Parking Lot Practice (maneuvers)

[sixlow]

I was invited to spend a couple hours today with the Daytona Hog group doing their monthly parking lot practice at Destination Daytona. Great bunch of guys with an interest in riding better and safer. The Valkyrie caught many an eye, the car tire was pooh poohed and I wasn't given much of a chance in completing some of these maneuvers, they be silenced now.! First was a tight slalom course and then we moved into a figure eight pattern within a tight box, then an increasingly smaller circle pattern. I did well, did not dump her, i had a few bail outs and ran over a few cones (small donut sized cones) but kept improving and did not quit until i had completed all successfully. One of the instructors and an expert rider was curious so i asked him to give the old girl a spin. he came back very impressed at how the Austone felt normal but mostly he said it is a very smooth bike. Some others asked how much this gorgeous bike was worth ! I saw HD's today worth well over 30k that didn't do much for me. We should do some kind of skills event sometime at a gathering, it was fun.

[Flrider]

Way to represent and quiet down the critics Mike   

I wonder if doing the figure eights with the more square car tires makes it harder

Only one way to find out I guess.

[sixlow]

Thanks Jack, here's a few more.   

[_Sheffjs_]

I would like to do this but on the 1800. Is that cheating?

Also did you mention to the rest that your girl turned 18? 

[Thunderbolt]

Good on you Mike.  Looked as if you still had a smile on your face so all went well. When I got my motorcycle endorsement it was on the 97 Tourer and I didn't quite make all the cones they had set up but I passed.  They said that most people use a lot smaller bike to take the test. 

[sixlow]

Jerry I think using the 1800 would be a big advantage for sure, that bike feels light weight and smaller. Another thing the guy said after riding mine was that it had a long front end, maybe more rake than a harley as well. Some folks did question the retro Teal so I had to say it was stock for a 98.. whaa a 98 ?? And couldn't help myself to also point out to a few the engine stamp "Made In U.S.A."
Terry I did my endorsement on a small bike but have wondered if a valk could do the figure 8, I will find out how big a box we were in.

[Valkahuna]

Good for you Mike. I was the safety officer for a HOG chapter for many years and we really harped on practicing maneuvers in empty parking lots rather than when "That" moment arrived, and doing it wrong may mean injury or death. It makes a difference to be sure. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) has different levels of courses. Some states require passing of a basic riders skill test for motorcycling permits, but MSF also has Advanced Rider, and Skilled Riders courses. I really advocate for everyone to participate in one of these on a regular basis. And do like Mike did, ride the bike you normally ride, not something smaller.

It may save your life! I used to take the Skilled Riders course about every other year. While it's not easy, you feel good after you finish, and find out where your weaknesses are. I'm not sure how I would do on the Valk, since I've always felt that it was better at handling higher speeds than my HD, but felt more comfortable on the HD at low speeds. And oh yes, the added weight of the trunk, especially if you keep in full of stuff, does make a huge difference in the slow speed handling of either the HD or the Valk. Those of you that have "Super Valked" your bikes know what I mean.

[Bronxboy]

Another good test would be riding up the road leading to Big Mikes Cabin in Bryson City  if me and Pappy didn't dump it there, were good 

Good job Mike, I'm sure they all wish their bikes grow up to be a Fat Gurl one day