Quote from: mcgalinmd on June 24, 2008, 08:16:33 PM
I wouldn't say that his bike  can't do "it", it's his skills that can't match the bike right now.  I know instructors on goldwings that will run circles around even me on my duc, and I teach with a state motor cop (MD) that is an AMAZING rider.  I am hoping his skills will eventually get better now that he's on a bike that will allow some progression.  The HD only scraped parts when attempting anything close to cornering.

Only time will tell.

I've seen that video - crazy huh??  Put on the magnesium jock before he went out riding, huh?? 

I completely agree with everything said (and demonstrated). And, yes, in the hands of a pro, those big old touring bikes can really haul ass. I still maintain that given riders with similar skills, the Duc is going to get through the twisties faster, just because of its lighter and more nimble design.

But, yeah, there's a definite learning curve with those big beemers. Once you realize what it can do (anything), the sky's the limit! My feeling with the bf's beemer was that while it was certainly capable of anything, it's weight and handling made it more unforgiving that the smaller, lighter duc. I felt that I had to be absolutely perfect with my lines, which in turn made me more cautious, and slow. I bet that given time and practice your man won't be "ketchup" any more.... 

If you're looking for a longer day, I'm still around.   

Have him take his BMW to a Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Riders Clinic. 

My finace and I just went to one in Troy, NY a couple weeks ago.  It was awesome. 60% of the bike were BMWs.  80% of the drills are all about cornering.  He will definately pick up some skills that will help him keep up with you in the twisties.

Here is the schedule 

I'd like to take a Lee Parks Total Control Clinic, but...

where do I stay overnight?
don't want to attend by myself...
they'll think I'm an idiot showing up on a liter bike and can't control it...

You get the picture...  If you do decide it's for you, I'd be willing to stay at the same hotel, attend class together, just to have someone you know to talk to. 

laura  (outside Phila, so if the clinic is within a 4-5 hour ride it's a go!)

I know they offer them in MD at I think Howard Community College...but I bet that's in that link.  And come to think of it, I think I get a discount since i'm a MD MSF instructor.  I'll have to see about it; the college is about one hour from me.  My hubby took the ERC class (step below the LP TCC class) but did it on his old road king.  The BMW K is a lot different.

***Update***  Hubby and I took a 600+ mile trip this past 4th weekend.  All highway, minus about 30 miles in town stuff.  He drove up to me on the highway and yelled "now I don't have to ride behind you anymore!!"   

He admitted that he's way slow in the twisties, and he's developed a strange lean in corners (leaning away, not into), but he's getting better and better with his confidence.  I'm lucky he listens to my riding tips as he's becoming a better rider each day.

Quote from: mcgalinmd on July 08, 2008, 11:19:26 AM
***Update***  Hubby and I took a 600+ mile trip this past 4th weekend.  All highway, minus about 30 miles in town stuff.  He drove up to me on the highway and yelled "now I don't have to ride behind you anymore!!"   

He admitted that he's way slow in the twisties, and he's developed a strange lean in corners (leaning away, not into), but he's getting better and better with his confidence.  I'm lucky he listens to my riding tips as he's becoming a better rider each day.

I used to do the 'away lean' as well... it feels very natural...trained myself to stop doing.. then lost my license. Now I'm back at square 1, relearning my cornering. 

longer trips are a great time to practice.  Glad to hear he's improving!!