Hey guys, i just joined hd forums and im a new rider, i just got my permit and i need to get a bike. i dont really have much riding experience i just work on bikes with my uncle sometimes. I'm like 215 lbs and im 6 feet tall so i think i can handle a heavier bike but i dont know what kind of starter bike i can get for, hopefully, under $3000. Im hoping to get the bike quick because im going to uti dallas soon and i want a bike as my main ride there.

 

Welcome to the HD Forums from Texas.

I'm pretty much the same size as you and I don't have any trouble with my bike. It's a lot heavier than my '75 FXE was but I got used to it.

Good Luck in Dallas.

 

Start looking at the various models, 'n see which one works for ya.
Study up, plenty to read about here in the forums as to what bike rides how, what's better, etc. 'course every model here has their fan boys...and everyone bad mouths the models they don't have.
Sportsters often get called a womans bike
Dynas get called a big sportster or looks like a Honda (I had a Dyna before)
Softails are called sloptails with squishy handling
Glides are called geezer glides or rolling couches (I have an old Electra Glide Sport now).

My vote for you...pickup a used Dyna. Cuz of your size, I think you'd feel cramped on a Sporty. However...3 grand...you'll have a tough time finding a Dyna in partially decent shape.

For 3 grand heck you'd be hard pressed to find a Sporty in decent shape..but up here...maybe you'll get lucky. Tis fall season here in New England (I see you're in NY now)...sellers are selling cheap now cuz winter is coming.

 

thanks for the help guys. i was also thinking an older dyna or sportster just cuz if they arent in great shape i can do a decent amount of work myself or with my uncle. The only problem is i was having trouble finding dynas on craigslist around me, do people ever post bikes for sale on here?

 

Hey and welcome. To maybe help you out with your choice, I'm a new harley purchaser myself. I just recently bought a 2001 dyna superglide and I'm 6ft tall and weight 225. I think its really comfortable even with being tall. The only thing I would consider changing on my dyna is the stock bars and maybe put mini apes on it. Hope you find the right bike for you. Good luck

 

Craig's list, Flea Bay and cycle trader are some good sources for used bikes you will probably have narrow field to choose from in the 3000 range but I have seen some great condition sporties and Dyna's needing alittle work for that around here. Keep looking and Take a safety course.

 

If i can lock down a job in dallas before i leave im considering financing a bike from a dealership, if i can keep my current pay i should be able to afford something for around $10000. The only reason i dont wanna do that is if i drop it i would freak out probably

 

I am 5' 9" 185 and started with HD touring bikes. I didn't want to work my way up and knew I could handle it. Have confidence in yourself and get what you can afford. An Evo or twin cam in decent shape should give you plenty of smiles.

 

mount engine guards on any bike you buy. New rider, heavy bike = likely to drop it. Not saying you will but they will save the bike in a slow speed drop, or forgetting to put the kickstand down.

 

The engine guards sound like great advice, thanks a lot for that, i would have never thought of it. I'm leaning towards a dyna right now. ive been seeing some of them from the early 90's that are pretty mint going for around 5000 so i figure if i get one that aint so perfect i can get close to my goal of 3000