Hello everyone, I'm new here and I've introduced myself. I came here as a new rider. I completed the BRC and have my license. I sold my car for a bike and I have $12k and under to spend on a new bike. I really feel that it's for me. Now I just got my license, but I have tons of experience in dirtbiking and ATV riding, I don't want anyone thinking I am just hopping on a bike straight out of the BRC. I'm looking for a bike that will be great for the street and highway. The 48 is really attractive to me, except for the fuel capacity. I hear realistically it's 60-70 miles max on a full tank. I don't mind stopping for gas often, but I do want something that I could ride to Sturgis this year. I feel like that would be an amazing experience. Regardless, how is the 48 for what I've described, excluding range. Is there anything comparable to it that I'm overlooking? Thanks a ton, glad to be here.

 

Welcome to the forum. I love those old leverguns, too.
On the subject of motorcycles, my advice is to rent before you buy.

 

Glad to hear it! Definitely one of the best made, I'm not a Marlin guy. I will take your advice into consideration for certain. Thank you.

 

Why would you buy a new bike? For 1/2 of what you have to spend you can take your time and find an excellent deal on a used big twin. Then you'll have $6K to spend on a car/truck when it is so freaking hot and rainy down here in FL.

 

don't know if your planning on riding with a group or not but you should also think about the guys you ride with, when you say that your not opposed to frequent gas stops. I agree with lone wolf.... for the 12,000 you have to spend you could get much more bike, that will be much more suitable for a ride to Sturgis. Fewer gas stops, less fatigue, happier friends, and no need to trade up after a year when you feel ready for your big boy bike. The only reason I would even suggest such a thing for a first time bike owner is because you have the dirt riding experience, and more importantly you've already got your mind made up to go with a new harley. The step up to a big twin is no big deal when your already looking at 1200cc.

 

If it were me I would look for a used Roadking or Heritage Softail Classic. You get the best of both worlds. Long range comfort for your Sturgis trip with storage, fuel range, and a windshield to cut down on fatigue as well as an around town nimble ride with the removable windshield.

 

If it were me I would also go with a used bike. You get a lot more bang for your buck. There are lots of really nice used bikes out there with low miles.

 

Long rides and sportster tanks definitely don't go together. They are a bang around town bike for me. Its not a comfort issue as you can be very comfortable on one if you take the time to set it up correctly for you. But fueling every 80-100 miles or less is just a real pain in the time schedule.


Lets say you do go to Sturgis. I don't know where in Florida you live but lets say Jacksonville which is 1880 miles. At a 70 mile fuel range you will have to stop 27 times just for gas. You would have to fuel, pull out and 30 minutes later be looking for fuel.




ETA: I agree to try different bikes. If you like that 48 look how about a Fat Bob?

 

I bought a new 1200C before even taking my BRC. I looked at new used at the dealership, I only have basic mechanical skills so was hesitant about going anything older (someone else's problem as my father would have said), but found warranties, interest rates, etc. better with the new bike.

I have no regrets. I love the bike and can't believe it's mine. That being said, I've seen a lot of really nice used bikes, in great condition with low miles (I think some of the guys here call them garage queens) that would have worked out real well for what I needed at sometimes half the price. At the very least they're worth a look and like another guy said, it might allow you a bigger bike and/or money to buy a vehicle to use on rainy or miserable days.

That being said, I love the 48's and almost bought one. In the long run, I'm glad I've got a 4.2 gallon tank. If I were looking today for brand new, I'd be looking at that new Roadster but I'm not sure I'd go brand new again.

 

I wouldnt jump on the "Buy a big Bike" bandwagon just cause your going to Sturgis once a year. Big bikes are cool and sh*t if your into that bigger bike look. Personally I'm not. You can find 48's with