How to Ride a Harley Davidson: 14 Steps

Owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle is an honor and a privilege. There are some basic principles to remember to keep the trip safe and memorable.

Steps

Step 1. Find a suitable and manageable Harley Davidson motorcycle

Not just any Harley is suitable for “riding” or driving distances shorter than a few miles or blocks. If you want to enjoy all that Harley has to offer, find a Harley that works well, is comfortable, and is one you can handle. If you find the bike too heavy, go down one level or improve your riding skills on a lighter bike first. In general, the “heaviness” of the motorcycle is in the following order, from heaviest to lightest:

1. Road king
2. Softail (includes Fatboy)
3. Dyna glide
4. Sportster

   A note with the Sportster: some consider it the most difficult bike to handle despite its light weight. This is due to its relative imbalance and high positioning of the gas tank, thus raising the center of gravity. Despite this, it remains the funnest Harley and this is exemplified by having the honor of being the longest-running motorcycle in United States history

   

   Step 2. Decide how to get your Harley, be it borrowed, rented or purchased

   Sometimes borrowing it (taking into account that you already have a motorcycle license) is the best way to enter the world of Harleys without having a large financial commitment.

   

   Step 3. Observe the motorcycle

   Look at the subtleties and richness of chrome, or the lack of, and any special features that it has unique to the particular design of the Harley you're riding. Prepare the motorcycle for the trip by checking the gas level, the tires, the lights and the defects and faults that it has.

   

   Step 4. Get on the bike

   Remember, "right is wrong." Get on the bike from the left side, it is good etiquette. Feel the handlebars, feel the weight of the bike under you. Pull the primer if you need it. Then…

   

   Step 5. Start the motorcycle

   Listen to her. Feel it under you. Let it warm up as you start the engine.

   

   Step 6. Ride the bike

   See the road slip under you. Feel the seeing in your face and in your body. See how everything is better while you are on the bike. Feel the rumbling in your legs. Recharge. See the path to your sides blur when you look ahead.

   

   Step 7. Enjoy the ride

   Harley Davidson motorcycles have a rich and long tradition. Handling them is not about speed or handling per se, but about the pleasure of the sensation and the overall experience. Look at the panorama, listen and feel the engine. Look to your right … to your left. He even looks up at the sky - all while making sure to keep another eye on the road to stay safe. Be careful of the "boxed in" or car drivers.

   

   Step 8. Find a road that is all yours (preferably deserted and without traffic), and drive until you feel good

   Then drive some more. Stop at a tavern (please don't drink alcoholic beverages) Visit a friend. Enjoy the freedom of riding a Harley Davidson. When you're done, go back and go for another walk another day.

   

   Step 9. USE YOUR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

   Advice

   • Is safe. Wear a helmet and watch out for drivers lobotomized by cell phones or traffic. They are not being careful with you. Take care of them.
   • Riding a Harley is like enjoying good wine. Take care to look at the year, model, strengths and weaknesses of the particular model you are driving. Enjoy the ride, and don't look for a fixed destination.
   • When you ride a Harley, this grants you entry into the motorcycle family. When you're not using your left hand on the clutch, always recognize other riders simply by extending a cool salute. It is acceptable to suspend this practice in rallies and events where there is a lot of motorcycle traffic.
   • "Not all who wander are lost."

   Precautions