Dropping problem solved

[lloyd59hen]

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/default.asp?Id=391

Lloyd Morris
'99 LTC

[PhotoBiker]

I saw something similar to these on a Gold Wing at Deals Gap about 2 years ago. As I understand it, they were speed activated. The couple riding were on the older side. Since I'm in my early 60's, my reference to older is probably considered very old by a significant number of those on this forum. Anyway, I never saw them come down. The couple was leaving the area and were stopped. Upon acceleration, the wheels lifted and by about 75 to 100 feet they were completely retracted. My guess is that if they had to make a very quick stop, the bike would be down.

[jpalamaro]

Of course there's a current thread going [LANDING GEAR (TRAINING WHEELS) that has a boatload of activity. Thought I'd add my 2 cents to this one:

Perhaps there are some deeper issues, none of which matter to whomever finds this a solution.

One question that is begged is that if you can't handle it at whatever speed, slow, 2-up, etc. etc. then it's [perhaps] the wrong bike. And while I hate analogies cuz for every analogy made someone has a [better] counter-analogy. E.g. The pilot could fly the DC-10's pants off but he sucks at landings. Go for it!

The other issue is do you just look like a DS with the damn things? That's a bit tricky. And perhaps can only be answered by some internal/infernal honesty? WOULD YOU RIDE AN LT WITH THOSE WHEELS? Not someone else, but YOU?

All that being said, I am not going to invest my money in the company that makes these. "

[xrmattaz]

As a forty four year old LT rider, I'd just love to have a set....if nothing more than a conversation piece! If only my financial situation would allow.

I agree wholeheartedly though concerning one not being able to handle this big bike! The LT is NOT an "old frail man's" bike IMHO.

[Daman858]

I dunno...I think I could still find a way to drop the beast!

[jpalamaro]

Ok, I remember you . . . now that I look at that avatar! Looked at your profile and c'mon . . . paste a current picture. Sort of remember commenting that you cut quite a figure for the ladies on that HD and asked if you ever had any INTERESTING stories as a LEO.

Best Regards

[jpalamaro]

As a forty four year old LT rider, I'd just love to have a set....if nothing more than a conversation piece! If only my financial situation would allow.

I agree wholeheartedly though concerning one not being able to handle this big bike! The LT is NOT an "old frail man's" bike IMHO.

It would be fun to pull into the local HD hangout (Starbucks?) with the wheels . . . play the infirmed look and hten do the LT wheelie as you leave. heh heh I CAN DREAM, CAN'T I?

[Daman858]

John,
I have made no bones about it....that photo was taken about 1969. I still look the same, however, so a recent photo is totally unnecessary. That 1968 AMF/HD was the biggest piece of junk I have ever rode..brakes did not work, had suicide shifter and foot clutch, leaked oil by the gallons but boy howdy! was it fun!

[DABubba]

My take is that if you need something like this to ride an LT, you should be riding something other than an LT.

[neodoc]

We're all quick to respond with the "I wouldn't be caught dead riding with those training wheels" but the fact remains that we are all going to get old at some point and one's reflexes and strength do wane. That being said, why should one of us have to give up riding the bike we love because of health issues? There are alternatives, such as trike conversions, but that changes the character of the ride completely. I feel that there is a place in the LT world for these so-called training wheels so that when we inevitably get older, we can safely ride, lean into turns, etc., and still have the safety factor when coming to a stop. Heck, if a 30 year old can drop this bike, think about what could happen with a 60 or 70-year old. That's my 20 cents' worth (inflation, you know.)

[rixchard]

And this is one reason the over categoriztion of this forum has bothered me. who wants to vist 347 subforums to see what is going on?

[eljeffe]

You don't have to. If you use either the thread or post options under the "New Activity" menu item, you wouldn't have to.

BTW, 6 months from now, when you are desperately looking for that post on doodad #12, categorizing the accessories is going to be much easier to find.

[rixchard]

True, but this kills serendipity and I LUV serendipity. As far as finding info on doodad#12 isn't what search is for?

[allen]

We have been riding our Lt since purchase in '99. I have the "lowered" after market seat, etc., but the bike is still very top heavy at slow speeds - unlike any of its major competitors. We all have been patiently waiting for the new model which will have a v6 engine, lower center of gravity,lower seat, better headlights, better back brakes, etc. but it is not on the horizon. This summer, after CCR at Jackson Hole we dropped it hard having encountered some pea gravel near Walla-Walla, Wa and I ended up with a broken ankle (to go with the broken ankle on the other foot while golfing six years ago). Two things happened in that accident. 1. She refuses to ride anymore claiming too many falls. 2. My ankles are now too weak to hold it if if starts to fall. So - the alternative, if I want to ride a big cruiser - HD ? never!. Honda - hummm, have to give up too much, Yamaha, etc. - no. The training wheels - they will not come down fast enough and are useless (as we were on the last drop - on a slope) So - to convince her to get back on I had a choice of the Vovager (don't like the looks) or triked - it will be triked by 12/23. End of story.

[early1]

I always though feature like automated gear lowering was just something else to break--the I saw a very skilled and highly qualified(20,000hrs plus) pilot unintentionally belly land a new Bonanza. never heard the buzzers and bells.
Point--EVERYBODY makes mistakes, sometimes technology like this may save your but.