So I'm two years into riding, but today I bought my first Harley - An '05 Electa Glide Classic - on ebay. Am I crazy? Possibly. Lets take this a step further... I've never ridden ANY touring bike, let alone this one. Lets go another step further... the bike is 650 miles from home, and I'm going to fly out there and ride it back.

I must be crazy.

I need some advice, any advice, for my journey home. For reference, I've been on a Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc cruiser) for the duration of my two years in riding. I had never even sat on a motorcycle before I bought that one. I guess I'm continuing the trend with my foray into Harley's...

 

Firstly, a 600+ mile trip is a good introduction to riding a Harley. I'm all for that. Of course I don't know the weather conditions in your area, so keep an eye on that. Now, having said that ...........
I bought my bike used from a guy 2 states and another country away. We compromised on the delivery, and met about 1/4 of the way to my home. I decided not to ride it, but in fact trailered it home.
He stood 6'2" with a 34" inseam, and had a seat built up for him specifically. I stand 5'8" on a good day. On his seat, I couldn't put my feet on the ground at a stop. Nothing like falling over as you come to a stop at Canada Customs!
I assume you had it checked out, mechanically. Not fun to break down on the road home.
Hmmmmm. Personally, if I had not seen it, and not ridden a Harley before, I might offer to pay the seller his air fare back, if he would ride it to my house.
Have a great summer!

 

........
...... try to take some 2 lane for the 1st 150 miles & get used to the bike, you'll be fine.

 

Just ride it. You'll figure it out.

 

Awesome bike - I had an 06 I just parted with ...... Enjoy the ride !

 

AK is dead on. What if you get out there and it don't fit(a tempory thing)? Be prepared to rent a truck and hauler home. Don't make your first Harley.....your last

 

Good luck on the ride home. Take it easy. Post some pics when you get home. JR

 

I've bought three harleys off ebay, sight unseen. Been Happy with them all. Still have two. Have a fun ride home!!

 

Fit should be fine, as I'm 6'2". I plan on having it serviced at a local Harley dealer down there before I hit the road. Other than that, I do plan on finding some residential streets and/or two lane roads to putt around on while I get a feel for it. After that, it's cruise control on the open road...

I'm pumped!

 

i will give you some advice - make sure you have a great ride home. fantastic way to learn your new bike. you will have forgotten what you were worried about after a few miles. this is based on the assumption that you are not a midget like some of the other posters.

i bought my flhpi site unseen from the other side of the world & did all the correct checks and balances & it all worked out great. i hope you have done the same & if so then you should have no worries with your purchase. congrats on your new bike mate.

edit : & i will add that my experience went so well that im shortly going to begin my hunt for a bones : )