Man That Barge
MAN THAT BARGE
IGNITION
RIDING SKILLS
Top tips for handling heavy touring rigs
John L. Stein
"She's mighty-mighty just lettin' it all hang out." Funny, but for years I thought that 1977 Commodores song was about a brick house. Well, think again because the curb weight of a Gold Wing has swelled from 626 pounds in 1977 to 904 for ’16, while the latest Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra weighs in at a hefty 916 pounds. Add 300 to 500 pounds for yourself, your lady, and your luggage, and the whole, cheesy enchilada crushes the scale at well over a half ton. Mighty indeed!
Physics says that when mass is doubled (a big touring bike is about twice the weight of the average streetbike), the kinetic energy also doubles. It’s easy to guess this won’t help a touring sled match either a Honda CBR650F (461 pounds) or H-D Street 500 (489 pounds) in agility.
So, with this much tonnage in play, how exactly do you save your butt in an emergency situation? Practice skills, think ahead, and ride at speeds appropriate for the weight of your rig. It’s easier to avoid trouble before it happens than fight for control.
Here are four tips for smooth sailing on that big, beautiful barge on wheels.
• LOOK AHEAD. More mass can result in longer stopping distances; a longer wheelbase and more relaxed steering rake widen turning radiuses; while loaded side bags increase overall width and can raise the center of gravity. Accordingly, increase following distances, engineer turns as smooth, steady arcs, and continuously gauge gaps and distances.
• PRACTICE A LOT. Motorcycle cops make maneuvering hogs look easy.
Well, it isn’t, but it will get easier if you practice tight maneuvers, sudden stops, and emergency-avoidance actions. Make an unused parking lot your own to practice building crucial muscle memory.
• CHOOSE SOLID FOOTGEAR. The last thing you need when propping up a half ton at a stoplight or backing into the Riders’ Roost Motorcycle Resort is squishy and unsupportive sneakers. Investing in good-quality boots (motorcycle-specific is even better) will help provide a better foothold and superior protection.
• GO ALL ARNOLD. Regular weight training for the legs, arms, chest, and core will help you handle a half ton of teetering touring bike with authority. A couple of weeks into a program and you’ll notice a difference.
