[Random Rider]

Hello from a new GW rider; I've ridden for over 30 years now, but was on a 4-year hiatus that ended when I bought a 1998 GL1500SE with matching trailer. Prior to this bike, I've road Yamaha Venture, Suzuki Calvacade and a few smaller bikes (one of my all-time-favorites was a Honda CX-500, which I rode from Green Bay, WI to Acapulco, Mexico in 1979).

I haven't had a lot of opportunity to ride the GW yet. And I'm undergoing shoulder surgery tomorrow so I suspect that I may not be riding for a few months. I do prefer touring and my wife does go along sometimes, hence the GW (and other two large touring bikes). I don't think its because I've not been riding for a few now, but for some reason the GW, with all its bells and whistles, seems very top heavy and I am having a lot of difficulty at slow speed?

I hope this will improve with time and more riding experience. But I have a couple of questions: 1) Has anyone had experience with Jerry Palladino's "RideLikeAPro" resources? Is the DVD/Book worth the money? 2) I can't put the bike on the center stand so I'm thinking of buying a "ride on/off" center stand? Do they work as advertised?

BTW, my member name is taken from a motorcycle club I belonged to in NY in 1981. We dissolved but I've always liked the name so I thought I'd use it here. Any x-random riders out there?

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

RR, welcome to the forum from PA and congrats on your new Wing. I have a friend who owned a Cavalcade and I always thought that was top heavy, so I'm suprised you think the 1500 is top heavy. Maybe some more time in the saddle with change your perception. Ride safe and enjoy the site. Hope your surgery goes well and your back on the bike soon...

 

[budoka]

Welcoe to GWOF Random Rider. I'm surprised that you find the Wing top heavy too, but it is a different bike than the others you've had. I'm sure you'll be doing cirlces and esses in parking lots in no time though, just some prctice and patience is all. Sorry I'm not familliar with the source material you mentioned.

 

[Stratman]

Welcome from Ontario Canada RR. Sounds to me like you just need some time in the saddle. The Wing is a heavy bike and the 1500's don't roll as well as the 1800's at slow speeds.
Sorry I can't help with the reading material. Heal quickly and ride soon and safe.
Strat

 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello random rider, welcome to GWOF. maybe the layoff from riding is more the problem

 

[willmax]

Welcome from Texas--good luck with the shoulder surgery tomorrow.

 

[Ron Robertson]

Welcome to the forum, a good place to hang out.
On the Center stand issue. Try stopping the bike with the rear tire on a piece of wood maybe 6 inches wide and 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick. The try putting the bike on the center stand, I'm sure you'll find it much easier.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

 

[fxrshog]

Welcome, from another Tar Heel!!!

 

[Chopin]

A belated welcome from the DC area of Virginia.

 

[Commander K]

Dont read; ride

I am an avid book reader but for the purpose of buying one to get tips on making you feel more comfortable riding...reading is not the answer my friend; riding is.

As to utilizing the center stand; keep at it. It's only tough for the first dozen times. After that, its a piece of cake.

Feel better.

 

[LarryinSeattle]

Welcome from Seattle!

 

[bossdog]

Welcome to the site Random Ride. I don't live too far from you and everyone is correct, some time in the saddle and you will get used to it. I felt the same way when I got mine.

 

[fxrshog]

Welcome friend!!
Ride safe