I used to ride dirt bikes and such, and when my dad went away for a while, he left me his 97 Dyna glide. I already have my motorcycle permit, and am taking the MSF in a few weeks. I have no problem with the riding aspect because I have driven before, my only question has to be, "is 1340 CCA to much for a bike for someone who is not as experienced as some of you veterans?"

 

No I don't think it's too much. Don't get hung up on the numbers. You'll be fine as long as you get familiar with the bike.

 

My 94 Softail is my first bike. Not too much provided you get familiar with it as rwhisen said. Don't be embarrassed about taking it to an empty parking lot and drive around in circles first. Get to know the clutch and the low speed handling and you should be just fine.

 

Motorcycle permit - how old and how tall may be more improtant than the cc's.

 

I am 18, weigh 240 (play ALOT of sports and lift ALOT of weights) and am 6 feet even.

Another question that I have is; the sales manager at harley keeps trying to get me to trade talking about how my bike needs a lot of work (I am ASE certified and know its a load of bullshit), and that he would happily let me trade it in for a much newer model at no charge. (Keep in mind that the bike has about 7-8k worth of extra chrome on it because my dad bought it that way from a very wealthy man who didnt have much of a attachment to the bike). Is he just trying to get my bike and sell it to someone else, or does he really have my best interest at heart?

 

He's doing what salesmen do, make money....

 

Should be good to go. Ride the back roads get comfortable and enjoy.
As far as trades - ride and enjoy and learn what is right for you before considering a change.

 

no, he has his wallet at heart. no sale, no groceries.

7-8k in chrome is worth about $1.50 at trade in. i don't know that he is looking to make an even trade for your bike for a newer one. maybe he is talking about trading with no money out of pocket for down payment (using your bike as the down payment)

being ase certified, you should be able to knock out the needed work (probably basic stuff, oil change, cleaning, tires, etc) and have a nice bike to ride. but like said, you should ride it a while first before making any major decisions. you'll soon find out what works for you and what doesn't. then you can buy stuff with your brain, instead of 'oooh, shiney'....

 

Wish I had a Harley at 18. Would have been easier to get the ladies.

 

As for you, you'll be fine. Get comfortable, ride like you're invisible, and like they said above, don't be shy to practice.

As for the bike, I have a $600 a month payment after I put down $8k.. Is that good enough a reason to just enjoy yours? You're young. Let it Ride.