first bike
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: upstate ny
first bike
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?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
Never forget that motorcycling is technique and not instinct, your instincts will get you hurt and proper training is the only way to become a true motorcyclist. You're going to have a great adventure ahead of you but the most important thing you can do right now is improve yourself and your skillset before you spend too much time worrying about what your 'dream bike' is...
Last edited by TinCupChalice; Jul 7, 2015 at 06:50 AM. Reason: Always one typo... doh!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 837
Likes: 8
From: Wyoming
Agreed. If the OP has never even been on a motorcycle, as his post states, then find a lighter, less expensive bike than a Harley. There are many inexpensive used Japanese imports around that would make a great first bike. If you are still riding after six months, and feel comfortable and safe when you ride, move up to an HD.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: MoparLand
Take a motorcycle safety course! While you wont be a pro after the class it will give you some basics and give you a leg up on someone just coming from a peddle bike. As fair as first bike in concerned its whatever you want. I took the MSC and then used a Yamaha VMAX to get my feet wet lol. After riding the VMAX for about a month I started to ride a Harley Electra Glide. I than put a tour pack on the EG and had a blast the rest of the year. What I'm am glad to see is people NOT recommending a Sportster. While the sportster is small you kinda sit on the bike and not in it like a dyna. While the sportster is fun I don't think it would be a great beginners bike...more of a toy throw around bike. Anyway you go have fun and be safe.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I don't know about you guys but I wouldn't want to spend much money on a 500-750cc bike, just to get bored a few months later and NOT be able to sell it in a buyer's market. If it were me all over again, I would buy exactly what I wanted and knew I would keep for years. I know this goes against what most - if not all - people will say here but if you're not stupid, you'll be fine. Start slow, build skills (even if you're tooling around in a vacant parking lot for weeks) and get comfortable.
That being said, I would DEFINITELY take the riders course before anything. Awesome thing to get you started. And if your state is anything like Ohio, you can get your license after passing without having to take any other tests.
Edit: Disclaimer: You know what kind of person you are. If you are a natural, coordinated, and pick things up easily then go for it! If you have any doubts then go ahead and play it safe and start smaller. It doesn't make you any less of a person!
That being said, I would DEFINITELY take the riders course before anything. Awesome thing to get you started. And if your state is anything like Ohio, you can get your license after passing without having to take any other tests.
Edit: Disclaimer: You know what kind of person you are. If you are a natural, coordinated, and pick things up easily then go for it! If you have any doubts then go ahead and play it safe and start smaller. It doesn't make you any less of a person!
Last edited by Skins45; Jul 7, 2015 at 07:22 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Kernersville
Very good advice here. I agree with taking the safety course and also starting out with a used metric. I would recommend a used Honda VTX 1300C. Very comparable in size to a Dyna with enough power to get you down the road but not enough to get you into much trouble. After a year or two you'll know what type of rider you are and can make a good choice when shopping Harley Davidson! Just my $.02.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: upstate ny
thanks everybody for all the input. The final result is I want a harley EG someday. But the question is how to get there safely.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 515
Likes: 5
From: So. Il.
Hard to believe the guys in the touring section recommend starting out on a Dyna. My advice is like most, take a riders course, buy a used metric for 2-4k and see if riding is for you. I've seen where someone has to have a Harley only to figure out they're really not into riding. Now they have 12k tied up in a Dyna and don't ride it. If you enjoy riding then you can trade for something you want.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,839
Likes: 17,865
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Pick up an older Honda VLX Shadow 600cc. They can be had for a song and a dance.
My first real street motorcycle was a Honda CB 650 Custom. I learned so much on that thing in the late 80's.
My first real street motorcycle was a Honda CB 650 Custom. I learned so much on that thing in the late 80's.