Renting a Harley

Proteus · February 27th, 2015, 02:08 PM

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.

CC Cowboy · February 27th, 2015, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proteus

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.

Softail will be the best, however; you'll probably want to buy one after you get that Harley taste of riding.

csmith12 · February 27th, 2015, 02:32 PM

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

Proteus · February 27th, 2015, 02:40 PM

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.

MrAtom · February 27th, 2015, 02:51 PM

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.

Proteus · February 27th, 2015, 03:36 PM

We'd just be cruising, not planning on hitting any corners too hard. Just a leisurely tour around old plantations.

Bigballsofpaint · February 27th, 2015, 03:39 PM

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.

Brother Michigan · February 27th, 2015, 04:34 PM

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.

EsrTek · February 27th, 2015, 04:39 PM

Sportster was an easy bike to ride although the brakes (probably just that bike) where horridly soft feeling.

Sirref · February 27th, 2015, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EsrTek

Sportster was an easy bike to ride although the brakes (probably just that bike) where horridly soft feeling.

bleed brakes, swap pads, swap rotors, swap calipers

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?

eddiekay · February 27th, 2015, 04:45 PM

The 883 is a pleasure to ride within the posted limits and...people will wave, kids will smile...HD' get that treatment.

Brother Michigan · February 27th, 2015, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddiekay

The 883 is a pleasure to ride within the posted limits and...people will wave, kids will smile...HD' get that treatment.

Psh, my 300 gets that treatment. I think all motorcycles do.

CC Cowboy · February 27th, 2015, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

@CC Cowboy what do you think of the dyna?

I think the new Dyna Low Rider is a sweet ride. I've had a few Low Riders and they were great fun. I like the Softail Deluxe alot also. They are my two favorites in the HD lineup.

Hero Danny · February 27th, 2015, 06:00 PM

My dad's softail is very comfortable. Only thing is the clutch is super tough to engage... completely different than the ninja.

Proteus · February 28th, 2015, 08:33 AM

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.

csmith12 · February 28th, 2015, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proteus

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.

The gears are the same, down for first and then upshift for the rest. The shifter is just different, you can use heel or toe. You don't have to use the heel portion if you don't want to. Once you're comfortable, give the heel shift a try for the upshifts. It's gunna be a love it or hate it kinda thing.

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.

Proteus · February 28th, 2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

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.

Are you saying you'd pick the Harley or the Bimmer? The Bimmers I sat on at IMS were very tall.

greenaero · February 28th, 2015, 09:01 AM

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.

Proteus · February 28th, 2015, 09:12 AM

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.

ally99 · February 28th, 2015, 10:10 AM

Never ridden a Harley. I prefer to be able to turn and stop easily.

Motofool · February 28th, 2015, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proteus

...........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..........

I recommend practicing low speed maneuvers with your Ninja and with your wife as a passenger.

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

Link to original page on YouTube.

liberpolly · March 1st, 2015, 12:31 AM

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.

ninjamunky85 · March 1st, 2015, 06:24 AM

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

Proteus · March 1st, 2015, 12:51 PM

@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.

Roark · March 2nd, 2015, 04:38 AM

The Dyna Superglide gets my vote...

How else can you join the Sons of Anarchy

gantt · March 3rd, 2015, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I think the new Dyna Low Rider is a sweet ride. I've had a few Low Riders and they were great fun. I like the Softail Deluxe alot also. They are my two favorites in the HD lineup.

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.

Bubba · March 3rd, 2015, 01:57 PM

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.

February 27th, 2015, 02:08 PM	#1
Proteus 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, 02:32 PM	#3
csmith12 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
Proteus 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, 03:36 PM	#6
Proteus 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, 04:34 PM	#8
Brother Michigan 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, 02:51 PM	#5
MrAtom . 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, 03:39 PM	#7
Bigballsofpaint 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, 04:39 PM	#9
EsrTek 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, 04:45 PM	#11
eddiekay 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, 06:00 PM	#14
Hero Danny 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
Proteus 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, 09:01 AM	#18
greenaero 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
Proteus 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
ally99 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.

March 1st, 2015, 12:31 AM	#22
liberpolly 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
ninjamunky85 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
Proteus 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
Roark 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, 01:57 PM	#27
Bubba 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.

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