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[cracker]

Guys,
Does anyone have any info on the turning radius for any of the new bikes? (Actually the smallest diameter). I believe 2007 and older ultra's and road glides could turn a circle in an 18 foot diameter. I am looking for some info on the new bikes.

Here in Michigan in May, we... (the HOG chapters) are having a road crew skills challenge. There will be courses set up kinda like the police slow maneuvers competition using traffic construction cones.
At our chapter, we want to set up some practice courses. But I don’t know what diameter the newer bikes can turn in.
Any help is welcome
Thanks!
 

[Trapperdog]

The newer bikes have a larger turning radius. The motor police that compete have to grind down the fork stops on the newer frames to achieve the same radius. Keep in mind that just because the bike can turn that tight dosent mean you all can without some extreeme practice over time. I can get my '07 under 17' at times but I am pretty much on the floorboard mounts the whole time. And that's only if I've been keeping up on my practice.  Check out "ride like a pro" on the net and they will have some guideline cone practice manuevers and distance practice downloads for you. Without propper instruction, if you all try 18' turns, you will be dropping some bikes. Start large and work your way down, just a bit.

[Eqcons]

The newer bikes have a larger turning radius.

Thanks for that!  Answered a thought in my mind this last while - I could turn previous (07 and older) bikes in the width of the road outside my house, and I have never managed it with my 09. Thought I was losing my touch! 

Jim

[cracker]

Actually I am on the road crew... been doing the skills challenge in Michigan for about 4 years running. Been doing it with a 03 ultra... 18 feet diameter circle is not a problem.

Your right, start out slow... till you learn to run it up against the lock. Constant light foot brake… constant light throttle…  feather the clutch. Clutch in... to lower the bike, clutch out… to stand the bike back up. So you are actually balancing the bike with the clutch instead of turning the bars.

Last year I bought a 2011 CVO road glide. Love this thing but it doesn't turn as sharp as the old ultra. I have heard rumors that different years turn different diameters from about 07 to the present.

I'm looking for some info on what years and what diameters for the ultras and road glides. This way I can inform the riders on what is doable for what year an make of bike.

Thanks for your comments

[Trapperdog]

OK, then you know where I'm coming from.  I believe the only difference lies between the old and new frame change (was that "09?) Riders that haven't done this before aren't going to notice the difference though as lean angle plays a major role in decreased diameter. Also, application of the rear brake should be only for learning and then only for slowing when needed. Momentum, lean angle, and clutch control are our friends    If you want to have some fun, pull your front tire all the way up to and perpendicular to a wall, turn the bars and make a u turn without hitting your bags on the wall. Usually proves the formentioned.