[pixiedust]

Just found out that I am house-sitting for my dad in Florida next month and he’s leaving me the keys to the HD Sporty in the garage. I’m looking forward to trying it out on a few easy routes. What should I be aware of that will be big differences from my bike? I have a Duc Monster 695. Thanks!

[WeaponZero]

You’re basically going from a sportbike to what is essentially a cruiser.  The sportster may be Harley’s definition of a standard but it is a far cry handling-wise from anything Ducati builds, or any non-cruiser metric bike.  Just take it slow, the Harley is a heavy, slow-handling beast compared to your Ducati and isn’t capable of doing things the way you’re probably used to.  It’ll take some getting used to taking it through corners (not that there are any in Florida).

[Munch]

My only caution…… remember your feet at stops. I know it sounds funny, but after 2 days in MSF riding on a Blast and I went back to my cruiser I about dropped her a couple of times having to remember where my feet had to be. Your timing gets thrown off a bit. Sport bike your feet are used to swinging forward and down… not so much with a cruiser/standard type. The hardest re training for me was feet back up… all the starts and stops had semi trained the muscles to tuck under me…..left a couple of rubber marks on the chrome forgetting I was back on my cruiser and had to lift up and forward.

[pixiedust]

I’m pretty sure it is an 883. I plan on keeping it off the highways and staying under 60 mph. I’m just excited to try something new and different. Luckily, the house is near some old orange groves that have a few gently curving “country” roads. Not much country left in FL though!

Now, as for flying with my helmet…is it carry on? Do I need a special case for it?

Thanks for all the good tips!

[pixiedust]

Ok, I think I’m ready for the Sporty. I’m starting to think one of the things I’ll like best about motorcycling is trying out lots of different types of bikes.

Elwood, I’ll be in Seminole County.

[Author]

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