Heaver bike easier to handle around town?

[Razzoo]

I was in a Harley shop the other day, and had an interesting converstation with a sales lady. We were discussing Sportsters, and she was said something like "you can start out with an 883 and upgrade later" followed by "the heaver bikes are better for the highway" (makes sense to me so far), but then she added they are also easier to handle around town. She then took off before I could ask her about that "easier around town" bit.

Anyone know what she was talking about? How is more weight better around town?

[Diego]

Originally Posted by Razzoo

Anyone know what she was talking about? How is more weight better around town?

Ummm... maybe in some cities, the extra mass makes a heavy bike a better shield if you have to crouch behind it to get out of gunfire? Could have been handy in Phenix City in years past.

Or, perhaps a lot of their customers forget to put their feet down right away at a stop sign, and the inertia of the extra weight gives them an extra second or so before it topples over? Naw, that can't be it! Way too many Hardly riders never lift their feet OFF the ground in town.

But seriously, I suppose maybe she was thinking the extra inertia of a heavy bike makes it easier to track a straight line in very slow traffic. I don't happen to agree with that notion, as the best bike I ever had for control at low speeds was my Speed Triple, with my Rocket nearly in a tie with it for first place. Quite a variation in weights there! What really made them good low speed handlers is the well thought-out steering geometry and excellent inherent balance. Weight alone is a poor substitute for good design.

[bobmielke]

The R3T has a very long wheelbase as well as a low center of gravity. At city speeds turning in parking lots and side streets is more difficult than a shorter bike. However, once you get the Rocket moving in a straight line at more than 10mph it tracks truer with less input necessary. Open highway/slab riding gets even better with the wind making little difference and an almost lounge chair sort of comfort. That's where the stretched frame & ergonomics are at their best.

[KingOfFleece]

I don't mean to sound flippant-If you can ride-you can handle any bike. They are all a bit different but salespeople and magazine reviews make it seem like it's a big deal. It's not.

I'm always amazed at the number of motorcycle riders I meet who never have spent even one day in a parking lot-let alone practice rapid brakeing. I suppose those riders may have issues with all aspects of single track vehicles.

[TRIIICK]

Practice makes perfect. The advanced riders course was the best thing i ever did,it not only shrapens your skills but builds your confidence .Once you've master the basics you can say size doesn't matter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FamNU...eature=related

[tbsrider2000]

The big Harleys have a lower center of gravity than the Sportsters do. That's probably what she was referring to. The Sportsters are lighter, but they carry more of their weight up high.. Not really an easier or harder thing to me.. Just different bikes..

[TallRocket]

You old Farts! Razzo go back to that dealership and take a picture of that Sales Lady. This entire question is resolved on the basis of how hot this Sales Lady was.

10 - 8 - Yes you believe everything this woman says including big old heavy Harleys are easier to ride around town than a Sportster. And you go back and tip her for offering this valuable insight. Post the picture and schedule a local rat.pack trip to her store.

7 - 5 - Clearly you are not worthy to be in the proximity of a woman of this stature. Go back to the dealership strike up a conversation and tell her you are thinking of getting a tattoo and don't leave until she offers to show hers.

4 - 1 - Enter into a discussion on steering head geometry or offer to arm wrestle to settle the issue.

[tbsrider2000]

LOL... Now that's probably the truth!..

[Beezer]

I think of this as the false sense of security. Because the bike is heavy with a low center of gravity it takes more to move it off center. Once it goes it takes much more effort to get it back. I also don't believe that riders learn as well on cruiser style bikes because they don't get as good feedback as they do on a quicker handling bike. I don't think you want a sport bike either unless you want it to spit you into the bushes. Around town I would like a quick and nimble bike. I understand the desire for a slower handling bike on long distance trips. Just don't want to sacrifice my ability to react.

[Xchoppers]

An accomplished rider can ride any bike, anywhere. That being said, for short, around town jaunts I prefer my '09 Bonneville over my Rocket III. It's just more fun in congested traffic to be on a light, more nimble machine. It's also a bit easier to split lanes on my Bonnie, just 'cause the bars are narrower. For 2 up or highway riding, nothing beats a Rocket!