Think I'll have to admit defeat.

**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

Originally Posted by rosie631

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

Originally Posted by AD345

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

Originally Posted by rosie631

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

Originally Posted by Big Dave

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

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.

**Big Dave** · 8th November 2009, 11:15

Originally Posted by cold comfort

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

Originally Posted by rosie631

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.