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Top 5 Tips to Handle a Heavy Motorcycle

2023-01-29T10:08:59+01:00Update: 2023-01-29 2023-01-29T10:08:59+01:00 by Tom - 7 Comments

How to Handle a Heavy Motorcycle

Everybody seems to enjoy a heavy cruiser motorcycle, such as the Harley. But, when it comes to maneuvering the motorcycle or slow riding on a cruiser, it’s an entirely different thing. At high-speed, riding any bike doesn’t present very much difficulty. But, when you ride at slow speeds and in tight spots, then riding a heavy bike is very difficult. Not all riders have those skills to do it without any worries.

Have you ever seen cruiser riders passing through slow traffic or taking a turn by paddling with their feet on the ground?

I bet you haven’t. Because it is not as easy as we expect. Especially, when you own a sports bike. However, there are a few riders who have these skills and have no trouble doing this. But, not all riders have the same skills.

It takes plenty of patience and skill to do that. That’s why today we are going to give you some top tips for handling a heavy motorcycle.

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Venom Wheel Stand

List of the Top 5 Tips to Handle a Heavy Motorcycle

Now, let’s discuss the top 5 most important tips that will surely help you with handling a heavy motorcycle. These tips are actually useful for handling any type of bike, but if your vehicle is way too heavy, you have to pay a special attention to them. Heavy motorcycles are much more difficult to handle than lightweight motorcycles and making any kind of mistake can be devastating.

Read Also: How Much Does a Motorcycle Weigh

Parking a Heavy Bike

Heavy Motorcycle ParkingParking a heavy bike can be the first lesson in handling big heavy Harley’s. When you decide on a place to park your motorcycle, make sure it is a flat surface with no incline. But, if it does, then it better be an uphill slope. Otherwise, your motorcycle will feel a lot heavier while putting down the stand.

Remember, to use the side stand instead of the center stand.

See Also: How to Park Your Motorcycle Correctly?

Keep Your Head Up

When you are riding slowly in traffic, don’t look down. Always look straight ahead with your head up, so you can understand the nearby traffic flow and where you want to go.

Keeping Head Up on a Motorcycle

Handle Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle Smoothly

Cruiser bikes are recognized for power; however, sport bikes are known for their uncomplicated transmission. So, don’t put too much pressure on the throttle and clutch. Moving smoothly gives you better control over handling and speed. Plus, at low speeds, you don’t need to use the front brakes.

Because, if you do, then it will cause all the weight to shift to the front suspension, which may result in an imbalance of the motorcycle. Use the rear brakes to slow down and at zero put your left foot on the ground for full control. Only use the front brake when you need to stop immediately.

Use You Feet in Turns

Turning on a Heavy Motorcycle“Use left foot for left turns and right foot for right turns.”

This technique will help you to take turns without any difficulty. I know it sounds strange but if you put your foot on the side where you are executing a sharp turn then it will adjust your riding posture and will result in taking the turn easily.

Tilt and Sit Up Straight

Tight turns require steering and leaning the motorcycle. While taking a tight turn, lean your motorcycle to the side toward the foot that is starting the turn and extend your leg in the direction of the turn. This leaning motorcycle trick will help you to make the turn right away.

One more thing, while turning the motorcycle, sit straight. This will give you control over the turn and the leaning bike.

Conclusion

I hope these tips and hints will help you manage tight turns on heavy motorcycles and give you a general idea of how to ride a heavy motorcycle. If you have anything to add to this list, please don’t forget to mention it in the comment section below.

Filed Under: Riding Safety, Tips & Training

Comments

  1. Alfred Zeve says

    May 17, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    I rode a modified for speed RD 400 in the eighties ( as a cafe racer ) now I am in my 70’s and still in good shape and want a Harley Breakout however I keep having a fear of the weight of a big bike and of dropping it. Is this a common fear. I know how to ride but the idea of slow riding and coming to a stop messes with my mind.

    Reply
    • Harold matthews says

      June 13, 2020 at 7:28 pm

      Hey my friend I’ve road bikes my whole life. I’ve been sick with lukemia for. 8 years and haven’t road for that long I just bought a kawasaki 1200 2000 very heavy I road it for 10 minutes it felt like my insides we’re coming out.and my legs want let me hold it up but if you are in good shape go for it brother.there is only one feeling better than cruising on a nice bike and we want talk about that!!! Take care and good luck

      Reply
  2. Lucas Spoel says

    September 16, 2019 at 7:44 am

    “Use left foot for left turns and right foot for right turns.” Could you run this by me again, I am not sure I understand this? Much appreciated

    Reply
    • TopMoto.com says

      September 19, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      Tilting your left or right foot into side can help with turning a heavy motorcycle.

      Reply
  3. Michael Hegg says

    August 4, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    This may be a silly question, but when i’m turning over 10mph, both feet are already on both pedals. Are you maybe that is where the body weight should favor?

    Reply
  4. Stanton Duclos says

    November 19, 2017 at 5:11 am

    Excellent Tips on handling a heavy motorcycle. I have been riding a Harley for a really long time and some of the tips you mentioned come instinctively. Like the turning tips you mentioned. You always try to park the bike on as flat a surface as possible. Makes getting on and off the bike easy. Also makes sure that bike won’t take a tumble when parked. Would love to read some more articles.

    Reply
    • TopMoto.com says

      November 20, 2018 at 9:34 pm

      Thank you very much for your kind words Stanton, we always try to provide the very best information.

      Reply

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Table of Contents

  • List of the Top 5 Tips to Handle a Heavy Motorcycle
    • Parking a Heavy Bike
    • Keep Your Head Up
    • Handle Brakes, Clutch, and Throttle Smoothly
    • Use You Feet in Turns
    • Tilt and Sit Up Straight
  • Conclusion

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