I'm new to the forum and new to the world of motorcycles so that makes me pretty new huh! I would like to buy a new wide glide next year. This year ($$$$) is going to be spent fixing up my jeep, getting my cycle license, and learning all I can about Harleys and especially the wide glides. My question is: Can I as a beginner go directly to a wide glide? I am 51 years old and don't want to spend the time/money going from smaller bike to larger bike. But I also don't want to kill myself either! I plan on taking the rider education courses every year, even after I get my license and bike. Most riding is planned to be solo ( the wife doesn't like the jeep with no doors and top and says no way to riding on a bike). I've ridden dirt bikes before, but that was in my teens. So what do you all think? You guys have a real nice forum here - just like the jeep forum I belong to. Lots of info without all the trash talking. Nice! Thanks in advance.[sm=thanx.gif]
You should be fine with a WideGlide. Especially after a rider's course. My wife, and several other people I know started with the dyna family of bikes without any problems, and others I know started with Heritages, Roadkings, and even ElectraGlides. You didn't say how long your legs are, and that could be a factor. Sit on a lot of bikes and see what fits.
After you get it, and have the rider's course under your belt, go to a large empty parking lot and pratice until you have a feel for the bike and feel comfortable. After that, ride safe and defensive, and never stop learning.
You should be fine with a WideGlide. Especially after a rider's course. My wife, and several other people I know started with the dyna family of bikes without any problems, and others I know started with Heritages, Roadkings, and even ElectraGlides. You didn't say how long your legs are, and that could be a factor. Sit on a lot of bikes and see what fits.
After you get it, and have the rider's course under your belt, go to a large empty parking lot and pratice until you have a feel for the bike and feel comfortable. After that, ride safe and defensive, and never stop learning.
Regards,
Bill
That about sums it up. Do what Bill says and all will be good.
Was hoping you'd say that. I was going to do it anyway, but it's nice to get some positive feedback from someone with experience! I'm looking forward to browsing your forum. I feel at home already and I don't even have my bike yet! Thanks again.[sm=goodidea.gif]
Hey Joe, I agree with what the other guys said. You are on the right track with the MSF course and like they said, go to an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice. Riding a dirt bike versus a cruiser is a little different, but you are ahead of the game. I've mentioned it before, braking, clutching and shifting gears come natural. Countersteering and turning your head and eyes in the direction you want to go aren't natural and take practice. But once you master it, you'll have years of great riding. Welcome, have fun, and be safe.
There's a lot of knowledge on this forum. I don't know that much myself but I believe that a person should get what feels right for him and go out and have all the fun that he can have. Go out and enjoy yourself and never look back.
First thing is first, and you're going to do it. Take that MSF course. After that, it's all gravy. Dyna family is a great start and you'll love it. Respect the bike, remain alert and you'll be good to go.
First, welcome to the forum. As for stepping off into the wide glide, you can do that, and if you have dirt bike experience it will definetly help. I started off on a new Roadking and havent had any probs. I had plenty of dirtbike/atv experience and had a enduro bike before turing 16 that I drove to work. I would recommend the safety course. Other than that, have fun.
WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
