Here's something to think about. IF you get a Dyna or other "new" Harley, are you going to get "upset" if you dump it and scrape it up? If SO, then you probably do NOT want to "start" with one. Get something cheap that you don't care if it gets all scraped up and dented because you're still "learning" how to ride it. Then, when you're more comfortable with your riding skills, "bump up" to get the bike you REALLY want. A smaller Honda or other Jap bike is not a bad idea, because the main thing you're going to be getting used to is clutch/throttle/brake/turning/shifting/etc. Because you probably WILL dump the bike as you're starting to learn it, you should DEFINITELY spend a little extra to get good "gear"; boots, armored jacket, chaps/overpants/kevlar jeans, gloves, and a good helmet. The bike can be pretty easily repaired, no matter what happens, but YOU, not so much!

I can understand both sides of the debate, though, and can understand just getting the bike you really want, because then you get used to THAT bike, and learn all the intricacies of it. However, you should know and expect to have to PROBABLY do some repairs on it.

 

I had two bikes before my Dyna. My Honda 125 i had for 5 years and flipped it. My Sporty I had for 2 years and it got dropped twice and rear ended. My Dyna I've had for 4 years and nothing yet.

 

I have nothing to add to this conversation, I'm just here to stand up for Sportsters...

I don't have a Sportster, and I LOVE my Dyna...

But I've had Sportsters and may even have one again one day. It always bugs me when people talk about "upgrading" from a Sportster... It's really "switching" from a Sportster. They are two totally different bikes, and you may like one better than the other... But I think Sportsters are just as awesome as any other bike, in their own way...

Carry on!

 

I started riding a little more than 6 years ago. I refused to ride anything other than a Harley and ended up waiting until I was in my early 30s to buy one. I bought an 02 Dyna, and I LOVE my bike. In hind sight though I would absolutely have bought a smaller bike. I have done well, but there have been a couple of hick ups and small drops. I feel however that if I had bought a Buell Blast, or a Virago or something that I would have been able to gain the confidence and comfort level needed a bit sooner. Either way can work, and this opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it Also, definitely take the MSF course (at a minimum) if you haven't already. Ride Safe!