The weather today was really terrific. I hadn't seen so many bikes out on the road since the middle of December. The temps were in the high 50's and sunny. I took my 2 wheeler into the dealership for a pre-arranged appraisal and test ride on a FLHTCUTG they had in stock.
I was given some instructions on the controls then I took some test laps around the parking lot to get somewhat use to the steering and handling. Once I thought I had it under control I headed out on the open road. The first quarter mile was scary until I got use to the steering at higher than parking lot speeds. The trike wandered from side to side until I learned how to put some weight on the handlebars to control the steering. By the time I got halfway down the road things began to smooth out and from there on out it was smooth sailing.
For the first time since I started riding (7months) I didn't have to run a list of things I needed to be aware of in my mind as I rode. I simply enjoyed the drive and relaxed, not something I had been able to do on 2 wheels. Being a novice rider I didn't have enough saddle time to have confidence in my ability. I tended to over think everything I had to do to ride. Being on a trike was a totally new experience.
The shifting was smooth and I don't remember any bumps so that says something for the suspension. Stopping at a light was a joy. No worries about weight distribution as I came to a stop. I didn't have to think about which foot to put down and to prepare to balance the bike.
Slow sharp turns always worried me on a 2 wheeler but not with this trike. I caught myself trying to lean as I turned and laughed to myself that those days were over. Pulling up to a stoplight and making a U turn was as easy as pie.
I tried not to smile too much when I returned to the dealership, trying to keep a game face on. I probably didn't pull that off to well as I was so exuberant from the ride. I got a good price on my bike for the trade which helped me decide. The end number looked good and I felt the dealer made an effort to give me a good price.
The trike color I wanted wasn't in stock and I am content to wait until it arrives. I left my 2 wheeler at the dealership I wasn't interested in riding it home just to store it for a month or so. The test drive left a lasting impression on me. I now understand the euphoria people on this forum have about their trikes. I'll be glad to have mine when I can.
On a side note- I had searched, e mailed, spoke with a number of shops, dealerships in nearby states attempting to negotiate a deal. I had some near success and some not so near. My local dealer changed his OTD price and that clinched the deal for me. Had he not done that I would have gone 3 hours away for a deal. I really wanted to buy locally as that keeps people here employed. I think I will get better service by buying locally ( I hope). I know I feel better about buying locally and that is important to me. The moral is to look at every possibility before making a decision. I wouldn't have done that without the urging of several posters here. Thank you for your incentive.
I am sorry if this post got so long winded. It was just such a good experience today I wanted to share it all with you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I was given some instructions on the controls then I took some test laps around the parking lot to get somewhat use to the steering and handling. Once I thought I had it under control I headed out on the open road. The first quarter mile was scary until I got use to the steering at higher than parking lot speeds. The trike wandered from side to side until I learned how to put some weight on the handlebars to control the steering. By the time I got halfway down the road things began to smooth out and from there on out it was smooth sailing.
For the first time since I started riding (7months) I didn't have to run a list of things I needed to be aware of in my mind as I rode. I simply enjoyed the drive and relaxed, not something I had been able to do on 2 wheels. Being a novice rider I didn't have enough saddle time to have confidence in my ability. I tended to over think everything I had to do to ride. Being on a trike was a totally new experience.
The shifting was smooth and I don't remember any bumps so that says something for the suspension. Stopping at a light was a joy. No worries about weight distribution as I came to a stop. I didn't have to think about which foot to put down and to prepare to balance the bike.
Slow sharp turns always worried me on a 2 wheeler but not with this trike. I caught myself trying to lean as I turned and laughed to myself that those days were over. Pulling up to a stoplight and making a U turn was as easy as pie.
I tried not to smile too much when I returned to the dealership, trying to keep a game face on. I probably didn't pull that off to well as I was so exuberant from the ride. I got a good price on my bike for the trade which helped me decide. The end number looked good and I felt the dealer made an effort to give me a good price.
The trike color I wanted wasn't in stock and I am content to wait until it arrives. I left my 2 wheeler at the dealership I wasn't interested in riding it home just to store it for a month or so. The test drive left a lasting impression on me. I now understand the euphoria people on this forum have about their trikes. I'll be glad to have mine when I can.
On a side note- I had searched, e mailed, spoke with a number of shops, dealerships in nearby states attempting to negotiate a deal. I had some near success and some not so near. My local dealer changed his OTD price and that clinched the deal for me. Had he not done that I would have gone 3 hours away for a deal. I really wanted to buy locally as that keeps people here employed. I think I will get better service by buying locally ( I hope). I know I feel better about buying locally and that is important to me. The moral is to look at every possibility before making a decision. I wouldn't have done that without the urging of several posters here. Thank you for your incentive.
I am sorry if this post got so long winded. It was just such a good experience today I wanted to share it all with you.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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