first bike
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 19
From: earth
MSF class
hey guys and gals, im thinking about buying my first bike ever. Never been on a motorcycle. Im 6'1" tall weigh 255 and will be riding around 150 miles a day. I wanted more of a touring like the electra glide but the folks in that forum suggested I start off with something a little lighter like a DYNA. What are your thoughts?
Sit on EVERY bike you can.
Then buy what calls your name and your wallet.
Buell blast is the perfect starter bike imo.... 1500-3000 bucks and you'll want to keep it around when you get your BAGGER cuz those little bikes are a blast. And, it's kind of a Harely?
Last edited by c-note; Jul 7, 2015 at 07:26 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 1,966
From: PA
Hey scrub, I'm not too far off from you.
I've been lurking here at hdforums for a bit now, I guess this is as good a place as any to make my first post. I rode trail bikes for a few years as a kid, nothing too big or crazy. I figured I'd get a big bike as an adult, it never happened, and now I am 49. I feel like if I don't do it now I never will. I want a Dyna so bad I can taste it. I know it's a lot different from a trail bike, but I still feel like I would acclimate pretty quickly.
If things go as hoped, I am going to take the MSF and get a moto license this summer. In the meantime, I've been reading, watching safety videos, and trying not to go crazy.
I am torn between getting a cheaper bike this year, or just staying put and going for a used Dyna next spring. Leaning towards the latter. Where I live in rural northeast PA, there are lots of places I can practice and build up my skills before going out into the real world so to speak. With my youthful stupidity pretty much gone (I hope), I'm not planning to do wheelies and see how fast the bike will go. So I think I have a healthy respect for the machine, but am not intimidated by it.
I'll probably have a better idea if this will work based on how comfortable I am after the MSF. I may even rent a bike a couple times just get some hours under my belt.
I've been lurking here at hdforums for a bit now, I guess this is as good a place as any to make my first post. I rode trail bikes for a few years as a kid, nothing too big or crazy. I figured I'd get a big bike as an adult, it never happened, and now I am 49. I feel like if I don't do it now I never will. I want a Dyna so bad I can taste it. I know it's a lot different from a trail bike, but I still feel like I would acclimate pretty quickly.
If things go as hoped, I am going to take the MSF and get a moto license this summer. In the meantime, I've been reading, watching safety videos, and trying not to go crazy.
I am torn between getting a cheaper bike this year, or just staying put and going for a used Dyna next spring. Leaning towards the latter. Where I live in rural northeast PA, there are lots of places I can practice and build up my skills before going out into the real world so to speak. With my youthful stupidity pretty much gone (I hope), I'm not planning to do wheelies and see how fast the bike will go. So I think I have a healthy respect for the machine, but am not intimidated by it.
I'll probably have a better idea if this will work based on how comfortable I am after the MSF. I may even rent a bike a couple times just get some hours under my belt.
Scrub---Are you trolling for advice here too, you were just in the Touring section.
Dyna's are great Bikes I had a Lowrider years ago, but because you are 6ft+ how about a Dyna Wide Glide.
That would make good first Bike, as I said get a used one, like a 2006, 2007, they have a 6 Speed transmission.
Ride it for 6 months to a year, and when you are ready trade up when you feel comfortable.
Dyna's are great Bikes I had a Lowrider years ago, but because you are 6ft+ how about a Dyna Wide Glide.
That would make good first Bike, as I said get a used one, like a 2006, 2007, they have a 6 Speed transmission.
Ride it for 6 months to a year, and when you are ready trade up when you feel comfortable.
Last edited by OldPhat; Jul 12, 2015 at 01:34 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
From: Stockton, Ca
I definitely agree with taking the MSF course.
Other than that there is all kinds of weird information here.
I own a 2014 Street Bob and a Magna. I've seen some recommend the Magna as if that is a better "starter bike". While the Magna is only a 750cc, its a V4 engine vs a V-Twin and tuned much differently. Most don't want to hear it here but my Magna will beat most of the Harley's here (stock vs stock - 750cc vs 1200cc+). I started on supersport bikes and the typical recommendation was to start on a 250-500cc... however, not every beginner is the same - in fact, the only thing in common may be that they are a beginner. There's way more to it than that. You mentioned that you are 255 lbs. Im a hefty dude too so with no disrespect, you will hardly move a v-twin 500 or 750. If you find yourself in a bind you will never power out of it. Aside from being a beginner is - do you have your head on straight? Are you mature and experienced enough to respect the machine? If so, a Dyna is definitely not too much bike for a beginner if your budget allows.
So, like the minority said, buying a Harley is not too much bike at all... the only question is will you still want a bike at all in 6 months. If you question that then you may want a cheaper option.
I definitely suggest a Harley, in your case.
Other than that there is all kinds of weird information here.
I own a 2014 Street Bob and a Magna. I've seen some recommend the Magna as if that is a better "starter bike". While the Magna is only a 750cc, its a V4 engine vs a V-Twin and tuned much differently. Most don't want to hear it here but my Magna will beat most of the Harley's here (stock vs stock - 750cc vs 1200cc+). I started on supersport bikes and the typical recommendation was to start on a 250-500cc... however, not every beginner is the same - in fact, the only thing in common may be that they are a beginner. There's way more to it than that. You mentioned that you are 255 lbs. Im a hefty dude too so with no disrespect, you will hardly move a v-twin 500 or 750. If you find yourself in a bind you will never power out of it. Aside from being a beginner is - do you have your head on straight? Are you mature and experienced enough to respect the machine? If so, a Dyna is definitely not too much bike for a beginner if your budget allows.
So, like the minority said, buying a Harley is not too much bike at all... the only question is will you still want a bike at all in 6 months. If you question that then you may want a cheaper option.
I definitely suggest a Harley, in your case.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 218
Likes: 15
From: bloomer wi
I have a 2002 Dyna Wide Glide 3 I might be willing to sell. I am prob getting in the bagger market. My dyna is real low, super easy to ride, and actually pretty fun to ride, plus its one of the first CVO bikes they made. Just my .02
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 19
From: earth
Sit on every bike you can find
When i started riding I sat on a LOT of different bikes. The non-HD just did not feel right.
Find one that fits you
I am tall and do not find mids comfortable. Also when I ride a bike with floorboards I have to think about clearing them when I am at a stop.
Ride it, wrench it, love it.
Lots of Sportsters and Dynas out there that make great starter bikes. Good thing is after you figure out what you want you can sell it to another starter or teach your wife to ride with it.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 19
From: earth
A very good friend of mine had that same model. It was the first Dyna I ever rode and knew I was going to have a Dyna one day because of that ride.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: North Vancouver British Columbia Canada
I got back into riding last year after a long 28 year break. I took a course and bought a bike in the style I wanted and could pay for. It is a Suzuki Boulevard, a mid size cruiser 800 CC. I am learning and relearning a lot and am glad I bought the bike I did.
I am on this forum because I am going to get a Harley. Here is the real reason, no BS.
I am drawn to HD for some reason, always have been, The name to me is synonymous with Motorcycle. I love the look, and the sound. I think it is a prestigious bike as well. I have owned a few metric bikes and know what that is like. I have never owned a Harley and want to experience that. I can always go back
.
Good advice being given here, follow your heart.
G
I am on this forum because I am going to get a Harley. Here is the real reason, no BS.
I am drawn to HD for some reason, always have been, The name to me is synonymous with Motorcycle. I love the look, and the sound. I think it is a prestigious bike as well. I have owned a few metric bikes and know what that is like. I have never owned a Harley and want to experience that. I can always go back
.Good advice being given here, follow your heart.
G
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KBFXDLI
The General Motorcycle Forum
51
Feb 11, 2009 09:42 PM