First timer, first motorcycle FXDX
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
Buy the FXDX, it's one of the best handling bikes that Harley ever built and the one you're looking at sounds like a nice low mileage bike.
My first street bike was a 1948 Panhead....Just ride the damned thing and enjoy yourself.
My first street bike was a 1948 Panhead....Just ride the damned thing and enjoy yourself.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Agree with Greezey; buy it, ride it, be careful, take a rider skills class maybe. You'll learn. It'll never be "safe." No motorcycle ever is, nor ever can be. You pays yo $ & takes yo chances.
But, one thing I'd suggest you ax the current owner: have the cam chain tensioners been replaced? If not or don't know, you'd better open the cam chest have a gander ASAP! The orange Delrin friction material on the two tensioners is notorious for failing early (although in some cases, they've lasted 50K+ miles, depending on how rough the cam chain is). And even when they are in pieces (& polluting the cam chest & oil), the bike can run just fine. I know, that's exactly what happened to me. Do a search, you'll find lots o threads on the subject.
But, one thing I'd suggest you ax the current owner: have the cam chain tensioners been replaced? If not or don't know, you'd better open the cam chest have a gander ASAP! The orange Delrin friction material on the two tensioners is notorious for failing early (although in some cases, they've lasted 50K+ miles, depending on how rough the cam chain is). And even when they are in pieces (& polluting the cam chest & oil), the bike can run just fine. I know, that's exactly what happened to me. Do a search, you'll find lots o threads on the subject.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
My wife still has her first street bike; bought herself a new 08 Low Rider after her riders course...has ridden since without incident thru 20+ states, Sturgis twice and a lot of twisty roads. Attitude is a big factor...
FXDX would be awsome; early EFI and cam chains not so great (pre-06) and good luck finding an unmolested bike; patience will help. Know what to look for on that particular model; ie: shocks, forks, gas tank.
When I decided on an FXDXT years ago, I drove 1000 miles one way in winter for the right bike and it was worth it. T-Sport has moved on and I'm now on a Fat Bob; love touring on it.
FXDX would be awsome; early EFI and cam chains not so great (pre-06) and good luck finding an unmolested bike; patience will help. Know what to look for on that particular model; ie: shocks, forks, gas tank.
When I decided on an FXDXT years ago, I drove 1000 miles one way in winter for the right bike and it was worth it. T-Sport has moved on and I'm now on a Fat Bob; love touring on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From: Apache Junction
My buddy wants me to buy a beater, his s40 boulevard suzuki 2005 for 1.5k 10k miles to learn on but I guess I'm just being stubborn. Really do want the FXDX.
I just don't like the idea of putting money into something I wont stick with.
I've considered a shadow phantom but I'm pretty set on a FXDX, have considered a FXDB but that's probably not a good first bike, want a HARLEY, not a knock off.
I just don't like the idea of putting money into something I wont stick with.
I've considered a shadow phantom but I'm pretty set on a FXDX, have considered a FXDB but that's probably not a good first bike, want a HARLEY, not a knock off.
Buying a POS metric bike just because you're a beginner and dumping money into it isn't the best idea IMO. I think it's weird when fellow HD riders discount their own brand and send new comers to other brands. Makes no sense to me at all. Personally I think CERTAIN model HD's are some of the easier bikes out there to ride.
I know your knowledge is slim on these bikes but I'm just curious as to why you think a Street Bob "FXDB" would be any less of a beginner bike than a Super Glide Sport "FXDX".
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Your buddy wants you to buy a beater... HIS beater. Why? So he can go buy a Dyna? Lol. Sounds like your buddy suffers from a streak called jealousy.
Buying a POS metric bike just because you're a beginner and dumping money into it isn't the best idea IMO. I think it's weird when fellow HD riders discount their own brand and send new comers to other brands. Makes no sense to me at all. Personally I think CERTAIN model HD's are some of the easier bikes out there to ride.
I know your knowledge is slim on these bikes but I'm just curious as to why you think a Street Bob "FXDB" would be any less of a beginner bike than a Super Glide Sport "FXDX".
Buying a POS metric bike just because you're a beginner and dumping money into it isn't the best idea IMO. I think it's weird when fellow HD riders discount their own brand and send new comers to other brands. Makes no sense to me at all. Personally I think CERTAIN model HD's are some of the easier bikes out there to ride.
I know your knowledge is slim on these bikes but I'm just curious as to why you think a Street Bob "FXDB" would be any less of a beginner bike than a Super Glide Sport "FXDX".
Not sure why, was just a blind assumption as I don't know much at all. Given the handling information I've read and heard about the FXDX I just assumed it might be more friendly to a new rider. I do like both though, alot. These are really the only two HD's I want to consider. Will have to try them and see how they feel out for me. He does want a new bike but he's not leaning towards Harley, think he wants a bonneville or moto guzzi. I considered the bonneville but I can't get past owning a Harley, I just love the overall look and my father owned 3 bikes, one being a sporstser and another was a norton, not sure of other, prior to Austin being huge like it is now, he won't even talk bikes with me, opposes the idea and thinks I'm foolish. I will have one though, won't settle for less. Been thinking about it for years. Appreciate all the feedback guys, good stuff. Thank you.
Last edited by Braned; Sep 22, 2015 at 08:56 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
In summary, buy that joker and ride. Don't buy a learner bike; they are for people who spend too much time on the internet.
I fully understand where you're coming from with the "wasting money on something irrelevant" my dad said mid 90's Sportster, or small Buell. I said T-Sport (FXDXT), bought it in march with 33k, now i'm almost at 40k.
I have had riding experience before the purchase, but it was all just on a dirt bike around my yard.
find a bike that FITS you! i'm 5' 11" 185lbs and i fit perfect on a FXDX/DXT, if you're 5' 4" maybe not, they sit high.
wear the right gear, get a full face, wear long pants, the standard stuff. don't buy a harley and just assume you have to dress like a billy bad ***.
I have had riding experience before the purchase, but it was all just on a dirt bike around my yard.
find a bike that FITS you! i'm 5' 11" 185lbs and i fit perfect on a FXDX/DXT, if you're 5' 4" maybe not, they sit high.
wear the right gear, get a full face, wear long pants, the standard stuff. don't buy a harley and just assume you have to dress like a billy bad ***.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 19
From: earth
Take the class, buy your gear and get the bike YOU want.
Sunday morning parking lots are your friend. Schools, shopping centers and malls. Lots of circles and slow speed turning and stopping.
I think the Dyna frame is an excellent bike to get your skills on.
You will find at speed it is easy, slow speed and stopping is where most people need practice.
Sunday morning parking lots are your friend. Schools, shopping centers and malls. Lots of circles and slow speed turning and stopping.
I think the Dyna frame is an excellent bike to get your skills on.
You will find at speed it is easy, slow speed and stopping is where most people need practice.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 130
From: Vancouver
Screw the 250...I hate guys that recommend this. If the guy is talking a course already, he'll already be riding 250's. Don't waste your money on this, it's all about throttle control and clutch play you need to master to ride most bikes. The 250's are too light and you will outgrow it too fast. Here's the most cost effective way based on my experience.
1. Take the lessons, learn on a 250 during this period
2. Buy a low priced bike that you don't care to drop. Heavier the better since every bike after this will feel like a feather to you.
Reason: You won't be scared to drop it. This is where you refine your skills and push some of your limits. If you're not scare of dropping it, you won't ride like a little girl.
3. After that, buy the bike you want. Your confidence has been built up, and you may have a few crashes under your belt so you know where your limits are and you're not afraid. You won't take much of a loss on an old bike since most of the depreciation has already been done.
My list of bikes:
1. School bike 250 through lessons
2. 89 GSXR 750 (this thing was a tank, but I learned to toss it around after a year)
3. 99 Yamaha r6 : At this point , I felt like I was riding a toy, I felt super confident with the weight drop. Also raced this bike for a few years.
4. 2009 GSXR 750 & 600 - Street only
5. 2015 Street Bob (this thing is so easy to ride compared to sport bikes. Less balancing required and counter steer / leaning)
In my opinion, easier to go from sport bikes to cruiser than vice versa. The agility and balance it takes to ride a sport bike hard through twisties is quite technical and doing slow speed turns is a challenge for anyone with sh!tty clutch and throttle skills. Take my experience for what it's worth.
1. Take the lessons, learn on a 250 during this period
2. Buy a low priced bike that you don't care to drop. Heavier the better since every bike after this will feel like a feather to you.
Reason: You won't be scared to drop it. This is where you refine your skills and push some of your limits. If you're not scare of dropping it, you won't ride like a little girl.
3. After that, buy the bike you want. Your confidence has been built up, and you may have a few crashes under your belt so you know where your limits are and you're not afraid. You won't take much of a loss on an old bike since most of the depreciation has already been done.
My list of bikes:
1. School bike 250 through lessons
2. 89 GSXR 750 (this thing was a tank, but I learned to toss it around after a year)
3. 99 Yamaha r6 : At this point , I felt like I was riding a toy, I felt super confident with the weight drop. Also raced this bike for a few years.
4. 2009 GSXR 750 & 600 - Street only
5. 2015 Street Bob (this thing is so easy to ride compared to sport bikes. Less balancing required and counter steer / leaning)
In my opinion, easier to go from sport bikes to cruiser than vice versa. The agility and balance it takes to ride a sport bike hard through twisties is quite technical and doing slow speed turns is a challenge for anyone with sh!tty clutch and throttle skills. Take my experience for what it's worth.