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How do people ride 800 lbs. bikes?

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:
 
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.
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Thats a real thing of beauty:bowdown:
 
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.
 
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.

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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.

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So what are the techniques to ride a big bike?
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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?
 
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:

 
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:



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.
 
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.
 
It is just like the Spyder

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
 
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.

 
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...
 
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.
 
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/
 
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:
 
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