How to Ride a Harley Davidson

Explore this Article Steps Questions & Answers Related Articles



  1. 1
    Find a suitable and rideable Harley Davidson motorcycle. Not every Harley is suitable for 'cruising' or riding distances shorter than a few blocks or miles. If you really want to enjoy all a Harley has to offer, find a Harley that runs well, is comfortable, and one that you can handle. If you find the bike too heavy, drop down a level or improve your riding skills on another, smaller bike first. In general, the bike "heaviness" runs in the following order, from heaviest to lightest:
    1. Touring. (Includes Road King, Street Glide, Ultra Classic, Limited and Road Glide).
    2. Softail (Includes Fatboy, Heritage, Slim, Deluxe and Breakout)
    3. Dyna (Includes Street Bob, Low Rider, Fat Bob, Switchback and Wide Glide)
    4. Sportster (Includes 883's and 1200's)
      • A note about the Sportster: Some consider it the most difficult to ride, despite its lightness. This is due to its relative unbalance and high placement of the gas tank thus raising the center of gravity. Despite this, it remains one of the most fun Harleys to ride, and is exemplified in carrying the honor of being the longest running production motorcycle in United States history.
  2. 2
    Decide how you're going to get your Harley, either by borrowing, renting, or buying. Sometimes renting or borrowing (provided that you have a motorcycle license) is the best way to introduce yourself to the world of Harleys without a huge financial commitment.
  3. 3
    Observe the bike. Look at the subtleties and richness of the chrome, or lack thereof, and special features unique to the design of the particular Harley you are going to ride. Prep the bike for ride by checking the gas level, tires, lights, and any obvious flaws or defects.
  4. 4
    Get on the bike. Remember, "right is wrong." Get on the bike from the left side, as it is good etiquette. Feel the handlebars, feel the weight of the bike underneath you. Pull the choke if need-be. Then...
  5. 5
    Start the bike. Listen to it. Feel it underneath you. Let it warm up as you warm up to the bike.
  6. 6
    Ride the bike. See the road scurry underneath you. Feel the wind in your face and on your body. See how it's just much better when on the bike. Feel the rumble in between your legs. Lean back. See the blur of the side road as you look straight ahead.
  7. 7
    Enjoy the ride. Harley Davidson motorcycles enjoy a rich and storied tradition. Riding one is not about the speed or handling of the bike per se, but rather, the enjoyment of the feel and embodiment of the entire experience. Look at the scenery, hear and feel the engine. Look to your right... to your left. Even look up at the sky - all the while making sure to keep another eye on the road to stay safe. Beware of 'cagers' ie. car drivers.
  8. 8
    Find a road all your own (preferably deserted and without any traffic), and ride until you feel good. Then ride some more. Stop at a tavern (no alcoholic beverages,please). Visit a friend. Enjoy the freedom of riding a Harley Davidson. When you're done, bring it back and ride again another day.
  9. 9

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I shift gears smoothly and properly?
    Community Answer
    Go by RPM; for each bike this is different, but should be in the 2000 to 4000 RPM range. You don't need a gauge, just go by sound. If the engine is whining, you're too high on the RPM range.
  • Question
    What is the shift pattern on a Harley Davidson?
    Community Answer
    First gear is down all the way, Neutral is half a click up, then 2nd gear, then 3rd and so on up to 5th or 6th, depending on the bike. Then down shift again all the way to first.
  • Question
    How can I enjoy riding on a Harley?
    Community Answer
    Ride it responsibly. Like driving a car, use one lane and keep distance from whatever is in front of you. Anticipate turning and traffic lights, and avoid "hard" stops.
  • Question
    How tall do I need to be to ride a Harley Davidson?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the model of the bike. Some bikes are made for shorter riders, others are made for taller riders.
  • Question
    If I am in neutral, do I have to pull in the clutch to start the bike, or can I hit the starter button without pulling in the clutch?
    Community Answer
    When in neutral, my HD starts without the need of pulling the clutch. It is a 2016 Sportster 1200 Custom, by the way.
  • Question
    Should I mount my Harley from the kickstand side or the non-kickstand side?
    Community Answer
    Kickstand side. Technically, it doesn't matter. Traditionally, you should mount your steel horse the same way you would mount a real horse: from its left side. That way, your sword does not get in the way.
  • Question
    How do I know if the bike is too heavy for me?
    Community Answer
    When I took the rider course, the first thing we did was walk the bike, in neutral, off. You'll know it's too heavy if you can't do that.
  • Question
    What is the best stopping system: foot, arm, or hand brake?
    Community Answer
    As a non-aggressive rider, gear back in combination with the foot brake and use the hand brake for the final stop.
  • Question
    If I am a passenger on the motorcycle, do I lean into the curve with the driver or against?
    Community Answer
    In my experience it's like dancing, let the driver lead. Lean with the curves just like the driver. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
  • Question
    Why does the back wheel of my motorcycle slide when I shift it?
    Community Answer
    You are either downshifting to too low a gear or giving too much throttle on an upshift.
Show more answers
Unanswered Questions
Ask a Question
200 characters left


    • "Not all who wander are lost."
    • Be safe. Wear a helmet and watch for traffic and cell-phone lobotomized drivers. They're not looking out for you. Look out for them.
    • When you ride a Harley, that grants you entrance into the biker family. When not using your left hand to clutch, always acknowledge other bikers by simply extending a cool, waist high wave. It is acceptable to suspend this practice at rallies or events where there is very high bike traffic.
    • Riding a Harley is like enjoying a fine wine. Take care to notice the make, model and strengths and weaknesses of the particular model you're riding. Enjoy the ride, and look not to the destination.
    • Sometimes being lost is the only way to find yourself
    • Only bikers know why the dog sticks his head out the window.


    • Take a motorcycle safety course if you can. While riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle is possibly the greatest thing you can experience, it can be dangerous. Know how to ride over a piece of lumber. Know how to handle the bike. Join a motorcycle riders club or the "HOG" organization if need be (HOG = Harley Owners Group). You'll meet everlasting friends.

    Article Info


    Categories: Motorcycles

    In other languages:

    Español: pasear en una Harley Davidson, Português: Andar em uma Harley Davidson, Italiano: Guidare una Harley Davidson, Русский: ездить на мотоцикле Harley Davidson

    Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 252,326 times.
    Did this article help you?