Think the Harley Street Glide is too big for you? 2000 mile review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- A 2000 mile review on the 2021 Harley Street Glide. I took it on my first road trip ever: 6 days, 10 states, 2000 miles. Think you're too short for a 830 lb. bagger? Think again.
Road Glide vs. Street Glide • A short rider's though...
The road trip on the Street Glide • Think the Harley Stree...
Short rider tips on BIG baggers • Short Rider Tips by a ...
This borrowed Harley came from @EagleRider Rentals in Marietta, GA. Find one near you
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Just finished the 1000 mile road trip on the Road Glide! Here's the video comparing it to the Street Glide: th-cam.com/video/usRGoD3n1rA/w-d-xo.html
Hi doodle. Great video . Can you please share what brand and style boots you are riding in ? I would like to check them out for my wife . Thank you kindly
Doodle On A Motorcycle I know you said you usually don't listen to music, but I would recommend my helmet a Torc T28B about $280 on Amazon. I love it because it a modular and I love the convivence of just popping the main part open when going into a store, so I don't have to take it off and put it back on. But most importantly I love the Bluetooth speakers in the helmet. You said the speakers on the Harley where not loud enough at full highway speeds. I have my cell mounted to my bars with a RAM X-mount for google maps and Spotify to my helmet. I love that it has a clear outer and a retractable sunshade inner, and the outer has multiple settings and has a very satisfying snap closed and toolless removal for the outer visor.
I also recommend Ear Dail smart ear plugs to only reduce the sound frequency that is damaging, and you can still hear your music, and talking. They are about $30 on Amazon LOVE THEM. Its not the pipes, its not the music, its the sound of the wind even through your full helmet that will damage your hearing and you only get one pair of ears, trust me I sleep with a constant beeeeeeeeeeeee, ringing in my ear, I bring a huge super loud fan to drown it out when I sleep even on vacation.
''WHO'S THE BOSS, I'M THE BOSS''! You never forgot that. Good.
I tried 😅
So I accidentally uploaded a whole GoPro clip of me riding the Street Glide instead of the actual Street Glide review video... so if you saw this title/thumb before... this is the right video 😅
See the 2000 mile road trip video on the Street Glide bit.ly/FirstSoloRoadTrip
Hey, I thought that was fun :) I was practicing my “wide view transition” while you were cruising through the non-stop water works.
That was a great accidentally upload it was a pleasure to watch you ride in the rain like a boss
Love doing big mile rides
As a short male, 5’4”, 140 lbs, 29” inseam, I pick it up off the side stand and push it up a slight incline when getting it out of the garage, the rest of it is all about finesse, I have this exact model and color SG, nice video
I pumped Gas after school back in 1979 when the WIMA (Womens International Motorcycle Association) held a Rally near my home town. Loads of bikes came in then a Yamaha XS1100 with full Vetter Fairing and bags arrived. The lady rider was about 5ft tall, she stopped, kicked down the stand and hopped off. I refilled her tank, she hopped back on and rode off as she flipped the stand back up. I was mighty impressed that if she could do that I could try and be as confident. Well done for being as confident Doodle x
I am a short rider, 5'8" for a man and I ride a Goldwing. It has it's challenges even for me, reverse helps a lot. It does not take a tall rider and you don't have to be that strong, the balance is the key. Good job, be safe, have fun.
I'm 5"8 as well so I know what you mean. Even though I haven't had a Goldwing before I did own an Indian Roadmaster and I was able to handle it with my wife on the back with not to many problems.
I’m 5’7” and planning on getting the StreetGlide Special.. super stoked💥
5'9" is average height for men in the U.S. 5'8" is not considered short for a man bro.
@@wolfpack8643 Well when I am tip toeing a motorcycle like my 1500, I feel short, hahaha.
I am a very strong guy, and if i rely on power ( strength) to replace technique the bikes going on its side. This is way too much for me, ( new rider)
Hey you did great ! I put my foot down on a sand covered emergency lane on a trip and had to use every ounce of strength I had to not drop it. A firetruck came ripping around a corner horns blasting and had to pull over and stop quick . Luckily I had two soft sidebags full on my VFR 800 and they saved my bike. Great ride on the first video... You are a champ.
Love your video. I have that identical Street Glide. I've been riding nearly 50 years, 27 of those on Harleys. But this is my first bagger. I'm only 5'5" with a 28" inseam, so I know the challenges with slow, parking lot maneuvers. At speed, even in the curviest of my north Georgia mountains, you only notice you're having a ball!
Ooooh never took these baggers to curves!
Agree, it’s all in the friction zone and using low speed skills on these heavy bikes. Anyone can ride a bagger in a straight line! I’m 5’7 and can flat foot my SG if I’m all the way forward in the seat. I need to figure out the cruise control and backing it out of the garage. For now, my husband has to get her out for me. The seat IS like a marshmallow! I’m getting the hang of it, will just take seat time and practice 👍🏻
Nice Trip! (But insane rain). Awesome content taking on the challenge. These big bikes are special - and need special precautions - parking strategically makes a big difference. I recommend test rides/rental for those who have never tried a Harley. So light at speed, but a 800#+ bike can be unwieldy for most of us, guys included - good job!
As a 5’3 rider I’m inspired to ride on all rode trip! I’ve been following you from the beginning! I need more of the Future you again 😂😂😂! Keep up the great content!
Ahh awesome! #shortiesunite
Just watched the real upload lol!! I will say no matter who you are Harley touring bikes are heavy AF!! I rode a Harley Softail in Japan for 10 years and put 88k on it before I moved to the USA. Once here I bought a Harley Ultra, with the tour pac. I’ve done 3,000 mile trips to both Sturgis and Tolling Thunder on it. I’m still not as comfortable on it as I was on the Softail.
Concerning the clutch level it is a stiff boy. I’m by no means petite, I’m a retired Marine 5’9” 275 lbs. Even I had tears in my eyes as we did the Rolling Thunder Run in 2018. You are nothing but on the clutch there.
I really don’t think size matters on a bike. If your comfortable and confident you can ride anything. Just remember to ride YOUR ride.
As a lighter male (155#). I’ve had to learn a few tricks:
- to lift off kickstand grab the underside of gas tank with left hand just in front of seat and pull hard while leaning to the right. Saves the back!
- aftermarket kit will lower your bike 1-2” or try the softail out they are much lower and better ride imo.
Great video love your candor!
Made my day with a bonus video. Great review. You are pretty small and light so that stock seat would work for you for a long time. Those of us that are larger and heavier tend to need a custom seat as the stock one wears out. As a Harley rider myself I appreciated your review in its honesty. Ride safe young lady.
That makes sense about weight! 😃
Your determination and willingness to step out of the comfort zone are awesome Doodle.
No shame in slapping it in neutral in traffic. I do it every chance I get personally. Holding a clutch that long isn’t fun for anyone.
@@mojo8746 because the government allows other people on public roads. Sometimes there’s a whole lot of em at the same time.
Oh yea forgot to mention in 2000 miles on the bike never found neutral 🤪
😂😂
@@DoodleOnAMotorcycle omg Harleys really are the worst at that! Seriously. On my road glide, it was easiest as I was coming to a stop but still barely moving or right after shutting off the motor. That was only my experience.
I Loved your perspective on the Harley review, no specs! Just how it made you feel. The essence of life.
Much respect to how you handled the bike and ride. Well said, no shame in asking for help and everyone should be happy to help. 😃💪
Great video. I used to have a Lowrider and almost upgraded to a Roadglide. The only thing I found I really needed to change on my Lowrider was installing pull back risers. That changed my seating position just enough where I no longer should aches from reaching to far forward. I also did not need a backrest after the seating position change. I now have a Goldwing, and the issue, reaching to far forward. Once again risers saved the day for me.
I changed the handlebars on my Low Rider - problem solved.
Great write up! Well received from another 5’3” lightweight (but experienced!) rider. I went from my sportsbike to HD Softail Slim, and have been considering a more ‘road trip friendly’ bike recently ~ this def helps. No amount of practice and experience takes the sheer weight of that bike away! Thanks and Stay safe!
Thank you for your thoughts. Us HD guys know they are kinda in their own class. Yet they are pretty great for road work. I did an 6800 mile /20 day tour last summer. Loved it.
I have a Road King - love it.
Love your energy.
See you on the road!
7:55, I love the electric adjust windscreen my BMW cruiser has for blowing the rain away or getting more cool airflow in summer but the Beemer is almost too tall & heavy for anyone under 5-10" so not the best choice for many riders. Nice update and review and that you're expanding your cycling universe.
Bwahaha. @3:00 is so funny 😂. Love it Doodle🔥💯
Glad your trip went well for you. Sure that Harley was just jumping out of their biker boots to have you using their products with so many younger people not taking a shine to the whole bagger community, and being more conventional in their motorcycle choices. May all your future trips be most enjoyable and every bit as safe. Very best wishes.
To say I am impressed is an understatement. You have come a long way since I began watching your videos. Well done.
#1 Road Glide, the fairing cuts through the wind and its just overall the most comfortable bike Harley has to offer. I have a 21 RG and logged over 10K miles in 6 months. This things a dream on long distance rides.
My first bike was a 2013 Triumph Street Triple 675, super fun bike, great power and handling. I just got a 2013 HD Street Glide totally different experience at slow speeds and corners especially, but I’ve put about 1,000 miles on it and loving it, of course lots of room for upgrades, but had low miles 17k when I got it. Just ordered a sound system.
I had a real tough clutch to pull in but when I let it out it never slipped. One time I was in traffic and my hand was giving out I grab the ball on the end of the lever to pulled it in.
I now have a street glide and love it. Hours on the highway with out any fatigue.
“There’s no shame in asking a random stranger for help” Shows shot of her poor husband pushing for all he’s worth on the front end. LOL!
🤪 didn’t have any strangers for B Roll
Hi Doodle, your video has answered your question in a really down to earth way. You've shown precisely how you overcame the weight, which can be so discouraging with the fear of dropping it, and would you have been able to pick it up! So your next planned 1,000 mile road trip should be a breeze. I think you've encourage other shorter riders to give it a go!
Also, doesn't seem advantageous to have a "wind catcher" attached to my handle bars. Makes for blustery, and gusty sketchy rides. You'll like the Road Glide more. Again, you're a beast in the weather.
Your rode trip was a lot like the most of mine, a lot of rain the entire time except the last couple hundred miles then its all sunshine lol. It seemed you had a really great time with old and new friends alike and all that makes a trip worth the sacrifice... Loved the whole trip, thank you for taking me with you. Stay safe and always keep the rubber side down. Until next time peace out 👍😎👍and MLLR&H.
I'm a die hard Harley rider of 50 years but feel that for you the answer would definitely be an 1800 Goldwing bagger DCT. Low seat height, forward and reverse crawl and DCT solves your clutch issues and the electric adjustable screen is amazing. Ironically, as a 6'4" 230 lbs guy the Goldwing is too small for me. 😢
You’re going to enjoy the Road Glide. Much better steering/handling feel. Not only when going slow, but on the highway. The Streetglide is more prone to being pushed around by wind at speed, caused by the fairing being attached to the bars.
Well done.
You seem to have mastered what is a big old lump of a bike.
I would take much longer but then for me the destination is less important than the journey and i tend to stop frequently specially in senic areas as I love to absorb the views .
Being a retired older rider probably has a lot to do with it.
An enlightening series of videos about your Street Glide adventure. Great rain riding sequences, lots 'O rain. I got wet no matter what weather gear I had when I commuted for years... I always brought a dry change of clothing for work. And I remember the wind, head slap from low fairings.
Here's a few things I would change on a HD to fit you a little better.... 1st a back rest, 2nd some "reach handle bars" to move the grips a little closer so you're not stretched out causing back pains, 3rd maybe a lower HD seat so you've got better footing, 4th 10"-12" F4 windshield: hands down the best windshield due to it's almost like having a permanent Rain X coating and scratch resistant, 5th you can get some new PSR leavers to help with the clutch fatigue. A quick tip when parking a heavy bike.... don't park where the kick stand will be down hill.... I did once at the old Dream Land BBQ that was close to where you live and it took me and my wife to get it back up... a 2010 Ultra Limited. BTW.... you should be REAL PROUD of yourself taking a trip like that!!!! Ride safe!!!!!
I had a 12" tall windshield on my 2014 Ultra Limited, but I'm 6'2". I feel this is too tall for a petite rider. The inability to see over a windshield is dangerous.
@@dh2392 My wife rides a 2018 Tri Glide and we put a stock size (like my 2010) F4 shield on her bike and she loves it.... that shield sheds water like crazy. I use to use a shorter shield in the past but the F4 is a game changer for us. We rode back from York, PA 3 days straight in the rain, half helmets and clear sun glasses and it was great to duck behind that shield when passing 18 wheelers spray.
@@doylehenderson319 can she see over it? What if a vehicle throws mud up on the windshield? It may have a coating that sheds water, but it won't shed mud or dirty road spray. That's why cars have windshield wiper fluid.
@@dh2392 She can see over it if she sits up straight if she needs to but the mud thing is a non starter unless we're riding dirt roads.... in all the years I've been riding and over 200K miles I have never hard a mud clod hit my shield and even if we did we can always pull over cause I alway carry water in the tour pak.
@@doylehenderson319 the girl is under 5'4". Short of standing on the floorboards, she ain't seeing over a 12" windshield. Some riders might like looking thru a windshield, but judging by the other bikes she rides, I would say she isn't one of them.
I’m 6’ plus big guy and you inspired me to try a street glide! I always though they would be too big. Hey if you can I can. You have uplifting videos. Good job.
Having a positive attitude and experience.... You did a great job! Stay positive!
It's ultimately about the balance. My test for if a bike is too heavy for someone is how well they can hold it on one grip with 1/8" off the ground from the other side (and how well they can pick it up with one hand). I'm not a terribly big fan of riding touring bikes as they don't feel like a motorcycle. However, to tour, they are second to none. I love naked sport bikes or even naked softails, but not to tour with.
HD really does force you to build up that grip strength, overtime! I agree with not having any shame in asking for a push especially when you have to push up a slight incline ;p (that’s where I would love to hear your comparison with an R18 bagger and that reverse-gear(LOVE)). I appreciate the leg protection of the FLHTCU and would love to hear your thoughts if you try this again with one (HOPING). I added a sound bar that goes above the dash which helped (a lot) with the sound (and you can add speakers to the leg protectors which make it even (BETTER). Please ride an Ultra Limited and let us know what you think. Love what you are doing.
Excellent vid. I've had Street Glide for a year and love it. It took some getting used to the weight & I'm 6'0 tall, so hats off to you! Too bad it rained so much.
I agree that the clutch can really fatigue the hand in heavy traffic.
glad you're back home safe Doodle!
fascinating to hear your thoughts. im a big bloke from ireland and was stunned how well you handled this bike. I just bought a CTO Street Glide from 2018 and have only been out on it a few times. Interesting to hear about your feelings on the clutch - I only had that issue once with a Ducati v4 SP and a dry clutch, stuck in traffic, was seriously causing very uncomfortable arm fatigue. Nice channel you have - you talk a lot of sense!
Back in the early '80's, Honda had a great touring bike out there for smaller frame people. My father was 5'7" and it fit him perfectly. It was the Honda Silverwing Interstate. They only made the bike for a few years, starting I think in 1981. It was 500cc at first but, by the time they quit making it, it was 650cc. Honda is putting the Silverwing name on scooters now, but in the '80's, it was a full motorcycle. It was a perfect touring bike for someone smaller like yourself.
I’d really be interested to hear her thoughts after spending some time with a Gold Wing, or maybe a Africa Twin.
That’s the exact bike that Shadetree surgeon rode back from California to Florida. Silver wing check it out on his YT channel.
@@thanosetsitty1896 Thanks. I'll check it out.
My Ural sidecar outfits comes with reverse maybe Harley should have that too
I had the ancestor of the Silverwing when it was a CX500 Deluxe I put 250 thousand miles on that bike in the nine years I had it one of my best bike
you made the right choice for your trip, Doodle. You have grown so much with your bike skillz since you first started out. You have confidence now. It is always best to have the right tool for the job. I'm glad, besides the rain, that your ride was a safe one. Look forward to seeing your next adventure. Stay safe and stay awesome Doodle...................................Byeeeeeeeeeee
@6:41 yes!! I'm 5 ft barely and have small hands. I've learned to clutchless shift to save my hand muscles a little but heavy traffic is no good.
Doodle
From your start to where you are right now is night and day. It's called the evolution of riding skills. The more you ride, the more you learn. After a while, all motorcycles are 2 wheels and an engine. You have gotten past this barrier Lady!!! Congrats to you Doodle!! I'm Proud of you LADY!!! Great video!!
Ride SAFE and BE safe Doodle!
🙌👏👏👏👍✌👌🖖🤙👋🙂🙂🌹
This is a very good, detailed analysis of how you accomplished the impossible! Lots of great tips here, Doodle! It's wonderful that Harley came through for you; it almost restores my faith in those bums!
Wow!!! Very proud of you. Took a lot of courage to do that by yourself and on a bike you was not familiar with. HATE riding in the rain!!!!!! Way to go!!!!
So glad you were able to find ways to adapt to the size of this bike. Excellent tips and tricks Carolyn, many thanks 😉. Enjoyed this video so much 🥰🙏👏👏👏👏
Very nice video, excellent explanation and tips for anyone who’s a bit small, all I can say is “ If got wheels….. YOU can RIDE IT “.
Well done 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍
A very in depth and interesting review from your point of view. You did great on it btw. My riding friend and I bought new Street Glides in 2020. He is a smaller guy at about 5' 6.5" and he was very nervous on it until he got quite a few miles under his belt on it. Now that he is used to it you wouldn't be able to pry it from his grip even if he was dead. He absolutely loves it. His previous bikes were always along the lines of Sportsters and Soft Tails so this was quite a jump in size and weight for him as it was for you. As for me my previous Harley was a Road Glide and I feel the Street Glide feels sportier to me, I always felt the Road Glide felt more top heavy. Nice to have a choice to make everyone happy. The rider backrest does do wonders when you are on the road for long miles day after day. To me it was a game changer.
U go girl. Love to see u out there. So glad Harley came tru for u. U will get the hang of it. I have faith in u. God Bless U!!
Good for you! You have come a long way from dropping bikes frequently. That was a daunting trip for anybody.
Road glide special is phenomenal.
Congats on your road trip on such a beast. All those tricks you learnt will serve you well on any bike...
Good for you. You handled the heavy bike like a PRO. I’m 5’7” with a 30 inch inseam never had a problem with my Road Glide but you do need to pay attention where you go and especially where you park. Short legs make backing the bike up difficult if you don’t pick the right spot.
I on my second Street Glide. I also have a drivers back rest which is sooo nice. I will put it in neutral if I have to sit in traffic for very long. I also will put one or both of my feet up on the engine guards while riding on the interstate. It knocks off a lot of wind coming up from underneath. I have 10" wind shield. I think a 12" would be better. I have shorter legs then you do. I have had a shoe cobbler sew extra thick soles on my riding boots which helps too. I'm 68 at 150 lbs with an inseam of 28 inches. I love my Street Glide along with my other 4 bikes. Remember to alway park your bike heading in the direction you want leave so you don't have to back up.
Sticking it OUT in that RAIN was fortitude
I am skinny man and I hate the load on the clutch hand in traffic. I don't generally lane split but I have done so twice, both times after standing in slow traffic for 15 minutes and my clutch hand convinced my brain that the risk was worth the reward. That complaint is 100% legit. I can't even imagine doing that for an hour without breaking a law or two just to give my hand a rest.
🤫😎
WOW!
You are a gamer! I always enjoy your content. I’m proud of your spirit and your skill.
I own a 2006 Honda ST1300A and love it and the Honda brand. I love the fact that for long distance ride I have cruise control, custom comfort seat AND electric windscreen. Riding while the windscreen is at the highest height makes a little bubble of comfort. So I wonder if you will be able to ride a 2021 Honda Goldwing. I think you will lose your mind on that luxury machine - which I think has “reverse”!! Love the channel.
Nice review. Appreciate your comments. I’m in the market for an upgrade and am considering between the Harley Heritage and the Street Glide. I test rode the Heritage but need to try the Street Glide. After your review I will definitely try out the Street Glide.
Good for you! I admire your determination. I own a Street Glide, and I’m a dude so, I understand the weight management.
i know because you rent /barrow the baggers you cant really try it out but i think a recluse auto clutch would have made a huge difference for you or anyone really in that stop n go traffic. i have arthritis so i plan on getting one of those if i get a bagger. Honda DCT bikes are an option for me as well. i just wish the NC 750x had cruise control . i feel that is a must for long trips. good vid
Indian Chieftain has an adjustable windshield. It makes a huge difference on the highway. I leave mine down most of the time, but raise it when doing highway riding and it works well. Good luck and safe riding!
have a 2016 streetglide with 65k , for road trips and town try 2'' higher and further back more comfort and a little more control at slow speed, Last big trip Pa to Vagas on the way back Vegas to Pueblo 912 miles 12hr 20 min door to door . Bike never missed a beat. The roadglide will be easier on the trip less affected by the wind. Ride safe
I am your size and I ride an Indian Chieftain. I have also ridden the Street Glide and the Road Glide. Love the Indian the most. They all weigh the same. I had a Kawasaki Nomad also. I must say the Indian Chieftain is my favorite!
you are so brave; I have been riding for a while and still won't ride a big bike or by myself. I have road by myself some. but I ride with my husband a lot.
Looking forward to hearing how you like the road glide, PS have a great trip
Thanks for this video. Its very encouraging. I am 5.9 and I bought fatboy. I thought its too heavy for me but I see there is no limit if you know how to do it.
wow at least somebody saying something that is honest about weight and effects of it
Hi, love following your channel, I specifically enjoyed watching your 2k mile trip.
In my opinion, the Indian Challenger would suit you better than the Road Glide, and @HerTwoWheels just review it and loved it, the suspension, handling, and wind shield features are best for Long trips, plus all of the other gadgets.
loving these videos
You're no ordinary short woman!! You've demonstrated to ride any bike Ms Doodle!!
Lovely! We did 2,000 in 4 days recently. Yellowstone next in May 2022 💯. Lovely ride! I have the 2019 SG Special Billiard Blue ❤️
Wow!!
Been wanting to ride a Street Glide. Own a 07 VTX1800F. I have a batwing and Viking bags on it so it's set up like a street glide. A lot of torque and found that I really like having that extra power.
Most new bikes to a rider feel different, but after you ride that particular bike for awhile it feels fine. You made a good choice in your street glide. My I suggest getting a taller wind shield, especially on long highway trips. It will keep you from getting beat up. Great stuff
I'm a shorter dude (5'6) with a 2014 Street glide special. I dropped the rear a bit with new legend suspension. Also i grabbed a $50 driver backrest before a long trip off amazon and it made a world of difference. You can also get the Klockwork knockoff windscreens for cheap on amazon that work just as good.
I'm a touring rider, and my current ride is a 2018 Road Glide Ultra, which is my all time favorite bike. I gotta have a tour pak. Some don't like the looks, but practicality comes before looks for me, and strapping bags, etc, on a bike every morning is just too damn time consuming, and inconvenient for me. Plus I don't want to worry about a bag shifting in its straps, or getting soaked in rain. I just want to throw my loaded liners in the saddlebags, and tour-pak, and be on my way.
Wow! I'm so Happy for you! Congratulation! It will get much much easier for you soon because you are an great rider! 👏👏👏👏👏💪💪💪
You look amazing on the HD Street Glide. Hope you add one to your stable.
Doodle, after having met you at MotoFest last May, I have no doubt that you can do anything you put your mind too!!
Off-camber parking can be frustrating and hilarious. You find yourself wanting to momentarily jump up and down on the right (uphill) foot peg and then somehow hop onboard, Jocelyn Snow style. I dropped Harleys several times as a new rider, which was also embarrassing and hilarious (e.g. when a nice lady motorist stopped to help me pick up an Electraglide. Hard to act like a tough hombre in that situation.) Another consideration regarding moving bikes around from the right side is that the kickstand can catch on something and come out of the locked position without your realizing it. Ask how I know…. It will be interesting to see whether you feel less wind pull against the fixed fairing on the Road Glide. I imagine that will also make lifting the bike upright easier.
100%! Motivation, a little Ride like a Pro thrown in for good measure and some tenacity. Way to go! Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
You did an amazing job in the rain
My fav!!! Love this ! Nice footage.
Welcome to the Harley family. I knew you would come around lol. Great vids and awesome channel
When I was a DMV examiner many years ago, as well as a long-term biker, with 6 bikes over the years... I would advise people to buy the largest bike they can afford, and be able to put one foot on the ground.
The only time I came close to ' buying it ' was on a 100cc Kawasaki on the freeway. The things you as a biker have going for you is situational awareness, and speed. Being aware of approaching danger, downshifting, punching the throttle, and watching everything turn into a blur....danger left behind.
If you think the clutch on that HD was bad, you should have felt the clutch on the Victory's, those would definitely kill a forearm in traffic. And being you have a shorter inseam (even though I'm taller but have a couple inches less on the inseam) the Indian baggers are a noticeable bit lower than the HD's so if you ever get a chance to get a ride on one, you'll probably notice that difference.
A low pro seat would probably fix your issues. I have a low pro Danny Grey. It's sets you down in, sacrifices a little comfort on the long rides, but you can feel turns and the road much better, plus, helps you straddle more comfortably.
Hey I’ve been in a Harley for a while and not tall myself. The hip bump method that you used is something that’s habit for me when getting on the bike. I try to use a least amount of muscles as possible. Good that you found your ways!!
Well you did damn good and looked dam Good doing it. We're all super proud of you and your adventure of gaining Motorcycle experience points and seeing good friends otw. So cool to see.
Excellent trilogy. After the Harley's I would realy like to hear what you think about the Goldwing.
Now about your ride Doodle. Wow! You are amazing. Which reminds me of the time....
When I was 23 in 1969 I rode from Everet WA to San Jose CA after about 60 miles of going back and forth from home to school and to work (Boeing's 747's). So not quite 1,000 miles. I started my day about 6am that morning. Got off work at Boeing just before midnight and rode the 20 miles home in wind, rain, and sleet, but I really wanted to spend that Christmas with my mom, dad, sister and brother in San Jose, so I didn't even consider checking the weather. Ho ho ho a certain jolly old elf would have said after hearing about that. Packed up my pack ( single change of clothes and an extra jacket ) put the rain outfit on that I had borrowed from friend and headed out on my Triumph Trophy 650 with my brother on his Honda 350. The first sign of what was to come was when we hit a half mile of hail. It took about thirty seconds of face shearing agony to make me realize speeding up and getting through it would be the best way to get out of it and over it, so yes I gunned it and prayed the road didn't bend anytime soon. You know, thise little white ball bearings and all. Looking back I didn't see my brother exit the hail, so I puled over and waited what seemed like ten minutes for him. That's when all I could think was that he must have gone down, so back into the face numbing *#$@+&% hail went I. About a quarter of a mile in ther was my brother, put-put putting along. Tears of joy would have filled my eyes if tears of pain werent already filling them. Still, what a relief.
My brother pulled us over 5 minutes later saying he was done. We ended up dropping my brother's bike off at a friends house and were off again, 1am, two up on my Triumph. It was about two and a half hours before my brother began falling asleep. I had to keep waking him up to keep the bike upright and us on the highwqy. Reaching around behind me with my left hand wasn't quite working so I tied him to me with a length of rope I kept in my pack for tieing stuff to the bike. We were off again for the long Christmas ride home....so I thought. The rope just wasn't enough to keep him upright. When we puled into Vancouver WA I drove to the Grayhound bus station where I put him on a bus for San Jose leaving me a few bucks over what the ride back to Marysviile was going to cost in gas money. As I watched him wave goodbye tears welled in my eyes. Damn it, I was going weather or no weather to see my family for Christmas. That's when I met two other guys on bikes at a gas station with the same idea. One from WA north of Marysville about 50 miles on a 500 BSA and the other on a Yamaha 350 ( I think ). He was from Canada. So three crazy guys join up for the ride of a lifetime. Somewhere in the mountains, rain on rain off snow on snow off, of central Oregon we pulled in to a little cafe to coffe up and warm up knowing our ride was only partially over. That's when our pretty waitress ( that's what women servers were called way back then) told us to watch out for the black ice. Black Ice, hunh? Yes she said. the road becomes deep black and that's when you know your on black ice, Ice being ice it's slippery right? Hunh? 10 miles down the road it dawns on me that we had been driving on black ice for at least 5 miles. Hunh, oh crap! I pulled us over and both of the other guys said OH CRAP! Put put put for what seemed like an hour before the road took on the beautiful look of rainshine. Yep, the rain seemed like a god send. However! we had just ridden into what would prove to be at least for me 400 hundred miles of the worst rainstorm I had ever ridden in. The others were going to Bakersfield and Long Beach CA, considerably farther than I. We were seperated somewhere south of San Francisco, or was it north of Sacramento ( don't judge, I didn't say I was getting any younger did I ?) ? I can't remember their names either, but they were great riding buddies for the time we shared the ong black snake together.
When I pulled into San Jose accross the street from my sister's apartment, at midnight, I called from a PHONE BOOTH and told my mother that I had met another rider on the road and told him that he would probably be welcome at my sister's place and to rest up till morning there, and would they mind puting him up for a few hours seeings how I had to turn back. So in comes this fully raingeared helmeted goggle wearing soaked to the bone biker to my sister's apartment, warm and full of Christmas joy on Christmas day. Tears were had by all (My dad like myself couldn't watch " It's A Wonderful Life" without a Mae West on). What a Wonderful Life.. er.. uh.. Christmas.
Doodle there are others of us out there that watched your experience with riveted excitement and shared comradship, with memories that you sparked to life with your wonderful story. I thank you, and may you know many more. Keep the shinyside up lady.
PS: A word of warning Doodle ( not that you need it, as level headed as you seem ), but at one point during that ride in the Oregon mountains I was halucinating that I was on a road that I had driven many times. It was only when trees were coming at me at 60mph on that turn that I realized that that wasn't the road I was actually on. A good soaking and a little exhaustion can do that to a person, especially at night, right?
Again, THANK YOU for the memories.
Good stuff Doodle! Cant wait for a road trip I can do as well. Winter here up north so maybe next yr. Looking forward to the next roadtrip vid.
Can’t wait to see you riding the Road King. I think you will love it
No review video on it 😋 just rode it in Jerry Palladino’s class
Get with us next time you get up towards chicago. We can shoot a video on one of our aired out baggers.
Hope you get to review the new Lowrider S. Imagine a 117 Engine in a bike about 200lbs lighter than the street glide. The Street bob 114 looks pretty cool too.
Next big trip make sure ya have a taller windscreen and get some soft lowers if you take another street or road glide,makes a big difference
I tried - the rental company doesn’t have all the accessory options!
Great video. Not big on Harleys but nice to hear your perspective on them. Really looking forward to your Motojitsu and Jocelyn Snow videos. Oh, got my neck gator Thursday, thank you.
Yay! 😁