Cruiser advice

[Kilted Ginger]

I'm getting a harley to play with for 2 or 3 days next week. I've never ridden a cruiser type bike before any advice or anything I should be aware of.

Oh I'm in America visiting relatives so will have riding on the wrong side to deal with as well

[Kinvig]

Riding on the wrong side is pretty straightforward - you'll get used to it in less than an hour (or die trying ;o)

As for custom cruiser types, I wouldn't fancy it myself - they're a bit too low to the ground so your visiblity is reduced, I found that a bit unnerving!

Oh, and they steer like a cow (to nick a quote from Ford Prefect, though he wasn't talking abuot cruisers).

[dawn07]

My advice is don't wear the fringed leathers , the open faced helmet, or grow a beard! Enjoy! x:smt081

[Tiger 55]

Watch out for the brakes, they're liable to be lethally inadequate, especially the single disc fashion victims. And you'll run out of ground clearance at some stupidly low speed too, which will stand the bike up and fire you into oncoming traffic.

But they're enormous fun! :-)

[Biker Biggles]

Avoid the need to slow down or go round corners as they tend to bite back when you ask any of that of them.And make sure your fillings are secure in your teeth.

Buttless chaps are compulsory.

[metalangel]

Make sure you wear a black t-shirt with a wolf or a skull or something on it.

If you can gain about 300lbs and grow a huge beard overnight, so much the better.

Oh! And a studded leather vest, with tassels!

And try and smoke while riding.

[urbane1]

Remember dont acknowledge any bikes other than fellow hogs, and then only nod, as no one on a Harley would dare take their hands off the bars, they handle badly enough with both hands on as it is!
Also American roads are straight for miles (purpose made for cruisers), so you dont need to steer. And at intersections you can walk it round.