Harsh words in August Motorcyclist

[Luxury]

I can actually get mine off the center stand by standing on the foot pegs and jerking my body forward to rock it off the stand. I usally wear my steel-toed boots that have a big heel, and I still can't get 2 flat feet. Maybe I should switch to a Special - sounds like they sit a little lower.

[Shuriken]

I'm 6'1", 160. The only time the XS11 bounces is when I'm accelerating it hard in 1st or 2nd on a bumpy road.

Ben

[Geezer]

I think this idiot was trying to do drag strip runs with it and he wasn't qualified for the task.

Geezer

[skids]

Good grief! I would think you would be somewhat challenged by that. Look out for those potholes. I am tippy toed at a stop with my H model an I am 5'10.5"

Originally posted by Luxury
I'm 5'4" and 145 lbs, and the only thing that scares me about my XS11 is trying to get my feet to touch the ground when I stop!

[TopCatGr58]

I'm at the opposite end, at 6'6", have a special, but it has the taller Cavalcade twin bucket, and I have the front raised with 4" over length upper tubes, side stand extended over 2 inches, and I'm still flat footed at a stop! My XS11 looks like a moped under me!! Mine did rise up in the rear when it was new and I didn't have the shock dampers set to very stiff, but with my new el cheapo JCW shocks, and a big bore kit, I don't notice the rise whatsoever!! The only hopping is in my front tire!!
T.C.

[tfm3]

I actually experienced the rear wheel dance on a regular basis riding my last 1100- a79sf. Happened on that particular bike when cornering and power shifting at the same time. The bike had no fairing,bags and I was younger.'Nuff said. At 6'3 180 lbs I ride with a pretty high center of gravity as well.I've only been on my latest 11 [81H full dress] for a few days now and have no intention of abusing this beauty the same way.Please take my word for it- when these things bolt on you at 3k in 3rd gear around a tight corner, hold on.

[buickyouth]

Just figured I should chime in as well.
My first bike I ever rode/owned was my black XS750SE. I took that thing to hell and back. And when I say hell and back I mean Denver in a day and a half. And it wasn't that hot, but I got second degree burns all over my face.

Where was I?

So I'm 6'4" and 220-260 (varied through the years) and I was always comfortable on the 750. As long as I rode on the back seat. Oddly enough, I still find myself sitting back there on my XS1100SF.

The special does ride a couple inches lower than the standard. All things stock considered. Of course if you have a different seat it changes things. But with you all talking about how high your bikes are, I'm starting to get worried that my fat ass has coaxed my bike shorter, or that I've cashed my shocks.

The ride's still good. I have never experienced the hop in the rear* (see weight and riding style above). And for those of you that do experience the hop, I implore you. Next time at dinner, have the stuffing AND the mashed potatoes. It's one of the easiest quick fixes using the good fixins.

And don't forget the gravy.
Lots. of gravy.

[sixtysix]

Wheel Hop? Yeah right, numerous full throttle, up to redline, row through the gears. I never seen it....Sorry