Hi guys,
this is my first post around here so hopefully I'll be able to get a few responses.
I'm shopping around for my first bike, initiatally, I started at Sportster 1200s like I feel every first Harley noob has. I then realized that the Sportster is too dimensionally small(I'm very young and about 6' 2"). I then moved into the Dynas and feel in love with the Low Rider and Street Bob. But recently I've been researching the touring bikes and love the street glide, road glide and road king. This will mostly be a commuter/pleasure ride bike but I'd still like it to be capable of some longer journeys. Also, theres an '02 Road Glide in my area for a good price($8000), but 66,000 miles; is it worth it? Any input you have would be great.

Thanks guys

 

I might not go for a Road Glide or Street Glide just yet...the fairings can do a good job of taking up some of your forward vision and, at least when I first got on my Street Glide, I found the fairing pretty distracting. I wasn't used to that much going on in front of me. I would suggest sticking with a Dyna if you can find one at a reasonable price. Have you taken a rider safety course? Best insurance money can buy...

 

Do you know how to ride? Because if you haven't taken the MSF course, I would recommend waiting until you have to buy a bike like you're describing.

 

Yeah I took the MSF course and got my endorsement on a rental bike now its time to find one for myself, Im hoping some new bikes will pop up now with spring around the corner

 

Just test ride some bikes. I am 5' 9" and never had a problem with touring bikes. Road King is the most versatile bike HD offers with the most options that can be done to it in every regard. Also love the Road Glide but must say the Street Glide is my least favorite. Buy old cheap and upgrade or buy new and take your chances. Best of luck. I love keeping my 01 Road King modified and continuous upgrades.

 

Try the Softail Line. Not too big and not too small. I'm 6'1 and ride a Breakout. You may want to look into the Fatboy or Heritage for a comfortable ride.

 

It's nice that you took the MSF course...is that the extent of your motorcycle riding experience? If it is, you should really consider a mid sized metric bike, and actually learn how to ride before you spend a lot of money and jump on an 800+lb bagger that you don't have a clue how to ride.

If you do have prior riding experience, then just buy whatever you are comfortable with, size wise and performance wise. There are lots of cheap garage queens out there waiting to be snatched up.

 

This.

Of the many identical threads to this, most OPs ignore the advice of those advocating a graduated approach.

I am glad I rode a 475 lb Vulcan 750 for 7 years, before buying my 1,000 lb Ultra. I learned how to panic brake, skid, handle rain, oil slicks, tar snakes, wet road paint with a larger margin for error.

There will be many posts from those whose first bike was a touring bike, who haven't crashed. Take your pick.

 

Keep in mind a big touring bike ain't cheap. If you're a new rider, you're bound to drop it a couple of times. It won't be cheap to replace dented and scratched parts. People here have given you good advice. Start smaller. You can trade up when you get experience.

 

This.

Really. This.

The OP's question bring to mind something I saw last year. I was out with my wife, driving home, stopped at a light. Some young girl (maybe 17) rolls up on a very well worn, older model GSXR. It was the most beautiful thing you'd ever see. She was just one with the bike. Smooth. Fluid. In control. Effortless. It was like watching Valentino Rossi. At a glance, you could feel her complete mastery.

Then you see the 40-somethings on their Mid-Life-Crisis-Glides clumsily duck-paddling through parking lots.

That girl could jump on an Ultra Classic and make it sing. Those 40-somethings would love life a lot better if they would have spent a few years knocking around on a $500 lightweight Craigslist drop-doggie until they knew what they were doing.

Anyway, to the OP, my advice is to buy something old, used, light, cheap. Don't over-extend yourself, financially or otherwise. When you've added 10k miles to the clock, revisit your question.