Why I like bike that Corners.

flienlow · May 19, 2011

Was riding home today from my 40+ mile mountainous commute. I don't push the envelope much on a Versys, but let's just say I safely exceed the safe an posted from time to time. Anyway, winding through curvy roads I notice that I am gaining on another motorcycle. I can tell that it's a Harley as we start entering some sweepers. We come to a certain part of the road that takes a nice downward left hand curve. Visibility is good, and its a corner that I like to cut inside to initiate a pass for slower traffic (not to mention its fun :guilty

For whatever reason, the Pirate completely mis-negotiated the corner takes the outside line and then proceeds to run off the road into a ditch where he is then up-assed from his Harley and both take a painful tumble. It was a pitiful mess of cowhide,chrome,grass,and Mud. The Good part is that he was Ok. Said he wasnt paying attention and couldn't get the bike to corner. He also stood on the brake which always ends badly.

WT100 · May 19, 2011

Glad he's ok!

Good story. I did the same thing he did on the one and only cruiser i ever owned (for one week). And THAT is why I now ride a Versys...

I'm with you. If the bike can't do the twisties might as well be in a cage on super slab and get the trip over with.

bearcat · May 19, 2011

I'm glad he is ok also. No doubt the Versys is a blast in the sweepers and twisites. It is a very forgiving bike in the sharp stuff, even so to a point that you can compensate with it for poor riding technique. I also ride a Sportster which demands a healthy respect for the corners considering the so so brakes, poor suspension, heavy weight and overall handling. A Versys would run circles around my Sportster (which IMHO is more of a standard than a cruiser). I really have to stay focused while riding in the twisties. The Versys makes it so easy I feel like I'm cheating, it's a dream!

I gotta hand it to the Sporty for the bucket loads of torque it produces, that is fun in its own way.

Stud Muffin · May 19, 2011

So, did you talk him into trading his lead sled for a V?

stephen · May 19, 2011

I have a fatboy as well as the V the V is very nimble and well planted, The fat boy is a different type of bike and gives a wider different smile and buzz

twowheeladdict · May 19, 2011

I own cruisers, touring, dual sport, and the Versys. It takes more skill to ride a touring bike or cruiser in the curves. You need to know the limitations of the bike as well your skill level. Unfortunately many folks start out on cruisers.

He was probably watching you in his rear view instead of riding his own ride.

Buckeye · May 19, 2011

Came upon an awful scene last summer in a series of switchbacks in Western Colorado. Three Harleys coming down the mountain. One fails to make the right hander and takes his two buddies with him. When I got there EMS was already on the scene waiting for the life flight helicopter. I was really shook. Pulled off and said a prayer. Needless to say, I didn't try to scrape any pegs after that.

jmlmjmjm · May 19, 2011

Maybe they're just bad riders....Lord knows I've passed enough sportbike numb nuts on my Victory's in years past.

Good riders on bad bikes are always faster than bad riders on good bikes.....

Versus09_Matt · May 19, 2011

Very true. If I am on my sportbike, I am faster than on the versys. But, I usually drop a young squid on a sportbike with the versys.
I've been dropped by a Harley Electraglide while on my Versys. He knew his bike well.
All in the rider.

Why I like bike that Corners.

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