I've never had a bike before. I'm 18 and I've been riding dirt bikes for the past 10 years and I want to buy a Harley in a few days. I've been thinking about buying one for over a year now and I think I'm going to finally do it in a week or two. I want to buy a decent used bike to start on and I'm not exactly sure what to look for. I've been thinking about an early 2000's sportster 1200. Just need help and advice on picking the right bike. I don't want to spend too much since it'll be my first bike. I'm trying to stay around $5000. What should I look for when shopping for bikes? Does anyone recommend another bike?

 

Too many factors to answer your question but I venture to say many of us started on dirt bikes. Best thing you can do is (with a motorcycle endorsement) go to some HD shops and test ride. The Sporster may not be the best choice for you but probably closest you will find in your price range.

Most others would also advise you to take the MSF course. Big difference between dodging rocks, trees and other riders on trails and being on constant defense mode on a street bike. Stick around a while and read the threads that are posted here but more so in the off topic section of the forum about injuries and fatalities. Not trying to scare you off as I know nobody could have ever done it to me but so much to take into consideration. Best of luck and keep us posted with whatever happens.

 

For your price range a sporty is a step in the right direction. The best deal (age, price and mileage) would be an 883. You can always sell and upgrade later

 

Please take the BRC course. I was talking to a 19 y/o kid who was limping. He told me got hit by a left turner on his Streetglide. I asked him if he ever took the BRC, and he said "No, but I have been riding since I'm 12."
He asked me what they teach, and I told him riding strategies, including how to avoid left turners. He said he won't take the course. Big mistake.
You can get a nice Sportster for 5k. Rubber mounted engine better for long rides. 2004 first year.

 

I went from dirt bike to sportster many years ago . No rider course back then but I would highly recommend taking one . Riding in woods not the same as roads and highways.You do have a good start though . Good Luck

 

At that price for a new rider harley had made a bike just for you it's called the 500 street

 

If you take the Riding Academy (MSF) course at an HD dealer the bike they use is the Street 500. There is also a Street 750. They are both water cooled V-twins and they're a lot of fun to ride.

Both bikes are gaining in popularity due to their size and price point. Between HD and the aftermarket channels there are many more customization options now vs the first year they came out.

The bottom line as to which bike to choose will ultimately depend on the type of riding you want to do and the depth of your pockets. While you're at the dealer take a look at the Switchback. It's a smallish bagger built on a Dyna frame but the bags and windshield are quick detach to turn the bike into a fairly sleek cruiser.

good luck and Ride Safe!

 

Most used Sportsters have been abused, just a little food for thought. My advice is take your time looking, wait until you find that garage queen with low low miles.

 

Your dirt riding skills will translate nicely into road riding. You will be far ahead of most beginners in skill level. You'll just have to get used to rules of the road, a heavier bike, being invisible to cage drivers, etc. FIRST, take the course and get your endorsement.


Do NOT rush into buying a bike. Do a little research, Take your time. You can find great used Sporties for $2500-$4000. Find the ones that are well cared for. There's plenty out there. Good luck and be careful.

 

Since this is your first "street bike" don't buy a Harley yet.
You don't know what type of riding you are going to want to do.

There's zipping around town riding, there's touring riding and there's a little bit of both riding.
All three would best be done on different bikes.

I see you are in South Carolina; IMO this is what you should be looking at:

http://columbia.craigslist.org/mcd/5138625130.html

You could probably talk them down to $2K, pay cash and after a year of riding this you'll know what model of Harley to buy.
And at $2K, unless you lay it down you should be able to resale it and get all or even perhaps more than what you paid for it.

If you don't have $2K cash, then you're not ready to buy any bike and should keep saving your money.