February 27th, 2015, 02:08 PM | #1 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
Renting a Harley
My wife and I are heading back to New Orleans at the end of March. We've rented a scooter there a few times and had a blast zipping around the city.
I found that Eagle Rider rents Harleys for around $100 a day - we're really interested in taking a long ride around the countryside. The guy I talked to on the phone said that he used to ride a CBR250 and recommended a Sportster, Fat Boy, or Heritage Softail Classic. He said they're big and heavy but easy to ride and pretty maneuverable. I've never ridden anything bigger than the Ninjette, and sat on a bunch of Harleys at the IMS show. The Softail felt HUGE, other bikes didn't feel too big. Anyone have experience going from a 250 to a Harley? I'm sure I could ride any of the three just fine but am trying to pick which one. If it were just me I'd get the Sportster but my wife is very interested in passenger comfort which leans us towards the Softail.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 27th, 2015, 02:30 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
Softail will be the best, however; you'll probably want to buy one after you get that Harley taste of riding.
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
February 27th, 2015, 02:32 PM | #3 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
I rode cruisers for years and years. There weight is more manageable that what you might think but compared to your ninja, they turn like tanks. The biggest difference you will feel is in the rake. ie The front will feel waaaaaayyyy different.
The throttle is your friend and one of the secret sauces to handling the added weight. Relax about it, and have a good time. Tip: I know your wife is all about comfort, but if you EVAR!!! want her to ride the 250 with you, just remember everything going forward will be compared to that more comfy softtail. hahahahahahah
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School Last futzed with by csmith12; February 28th, 2015 at 08:44 AM. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 27th, 2015, 02:40 PM | #4 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
Thanks guys.
She's already decided that she won't ride pillion on the 250 for more than around town. She's getting a Burgman 200 in the spring so we can ride around together. As soon as I can I'm adding the new Versys 650LT to the stable - we sat on that together at the IMS and it was awesome.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 27th, 2015, 02:51 PM | #5 |
.
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
MOTM - July '15
|
Your wife sounds cool
Also, never ridden a harley, but id imagine you couldnt corner as well considering how many ive left in the dust on the twisties (and i still suck at cornering!), and considering that sportbikes are designed the way they are so they can perform the way they do. I know a ninja isnt ideally a supersport , but the dimensions and everything are still way different from a harley. Not that id expect you to romp around too hard on a bike that isnt yours, but food for thought. |
|
February 27th, 2015, 03:36 PM | #6 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
We'd just be cruising, not planning on hitting any corners too hard. Just a leisurely tour around old plantations.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 27th, 2015, 03:39 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jay
Location: CT
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2015 636 ABS - 69 Honda 305 Posts: A lot.
|
the BMW 1200RT we rented out in Cali was amazing, not sure if they have one of those avail. We also rented through eaglerider, it was a little more for the beamer, but well worth it.
|
|
February 27th, 2015, 04:34 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Aaron
Location: Winder, GA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718
|
I've ridden my dad's Road King around a bit, and really the biggest difference is paying attention at slow speeds; coming from something as light as a Ninjette, the Harley is quite a bit harder to control at low speeds. Once you get going, it's as stable as can be.
__________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about. |
|
February 27th, 2015, 04:39 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.
|
Sportster was an easy bike to ride although the brakes (probably just that bike) where horridly soft feeling.
__________________________________________________
My replies are intended for street riding only, plz do not provide track only replies. Visit my new MotoVlog Channel !! |
|
February 27th, 2015, 04:44 PM | #10 | |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
Quote:
in that order on any bike and eventually you'll get the perfect braking feel. Hopefully it's just the first 3 though. I know sportsters to be decent bikes, though not the comfiest from what I've heard. I'd get a dyna if I were looking harley @CC Cowboy what do you think of the dyna?
__________________________________________________
I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
|
|
February 27th, 2015, 04:45 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
|
The 883 is a pleasure to ride within the posted limits and...people will wave, kids will smile...HD' get that treatment.
|
|
February 27th, 2015, 05:26 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Aaron
Location: Winder, GA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718
|
Psh, my 300 gets that treatment. I think all motorcycles do.
__________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about. |
|
February 27th, 2015, 05:53 PM | #13 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
|
|
February 27th, 2015, 06:00 PM | #14 |
Inline 4!!!
Name: Danny
Location: MA
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.
|
My dad's softail is very comfortable. Only thing is the clutch is super tough to engage... completely different than the ninja.
__________________________________________________
Be careful. Remember you are invisible |
|
February 28th, 2015, 08:33 AM | #15 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
It looks like all three bikes have heel-toe shifters and floorboards, I've never used one of those - are they difficult to get used to?
They also have an R1200RT available.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 28th, 2015, 08:40 AM | #16 | |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
|
Quote:
EDIT: Sorry, forgot... on some of the models, the heel is only used to shift into first. Either way, just ask the shift pattern and don't sweat it too much. After about 5-10 mins., all will be well. Oh!!!! And careful to not get your lower pant leg caught on the heel lever, that makes for an easy dropped bike. Ask me how I know... R1200RT hmmmm.... If you have never ridden a HD, I would go that route first but the R1200RT would definately make me think for a minute.
__________________________________________________
Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 28th, 2015, 08:52 AM | #17 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
Are you saying you'd pick the Harley or the Bimmer? The Bimmers I sat on at IMS were very tall.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 28th, 2015, 09:01 AM | #18 |
Motorcycle Hypermiler
Name: Vic
Location: Livermore CA
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.
|
The Softtail will be the most comfortable for your wife so I recommend renting that. As others have said the big cruisers are slower steering and obviously much heavier than our Ninjettes. Practice with it a bit in a parking lot before you hit the road with your wife. Like @CCCowboy said , after riding the Softtail you'll probably want to buy one. The plushness of the ride and the massive torque at low speeds is awesome! Also Harleys get pretty good fuel economy for their size.
__________________________________________________
235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow |
|
February 28th, 2015, 09:12 AM | #19 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
I'm planning on taking it for a quick spin by myself before getting both of us on it, as this is not only my first time on a bigger bike but also my first time on a bike since November.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
February 28th, 2015, 10:10 AM | #20 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
|
Never ridden a Harley. I prefer to be able to turn and stop easily.
__________________________________________________
Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 28th, 2015, 06:38 PM | #21 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16
|
Quote:
Find and empty/low traffic parking lot and ride at walking speed and even lower by dragging your rear brake and playing with your clutch and throttle. Practice keeping balance and putting your feet down in a controlled manner. If the bike is kept vertical at stops, the huge weight is easily manageable by the muscles of your legs; let it lean a couple of degrees and the picture will dramatically change. You may need to perform one U-turn or two during your trip. The forward transfer of weight is much less; hence, use your rear brake. You will have to shift gears less frequently because you will have more available torque. Take a look at these old threads: https://ninja250forum.com/forums/sho...d.php?p=453214 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=121203 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=148136 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?p=639456 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=180971 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136629 https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?p=880675 ....... "Gas, clutch, brake........... Gas, clutch, brake........... Bike falls in: gas to come up........... Bike falling out of it: brake to come in." - Chris McNeil
__________________________________________________
Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
|
|
March 1st, 2015, 12:31 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Poul
Location: Seattle
Join Date: Jan 2015 Motorcycle(s): 1999 Triumph Legend "Arwen", 2006 Ninja 650 "Matsuo Hotaru". 2010 Ninja 250 "Firefly" - sold. Posts: 338
|
I found that the trick to enjoy riding a Harley is to get into a pace - not too slow, not too fast, no abrupt stops or sharp turns, try to predict traffic lights and such well in advance. In other words, cruising.
__________________________________________________
Screw the inscrutable, eff the ineffable. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
March 1st, 2015, 06:24 AM | #23 |
Que Buenos Son!!!
Name: Ryan
Location: Grovetucky, OH
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia Shiver 750, Husaberg FE 450, Ninja 300 (sold), xr100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Nov '14
|
A little late to the party here, but I actually did rent a Harley last year while on vacation in Florida. I had a choice between a few different models, and in the end chose a 2007 Dyna Superglide. I picked the Dyna for the simple fact that it was the only thing they had with mid mount controls, which was a big plus for me when it came to handling and ease of use. Also it wasn't a big boat of a motorcycle like the Road King or something.
It was my first time riding a cruiser, and I was a little worried about whether or not I could handle a nearly 700lb motorcycle, but honestly it wasn't a big deal. The low center of gravity compared to a sport bike made for a pretty stable and easy riding motorcycle. The superglide was also more modern then I expected having a 6-speed transmission and ABS, although it was still air cooled. I put a decent amount of miles on that bike for the two days I had it, riding from Miami to Key West and back, and had no problems. After a couple of miles I was feeling pretty comfortable and by the end of my trip the dyna was feeling like an old friend. Just take it easy and you should be fine
__________________________________________________
Don't do something because it's easy,.. Do it because it's not! If you aren't going forward, then you're falling behind. "Drive it like you stole it"!!! |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
March 1st, 2015, 12:51 PM | #24 |
Daily Ninjette Rider
Name: Steve
Location: Hollywood, FL
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402
|
@Motofool Thanks for the links. I'm confident on the ninja with both of us, we have had plenty of time to practice low-speed maneuvers in Chicago traffic.
__________________________________________________
Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com |
|
March 2nd, 2015, 04:38 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
The Dyna Superglide gets my vote...
How else can you join the Sons of Anarchy
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
March 3rd, 2015, 06:27 AM | #26 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: michael
Location: Central Georgia
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, Sold 2012 Ninja 650, Sold 2009 Ninja 250r, Sold 2007 DRZ400s Posts: 628
|
I feel in love with the dyna low rider. that's going to be my next bike purchase next year. to me it was the perfect size.
|
|
March 3rd, 2015, 01:57 PM | #27 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bubba
Location: Hamilton, Canada
Join Date: Jun 2014 Motorcycle(s): 300 Posts: 99
|
I rented a Sportster from EagleRider in Palm Springs three years ago. It was the only option at the time.
I'll cut to the chase: I have never ridden a bike that bad, ever, and it had some kind of electrical failure on day two. If they don't have a BMW or Triumph, I'll rent a Hyundai. |
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
So I'm renting a motorcycle tomorrow. | ninjamunky85 | General Motorcycling Discussion | 45 | March 19th, 2014 02:56 PM |
Renting a Bike in LA | Panda | General Motorcycling Discussion | 3 | September 26th, 2013 12:31 PM |
Renting bike in Croatia | lolibater | General Motorcycling Discussion | 6 | December 28th, 2012 10:09 AM |
[motorcyclenews.com] - Renting a Harley Davidson on Route 66 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | July 5th, 2008 01:33 AM |
[motorcyclenews.com] - Renting a Harley Davidson on Route 66 | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | July 4th, 2008 05:17 PM |
Thread Tools | |
|
|