping to test ride one of those next week.
Thats not admitting defeat, its being realistic!
Its not the end of the world admitting that having a Harley isnt all its cracked up to be. Fair enough your position in the pecking order amongst your peers may be under threat, but who cares?
If you have been "into" Harleys to the point of excluding other bikes/brands, by not having a Harley you will find there is a whole world of other bikes out there. Try a swag of bikes out, You just have to get over the "must have a big block bs"

JohnC

8th November 2009, 08:27

Maybe an advanced rider course if there is something like that in your area.
When the core issue is about confidence,I belive it's a waste of time to buy a different bike,because the bike is probably not the problem.
So an advanced course with a good instructor that "really" understands why your doing it is about the best thing I can think of.
Maybe try some time riding by yourself on the same roads you usualy ride with others,,gives you the chance to do things at your own pace,, like rerunning a few corners just to get a closer look at different speeds and or approach lines.
Good luck how ever you go.

Subike

8th November 2009, 08:29

Its not defeat Rosie,
its just time for a change
yes it can be depressing on a ride when your group dissapears of in front of you
but you do ride with a group of quick people, (quick , not fast, big difference)
I suggest you talk with that group first, as they know how you ride
they know what you like
and some have them have access to differing styles of bike which you could take out for a few rides, even change over rides during a sunday ride with your friends.
Im sure there are those in your group who would be more than happy to do this with you Rosie, you may even find your confidence return.
Be slow to react to this, as the worst senario is a year down the track, with confidence returned, you regret selling the ride you have made your own for so long.
You are good enough to ride your ownride, you dont have to keep up

Shadows

8th November 2009, 08:32

Re the XR1200 - You might have trouble getting your feet on the ground.

They sit pretty high compared to all of the other HDs.

Apart from that, probably the easiest bike to ride I've ever had the pleasure of.

AD345

8th November 2009, 08:54

Rosie, it might be a little work to arrange but I reckon you need to try a Vegas or 8-ball. Waay lower than a sporty with a decent size donk and handling that has to be experienced to be believed. xknutz might be able to point ya towards someone that could give you a spin otherwise the Victory Corporate team are heading down to Christchurch very soon before going on a run to the Burt Munro.

Big Dave should have some info about that.

BD - whadda ya reckon?

Big Dave

8th November 2009, 09:21

BD - whadda ya reckon?

The team can't make it unfortunately - just Co-pilot and me on the 'Ness Special' Vision.

8-ball is worth a look. Delightful bike.
It's not that different to a Dyna in stationary bulk - if that is the problem though.

cold comfort

8th November 2009, 10:20

Well, it looks like the Harley's for sale. Have never really fully got my confidence back after my accident in June. Went out and bought another superglide and have done over 3000ks on her but I'm just finding her too big and heavy for me. I have had a life time love of Harleys and this is my 4th one. I love this one too but I'm just not able to ride her the way she should be ridden. In fact it feels more like the bike is riding me than the other way round. Only problem is I don't really know what other bike will do it for me. Took the new bonnie with the small front wheel out a few months ago and didn't really enjoy it. I think the T100 may be more me. Am hoping to test ride one of those next week.

As has been said the Buell would be value for money and lighter. Rode the XR1200 yesterday and found it rather agreeable. Lumpy idle as would be expected but smooth on road,maneuverable and even has brakes!

rosie631

8th November 2009, 10:42

It's not that different to a Dyna in stationary bulk - if that is the problem though.

That's the main problem. Have dropped it twice. I don't think my old one was any lighter but it had a lower centre of gravity and I could get my feet firmly on the ground. This one starts to topple early and by the time I have my feet down solidly enough to try and save it there's too much weight over. I could live with that if I felt I could ride it properly though. I had a particularly crappy ride on Friday. I do have a lot of shit going on in my life at the moment so I know that wasn't helping anything. Couldn't really get into the ride. I am in a quandry as to what to do. Think I will just keep getting in as many miles as I can and try and test ride a few different bikes and see if I come across anything that feels better. Shadows is right about the XR, i will have trouble reaching the ground and I also find the sporties have a high centre of gravity, which is what I struggle with. I think part of it is that having always ridden Harleys I have lately been riding with a lot of different bikes and everyone seems to be having more fun than me.

Flip

8th November 2009, 11:11

With all respect, I don't think the problem is the bike. Can I suggest you do one of the advanced riding skills courses. They work wonders for me.
I'm a bit of a riding course junkie myself, I ride best if I do a course every 2 or so years. I get into the habit of riding poorly, which reinforces bad riding which then becomes the norm. If I do a course it does a 'system reset' and I ride well for the next couple of years. I would be happy to do the say the advanced mainland track course with you anytime.
I don't think you will be happy on anything but a bigblock. Your riding is fine, you actually ride a bit faster than I like to go normally, but you riding skills are great. I would ride anywhere with you.
I also found that a few trail bike skills really helped my road riding. It helps because the trail bikes are constantly skipping and skidding and you learn what to do to control a bike when you are outside the limits of normal traction.
As I said don't give up. Do a advanced skills course. Go trail riding, (I can lend you a couple of crappy jappy trail bikes). If you are not riding well swapping bikes is only treating the sympton, the root cause is you have had an off and your confidence-skills have taken a hit. A more technical bike will allow you to ride faster but not better, therefore the bike is not the problem.

rosie631

8th November 2009, 11:14

Big Dave

8th November 2009, 11:15

As has been said the Buell would be value for money and lighter. Rode the XR1200 yesterday and found it rather agreeable. Lumpy idle as would be expected but smooth on road,maneuverable and even has brakes!

They have all had good brakes for quite some time.
I've been skidding around road kings for most of the decade.
Nothing opens eyes wider than pulling in on one - crossed up. :-)

Every girl I've put on a City-x has loved it, Rosie.
Just a matter if you fancy a relic or not.

T100 makes sense too - but then it baffles me a bit that you didn't like the SE. It's a shame that the improved quickness and handling the 17" wheel gives is at the expense of some ground clearance, but I found it tres flickable.

Big Dave

8th November 2009, 11:19

Thanks for that Flip. You are probably right. Be a good idea to do an advanced course before i consider the other options. I felt like I rode ok on my other bike but feel like shit on this one. But it probably is me and not the bike.

Yeah yeah - but it's also a cruiser and advanced courses are about going. you say the issue is stopped.
If it is too big for you - it is too big for you. Right tool for the job, Tim.

rosie631

8th November 2009, 11:19

The testride on the SE was my first time back on a bike after my crash. So probably didn't give it a fair try. Just felt a bit flimsy or something.

scumdog

8th November 2009, 11:26

Yeah, maybe. I do know, I'm sick of watching everyone disappear in front of me as soon as we hit the twisties.

Try a 1200 Sportster, preferably a newer one and even better if a 1200 'S'.

Chalk and cheese compared with a Superglide - I know, I've ridden both.

And it may not be the bike - it may be you and regardless of bike make/model you may still see everyone disappear in the twisties.

But even if they do, who cares as long as you get there.

Molly

8th November 2009, 13:54

AllanB

8th November 2009, 14:25

The testride on the SE was my first time back on a bike after my crash. So probably didn't give it a fair try. Just felt a bit flimsy or something.

Pop down to Street & Sport for another ride.
Also try a Speedmaster or America if you like the cruiser styling.

One day I'd like to do my own twist on a T100 - strip it down to basics. Cool.

Watching your comments since you've had the new HD, I'd have to say it's not grown on you, and after 3,000 kms if it was going to fit you and vice versa it would have. Consequently I think it's a good call to make the move and change. If you have the coin it is pointless carrying on with something that you should be really enjoying and you are not. ;)

One of those new Ducati Monster 696 thingies will keep you honest in the twisties! Not quite a cruiser though :lol:

Trudes

8th November 2009, 14:39

OMG yes! DO take one of the new Monsters for a ride! They are super comfy and very low and light so us shorties can paddle ourselves around easily and best of all handle beautifully and are a ton of fun!

Sidewinder

8th November 2009, 14:49

Trudes

8th November 2009, 15:07

haha so are fxr150's!

True, three huge differences though; power, style and Ducati!! :drool:

Sidewinder

8th November 2009, 15:09

True, three huge differences though; power, style and Ducati!! :drool:

oh yea forgot the fxr wont crap its self lol:scooter::scooter:

xknuts

8th November 2009, 17:10

Someone mentioned a Victory. There's a bloody nice one at Christchurch Motorcycles at the moment. About $17k. Think it's the 8ball but I'm not too up on the models. VERY nice bike though I have to say.

If its orange & silver its an 04 Vegas, 8Ball is black with low chrome.
Anyway have a sit on that, then test it.
Low centre of gravity, with excellent handling.
Also you can buy a Vegas "Low". reset front foot controls and even lower stance.

ukusa

8th November 2009, 21:31

Well, it looks like the Harley's for sale. Have never really fully got my confidence back after my accident in June. Went out and bought another superglide and have done over 3000ks on her but I'm just finding her too big and heavy for me. I have had a life time love of Harleys and this is my 4th one. I love this one too but I'm just not able to ride her the way she should be ridden. In fact it feels more like the bike is riding me than the other way round. Only problem is I don't really know what other bike will do it for me. Took the new bonnie with the small front wheel out a few months ago and didn't really enjoy it. I think the T100 may be more me. Am hoping to test ride one of those next week.

Oh the fun of test rides. Make the most of it, test as many as you can. There's bound to be something you will enjoy enough to want.

Molly

8th November 2009, 21:41

If its orange & silver its an 04 Vegas, 8Ball is black with low chrome.

It's black. Has PM style wheels (could be PM wheels for all I know).

As for the Ducati. That'd be quite a departure. Great brakes, handling, exhaust note. No harm in taking one for a spin. Just don't look down your nose at all us dinosaurs when you're a stylee-Italian Euro chick... ;-)

6ft5

9th November 2009, 16:01

Thanks for that Flip. You are probably right. Be a good idea to do an advanced course before i consider the other options. I felt like I rode ok on my other bike but feel like shit on this one. But it probably is me and not the bike.
After I had my accident and decided to get back on, I went to my instructor friend, he had me ride suzi 150 around a car park around obstacles using only one hand until I had the confidence and balance to do it with my eyes closed. Only after that did I feel happy to take out my first bike (Suzi M109R and others) and feel confident that I had not lost the capability and eventually bought a Road King. Since that time it has taken me a good 6 months and many kms to feel totally in control. And yes the bikeis heavy and I have to take care not to lean it too far standing still as the weight can be too much. I am with some of the previous KBers find a good instructor, get him/her to build your confidence and then decide if you still want to keep the bike or not.

xknuts

9th November 2009, 16:21

I am with some of the previous KBers find a good instructor, get him/her to build your confidence and then decide if you still want to keep the bike or not.

After 42 years of non stop motorcycle ownership I did the "Otago Ride Right Course" last Sunday.
All I can say is "Awesome". I learnt sooooooooooooo much. :scooter:
Based on theory, then practical training using ones own bike it's a must for all
levels of ability.

6ft5

9th November 2009, 16:25

Molly

9th November 2009, 18:34

After 42 years of non stop motorcycle ownership I did the "Otago Ride Right Course" last Sunday.
All I can say is "Awesome". I learnt sooooooooooooo much. :scooter:
Based on theory, then practical training using ones own bike it's a must for all
levels of ability.

I'd like to do something like that. Is there one on offer in Christchurch that anybody would recommend?

Rosie. You want to sign up for something like that? I'll go along too.

rosie631

9th November 2009, 19:07

There is the Mainland riding schools advanced course. Will try and look into it this week. I'm definitely keen.

Headbanger

9th November 2009, 19:12

There is the Mainland riding schools advanced course. Will try and look into it this week. I'm definitely keen.

Excellent choice IMO.

Not that I have ever done one, or know anything about em. But if they get you where you need to be then......

Molly

9th November 2009, 19:59

That's good. Do you know anybody who's done it and what they thought of it? Maybe I'll post a question in General.

Even though I'm on a lumbering cruiser I still think it'd be worthwhile.

peasea

9th November 2009, 20:08

peasea

9th November 2009, 20:11

There is the Mainland riding schools advanced course. Will try and look into it this week. I'm definitely keen.

Go for it, don't give up, get your confidence back and enjoy life. There's no rush, if people overtake you, so be it. It happens to me all the time, my Wideglide isn't exactly nimble but who cares? It gets me there in style.

If I wanted to go fast on public roads I'd be driving a police car or a politicians limo.

Big Dave

9th November 2009, 21:02

my Wideglide isn't exactly nimble

:gob: Get. Lost.

peasea

9th November 2009, 21:03

:gob: Get. Lost.

Why do you say that?

Big Dave

9th November 2009, 21:08

Why do you say that?

whoda thunkit :-P

peasea

9th November 2009, 21:09

whoda thunkit :-P

Sorry, you've lost me.

My W/g isn't nimble, so where is this going?

Big Dave

9th November 2009, 21:13

Sorry, you've lost me.

My W/g isn't nimble, so where is this going?

Just pulling your leg. Of course an older Wide Glide isn't nimble. Looks tasty and is very comfortable, sounds phat, economical, ride all day etc etc etc.
Not nimble.

Although come to think of it the new one is getting that way. Much smaller bike too.

peasea

9th November 2009, 21:14

Just pulling your leg. Of course an older Wide Glide isn't nimble. Looks tasty and is very comfortable, sounds phat, economical, ride all day etc etc etc.
Not nimble.

Although come to think of it the new one is getting that way. Much smaller bike too.

Oooookaaayy.

Ridden the newbie have ya?
Impressions?

BMWST?

9th November 2009, 21:18

That's good. Do you know anybody who's done it and what they thought of it? Maybe I'll post a question in General.

Even though I'm on a lumbering cruiser I still think it'd be worthwhile.

i did a refresher course up here in Welly.I havent ridden a bike for twenty years.(niot quite true)Before i gave up i was an Instructor,sO i knew that much of the ground covered would be familiar.If nothing else the practical exercises will prove to you you have the ablilty and improve your confidence in your ability to control the bike.There will be many other things you willlearn.Go to the course open minded and participate.....you will get more out of it.

Big Dave

9th November 2009, 21:25

Oooookaaayy.

Ridden the newbie have ya?
Impressions?

Feels like a smaller motorcycle. Has good manners overall - Brembo Brakes - showa suspension and the new big block is the sweetest stock large one they have produced yet.

Stock exhausts pulled through to the rev limiter without any wheeze.

H-D claim price is the same as 2001 model. You can join the dots as to how they've achieved that.

New one could be just the ticket for Ms Rosie now that we are talking about it. It's more sportster than old wide.

Perty enough thang.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3964990748_8b3a087cd3_o.jpg

peasea

9th November 2009, 21:34

Feels like a smaller motorcycle. Has good manners overall - Brembo Brakes - showa suspension and the new big block is the sweetest stock large one they have produced yet.

Stock exhausts pulled through to the rev limiter without any wheeze.

H-D claim price is the same as 2001 model. You can join the dots as to how they've achieved that.

New one could be just the ticket for Ms Rosie now that we are talking about it. It's more sportser than old wide.

Perty enough thang.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/3964990748_8b3a087cd3_o.jpg

Sorry, can't agree on the 'pretty' comment. No duck-tail rear fender? WTF? I've seen the pics but haven't ridden one so will take your word for the feel of the thing, but aesthetically I can't do it. Especially from the pussy-pad back.

And.has the price of chromium gone up or something? Too much black for me. (But don't tell Hone Haraweirdo.)

Not a bad looker but too much of the old school has disappeared and trying to bob a W/g gives me indigestion. URP!

Big Dave

9th November 2009, 21:56

Personally - I like the all black. (Not often you'll hear an Aussie say that).
I like the all bling too. The mix and match I'm not so keen.

My choice of the new ones would be a Street Bob. Extend the forks 4" and de-baffle it and I'd ride it into the ground.

bluebird

10th November 2009, 16:18

Well, it looks like the Harley's for sale. Have never really fully got my confidence back after my accident in June. Went out and bought another superglide and have done over 3000ks on her but I'm just finding her too big and heavy for me. I have had a life time love of Harleys and this is my 4th one. I love this one too but I'm just not able to ride her the way she should be ridden. In fact it feels more like the bike is riding me than the other way round. Only problem is I don't really know what other bike will do it for me. Took the new bonnie with the small front wheel out a few months ago and didn't really enjoy it. I think the T100 may be more me. Am hoping to test ride one of those next week.

Go Japanese. try a Suzuki M109, or C90, big bike, plenty of grunt, but once moving has a very low center of gravity and dispite what some may say, if ridden by an experienced rider it handles.

Molly

10th November 2009, 18:09

My choice of the new ones would be a Street Bob. Extend the forks 4" and de-baffle it and I'd ride it into the ground.

Street Bob is one of the nicest 'stock' Harleys I've seen in years. Can't think of anything I'd change on it.

I had an '03 FXST and, following on from the 'Old School Chopper' episodes of OCC saw how good black rims and hubs can look so did it to mine (with stainless spokes). The wheels on the Street Bob are just like that. It's a job I've got lined-up for my Springer Classic.

Shadowjack

16th November 2009, 18:29

Rosie - I did the Mainland Driving School Advanced Motorcycle Safety Course at Levels in January this year. It was confidence-building stuff for a relatively new rider - theory, then practical - covering braking techniques, counter-steering, cornering lines. And all done in a controlled track environment (they are also done at Ruapuna, I think). There was one-on-one observation, and hints and tips from the instructors, at your own pace and in your own time. All types of bikes: GN250, Sportster, various Triumphs, Buells, Yamaha TDM850, etc, etc, as well as various sportsbikes. It was well worth it from my perspective.

PM me for more info.

Headbanger

19th November 2009, 22:31

Go Japanese. try a Suzuki.....

That would be worse then defeat.:wacko:

awayatc

20th November 2009, 05:56

Suzuki........?

nah...

However the name "Suzie" rings a bell.....

Molly

24th November 2009, 20:22

Did you make any decision on selling the Dyna? Can't remember where you were at in the scheme of things.

rosie631

25th November 2009, 08:35

Hi. Took the Bonnie T100 for a test ride. Awesome wee bike. But going to stick with the Harley for a bit longer I think.

Molly

25th November 2009, 19:19

Hi. Took the Bonnie T100 for a test ride. Awesome wee bike. But going to stick with the Harley for a bit longer I think.

You know it makes sense. :niceone:

Multiman

11th December 2009, 17:49

Sold my Guzzi as my knees wouldn't bend anymore. I just bought a VRod,loads of power and it goes round corners ok, not as well as the Guzzi but a hell of a lot better than most cruisers.
Tried the Xr1200, its light and almost like a Buel (almost) good power down low with a very flat torque curve, sounds like shit and the seat is a plank.

I do like the new Triumph Thunder bird but my piggy bank ran out.

Thing is sometimes to enjoy life you have to make a change.