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[Screamin]

I think I know exactly what Jim is dealing with.  When you hang out at a dealership you will see guys who might be 5'8" and 150 lbs. soaking wet moving the bikes around the showroom or rolling them out the door while walking beside the bike.  They don't seem to have any problems doing it, and I've never seen one of them drop one yet.  I used to stop by a Honda/Ducati/etc. place where they moved 90% of the bikes out into the lot every morning and then back into the showroom every evening, and when it was quitting time those guys literally whipped those bikes back into the building with nary a hiccup.

I haven't personally gotten up the nerve to try this since my bikes broke the 700 pound barrier, and definitely not since I bought the SEEG.  It has to be technique, because like I said some of the folks I've seen doing it in dealerships are smaller than me.  Maybe it has something to do with not actually owning the bike in question that makes it so easy for those guys at the dealership.

Jerry

I think they bump up the tire pressure 20# or so to get less roll resistance.     

[Decano]

I always move it while on it.  Seems easier that way and you get a leg workout.

[1abastarsmda]

Those puppies weigh in at over 900 lbs.  I don't move mine unless it's only a few inches and I keep the kickstand down and keep kicking it back in place if it moves.  I prefer to be on the bike to move it and more than a VERY short distance, I start it up to move it.  I know what you are saying about these little guys at the shop.  It amazes me when I see them casually walk alongside my bike and take it whereever they want it.  It's definitely a learned technique.

[RJ749]

As you already found and others have said it is a balance thing obviously and turning or pushing it to the right from standing on the left side is most often where I have had close calls with the center of gravity.

That said, if I must move it without sitting on it I go from the left and give it the slightest lean into me to avoid over centering it (to the right) as I push it,  Pushing it backward is easier with a butt cheek on the seat.

[JohnT.]

 No problem for me to move around standing on the left. Actually good exercise for the arms, and I'm 5'9" 210lb. I watched the guys at the dealer doing it all the time and figured that
was the proper way to do it. Just don't lean her over to far.. When you get used to it, it's a piece of cake.. I don't think the dealer wants their people sitting on the bikes at all. Although,
the Ultra Classic is bear to handle at times, she can be done.. 900+ lbs running order weight. Just practice it, and be careful.. You CAN do it

[JimFinn]

No problem for me to move around standing on the left. Actually good exercise for the arms, and I'm 5'9" 210lb. I watched the guys at the dealer doing it all the time and figured that
was the proper way to do it. Just don't lean her over to far.. When you get used to it, it's a piece of cake.. I don't think the dealer wants their people sitting on the bikes at all. Although,
the Ultra Classic is bear to handle at times, she can be done.. 900+ lbs running order weight. Just practice it, and be careful.. You CAN do it

Hi Thanks for all the good advise and pleased to see its not just me that finds it heavy. I have been moving it around a lot easier today on and off the bike but you definitely have to be confident when off the bike. I'll have thighs like Mike Tyson by the end of the week.

[1abastarsmda]

I talked to a guy in the bar the other night that has a Big Dog.  He told me how he tried to walk his along and just couldn't seem to get anywhere.  He's of the same school of thought as me...if you are going more than a few inches, start it up and ride it to where you are moving it to.

[Kevinski]

Hi Jim,

My local Harley dealer in Suffolk UK stocks these http://www.b2-products.nl/prod2/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4

The wheel set is extra but enable you to spin it around your workshop.

I looked into some of the USA lifts but the shipping was more than the lift.

While you get used to moving your bike around you can put some heater hose over the chrome bars to avoid scratching them, its definitely a technique, lowered rear shocks and a narrow seat will also help.

Cheers,

Kev

[brhulen]

I think I know exactly what Jim is dealing with.  When you hang out at a dealership you will see guys who might be 5'8" and 150 lbs. soaking wet moving the bikes around the showroom or rolling them out the door while walking beside the bike.  They don't seem to have any problems doing it, and I've never seen one of them drop one yet.  I used to stop by a Honda/Ducati/etc. place where they moved 90% of the bikes out into the lot every morning and then back into the showroom every evening, and when it was quitting time those guys literally whipped those bikes back into the building with nary a hiccup.

I haven't personally gotten up the nerve to try this since my bikes broke the 700 pound barrier, and definitely not since I bought the SEEG.  It has to be technique, because like I said some of the folks I've seen doing it in dealerships are smaller than me.  Maybe it has something to do with not actually owning the bike in question that makes it so easy for those guys at the dealership.

Jerry

I remember when I went for a new motorcycle indorsement the examiner said one of the tasks was to get off the bike, push it forward, back it up and park it along side a simulated road.  This was to demonstrate the ability to get it off the road in the event of a breakdown.  To make things a little more interesting this was done out in the parking lot which consisted of loose gravel.  I tried talking my way out of it and explained that given the size and weight of the bike, most folks just "duck walked" it but all to no avail.  And her standard response was "I don't make the rules, I just enforce them".  I managed to do it okay, but not without a lot of trepidation!  The examiner said what many of the folks do is to bring a very small motorcycle to take the test.  Ride what ya brung boys and girls!

[ultrafxr]

I too have seen small guys at dealerships move bikes by walking them but I've never had the confidence to do it.  Like others have said, if it isn't your bike it is probably a lot easier.  I always sit on the bike to move it around in my garage.  But then I've got the Legend air shocks and just let her way down so I can flat foot it easily.

[JimFinn]

Hi Jim,

My local Harley dealer in Suffolk UK stocks these http://www.b2-products.nl/prod2/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=4

The wheel set is extra but enable you to spin it around your workshop.

I looked into some of the USA lifts but the shipping was more than the lift.

While you get used to moving your bike around you can put some heater hose over the chrome bars to avoid scratching them, its definitely a technique, lowered rear shocks and a narrow seat will also help.

Cheers,

Kev


Thanks Kev
Can I  ask how much you paid for yours through the dealership or did you buy direct?

Cheers

Jim

[Kevinski]

Hi Jim,

It was around £300+ can't remember the exact price.

http://www.blackbear.co.uk/contact.cfm

Give them a shout on 01638 664455, really nice and helpful people

Cheers,

Kev

[Rooster]

I too have seen small guys at dealerships move bikes by walking them but I've never had the confidence to do it.  Like others have said, if it isn't your bike it is probably a lot easier.  I always sit on the bike to move it around in my garage.  But then I've got the Legend air shocks and just let her way down so I can flat foot it easily.

I agree, this short legged rooster is a lot happier after installing the legends. Really helps when you can get your feet planted on the ground.

[JimFinn]

I agree, this short legged rooster is a lot happier after installing the legends. Really helps when you can get your feet planted on the groun

Hi Rooster
are the legends a HD part or an aftermarket and does anyone know if they are available in the UK. I guess this would be a dealer fit and not a DIY job?

[sadunbar]

Not a MOCO part - here is a link to the company...

http://www.independentcycleinc.com/

If you are at all mechanically inclined, it is a fairly simple installation...  I've had mine for 2 seasons and am quite happy with them..