WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From:
WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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]
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
ORIGINAL: billnourse
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
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
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From:
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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]
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
Welcome to the forum, I'm glad you found us.
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.
Mac
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.
Mac
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: WIDE GLIDE FOR NEW RIDER/OLD MAN???
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.
