How do people ride 800 lbs. bikes?

[Rogue Hawk]

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-top-10s/top-10-biggest-capacity-motorcycles/24130.html

This is a list of the highest displacement bikes. I never rode anything that big, so I wonder how people can possible handle them, particularly at slow speeds.

My previous bike was a Honda VFR 1200 and it was 600 lbs. I had a terrible time getting it to turn at slow speeds. It would always go way wide, much more so than the VFR 750 it replaced.

[cptjam]

I rode Harley electraglides for decades. Piece of cake. I know a 93 pound 65 year old lady who rides her 800 pound Harley. Technique.
Interestingly, the giantTriumph is only 146 HP. I have a KTM with 160, and it weighs 503#! It is not as much as engine size as performance and output. More is better!

[Dubliner]

I rode singles for years, lightweight nimble and fast then I rode sidecars slower but lots of panache. Then came the GL 1500 800 lbs plus dry but a blast to ride and nothing falls off it but me [emoji6] but it's a pig to lift up when you drop it! It's fine at slow speeds but it took a while to get used to not being able to see the front wheel.


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[cuznjohn]

i had a couple of bikes on the list, they were all easy to ride

[vided]

it only mattered when you had to horse in backwards up an incline (FLTH had no reverse)

[Pampurrs]

My Honda Goldwing and my Victory Vision were both well over 800 lbs each. They are designed with a low center of gravity, and I had no problem with slow speed manuevering. Even a top heavy bike like a big Harley can be managed. You would be surprised at how easy it is once you get used to it.

Pam

[Bob Denman]

The folks who build them KNOW that horsing them around can be a battle... nojoke
They try and design them to be as inherently stable as possible. :thumbup:

Just don't put your foot down on a slippery section of pavement!! :yikes:

[Orange Spyder Man]

I owned and rode 2 - GL1800 GoldWings... they were a easy to maneuver ... never dropped either of them.. both had over 70,000 miles on the clock when I got rid of them... since I just sold my 2014 Spyder... I am thinking my next ride will be another GoldWing.. but it will be next summer before I do buy another bike..

osm

[DrewNJ]

Technique is truly key, and it takes years of riding/practice. It still cracks me up to see an inexperienced rider buy a monster bagger and try to muscle it around.

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[Bob Denman]

It IS a bit like watching someone try out out-muscle a Bulldozer... :D

[Highwayman2013]

My two wheeler is a Kawasaki Voyager 1700 it weighs 895 lbs wet without anything in the bags or trunk. It is hard to pick up but I have done it myself. In a gravel lot it's not much fun but on the road it's a great touring cruiser.

[Buggy]

I never felt comfortable turning sharp at low speeds on my Harley Ultra and was always amazed at the police mc teams going through their obstacle course. These guys can make these bikes dance. Now it might be easier to learn on some else's bike!

check this out. https://youtu.be/IBGwzK6Q1Gg

[cuznjohn]

to be honest i found the wing i had was one of the best handling bikes i have owned. it was like a sport bike

[Lamonster]

I drove this 1200+ lbs 5700cc bike for 5 years. Rode it like a dirtbike. :doorag:

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/1404726_632586286784646_1561106908_o.jpg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q0VzQCoZWo

[Chupaca]

Keep the proper air pressure in the tires and most any will handle with ease...:thumbup:

[Tazzel]

Thats one of the top reasons I went to a Spyder, never felt comfortable with the weight. Parking on the slightest incline, I just could not back it up, so I had to make very careful where I did parked. Dropped it once when pulling into a flat drive way, did not see the oil spill under the leaves, came to a stop and put my feet down and my foot slipped slightly, just enough to throw the bike off balance and down I went. High winds on Highways, it was also very hard for me to handle. Sand when making a turn, also big trouble. It was all these things and stop and go traffic working a clutch, just killed my hand.

[blacklightning]

I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121521&stc=1

[Lamonster]

I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121521&stc=1

:doorag:
http://www.m109riders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40896&d=1233108950

[blacklightning]

:doorag:
http://www.m109riders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40896&d=1233108950
Doing it with a trailer!
I really liked your comparison of the M109R and the F3 when we talked in Maggie Valley last summer. Hopefully we will get to see each other and talk some more next fall if you are able to make it to the revised Spyders in the Smokes.

[M109Dreamer]

I have owned 2 Suzuki Boulevard M109's, and I loved them. With me being a sort of big guy (6'-2", 255), anything smaller in a cruiser really didn't make it. I am able to ride a smaller sport bike, but the M109 is still one of my all time favorites. Next year, about this time, I plan on owning another M109, or a 2nd. gen. Vmax. As you can tell by the picture, you can lean a big bike over pretty good.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121521&stc=1


:doorag:
http://www.m109riders.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40896&d=1233108950
Man, you 2 are gonna have me digging my 9 pic's out...[emoji41]

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[SPYDERMAX]

Big bikes lean very wellhttp://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w433/YAMAHASAVAGE/image.jpg1_3.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/YAMAHASAVAGE/media/image.jpg1_3.jpg.html)

[blacklightning]

Big bikes lean very wellhttp://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w433/YAMAHASAVAGE/image.jpg1_3.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/YAMAHASAVAGE/media/image.jpg1_3.jpg.html)
That will be my next 2 wheeler, unless I get another m109. Those 2nd. Gen. Vmax's are bullet proof. And what is there no to like about 200 HP in a bike.

[SPYDERMAX]

You're Cashflo on the VMax forum right?

[mstngken]

I always ask a just about the same question when I see a 175lb man with a 300lb woman or vice versa.:pray:

[ARtraveler]

Have had experience with Yamaha Venture Touring, Kawasaki Voyager Touring, and Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc. They all fit that big 900# category and all with engines over 1000cc.

Thousands of miles and never dropped any of them. Most were very road worthy once you got them going.

Pushing backwards uphill--yes--not fun at all.

With my bad hip it became dangerous (IMO) to keep riding them and risk the leg giving out and causing a fall.

Spyder keeps me riding still.

[blacklightning]

You're Cashflo on the VMax forum right?
That would be me!

[Lamonster]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xal1/t31.0-8/11058633_983113248398613_5587073986600702273_o.jpg

[blacklightning]

Lamonster, I must say, that is the only bike that really intimidates me. I would love to try a triked version, but as for the 2 wheeled version, that has me a little fearful:yikes:.
And to take it on the Dragon would be a no no.

[bluestratos]

Try riding a 1100 lb 83 venture royal with a 28" inseam. It had carefully designed crash bars that prevent the bike from damage if I dropped it, which I did on many occasions. Backing up hill in a parking lot was a real bear so I learned quickly not to do that, lol. Still loved the bike but if I had it today I would install the auto training wheels.

[cuznjohn]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6k8xTBQDHA

[Lamonster]

Lamonster, I must say, that is the only bike that really intimidates me. I would love to try a triked version, but as for the 2 wheeled version, that has me a little fearful:yikes:.
And to take it on the Dragon would be a no no.

If you don't get into the secondaries it's pretty much like and other fast cruiser. When you do open up all four barrels it's like being shot out of a cannon. The most hp I've had between my legs is 600 hp and that was a rush I'll never forget. nojoke:yikes:

[Bob Denman]

How tough was it; to NOT spin the rear tire on a launch? :dontknow:

[Rogue Hawk]

My Honda was a sports touring bike, more on the sport side, and had a high center of gravity and clip on handlebars. When I needed to do a tight right turn at slow speed, it would veer way wide, often into oncoming traffic. That is the reason I got rid of it. But I wonder now if it was just me. I am used to riding bikes that are 150 lbs lighter. I ask because I am thinking about getting a Ninja ZX14 or 1000. The ZX is 600 lbs., the 100 is 500lbs. I don't want to get it if I am going to have the same problem turning it. Any suggestions?


This is what I had...

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/01/30/honda-vfr1200f-dct-long-term-test-wrap-up/

[ARtraveler]

Try riding a 1100 lb 83 venture royal with a 28" inseam. It had carefully designed crash bars that prevent the bike from damage if I dropped it, which I did on many occasions. Backing up hill in a parking lot was a real bear so I learned quickly not to do that, lol. Still loved the bike but if I had it today I would install the auto training wheels.

I did, and I lived (27" inseam). Those were in the days when I could tippy toe and still hold the machine up. Spouse rode as passenger almost all the time--so there was an additional 150# or so added to the mix.

My first big touring bike (84 Venture) and I really loved it. :yes:

[blacklightning]

My Honda was a sports touring bike, more on the sport side, and had a high center of gravity and clip on handlebars. When I needed to do a tight right turn at slow speed, it would veer way wide, often into oncoming traffic. That is the reason I got rid of it. But I wonder now if it was just me. I am used to riding bikes that are 150 lbs lighter. I ask because I am thinking about getting a Ninja ZX14 or 1000. The ZX is 600 lbs., the 100 is 500lbs. I don't want to get it if I am going to have the same problem turning it. Any suggestions?


This is what I had...

http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/01/30/honda-vfr1200f-dct-long-term-test-wrap-up/
I had a zx14, and it does take a lot of room to turn it around. I had 2" lowering links on mine in the rear, and with a 34" inseam, it still was a bit difficult. This bike weighed around 600 lbs wet also. But once you get it pointed in the direction that you wanted to go, it was a real rush.:yes: The zzr1200 that I owned was also a hoot to ride. The corbin bags made it a great sport tourer.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121547&stc=1http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121548&stc=1

[Bfromla]

Well before i got spyder i had a road star 1700. ( big bike for some, not my big butt) & the HD V-rod (way too young&too fast!) but the ride is EZ. & enough size you dont get beat by turbulence from big trucks. The solid rim on v-rod acted like wind sail was big dislike for me.


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[Lew L]

My Honda Valkyrie is no light weight. Know this------NEVER nose into a parking space, NEVER.

There are even a few folks on the V-Max site that have asked how to put a V- Max( 600 lbs.) on its center stand!!!!! It's easy.;) Handeling a heavy bike is all technique.

Kaos

[Bob Denman]

There are even a few folks on the V-Max site that have asked how to put a V- Max( 600 lbs.) on its center stand!!!!! It's easy.;) Handling a heavy bike is all technique.

Kaos

:agree: When you're dancing with a Bear; you've GOT to know the steps! :thumbup:

[Sam Mac]

BTDT with grossly over weight 2 wheeled pigs. Just my 2 cents, if I want to play on 2 wheels I don't need a Hardly Dangerous road load. 600CC's is enough. Best thing I ever did was to off this pig. pic is me and the wife out on the Park Way.

[Yazz]

It's easy.;) Handeling a heavy bike is all technique.

Kaos

:agree: One thing I'm hearing about riding heavy bikes, is backing them up, uphill. Found out early on that you don't have to. You park your bike so you're backing up downhill, then put it in first gear. You have your hand brake to slow things down going downhill.

Didn't have a 800 lb. bike, but a 600 lb. one...

[bluestratos]

Yes, I was 28, single and bought her for cash. It was a dream come true for me! lol.



I did, and I lived (27" inseam). Those were in the days when I could tippy toe and still hold the machine up. Spouse rode as passenger almost all the time--so there was an additional 150# or so added to the mix.

My first big touring bike (84 Venture) and I really loved it. :yes:

[Rogue Hawk]

I had a zx14, and it does take a lot of room to turn it around. I had 2" lowering links on mine in the rear, and with a 34" inseam, it still was a bit difficult. This bike weighed around 600 lbs wet also. But once you get it pointed in the direction that you wanted to go, it was a real rush.:yes: The zzr1200 that I owned was also a hoot to ride. The corbin bags made it a great sport tourer.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121547&stc=1http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121548&stc=1



Thats a real thing of beauty:bowdown:

[blacklightning]

Thats a real thing of beauty:bowdown:
Thanks,
I have had some pretty cool and capable bikes in my short 10 years of riding (10 bikes in all). My main problem with the zzr1200 and the zx14 was the chain drive. I hated the mess and maintenance that come with them. My next bike will either be a 2nd gen. Vmax, another M109R, or a sport tourer like the kawasaki concours or yamaha FJR1300. Hopefully I can add one to my stable next winter. I will be keeping the spyder for long trips, rides with the wife, and colder temps.

[Jdr00ejr]

I have to agree with those saying it's all technique. Know where you are parking and how and you never have to worry about backing uphill. In the rare circumstances where I do have to back up hill because it's just plain unavoidable for some crazy reason - or because I wasn't thinking when I parked, again, it's all in the technique. And for the record - I'm riding a 900lb bike. LOL! It's DRY weight is 869lbs.

My wife rides the '09 Spyder RS - but I love taking it out for a spin every now and then as well.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=122645&stc=1

[Rogue Hawk]

I have to agree with those saying it's all technique. Know where you are parking and how and you never have to worry about backing uphill. In the rare circumstances where I do have to back up hill because it's just plain unavoidable for some crazy reason - or because I wasn't thinking when I parked, again, it's all in the technique. And for the record - I'm riding a 900lb bike. LOL! It's DRY weight is 869lbs.

My wife rides the '09 Spyder RS - but I love taking it out for a spin every now and then as well.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=122645&stc=1



So what are the techniques to ride a big bike?

[Jdr00ejr]

So what are the techniques to ride a big bike?

It's not riding - its parking - and slow maneuvering that's tricky. And I'm not sure I can explain it. Riding, this thing rides like a little crotch rocket. It's awesome. Slow maneuvering / parking:

1) No sudden movements.
2) Always always always know what you are setting your feet down on.
3) Know your bike - and where the center of gravity is. Each bike is different. I can actually grab my passenger Grab Rails and plant my feet to gain traction when I need to back uphill (which I try to avoid at all costs).
4) Find a safe place to practice and learn your bike's capabilities. The Vision is an amazing bike - which can dip very very low. The tip-over protection is also a major added bonus.

It really is all about knowing your ride and practice practice practice on your ride.

[03hdjill]

I rode a 2003 HD ElectraGlide for 10 years (I weigh 126 pounds). I bought a vcr tape titled Ride Like a Pro. A motorcycle officer made it. It showed different slow speed practice sessions (slow speed turning, feathering the clutch, et). I then went out and practiced until I felt comfortable. The more time spent on the bike, the more proficient you become. I really think that when you stop riding a lot, you become less proficient.

[flaggerphil]

I never had a problem with them.

[Rogue Hawk]

It's not riding - its parking - and slow maneuvering that's tricky. And I'm not sure I can explain it. Riding, this thing rides like a little crotch rocket. It's awesome. Slow maneuvering / parking:

1) No sudden movements.
2) Always always always know what you are setting your feet down on.
3) Know your bike - and where the center of gravity is. Each bike is different. I can actually grab my passenger Grab Rails and plant my feet to gain traction when I need to back uphill (which I try to avoid at all costs).
4) Find a safe place to practice and learn your bike's capabilities. The Vision is an amazing bike - which can dip very very low. The tip-over protection is also a major added bonus.

It really is all about knowing your ride and practice practice practice on your ride.


Thanks for the tips. What is tip-over protection? Are they those big U bars I see protruding from the front end of some bikes?

[Jdr00ejr]

Thanks for the tips. What is tip-over protection? Are they those big U bars I see protruding from the front end of some bikes?

What are you are calling the big U Bars are typically called "Crash Bars" or "Engine Protectors". If you have saddle bags - you have to make sure you have bag guards as well or going down would cause bag damage. However, the Victory Vision in particular has what they call "Tip-Over Protection" which is points built into the bike that if it goes over in a slow speed/parking lot style maneuver - it lands on the tip-overs and causes zero damage to the bike. I've been glad I had them a couple of times. Here's a video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKe2HI3AALQ

[Rogue Hawk]

What are you are calling the big U Bars are typically called "Crash Bars" or "Engine Protectors". If you have saddle bags - you have to make sure you have bag guards as well or going down would cause bag damage. However, the Victory Vision in particular has what they call "Tip-Over Protection" which is points built into the bike that if it goes over in a slow speed/parking lot style maneuver - it lands on the tip-overs and causes zero damage to the bike. I've been glad I had them a couple of times. Here's a video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKe2HI3AALQ


I assume the crash bars do the same thing, but this look better because it won't catch and tumble the bike on a low sider at speed. Are these bars only available for certain bikes? I dropped my VFR 1200 (sport touring bike) while washing it and it cause $1000 of damaged, as well as trapping my leg underneath it.

[Jdr00ejr]

I assume the crash bars do the same thing, but this look better because it won't catch and tumble the bike on a low sider at speed. Are these bars only available for certain bikes? I dropped my VFR 1200 (sport touring bike) while washing it and it cause $1000 of damaged, as well as trapping my leg underneath it.

Most Crash Bars will basically do the same thing. But I've seen lots of bikes with Crash Bars only installed on the front - which leaves the bags open to take damage if the bike lays over. The Victory Vision "Tip-Over Protection" is stock and built in - It's not an add on. I believe Victory also does it on the Cross Countries but not certain on that.

I'm not sure what is available for the VFR - but your story sounds all too familiar. If you don't do Crash Bars or something - a lot of damage can occur even from the easiest of layovers. The Vision - as long as the rider/passenger keep their feet on the floorboards while the bike is going down (which is hard to train yourself to do) - there is no risk of being pinned. Now, like in your scenario, if you were beside it or something I could see where you might still get pinned. Sorry to hear about that.

I love my Vision - but I also very much enjoy the wife's Spyder and I can definitely see myself on a F3 or RT some day.

[Bob Denman]

Victory's setup is unusual, because it is so effective AND nicely integrated into the styling of the bikes... :thumbup:

[Motorcycledave]

Most all LARGE road bikes, Honda Gold Wing, Harley's BMW's, Victory and such all run around or close to
900 lbs. and they weigh nothing when in motion going down the road.
When you have ridden and gained experience and skill riding you should have no trouble making slow turns
in tight places, just watch the police videos that have been posted here, or go to you tube and check them out
it is all a matter of practice practice practice.... just like learning how the ride a Spyder you must practice.
If you are a motorcyclist and for whatever reason you have decided to go to the Spyder after riding for some
time on 2 wheels you will have to UNLEARN most everything about riding a motorcycle when changing to
the Spyder, forget counter steering and such, quit grabbing for the brake handle because it's not there.
Just get out there and Practice.... and enjoy the ride whether it a 2 wheel motorcycle or a 3 wheel Spyder

Ride Safe
Dave

[Rogue Hawk]

Watch this video. This guy has a sports touring bike. He just did 2k to 5k of damage going 2 mph :gaah:

I wonder if there is a engine guard for this kind of bike.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg1m53NxUOM

[blacklightning]

Watch this video. This guy has a sports touring bike. He just did 2k to 5k of damage going 2 mph :gaah:

I wonder if there is a engine guard for this kind of bike.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg1m53NxUOM

Yes, there are guards for this bike. A friend of mine has them on his 07fjr.

[Bob Denman]

I didn't watch the entire 37 minutes of this... :shocked:
Does the guy ever actually mention how much experience he has on bikes? How about on THAT bike? :dontknow:
What about biking, and running a video camera at the same time?
Dave's right: it takes experience in the saddle, and there is no substitute for it...

[blacklightning]

I didn't watch the entire 37 minutes of this... :shocked:
Does the guy ever actually mention how much experience he has on bikes? How about on THAT bike? :dontknow:
What about biking, and running a video camera at the same time?
Dave's right: it takes experience in the saddle, and there is no substitute for it...
Not sure about his experience on this bike, but I have seen a load of reviews and videos featuring this guy. Sometimes, things just happen. I had a tip over on my first bike (97 yamaha fzr600) when I went to do a U turn. I was very inexperienced, but I do see how it could happen to someone with experience as well. My friend with his 07 FJR 1300 tipped his over by simply forgetting to let the kick stand down:banghead:. It seems silly, but sometimes, things just happen.

[AY4B]

For people who want to ride a large heavy bike like it weighs nothing, you need to order this video. It teaches you how to ride like a pro.
they have small 90 pound ladies handling a large 900 pound bike with a man on the back seat like it weighs nothing.
https://www.ridelikeapro.com/

[Rogue Hawk]

For people who want to ride a large heavy bike like it weighs nothing, you need to order this video. It teaches you how to ride like a pro.
they have small 90 pound ladies handling a large 900 pound bike with a man on the back seat like it weighs nothing.
https://www.ridelikeapro.com/

Looks good. If you going to dance with an elephant you best know the steps:doorag:

[Lew L]

YA GO WHERE YA LOOK!!!!!

And not in the mirrors------ Just like many other sports, your body ( and the bike ) will naturally go where you look. I think it's really true in low speed and espically in avoidence manuvers. Sometimes even holds true on 4 ( 3) wheels. Driver yelling at the noisy kids in the back seat will turn the wheel enough to cause Kaos, for example.

Been off road---- ya go where you look.

Kaos