Riding a Heavy Touring Motorcycle

A Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycle is designed to tear up the concrete on long-distance rides. They run off of powerful technology and a larger frame. There’s no getting around it - a Harley touring motorcycle is big. The stocky frame and extra weight help keep the motorcycle stable, but it does also make it heavier.

This extra weight affects how the touring motorcycle handles. Turns get taken at different angles. Acceleration occurs at a different pace. You’ll have to exert more energy to direct and steer it. Riding a heavy motorcycle requires a different approach. We created the following guide to assist you. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Crystal Harley-Davidson®. We proudly serve those in New Port Richey, Florida.

Watch Your Posture

Your posture plays a large role in how your touring motorcycle performs. It affects everything from how balanced you ride to how effectively you turn. You’ll experience a noticeable difference if you ride slouched than if you ride sitting straight.

As you ride, employ good posture. Be aware of how your posture is throughout your ride. When you embark on long-distance rides, it’s easy to slip into slouching part way through. Make sure you sit with shoulders back, head up, and eyes forward. This will give you less strain on your muscles and joints.

Pay special attention to your elbows. Many people unintentionally tuck them in. But you should ride with elbows sticking out. This will more control as you ride. When you lift the elbow opposite of your turn, you’ll get even more control.

Your foot alignment can also help you stay in control. When you turn, put down the foot on the side you want to turn. In other words, put your right foot down for right turns and your left foot down for left turns. Point your foot where you want to go and take that turn more smoothly.

Control Your Touring Motorcycle

When you ride a heavy Harley touring bike, you’re working against the large amount of weight. It takes more effort to ride a heavy motorcycle. But you’ll benefit from a better riding experience.

Start by riding as steady as possible. Avoid slamming on your breaks or jerking when changing lanes. These can lead to you losing control of your touring motorcycle. When you ride steady, you stay in control. As much as possible, ease into employing your brakes, throttle, and steering.

Another tactic is to limit the use of front brake at lower speeds. Otherwise, the heavy weight of your touring motorcycle can cause the front wheel to tuck in (and your motorcycle to topple over). Instead, use your rear brake the majority of the time. Only use your front brake (in tandem with your rear brake) when necessary.

Parking Your Harley Touring Bike

Your touring motorcycle is larger, which can make parking more difficult. You need more space. You need to take turns tighter. You’ll want to set yourself up for success.

Begin by finding a parking spot on flat ground. If you park a heavy motorcycle on a slope, it’s likely to lean or slide. Avoid this by parking on level ground. Make sure you are slow and steady when you take it off the side stand. Turn your breaks until they lock. Grasp the right handle as you grasp the brake lever.

For all your touring motorcycle needs, visit Crystal Harley-Davidson®. Check out our range of new and used motorcycles. Take your Harley touring motorcycle to our parts replacement and service department to get it fixed up. Whatever you need, you can it with us. We proudly serve those in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, and Tampa, Florida.