First Bike?
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
First Bike?
Been changing my mind a couple times cant pick between the nightster or the Super Glide. Which is better for a first bike? I can afford both i just cant decide if like the Super Glide more and if it is even a great bike for a beginner?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
Depends on your ability, confidence, and size. Both are strong bikes, power wise, for a beginner. The sporty is going to be smaller and lighter but still plenty powerful. If choosing between those two, I'd get the one I like the best and discard any notions about which one is best for a beginner. If you know your limits and ability and can stay within them, you can learn on either bike. Depending on your state, if you don't yet have a motorcycle endorsement, I doubt you will find anyone to rent you the bikes to try out. They wouldn't for me here in NC anyway. I had a "permit" but not the full endorsement yet. I've ridden dirtbikes since I was a kid but never a street bike of any kind. I bought my FXDC at a dealership over an hour away from home. I took it for a trial run down an empty street behind the dealership and felt comfortable enough to jump back on it and ride it all the way home - highway speeds almost all the way. But, if I hadn't felt comfortable, I would have come back and picked it up with a trailer. Just don't exceed your comfort level or ability and you'll learn gradually on either bike. After a few weeks, I took my bike down to the dmv and passed the MC skills test and got my endorsement on the first try.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 3
From: New Port Richey FL
Depends on your ability, confidence, and size. Both are strong bikes, power wise, for a beginner. The sporty is going to be smaller and lighter but still plenty powerful. If choosing between those two, I'd get the one I like the best and discard any notions about which one is best for a beginner. If you know your limits and ability and can stay within them, you can learn on either bike. Depending on your state, if you don't yet have a motorcycle endorsement, I doubt you will find anyone to rent you the bikes to try out. They wouldn't for me here in NC anyway. I had a "permit" but not the full endorsement yet. I've ridden dirtbikes since I was a kid but never a street bike of any kind. I bought my FXDC at a dealership over an hour away from home. I took it for a trial run down an empty street behind the dealership and felt comfortable enough to jump back on it and ride it all the way home - highway speeds almost all the way. But, if I hadn't felt comfortable, I would have come back and picked it up with a trailer. Just don't exceed your comfort level or ability and you'll learn gradually on either bike. After a few weeks, I took my bike down to the dmv and passed the MC skills test and got my endorsement on the first try.
+10...........
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
You're off to a great start already. Excellent course. Lots of folks like the sportys, but it's really up to you.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 463
Likes: 2
From: Buffalo, NY
I was making great money in Iraq so I could afford any bike I wanted. I went through the same thing you are going through. I got the Dyna Super Glide and heres why:
They say that the Sportster is fun but by the end of your first year, youll want something bigger. Since I didnt want to sell it right after I bought it, I eliminated the Sportster.
I didnt see a Softail that I liked so that decision was easy.
In the Dyna line, I bought the Super Glide. Everyone modifies there bikes so I figured why not get the basic Dyna and save a couple thousand from the Low Rider or a Bob and put that into my bike.
Look at it this way, what ever you end up with youll be riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle!
Welcome to the club.
They say that the Sportster is fun but by the end of your first year, youll want something bigger. Since I didnt want to sell it right after I bought it, I eliminated the Sportster.
I didnt see a Softail that I liked so that decision was easy.
In the Dyna line, I bought the Super Glide. Everyone modifies there bikes so I figured why not get the basic Dyna and save a couple thousand from the Low Rider or a Bob and put that into my bike.
Look at it this way, what ever you end up with youll be riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle!
Welcome to the club.