Here you can see the reviews on the Road and Street Glides th-cam.com/video/usRGoD3n1rA/w-d-xo.html and the road trip videos on them th-cam.com/video/_lthpG26Hc8/w-d-xo.html
*ALL motorcycle manufacturers should make the frame lower at the seat and make the seat adjustable up and down. I can't think of anything that would prevent such a design. AND, it will increase sales as most models will become accessible to more [potential] riders.*
Wow. I just bought my very first two wheel vehicle a month ago. It is a Honda pcx 150 scooter. And if you can handle a 800 lbs motorcycle, I know I'm good. I will definitely think about you every time I get on my scooter now for inspiration. I'm 5 10 and weigh 164 and my scooter is 286 lbs.
These are great tips! I'm a police motor instructor, but being that I'm 5' 10", I've only seen it from my perspective. We have some shorter riders come through and I try and tell them what I think could help, but seeing how you applied all of these tips at 5' 3.75", helps me to help them. Keep up the great content and keep up the practicing!
Great to hear this from you Matthew. As you state, these pointers are not always for you directly but they inform you with info to help others that are not 5' 10" so they become better and more confident with and on the machine they have to handle !
Thanks for the empowering videos! I’m a 5’2” skinny girl and only riding for 3 years so the ‘so what if you mess up’ helps me remember to have more fun and less worries with my riding!
Great video. If you're having trouble backing up a heavy bike, you can squeeze your front brake and throw your weight forward (to load the front suspension) and then let off the brake. The suspension will have enough pressure to back your bike up even up small hills. It takes a few tries to get the timing right but it sure beats trying to grunt it out.
This just popped up on my feed, absolutely wonderful info! Although I’m 6’2” I just had both hips replaced. I’ll use almost all your advice as it’s applicable to those of us who have lost some strength and/or range of motion. Thank you!
I love you lady. I’m 91 and 5.3. My bike is 560. Dang that sh**t is heavy. But I’m riding it! I appreciate you carry the 800+ so much respect for that. 🙏🏻
Great video! I’m a whopping 5’ so I love short rider tips. I particularly love your honesty in admitting some of the tips are not always easy, but it is doable if you really want to. Thank you!!
Good tips. I’m 5’2 short legs long upper body and own a 21 road glide special. I’ve done many things you talk about. I was in the beginning pretty nervous but the more I rode her the better I got. Dropped her once at a stop sign after 2500 miles now she’s got 16,500 miles 13 states and by far my favorite of my 5 harleys. Love seeing all women on baggers these days especially those of us who are vertically challenged.
As someone who is "vertically challenged " myself, I think that I certainly get more enjoyment from riding a bike which I can 1, lift, 2, manoeuvre, why struggle?
I want to personally thank you for your teaching videos on You Tube. I recently watched the video about handling the big bigs. I am 5’3 and have trouble flat footing my Honda CBR500R. I have been afraid of parking lots and always had to think how I park . Well due to your video, I was able to get my bike out of a parking space that had a slight decent . I first tried to walk her back sitting on her , I got three steps and I knew it wasn’t going to work or be safe. I remembered how you walked the Harley around and grabbed my handlebars and rested the bike on my hip and walked right out of the parking space. And had a smile all the way home. Thank You again for all the had work you put into your videos .
Great tips! I am 5' 10" and really prefer bikes around or under 500 lbs. Beasts like that one may be the shiznit for long trips, but I just can't get over the weight thing due to many old leg injuries. I am certainly proud of how far YOU have come, though!
u hit the nail on the head when you said many petite people might want to ride a big bike to show others that you can....it's great... but it's not a good reason to do anything to do it to show others that you can...you should do it because YOU want to do it not to show off... (doing a fender scraping wheelie or riding a car sized bike ) as many riders know showing off tends to get you in unnecessarily dangerous situations...
I understand that it is nice to ride a big bikes, and it makes you look cool. Bikes actually scares me safety wise. So I’m not taking chances on a bike that I can’t control. Don’t let your machine control you, you should control your machine. Good luck.
Your dedication for learning the skills, for perseverance, for being a good representative, encouraging teacher and your dedication to your channel, all the while doing it with humble grace is inspirational and quite admirable! Thank you, and YAY Doodle👏 yay👏👏 looking forward to the next video.
I’m a short rider 5’5” with a street glide. A tip I learned to help stand the bike up right is when I throw my leg over from the left side, use my momentum to pull the bike up.
Thank you for the wonderful tips! My 5’3’ 19 year old has had her motorcycle license for just over a year. We started her on a small motorcycle. After she was by my estimation ready to advance, we sold the Honda Rebel 300 to a coworker who also wanted to learn to ride. I’d like to see my daughter be comfortable on our Harley Softail. The seat height is only 26”. My daughter loves riding, but she acts like she can’t get the Harley off it’s stand. I thought she was exaggerating in order to get me to buy her a smaller bike. I still might, but first I will show her this video.
I’m 5’6 and a lot of people told me my vtx 1800 was way to big for me. And I found out it’s not at all. Being a man I loved proving them wrong! Great video. You give me confidence in riding!
I’m 6’2” so this doesn’t really apply to me, however this is great to know so that I can help the folks that these tips do apply. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for sharing! I always appreciate how you're so honest and open about how you've made the mistakes yourself in the past. That makes you very relatable.
Great tips for anyone just beginning to ride a big, heavy bike. I’m 6’0” and 225 lbs, and, coming from a Speed Triple, I had issues handling a Road Glide the first few times. Great tip to handle it from the non-kickstand side, and to stop with both feet out until you get the hang of all that additional weight.
Love your videos and watching your journey. Im just under 5'1" and started riding just under a year ago. Its always so encouraging for me to see other small females riding big bikes. Ride safe!!!❤
Thank you for this video. I'm a short guy (5'5) and most of the time, when I try a new bike like that I was really unconfident about getting one or not, but you're right, if you want to, you can do it. Regards.
Good tips! I’m 5’4 and ride a vstar 1300 and I had to lower the bike two inches and bring the floorboards back an inch so I can actually ride safely. Otherwise I was tippy toeing everywhere lol.
I am turning 62 next month and buying a new Harley. My last bike 17 years ago was a Street Glide with the sluggish 88 cubic inch engine. Being a tad older I wanted a lower weight bike that would be great for cruising around the city and highway and the new Low Rider ST that comes in at 727 lbs with that beautiful 117 engine is calling my name. So kudus to you for going for the biggest, heaviest bike Harley sells except a fully loaded bagger. Safe travels my dear and enjoy the smiles per hour. You truly have inspired me 🙏
Keeping one foot on the peg/floor board is great at a stop. When possible, keeping the right foot on the peg allows holding the rear brake which can lend stability and as a bonus, keeps the brake light lit while freeing your arms and upper body to look around or just relax. Great vid, keep the shiny side up!
My main takeaway from your vids about handling big bikes is that it's time for us shorties to take the power BACK! LOL. But for real, rad tips. Keep it up, we love to see it.
Another idea for tall/heavy bikes is to wear ADV touring boots (e.g., Forma Terra Evo, which are comfy and well made). They generally add a bit of elevation, have wide, high grip soles, and have serious protection for your ankles and shins in the event the bike ends up on top of you like an over eager Great Pyrenees. Shifting takes some practice, although it should be easy with heel and toe set-ups, and most bikes have some degree of adjustability in the shift lever height and distance from the foot peg.
You do a great job handling that big machine. I especially like how you leverage good technique vs brute force force to stay in control. Everything learned makes us a better rider, but I keep thinking to myself why would I want to ride such a heavy beast. Proud of you, thanks for sharing these inspiring videos!
You have come a long way in these five or so years. You have learned so much about yourself and motorcycles and this viewer has enjoyed watching you learn and your videos have even taught me how to help my (also short and also female) cousin get over her fear of riding ever larger bikes. She has gone from a small yamaha virago 750 to a rather sizable Honda Shadow 1100; and now handles a Honda Goldwing comfortably. I have been her "coach" and cheerleader from the start, but watching you and a few of the other ladies, i.e. (magpie) and (two wheels) and (Whit Meza) and (Mrs. Paladino) and (Kake of Boots and Jeans) ; has helped me to help her. So Thank You Carolyn, aka (Doodle) !!! P.S. I failed to mention that I also like Jocelyn Snow and certainly see her as inspiration for short riders in particular and certainly for any rider that acknowledges the need to improve handling skills, especially in conditions you wouldn't think of in most cases.
12 minutes after posting, never been that early to a video :) Great roadtrips you made. Thank you for sharing. Edit after watching: Great tips. Never let anyone tell you you can't do something!
I worked for Harley Davidson for 19 years. The big baggers are great bikes. They are heavy. I can confidently handle them, but prefer lighter bikes. I can, and have gone anywhere the bagger guys go on a lighter bike without, a windshield. And go places they won't dare go! My current bike is a 2022 Harley Street Bob. Love it! Your big bike tips are dead on. I used to help with a rider training course. We used the back parking lot of a local college. One side was our motley crew, across the street were the Shriners motorcycle club going through their parade routine. Freaking amazing!!!
Yep, I’m a smaller dude at 5’5” and ride a Street Glide. I loved my Corbin seat I had on my 2013 bike since it pushed me forward. My current CVO Street Glide I like the looks of the seat so I’m working with it.
You ROCK! I am 5'2" 95 lbs. I used to ride a Honda VTX 1300. Now that I'm older I couldn't even tell you why I felt I needed something so big. But it sure felt good when I outrode some of the big boys I would ride with! LOL I wish I'd have known then what I know now that I'm older. I'm still riding (it's a Shadow now) And I would not change a thing! Great to see confident, smaller women paving the way for all! Keep it up!
First, I love your channel and love the information that you present for riders with similar struggles/demands as yours (full disclosure: I'm 6'3", so these aren't concerns of mine), however there are a number of techniques that even I employ that can help many riders avoid the complications of having to muscle around a bike to begin with and thus might be a good topic for a future video. I think that some good planning skills used in advance of needing to move a bike can provide many less skilled riders with a good dose of confidence for handling their bikes. Among these planning skills are how one places the bike when parking in many different situations that allow for a direct ride away instead of maneuvering out of a parking location like using different entry angles or a natural slope to position the bike for a simple ride away. A good example is parking perpendicular to a curb (where cars parallel park) with the rear wheel backed up to that curb and using the slope of a crowned street to ease/back it in. Once ready to leave, one can pull straight out. There are some other planning skills like this that you could explore.
Hi Doodle, another great video to give confidence to shorter riders. Weighing in at 930lbs, can be a daunting task to handle, requiring both skill and confidence, which has to be learned, and your low speed control courses are really paying dividends! Good advice to follow!
Ooooh, this was a good one! Learned a few new things that will help me on my Street Glide. Parking is an issue for sure, but I have no shame in putting it in N and letting my husband park his, then mine if needed. Much better than me dropping it while I’m learning 😅
Doodle you are amazing 👍!!! Don't stop doin you , you are in fact bringing much knowledge . I'd never even imagine a tiny handeling that thing . You go girl !
Thank you for this video! I’m 5’3” on the low end 😂😂😂. I’m used to the low sport bikes but seeing this video some of your other videos, it gave me a better outlook on taller bikes. On that note. I just got the 2022 Low Rider S 117 stage 2 and soon to be dyno tuned. Again Thank you! Keep makin those videos for us shorter riders!
Your absolutely right. Ride what you want to ride. The important thing is the riding. A lot of times especially other bikers will help if you need it. I’ve seen big burly guys need help maneuvering because they’ve had back or shoulder issue. It’s no prob, just pitch in and help where, when and if needed
Hallo from Austria Europe! I‘ve been riding EGlides, Street Glides and Road Glides for 15 yrs now. I am a Male 5,84 tall. In all those years i dropped an EGlide only once duckwalking it out of the garage on gravel ground. My methods are the same as yours although I am much taller! So be proud of what you achieved handling the monster bikes. I love every Single pound of them. For handling and riding too, the Road Glide is best. And you are right saying it is no shame asking for help to be pushed back if necessary.
Gr8 vid, Carolyn. I normally tell ppl own the bikes that fit you the best is the most fun. For most, big bike challenges are mental head games. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
if you get on the bike from the other side and push the inside of yout left leg and hip into the bike as u swing the right leg over the momentum will pull the bike upright without you having to turn those bars
It’s best to always park with your tail end in first so you just pull out. Now if the parking space is slightly uphill then you can pull in and roll out. Great video😎😎
You are simply amazing! You have a lot more bravery than a lot of Harley riders I have known over the years. I think you forgot to mention to apply the front brake when tipping the bike upright to buy more stability. Please be safe?!! When new riders ask me for advice I always tell them to go small and work their way up. I lost an acquaintance just days after he bought a big bagger as his first bike. I pleaded with him to stay on back roads and DO NOT take a passenger. Luckily his wife survived when he attempted a u-turn on a major highway.
At 5’7” I’m only going to have about 1.5” of extra leg length. For a bike that size, it wouldn’t be enough for me to feel comfortable trying to flat foot. I seem to “wear” Vulcans well. With a seat height of 27” and 25% less weight than your bike, it’s pretty much my upper limit. I love your tips for shorter riders. I like that you advocate for riders to ride what they like. My older daughter is just under 5’ tall. I want her to learn to ride (as a confidence booster). Both my girls hear enough about what they can’t do. But, they won’t hear it from me. Glad they won’t hear it from you. Thank you.
Such good tips, most of which I had already ended up figuring for myself after dropping my bike so many times. Trainers here in the UK (where we drive/ride on the left) teach to keep the left foot down to the road, and the right foot standing on the rear brake. Trouble is, we get a lot of rainfall, so all our roads are heavily cambered to the sides to let water run off quickly, and that is the side the trainer says to put your foot down on. Took me quite a while to learn to have my right foot down instead. I dig the parking issue and moving the bike on your hip/butt. I do that, but I always put the stand up first, as I twice dropped the bike because I caught the stand on uneven ground. I got a new bike a few weeks ago and I am practising slow speed turns, but I do not have crash bars on this new bike yet. I simply cannot cope with the weight of the really big bike though. I have a simple 21 Softail Standard, and that weighs nearly 700lbs. On 'normal' bikes, even with lowering kits, I can only get one tip toe down, so I have given up on those.
Using the one foot on the peg one on the floor... For picking the bike up, after turning the handlebar all the way to the right, right foot on peg/floorboard and push down. Better than using hip. For stopping, keep both feet on the peg until u ride the dive of the shocks in and out and then put one foot on the ground and one foot on the peg. Preferably keep the right foot up at first to cover rear brake longer. Instead of duck walking with both feet, keep right foot on the peg and walk with left foot only. I walk bikes forward on the roadglides and street glides, since they have that extra security latch on the kickstand, as long as the bike is halfway still resting on the kickstand. Good work.
Thanks for the tips. I’m 5’6” but I always thought baggers were too big and heavy for someone my size. You proved me wrong with your video. I ride an 883 Sportster right now, but maybe in a few years, I’ll trade up to something bigger.
I am 5'5" but have been riding tall bikes my whole life (im 50 now). I started when I was 12 so I didn't know the bikes were to tall for me. I figured it out at a young age before people programed my mind saying you cant do that. Seeing these techniques verbalized is awesome! By the way, the way I lift a heavy bike from the non kickstand side is briefly stand on the peg or board and pull the bike up. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Thank you for this video. Some people who are suggesting to just get a smaller bike must never have heard of learning new skills in order to reach goals. Hmmm. Seems simple to me. I sincerely appreciate your encouraging words.
Great video. My wife is 5'5", and rode 3 different Harley's on 2 wheels, but now she has a Triglide ultra. She used to fight with it but not anymore. I am 6'5 and been riding 55 years. But it gets tougher as we get older. You and Jess are doing great.
If height/weight issues make it difficult to lift your bike, even if it's just off the kick stand, you can put it in gear so it doesn't roll away from you.
You are very coordinated and that's a big help. You also want to succeed more than others your size do. There's not one of us that hasn't dropped a bike. Me in gravel is not good. The most important thing is, you're awesome
Another important factor is: pick a foot to ALWAYS use when stopping, if both feet don't sit flat on the ground! And watch for sand, or dirt near your planted foot. That can be disastrous, for both your bike & your leg muscles. And make sure your kickstand is FULLY engaged before leaning it on the stand. Ride safe
I have my dad's bike and I've been afraid to ride it because it's a big street glide with a tour pack. My frame is just like yours and it's a lot of weight to handle. Thank you for helping me feel more confident.
I think it’s fantastic that you ride the big bikes. You are proving that it can be done. May not be easy at times but it can be done. I am 5’7” at about 190 and ride an Ultra. I love your tips! Keep the videos coming. Love it!
Update. I got my big bike! The anniversary Road Glide Special. Yesterday was my first ride out. It was exciting and terrifying beginning with just getting it out of the garage with an uneven, pothole marked driveway. Thank you so much for the tips. Taking a slow riding course was extremely helpful. It made lane splitting in this traffic second nature . Again, thank you !
Fantastic information. I'm six foot, 210 lbs. Bought my first heavy bagger. 2011 Road Glide Custom. Several bikes before. All your tips will help any/every rider. Many safe miles and please keep posting. Fixing to subscribe.
Great job I ride a SG and can always learn from other riders perspective. Big bikes are the way to go! You got more power at the twist of the throttle and it feels like you can also be seen easier in traffic. 👍
Ah the ole' baggers with all the memories of my FLHS... I know as a shorter rider all of those tips were excellent. Back before there was a TH-cam or for that matter internet, it was done by trial and error. Lucky the only time I ever dropped my bagger was pulling up to a gas pump and looking at the price and forgetting to put my foot down... 🤪
I love your videos, there charming, inspirational and without ego. I'm 62 and is a kid I had a little honda 50 and I would ride the Trails all day and every day long as the weather held out. I'm only 5'4 I'd have my concerns about riding the street on a motorcycle especially one that was a decent size but after watching you feel like I can tackle it. Thank you very much and as the previous person said I can't wait until March.
I love how you said . Do it. Ride the big bike you like,, i am 5’4’’. I driven a honda cbr1000rr.. i am debating over the 2022 hayabusa. My dream motocycle.. after watch your video,, i have so much confidence to put money down get one.
As someone who's been riding a 500 sport bike for 10 years, I gained a whole new respect for cruiser riders' handling skills when I borrowed my dad's and had to go through Denver stop n go traffic.
Just got a 22 KLR 650 and I’m 5’9, so the seat height makes it feel heavier than it actually is. Granted, it’s still a 500+ lbs motorcycle with everything packed on it, so thank you for these tips. Really helpful
It’s good that a bike that’s difficult for you to handle moving around isn’t to much of an inconvenience but for many that will translate into less riding because it’s to much hassle.
I love the fact that you add the .75 inch!!! My wife does the same thing, 4' 11&1/2"!! Short chicks are 100% dynamite!! No Fear!! You should really get you a set of drop guards and a set of bag protection bars! They are worth their weight in gold!!!
I once did an off road tour in the Canary islands and the bike I hired had a 36" seat height. I'm 5'8 and there's no way I could reach the ground whilst sitting on the seat. The guide showed me what to do. Basically you slide off the seat so that when your foot is on the ground, the seat is in contact with the under-side of your thigh, near to the knee. This worked well with a trail bike but I don't think it would work with a super heavy cruiser.
I had to laugh when I heard you say.."all the way over to Timbucktoo.."! It's an Australian saying and was exactly perfect to what you were explaining. And you have a way of explaining things So Well!
Some good advice & encouragement to those who struggle with large heavy motorcycles!!! I’m older weaker & realizing a 400 plus pound bike is not easy picking back up once you accidentally lay it down! Mine weighs 430-450lbs! It’s fun to ride but I need help if I “LAY IT DOWN ON THE STREETS!” I smaller weaker bike is not what I want!!!!! So im gonna keep riding & hope I can get stronger again! I’m actually disabled & weakened by it! Dialysis takes protein from your body! U have to keep your muscles active or they deplete because of the treatments! I’m almost 55 now….. so it’s a accelerated challenge! Plan to go back to the gym soon! Hopefully it’ll help getting a laid bike up without help (LOL!) Signed….”still gonna ride anyway!” And I’m 6’ tall! Used to have very strong legs too! I love my one liter bike! It’s capable of going 170 plus mph!!!! (No I haven’t tried that either).., jus nice knowing what you have!🤘🏼👌🤠😂👋🏼
👍🏻 Valuable tips and hints for any Big Bike difficulties that small riders may have. Especially the "lifting trick" and the "backwards pushing trick" are very helpful, maybe even for taller people. Thanks for that!
Here you can see the reviews on the Road and Street Glides th-cam.com/video/usRGoD3n1rA/w-d-xo.html
and the road trip videos on them th-cam.com/video/_lthpG26Hc8/w-d-xo.html
It says video is unavailable!
th-cam.com/video/wxJqDDcdLus/w-d-xo.html
I'm a shorter guy. I have found the aftermarket seats sometimes are a touch narrower. Allowing you to flatfoot at stops.
*ALL motorcycle manufacturers should make the frame lower at the seat and make the seat adjustable up and down. I can't think of anything that would prevent such a design. AND, it will increase sales as most models will become accessible to more [potential] riders.*
Wow. I just bought my very first two wheel vehicle a month ago. It is a Honda pcx 150 scooter. And if you can handle a 800 lbs motorcycle, I know I'm good. I will definitely think about you every time I get on my scooter now for inspiration. I'm 5 10 and weigh 164 and my scooter is 286 lbs.
I love how you go after your goals, and then turn around and share what you learned so others can as well
:"You always reach back and give the other guy a hand. You don't step on the one who's holding you up."
*That's how humanity should work.*
I’m 6’3 so all these problems are foreign to me 😂 but doodle is a badass she figured it out
These are great tips! I'm a police motor instructor, but being that I'm 5' 10", I've only seen it from my perspective. We have some shorter riders come through and I try and tell them what I think could help, but seeing how you applied all of these tips at 5' 3.75", helps me to help them. Keep up the great content and keep up the practicing!
Great to hear this from you Matthew. As you state, these pointers are not always for you directly but they inform you with info to help others that are not 5' 10" so they become better and more confident with and on the machine they have to handle !
👏 legends always keep learning!!
Thanks for the empowering videos! I’m a 5’2” skinny girl and only riding for 3 years so the ‘so what if you mess up’ helps me remember to have more fun and less worries with my riding!
Great video. If you're having trouble backing up a heavy bike, you can squeeze your front brake and throw your weight forward (to load the front suspension) and then let off the brake. The suspension will have enough pressure to back your bike up even up small hills. It takes a few tries to get the timing right but it sure beats trying to grunt it out.
Good tip. I've done that long time ago and forgot about it completely.
This just popped up on my feed, absolutely wonderful info! Although I’m 6’2” I just had both hips replaced. I’ll use almost all your advice as it’s applicable to those of us who have lost some strength and/or range of motion. Thank you!
I love you lady. I’m 91 and 5.3. My bike is 560. Dang that sh**t is heavy. But I’m riding it! I appreciate you carry the 800+ so much respect for that. 🙏🏻
I love you lady. 91 and still riding? You are my true hero. Safe travels my friend.
Great video! I’m a whopping 5’ so I love short rider tips. I particularly love your honesty in admitting some of the tips are not always easy, but it is doable if you really want to. Thank you!!
Good tips. I’m 5’2 short legs long upper body and own a 21 road glide special. I’ve done many things you talk about. I was in the beginning pretty nervous but the more I rode her the better I got. Dropped her once at a stop sign after 2500 miles now she’s got 16,500 miles 13 states and by far my favorite of my 5 harleys. Love seeing all women on baggers these days especially those of us who are vertically challenged.
As someone who is "vertically challenged " myself, I think that I certainly get more enjoyment from riding a bike which I can 1, lift, 2, manoeuvre, why struggle?
I want to personally thank you for your teaching videos on You Tube. I recently watched the video about handling the big bigs. I am 5’3 and have trouble flat footing my Honda CBR500R. I have been afraid of parking lots and always had to think how I park . Well due to your video, I was able to get my bike out of a parking space that had a slight decent . I first tried to walk her back sitting on her , I got three steps and I knew it wasn’t going to work or be safe. I remembered how you walked the Harley around and grabbed my handlebars and rested the bike on my hip and walked right out of the parking space.
And had a smile all the way home.
Thank You again for all the had work you put into your videos .
Some of your tips also help those of us who are older and have leg or knee problems, so thanks.
Ahh awesome!
Great tips! I am 5' 10" and really prefer bikes around or under 500 lbs. Beasts like that one may be the shiznit for long trips, but I just can't get over the weight thing due to many old leg injuries. I am certainly proud of how far YOU have come, though!
u hit the nail on the head when you said many petite people might want to ride a big bike to show others that you can....it's great... but it's not a good reason to do anything to do it to show others that you can...you should do it because YOU want to do it not to show off... (doing a fender scraping wheelie or riding a car sized bike ) as many riders know showing off tends to get you in unnecessarily dangerous situations...
I understand that it is nice to ride a big bikes, and it makes you look cool. Bikes actually scares me safety wise. So I’m not taking chances on a bike that I can’t control. Don’t let your machine control you, you should control your machine. Good luck.
Your dedication for learning the skills, for perseverance, for being a good representative, encouraging teacher and your dedication to your channel, all the while doing it with humble grace is inspirational and quite admirable! Thank you, and YAY Doodle👏 yay👏👏 looking forward to the next video.
These are good tips for us folks that are getting older too.
I’m a short rider 5’5” with a street glide. A tip I learned to help stand the bike up right is when I throw my leg over from the left side, use my momentum to pull the bike up.
Thank you for the wonderful tips! My 5’3’ 19 year old has had her motorcycle license for just over a year. We started her on a small motorcycle. After she was by my estimation ready to advance, we sold the Honda Rebel 300 to a coworker who also wanted to learn to ride. I’d like to see my daughter be comfortable on our Harley Softail. The seat height is only 26”. My daughter loves riding, but she acts like she can’t get the Harley off it’s stand. I thought she was exaggerating in order to get me to buy her a smaller bike. I still might, but first I will show her this video.
Doodle: Thank you for your authentic presentation and practical content! The motorcycle community is lucky to have publishers like you
Thank You.
I'm 6'2" and riding a 2014 Road King - my first bike in over 40 years.
Your tips certainly help me in a big way.
Thank You, for this.
I’m 5’6 and a lot of people told me my vtx 1800 was way to big for me. And I found out it’s not at all. Being a man I loved proving them wrong! Great video. You give me confidence in riding!
I’m 6’2” so this doesn’t really apply to me, however this is great to know so that I can help the folks that these tips do apply. Thanks for another great video!
nobody asked or cares that you're 6'2" but way to try and make this video about you
@@slowery43 it’s not about me, never was. It does have useful information that I can pass on though.
@@slowery43 Tall people don't have the same problems as you short people.
Thanks for sharing! I always appreciate how you're so honest and open about how you've made the mistakes yourself in the past. That makes you very relatable.
Great tips! One criticism I have? I typically mount a bike from the side of the kickstand. Great vid tho!
Hi Carolyn, great tips! I ride a Harley FXDR and I'm 5' 7" Another tip is buy some boots with thicker heels. It helped me. Thanks.
2:15 when you've got heavy steering, you can stand on the right peg/board and lean on the bar
Great tips for anyone just beginning to ride a big, heavy bike. I’m 6’0” and 225 lbs, and, coming from a Speed Triple, I had issues handling a Road Glide the first few times. Great tip to handle it from the non-kickstand side, and to stop with both feet out until you get the hang of all that additional weight.
Love your videos and watching your journey. Im just under 5'1" and started riding just under a year ago. Its always so encouraging for me to see other small females riding big bikes. Ride safe!!!❤
Thank you for this video. I'm a short guy (5'5) and most of the time, when I try a new bike like that I was really unconfident about getting one or not, but you're right, if you want to, you can do it. Regards.
Good tips! I’m 5’4 and ride a vstar 1300 and I had to lower the bike two inches and bring the floorboards back an inch so I can actually ride safely. Otherwise I was tippy toeing everywhere lol.
I am turning 62 next month and buying a new Harley. My last bike 17 years ago was a Street Glide with the sluggish 88 cubic inch engine. Being a tad older I wanted a lower weight bike that would be great for cruising around the city and highway and the new Low Rider ST that comes in at 727 lbs with that beautiful 117 engine is calling my name. So kudus to you for going for the biggest, heaviest bike Harley sells except a fully loaded bagger. Safe travels my dear and enjoy the smiles per hour. You truly have inspired me 🙏
Keeping one foot on the peg/floor board is great at a stop. When possible, keeping the right foot on the peg allows holding the rear brake which can lend stability and as a bonus, keeps the brake light lit while freeing your arms and upper body to look around or just relax. Great vid, keep the shiny side up!
Doodle thank you so much! As soon as I saw short rider tips…….I tuned right in. So What? You are absolutely right! I love that! Take Care! 🤗
Adapt & overcome!! It’s the Doodle way! Great job! Although I’m not a Harley fan you look great on that bagger!
These are great tips for riders of any size. I’m 6’1” and use the hip method a lot because it’s just easier. 👏👏👏
My main takeaway from your vids about handling big bikes is that it's time for us shorties to take the power BACK! LOL. But for real, rad tips. Keep it up, we love to see it.
LOL! 😃
Another idea for tall/heavy bikes is to wear ADV touring boots (e.g., Forma Terra Evo, which are comfy and well made). They generally add a bit of elevation, have wide, high grip soles, and have serious protection for your ankles and shins in the event the bike ends up on top of you like an over eager Great Pyrenees. Shifting takes some practice, although it should be easy with heel and toe set-ups, and most bikes have some degree of adjustability in the shift lever height and distance from the foot peg.
You do a great job handling that big machine. I especially like how you leverage good technique vs brute force force to stay in control. Everything learned makes us a better rider, but I keep thinking to myself why would I want to ride such a heavy beast. Proud of you, thanks for sharing these inspiring videos!
Yea no body has to 😁
You have come a long way in these five or so years. You have learned so much about yourself and motorcycles and this viewer has enjoyed watching you learn and your videos have even taught me how to help my (also short and also female) cousin get over her fear of riding ever larger bikes. She has gone from a small yamaha virago 750 to a rather sizable Honda Shadow 1100; and now handles a Honda Goldwing comfortably. I have been her "coach" and cheerleader from the start, but watching you and a few of the other ladies, i.e. (magpie) and (two wheels) and (Whit Meza) and (Mrs. Paladino) and (Kake of Boots and Jeans) ; has helped me to help her. So Thank You Carolyn, aka (Doodle) !!!
P.S. I failed to mention that I also like Jocelyn Snow and certainly see her as inspiration for short riders in particular and certainly for any rider that acknowledges the need to improve handling skills, especially in conditions you wouldn't think of in most cases.
Ahh so happy to hear!! ❤️
12 minutes after posting, never been that early to a video :) Great roadtrips you made. Thank you for sharing.
Edit after watching:
Great tips. Never let anyone tell you you can't do something!
I worked for Harley Davidson for 19 years. The big baggers are great bikes. They are heavy. I can confidently handle them, but prefer lighter bikes. I can, and have gone anywhere the bagger guys go on a lighter bike without, a windshield.
And go places they won't dare go!
My current bike is a 2022 Harley Street Bob. Love it! Your big bike tips are dead on. I used to help with a rider training course. We used the back parking lot of a local college.
One side was our motley crew, across the street were the Shriners motorcycle club going through their parade routine. Freaking amazing!!!
Yep, I’m a smaller dude at 5’5” and ride a Street Glide. I loved my Corbin seat I had on my 2013 bike since it pushed me forward. My current CVO Street Glide I like the looks of the seat so I’m working with it.
Another amazing piece of work out there for the motorcycle community. Helping dreams come true. Thanks 🙏
You ROCK! I am 5'2" 95 lbs. I used to ride a Honda VTX 1300. Now that I'm older I couldn't even tell you why I felt I needed something so big. But it sure felt good when I outrode some of the big boys I would ride with! LOL I wish I'd have known then what I know now that I'm older. I'm still riding (it's a Shadow now) And I would not change a thing! Great to see confident, smaller women paving the way for all! Keep it up!
You’re a wonderful teacher. What a joy to watch.
First, I love your channel and love the information that you present for riders with similar struggles/demands as yours (full disclosure: I'm 6'3", so these aren't concerns of mine), however there are a number of techniques that even I employ that can help many riders avoid the complications of having to muscle around a bike to begin with and thus might be a good topic for a future video. I think that some good planning skills used in advance of needing to move a bike can provide many less skilled riders with a good dose of confidence for handling their bikes.
Among these planning skills are how one places the bike when parking in many different situations that allow for a direct ride away instead of maneuvering out of a parking location like using different entry angles or a natural slope to position the bike for a simple ride away. A good example is parking perpendicular to a curb (where cars parallel park) with the rear wheel backed up to that curb and using the slope of a crowned street to ease/back it in. Once ready to leave, one can pull straight out. There are some other planning skills like this that you could explore.
Hi Doodle, another great video to give confidence to shorter riders. Weighing in at 930lbs, can be a daunting task to handle, requiring both skill and confidence, which has to be learned, and your low speed control courses are really paying dividends! Good advice to follow!
I’m 5‘2“ and I’m getting my first bike soon! Msf in March!!! So excited 🎉🎉🎉 this gives me inspiration
Ooooh, this was a good one! Learned a few new things that will help me on my Street Glide. Parking is an issue for sure, but I have no shame in putting it in N and letting my husband park his, then mine if needed. Much better than me dropping it while I’m learning 😅
Yes!! 🤪
I admire your strong will, creativity and brave attitude. Enjoy your ride!
Doodle you are amazing 👍!!! Don't stop doin you , you are in fact bringing much knowledge . I'd never even imagine a tiny handeling that thing . You go girl !
Again I can’t say thank you enough all the issues you have mentioned is what I have been managing through. Yay
Thank you for this video! I’m 5’3” on the low end 😂😂😂. I’m used to the low sport bikes but seeing this video some of your other videos, it gave me a better outlook on taller bikes. On that note. I just got the 2022 Low Rider S 117 stage 2 and soon to be dyno tuned. Again Thank you! Keep makin those videos for us shorter riders!
Your absolutely right. Ride what you want to ride. The important thing is the riding. A lot of times especially other bikers will help if you need it. I’ve seen big burly guys need help maneuvering because they’ve had back or shoulder issue. It’s no prob, just pitch in and help where, when and if needed
Hallo from Austria Europe! I‘ve been riding EGlides, Street Glides and Road Glides for 15 yrs now. I am a Male 5,84 tall. In all those years i dropped an EGlide only once duckwalking it out of the garage on gravel ground. My methods are the same as yours although I am much taller! So be proud of what you achieved handling the monster bikes. I love every Single pound of them. For handling and riding too, the Road Glide is best. And you are right saying it is no shame asking for help to be pushed back if necessary.
Finally. Thank you. I am 5 ft on a streetglide and the parking lot parking and moving it is hard.
Gr8 vid, Carolyn. I normally tell ppl own the bikes that fit you the best is the most fun. For most, big bike challenges are mental head games. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.
what I do for kickstand is just roal the bike forward a bit to bring it back to me.
if you get on the bike from the other side and push the inside of yout left leg and hip into the bike as u swing the right leg over the momentum will pull the bike upright without you having to turn those bars
Love your spirit and determination. It shows what someone can do when determined.
It’s best to always park with your tail end in first so you just pull out. Now if the parking space is slightly uphill then you can pull in and roll out.
Great video😎😎
You are simply amazing! You have a lot more bravery than a lot of Harley riders I have known over the years. I think you forgot to mention to apply the front brake when tipping the bike upright to buy more stability. Please be safe?!! When new riders ask me for advice I always tell them to go small and work their way up. I lost an acquaintance just days after he bought a big bagger as his first bike. I pleaded with him to stay on back roads and DO NOT take a passenger. Luckily his wife survived when he attempted a u-turn on a major highway.
My son is 6’7 and rides that same bike. Well done. Great tip. I struggle moving his bike around but I’m an older lady. This video really helps.
At 5’7” I’m only going to have about 1.5” of extra leg length. For a bike that size, it wouldn’t be enough for me to feel comfortable trying to flat foot. I seem to “wear” Vulcans well. With a seat height of 27” and 25% less weight than your bike, it’s pretty much my upper limit. I love your tips for shorter riders. I like that you advocate for riders to ride what they like. My older daughter is just under 5’ tall. I want her to learn to ride (as a confidence booster). Both my girls hear enough about what they can’t do. But, they won’t hear it from me. Glad they won’t hear it from you. Thank you.
Such good tips, most of which I had already ended up figuring for myself after dropping my bike so many times. Trainers here in the UK (where we drive/ride on the left) teach to keep the left foot down to the road, and the right foot standing on the rear brake. Trouble is, we get a lot of rainfall, so all our roads are heavily cambered to the sides to let water run off quickly, and that is the side the trainer says to put your foot down on. Took me quite a while to learn to have my right foot down instead. I dig the parking issue and moving the bike on your hip/butt. I do that, but I always put the stand up first, as I twice dropped the bike because I caught the stand on uneven ground. I got a new bike a few weeks ago and I am practising slow speed turns, but I do not have crash bars on this new bike yet. I simply cannot cope with the weight of the really big bike though. I have a simple 21 Softail Standard, and that weighs nearly 700lbs. On 'normal' bikes, even with lowering kits, I can only get one tip toe down, so I have given up on those.
Love how you don't let things stand in your way from doing what you want. You're Awesome, and Great Video! ✌🏻👍🏻
Using the one foot on the peg one on the floor...
For picking the bike up, after turning the handlebar all the way to the right, right foot on peg/floorboard and push down. Better than using hip.
For stopping, keep both feet on the peg until u ride the dive of the shocks in and out and then put one foot on the ground and one foot on the peg. Preferably keep the right foot up at first to cover rear brake longer.
Instead of duck walking with both feet, keep right foot on the peg and walk with left foot only.
I walk bikes forward on the roadglides and street glides, since they have that extra security latch on the kickstand, as long as the bike is halfway still resting on the kickstand.
Good work.
Thanks for the tips. I’m 5’6” but I always thought baggers were too big and heavy for someone my size. You proved me wrong with your video. I ride an 883 Sportster right now, but maybe in a few years, I’ll trade up to something bigger.
I am 5'5" but have been riding tall bikes my whole life (im 50 now). I started when I was 12 so I didn't know the bikes were to tall for me. I figured it out at a young age before people programed my mind saying you cant do that. Seeing these techniques verbalized is awesome! By the way, the way I lift a heavy bike from the non kickstand side is briefly stand on the peg or board and pull the bike up. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Point .75 definately tipped the short scale into the almost tall category for sure!! LoL... great videos
Thank you for this video. Some people who are suggesting to just get a smaller bike must never have heard of learning new skills in order to reach goals. Hmmm. Seems simple to me. I sincerely appreciate your encouraging words.
Great video. My wife is 5'5", and rode 3 different Harley's on 2 wheels, but now she has a Triglide ultra. She used to fight with it but not anymore. I am 6'5 and been riding 55 years. But it gets tougher as we get older. You and Jess are doing great.
If height/weight issues make it difficult to lift your bike, even if it's just off the kick stand, you can put it in gear so it doesn't roll away from you.
You are very coordinated and that's a big help. You also want to succeed more than others your size do.
There's not one of us that hasn't dropped a bike. Me in gravel is not good.
The most important thing is, you're awesome
Great tips Doodle! Might help my short legs out when I hopefully ride a touring bike someday.
This was great, love that you just do what you want and ride what you want without a care it seems.
Another important factor is: pick a foot to ALWAYS use when stopping, if both feet don't sit flat on the ground! And watch for sand, or dirt near your planted foot. That can be disastrous, for both your bike & your leg muscles. And make sure your kickstand is FULLY engaged before leaning it on the stand. Ride safe
I have my dad's bike and I've been afraid to ride it because it's a big street glide with a tour pack. My frame is just like yours and it's a lot of weight to handle. Thank you for helping me feel more confident.
If you turn the wheel back to the centre as you lift it helps pull the bike up, great vlog Steve
I think it’s fantastic that you ride the big bikes. You are proving that it can be done. May not be easy at times but it can be done. I am 5’7” at about 190 and ride an Ultra. I love your tips! Keep the videos coming. Love it!
I want the big bike! And you're showing me I can have it! Thank you for all your tips!!!!
Yes you can!!!
Update. I got my big bike! The anniversary Road Glide Special. Yesterday was my first ride out. It was exciting and terrifying beginning with just getting it out of the garage with an uneven, pothole marked driveway. Thank you so much for the tips. Taking a slow riding course was extremely helpful. It made lane splitting in this traffic second nature . Again, thank you !
Fantastic information. I'm six foot, 210 lbs. Bought my first heavy bagger. 2011 Road Glide Custom. Several bikes before. All your tips will help any/every rider. Many safe miles and please keep posting. Fixing to subscribe.
Great job I ride a SG and can always learn from other riders perspective. Big bikes are the way to go! You got more power at the twist of the throttle and it feels like you can also be seen easier in traffic. 👍
Ah the ole' baggers with all the memories of my FLHS... I know as a shorter rider all of those tips were excellent. Back before there was a TH-cam or for that matter internet, it was done by trial and error. Lucky the only time I ever dropped my bagger was pulling up to a gas pump and looking at the price and forgetting to put my foot down... 🤪
Omg trial and error i would‘ve quit!
I love how she adds that .75
I love your videos, there charming, inspirational and without ego. I'm 62 and is a kid I had a little honda 50 and I would ride the Trails all day and every day long as the weather held out. I'm only 5'4 I'd have my concerns about riding the street on a motorcycle especially one that was a decent size but after watching you feel like I can tackle it. Thank you very much and as the previous person said I can't wait until March.
I love how you said . Do it. Ride the big bike you like,, i am 5’4’’. I driven a honda cbr1000rr.. i am debating over the 2022 hayabusa. My dream motocycle.. after watch your video,, i have so much confidence to put money down get one.
As someone who's been riding a 500 sport bike for 10 years, I gained a whole new respect for cruiser riders' handling skills when I borrowed my dad's and had to go through Denver stop n go traffic.
Atta girl!! Awesome job!
Just got a 22 KLR 650 and I’m 5’9, so the seat height makes it feel heavier than it actually is. Granted, it’s still a 500+ lbs motorcycle with everything packed on it, so thank you for these tips. Really helpful
Great tips and video! I am the exact same height as you but 29 inch inseam so every bike is a struggle and a "big" bike. Thanks Doodle
It’s good that a bike that’s difficult for you to handle moving around isn’t to much of an inconvenience but for many that will translate into less riding because it’s to much hassle.
I love the fact that you add the .75 inch!!! My wife does the same thing, 4' 11&1/2"!! Short chicks are 100% dynamite!! No Fear!! You should really get you a set of drop guards and a set of bag protection bars! They are worth their weight in gold!!!
I once did an off road tour in the Canary islands and the bike I hired had a 36" seat height. I'm 5'8 and there's no way I could reach the ground whilst sitting on the seat. The guide showed me what to do. Basically you slide off the seat so that when your foot is on the ground, the seat is in contact with the under-side of your thigh, near to the knee. This worked well with a trail bike but I don't think it would work with a super heavy cruiser.
Thankyou for this video, you are inspiring people to get out and ride the bike they really want to ride. Love your last comment, so true.
I had to laugh when I heard you say.."all the way over to Timbucktoo.."! It's an Australian saying and was exactly perfect to what you were explaining. And you have a way of explaining things So Well!
Some good advice & encouragement to those who struggle with large heavy motorcycles!!!
I’m older weaker & realizing a 400 plus pound bike is not easy picking back up once you accidentally lay it down! Mine weighs 430-450lbs! It’s fun to ride but I need help if I “LAY IT DOWN ON THE STREETS!”
I smaller weaker bike is not what I want!!!!! So im gonna keep riding & hope I can get stronger again!
I’m actually disabled & weakened by it! Dialysis takes protein from your body! U have to keep your muscles active or they deplete because of the treatments!
I’m almost 55 now….. so it’s a accelerated challenge!
Plan to go back to the gym soon! Hopefully it’ll help getting a laid bike up without help (LOL!)
Signed….”still gonna ride anyway!”
And I’m 6’ tall! Used to have very strong legs too! I love my one liter bike! It’s capable of going 170 plus mph!!!! (No I haven’t tried that either).., jus nice knowing what you have!🤘🏼👌🤠😂👋🏼
👍🏻 Valuable tips and hints for any Big Bike difficulties that small riders may have. Especially the "lifting trick" and the "backwards pushing trick" are very helpful, maybe even for taller people.
Thanks for that!
Excellent video! Thank you! 👍