[Howard78]

HY guys and gals new member from the UK.
Hi all i live in lincolnshire and afraid i know nothing about Harley Davidson bikes at the moment so im helping to learn plenty soonish.
Started biking in 1958 with a 500 cc Norton ES2 and had a few 60s vertical twins and finished my biking with a Yamaha EXUP and an R1
then disaster,had a heart scare followed by another health scare ,then woe is me another one,So thought i need a reason to live so bought a Harley.
Not a very big one,or a very flashy one but can reach the floor with both feet flat on the ground ,its in my garage and im starting it on a regular 3 /4 times a week
but so far havent taken to the road.(its my get well project ) and would like a few answers about one or two things before i hopefully launch my baby in April.

All the best Howard

 

[PugslyCat]

Welcome to the forum! We have quite a few members from the UK who may be able to help you out with their knowledge of all things on two wheels. Many of our members have significant experience on other bikes, or are returning to motorcycles after some time away from them. Others, such as myself, just started riding late in life.

 

[Lesblank]

 

[Rich t (not a biscuit)]

Hi Howard... Welcome to the H D forums.
I too have got myself a small Harley after a long gap in motorcycling... (H D Street 750) after a long list of other makes, mainly in my youth (late 70s).
I have found the Street very light and manoeuvrable and far easier to ride than most of my previous bikes and is a perfect choice for me as I get to the point where less effort is less of a strain on my aging body.
I am in Northamptonshire, so almost neighbours lol.
If you have any questions then this forum is the place to be, I have found that there is always a friendly and willing fellow owner here to advise.
Best of luck on the 'get well' project, just take it slowly and I look forward to you posting about your newly rediscovered motorcycling adventures.... Best wishes... Rich. T.

 

[Howard78]

Hi Howard... Welcome to the H D forums.
I too have got myself a small Harley after a long gap in motorcycling... (H D Street 750) after a long list of other makes, mainly in my youth (late 70s).
I have found the Street very light and manoeuvrable and far easier to ride than most of my previous bikes and is a perfect choice for me as I get to the point where less effort is less of a strain on my aging body.
I am in Northamptonshire, so almost neighbours lol.
If you have any questions then this forum is the place to be, I have found that there is always a friendly and willing fellow owner here to advise.
Best of luck on the 'get well' project, just take it slowly and I look forward to you posting about your newly rediscovered motorcycling adventures.... Best wishes... Rich. T.

Hi Howard... Welcome to the H D forums.
I too have got myself a small Harley after a long gap in motorcycling... (H D Street 750) after a long list of other makes, mainly in my youth (late 70s).
I have found the Street very light and manoeuvrable and far easier to ride than most of my previous bikes and is a perfect choice for me as I get to the point where less effort is less of a strain on my aging body.
I am in Northamptonshire, so almost neighbours lol.
If you have any questions then this forum is the place to be, I have found that there is always a friendly and willing fellow owner here to advise.
Best of luck on the 'get well' project, just take it slowly and I look forward to you posting about your newly rediscovered motorcycling adventures.... Best wishes... Rich. T.

Hi Howard... Welcome to the H D forums.
I too have got myself a small Harley after a long gap in motorcycling... (H D Street 750) after a long list of other makes, mainly in my youth (late 70s).
I have found the Street very light and manoeuvrable and far easier to ride than most of my previous bikes and is a perfect choice for me as I get to the point where less effort is less of a strain on my aging body.
I am in Northamptonshire, so almost neighbours lol.
If you have any questions then this forum is the place to be, I have found that there is always a friendly and willing fellow owner here to advise.
Best of luck on the 'get well' project, just take it slowly and I look forward to you posting about your newly rediscovered motorcycling adventures.... Best wishes... Rich. T.

 

[Rich t (not a biscuit)]

Hi Howard, it looks like something has gone amiss with your reply.
Press the 'reply' button..... Type the message and then press the post reply button. Hope this works 👍

 

[Howard78]

Hi Rich,
many thanks for the info hope im doing it right this time ill try my best.
Hoping for a little help as not certain if its me or my gear lever/shifter needs an adjustment,havent ridden my bike yet just moving in and
out of the garage,ok selecting 1st gear and riding back in the garage but problems lifting foot to select 2nd and more on the up movement
may try and drop the shifter a little and if no help thought of buying a heel toe lever to assist.have to get it sorted soon,as want to practise on the road by april.

Many thanks for your help Howard

 

[Rich t (not a biscuit)]

Yes I would try to adjust to suit. Be careful not to go too far, you don't want to make it awkward to withdraw your foot to change position. I have toyed with the thought of buying some peg/lever extensions because I have found that on longer journeys, the riding position gets crampy (if that's a word) and the old hips start to protest somewhat. I have even had to sit on the bike for a long while before I could swing the old legs over and get off.... Oh how I am enjoying the Autumn of my youth!

 

[Howard78]

Hi al,l am going to try posting a pic of my get well soon (hopefully) 883 iron i think,
My reason for getting out of bed in the mornings

 

[notegufi]

In my opinion, when riding a Harley Davidson, it's important to wear the right protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, and sturdy boots. Additionally, make sure you understand the local laws and regulations for operating a motorcycle in your area. It's also a good idea to practice basic maneuvers like turns and stops in an open area before hitting the road. Finally, always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to the road and traffic conditions.

 

[Howard78]

Hi,one of my worst problems is pulling out on the road where ive a blind bend and no speed limit,in my car i listen hard,then pull out fast,but wearing a crash helmet
and Harley exhaust noise i will hear nothing coming.
Add to that an awful gravel drive ill have my work cut out,as not ridden for 15 years may get a days refresher course so my start off will be quicker.
Main thing is keeping some confidence.

Happy all are helping me chat about it Howard





[/QUOTE]

 

[PugslyCat]

I would certainly suggest that any returning rider take a refresher course after a long time away from riding. I know that the technology on bikes, even Evo Sportsters, has changed a lot in recent years with fuel injection and ABS being things unheard of back in the day. There are also a lot of tips and tricks to riding that have come to light in recent years make some of what we learned back then obsolete.