Return to riding

[guest4915]

Hello everyone.  This is my first post here. I am in the same boat. I've been riding since '77 almost exclusively Harleys. From sportster to electaglide classics. My last was an 04 heritage. Memorial day 2010 I moved wrong and hurt my back. Bad enough for an ambulance ride to the ER. 1 cervical fusion, c5,6,&7, and 6 lumbar surgeries with l5,6, 7 & s1 fused. Drs say I need 1 more fusion now in both neck and lumbar. Screw it. Not going to happen. I am 59 and not ridden in 8 years. But, I am ready. I think I want an RT. I did ride the heritage short rides after neck surgery but before lumbar fusion. It was fine. Leaning forward a little is better than upright. So, time for a new to me bike and given what I like to do, I think an RT is it, even though I am now disabled and can no longer fix airplanes like I used to. I admit I am a little nervous about this, and hope I am not making an expensive mistake.  The search is on now and I have found 3 on craigs list that have my attention. A cherry 06, a nice 09, and what appears to be a standard 15 but it's listed really cheap at 9500. It must have a ton of miles.


My biggest concern is picking it up if I drop it, followed by how long can I stay in the saddle. Like some others I have short legs. 5' 9" with 28" inseam and with my weight gain, 200 pounds. I do have to be careful as I have a spinal cord implant and absolutely have to avoid pulling the wires loose that are now a part of my spinal cord. The fine dr says not to lift more than a milk jug. Yeah right. I have lifted 60 pounds and figure done correctly lifting an RT would be mostly legs. Am I right in that belief? I have dropped the EG and learned to back up into and under it with very little lifting. How hard is it to pick one of these up? Every time I have dropped a bike has been at a stop or backing up.


I have been bikeless for too long. The better half has given me the ok as long as I am careful and as long as I buy her a newer car next after the bike is paid for. I'm liking the RT community and the forums and can't wait to be an owner.

If you drop a bike like the RT, you're not likely to pick it up by yourself even if you were a young man in the peak of fitness. The RT is a fairly easy bike to push around because of the low centre of gravity and height of the bars and rear grab handles. On the move it gets even better and if you observe the usual low speed manoeuvring rules, you should find it a breeze.

[Sprintgull]

I dropped mine a while back and got it back up, despite being the wrong side of sixty, with a metal hip, and spectacularly unfit.  The old technique of first gear (if you can), turn the bars away from you, then back in to the bike and lift with the legs.  That said I was a bit lucky because the bike did not roll over the cylinder head and was resting on that and the black bit of the pannier.  Not sure I'd like to do that again, but it can be done.

[gogs01]

I dropped mine a while back and got it back up, despite being the wrong side of sixty, with a metal hip, and spectacularly unfit.  The old technique of first gear (if you can),turn the bars away from you, then back in to the bike and lift with the legs.  That said I was a bit lucky because the bike did not roll over the cylinder head and was resting on that and the black bit of the pannier.  Not sure I'd like to do that again, but it can be done.

I managed it with my last RT too, but I wouldn't advise anyone else to try it - I felt like I was going to burst a blood vessel !!  :eek:

[slowvet]

I don’t think I had my rt a month when I forgot to put the side stand down in a parking lot. As I threw my leg over on the dismount, it was to late, she was going down. I was in a position to catch it in time just as the left side cylinder kissed the asphalt and heaved it back upright. I was 56 at the time and I’m no super human at 6’ 195lbs. I am a bricklayer by trade, not ripped like Mr. Universe but lifting the rt wasn’t that hard. I’ve also had 3 l5,s1 fusions in my lower spine. Technique is key.

[guest4915]

The average owner doesn't lay his bike on it's side and practice 'the technique' so is usually faced with the prospect red faced and frantic when it does happen. Having regularly placed large touring bikes on their side for this purpose, I'd say rather than try to be a hero, it's better to seek the help of a second person if possible

[slowvet]

The average owner doesn't lay his bike on it's side and practice 'the technique' so is usually faced with the prospect red faced and frantic when it does happen. Having regularly placed large touring bikes on their side for this purpose, I'd say rather than try to be a hero, it's better to seek the help of a second person if possible

Couldn’t agree more if you’re in a situation where there is help available. Mine happened when I was by myself.

[Sprintgull]

Hmmmm, would a damaged ego be less or more painful than a damaged back  


Like slowvet, I was alone in a car park at the time.  It was hammering down so there was a distinct lack of willing volunteers.

[Tonymid]

Hi, I've just (two weeks ago) purchased a 2012 rt. Reading comments on the forum has given me a boost as I haven't ridden a motorcycle for many years but have always loved bikes. My last bike was a BSA A65 before they were classics! Probably a rash decision to buy such a big bike but, as someone mentioned, I didn't want to buy a smaller bike and then swop, at 74 I don't have time! I have struggled doing slow speed manoeuvres, the engine drop bars have been useful! However, I am still convinced it was the right decision for me, once the bike is doing its thing on the road it's great.
I still want to learn and practice low speed turns and manoeuvres but, I hope, that it will be part of the excitement and maybe fun of owning such a machine.
All comments and help here, Youtube and so on, are very encouraging as I progress. So, if you want an RT, get it. You won't be satisfied until you do!

[Arends]

Welcome back on a bike.

I can recommend joining ROSPA or similar, as the training is really great to boost your confidence. My trainer also does slow-speed training on regular basis, and I wouldn't miss one no matter how confident I feel.
When riding slow, I need to remind myself to have revs above 2k, and use the clutch.

RT is amazing, and safer for me, comparing to the previous 250cc bike. It allows me to be slow and safe, and accelerate when it is safe so. My mantra before my ROSPA training was "slow into the corner, fast out".

When practicing on my own, I have cut in half couple of "dog" tennis balls, to make cheap and indestructible markers. But simple U-turns within lines of two parking spots is usually enough for me. In both directions, of course. The advantage of using empty parking slot is that if a bike want's to fall, just release the clutch a bit and let the engine power straighten up the bike and prevent it from falling.

Good luck with your bike, have lots of fun and enjoy thousands of safe and enjoyable miles.

[Tonymid]

Thanks for the advice, I will follow it up.

[Capt Sisko]

Hi Tony and welcome to the fold. To misuse a Theresa May's saying (and we thought she was bad), but your choice of bike is Strong & Stable. They have their little anoyances, but generally speaking they're a good steady bike that won't let you down, but one that can still pull it's skirts up and go for it when called for. With regards to you, I'd suggest two options. Either:-

1/ Ring up a local bike school, tell them your position and ask if they could put tegether a half a dozen refresher / bring you up to speed with modern practices type lessons.
or
2/ As Aredns said, take an IAM or ROSPA course.

I'm biased towards the former as I'm active with Shropshire IAM, but Stafford have a group and I'm sure they'd be very please to welcome you into the fold.
https://www.staffsam.org.uk/

[Tonymid]

Thanks for the reply and advice which I will defiantly look into. I joined the Stafford Advanced Riders, who meet once a month, first meeting for me just over a week ago. Being my first time I didn't get to ask too many questions. I will definitely be seeking their input next time along with advice in this forum which is great.
Kind regards

[TheWeeDonkey]

I'm going through the IAM Advanced Rider course just now ( in fact I have my test on Monday) and it's been transformational.

I agree with the above advice about getting some advanced training. Not only will they guide you through the slow handling issues but will reprogram your riding mind!

[Tonymid]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I do want to be a safe rider and although I'm a very experienced car driver I know we are always still learning. I have taught all my family to drive, over the years. My most recent being my two grandsons, last one passed his test about eighteen months ago. What surprised me was realising how much I knew, and take for granted, as I explained it whilst out in the car. Having been away from motorcycling for so long I look forward to someone helping me see motorcycling from an experienced riders perspective. As you say, I need to get my mind 're programmed.
Kind regards,
Tony