I've currently saving up to find a nice FXDX.

Will this be good as a first? I'm taking my learners course next week. I just like the look of it and I've read it handles very well, not getting it just because I'm an SOA fan boy, I am but I really do like the bike.

I really don't know too much about bikes, still learning a lot. What are some things I should look for ? is 14k miles good for an 03 FXDX? I don't really know the life span on motorcycles compared to cars or anything else at all really.

I'm sure I'll learn a ton more after my classes and how to take care of it but just wanting some tips and things to look for when making a purchase. Any input is appreciated.

 

get a ninja 250 and ride it for a year. As a seasoned rider I have more respect and I can literally see the diff in riders who just jumped on too large of a bike.

 

You dont NEED to start on a 250.
My first bike was a heavily modified 750 that'd hold its own with 1000s. If you run into trouble...let go of the throttle.
I test rode a boulevard (mothers) and test rode a fat boy (her husbands) then the next week bought an fxdf.
Yes they are about 300lbs heavier then a sport bike however the center of gravity is way lower and they're easier to keep up at lights.
You wont regret the purchase, take it easy, dont try keep up with your friends and have fun

 

Yeah, I understand. 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'd just make commutes to corner store and work til I got comfortable enough really and felt it out a lot, guess It's just not too practical though. I just don't like the idea of putting money into something I wont stick with. Guess I just need to take the classes and try them out for myself and see how they feel. 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.

 

<p>Maintenance records, signs of abuse, if it looks wrong, it probably is. Do lots of research. Don't buy the first bike you look at. Plenty of them out there. This Forum is a good resource. ChopperExchange.com is a good place to find out what's in your area and how much to expect to pay. And as AUTOT3K said, take it easy, go at your own pace, and keep your head on a swivel.</p>

 

I hear you. I was the exact same way. Impatient and wanted it all now haha.
Does the course you're taking supply a bike or do you have to bring your own?

 

They supply the bike.

 

So by the time you're done the course you'll have some good seat time on a bike and be feeling pretty comfortable!

 

Buy it, ride it and the rest will work itself out. Personally, being that your new to the entire HD world and maybe riding in general I'd look for one as stock as possible and mod it as you learn.

 

Had a Z750 as the first "big bike", followed by FZ1 (1000cc) and find that the FXDB is by far the most user friendly of them all.

Center of gravity is much lower and don't feel like the bike is tipping over every time I need to lean it a bit while being pushed/stationary. I am flat footed in traffic lights instead of reaching with toes. Yes it weighs 200 lbs more than FZ1 but as long as you respect the bike and remember that it is not a small beast it is not a problem and the weight & size disappears as soon as you twist the throttle.