When you were buying your first bike, what were some of the things you looked for right away? What did you consider deal breakers?

 

Dealer or private? Makes a big difference. Riding style?

 

Private.

 

1.ads that state ,fast and loud
1.a mods
1.b non-original parts
2.oil /fuel leaks
3.rounded ,missing,messed -up fasteners
4.attitude of gent selling
5.idle
6.smoke,smell of unburnt fuel,burnt oil
7.crash ,drop damage
8.broken worn things-subtract from price
9.cracks/holes in body work
10.inside of fuel tank
11.title
12.test ride-noises,vibrations that are just wrong,handling,on and on...

Probably find some real good stuff written about this,do a google search.

 

When I was looking for my bike I all ways looked at all the bikes in the shop or bar parking lot (don't touch some one else's bike). I didn't look for any specific bike just what popped out at me. After awhile I new I had to have a Soft tail Deluxe. So one day I finely put a leg over one at a shop. Then my serch started all over again. It turns out that a 300lb guy looks like a monkey ****ing a football on a deluxe. I just kept my eyes open and found the right bike for me a Road King Classic. with lots of chrome.

Good luck the right bike for you will show up and you will know it.

 

My only qualifications were mid-sized (500-750cc) & cheap. I had a lot to learn & knew I'd might be dropping it (& myself) a few times.

 

When you say "first" bike, does this mean that you've never ridden before?

If so, you should take a rider safety course and see how well you like riding before you plunk down some money on any motorcycle.
Dropping a "training" bike, especially someone else's is a lot better than dropping YOUR new Harley!

The type of riding that you're planning on doing (city, cruising, touring) has a lot to do with the type of bike that would be appropriate for your riding needs, as well as your body size, and especially your height.
Many people first buy a Sportster (and there's nothing wrong with any Sportster) only to realize later that the bike is too small for them or for their riding needs and then have to go through the hassle of getting a larger bike.
Remember, if you can ride a Sportster, you can more than likely ride a Softail (especially a Softail Slim) just as easily.

Go to a dealership and look around to get a feel for what you like, and bike that fits you. You don't have to buy a bike there, but you can get some free ideas.

 

I've only had 3 bikes and they were all shops, although my first was an indie shop.