Start Expensive - or cheap??
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
If you are worried about her wrecking, I think it might be better to be more concerned about her life than whether or not it was a cheap or expensive bike. If you are confident she can learn to ride safely, enroll her in a class, let her prove it, and then get her the bike she wants that you can afford. I've sold a few things on Craigs List lately and so I've been surfing around there and it looks like you can get a pretty good deal on a used late model harley right now.
She needs more than her toes touching the floor on a bike as shown in the picture. That means either finding something that fits a little better or investing what it takes to make what she wants fit her.
I wouldn't start my wife out on a cheap bike because I'd be afraid she'd wreck it. If that were my fear, I wouldn't let her get on one to start with. If I went that route, it would be because I was concerned she wouldn't stick with it and I'd be stuck upside down in a new bike I couldn't sell.
She needs more than her toes touching the floor on a bike as shown in the picture. That means either finding something that fits a little better or investing what it takes to make what she wants fit her.
I wouldn't start my wife out on a cheap bike because I'd be afraid she'd wreck it. If that were my fear, I wouldn't let her get on one to start with. If I went that route, it would be because I was concerned she wouldn't stick with it and I'd be stuck upside down in a new bike I couldn't sell.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 69
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From: Somers CT
I sent my wife to the Rider's Edge course. She got her license on June 29th of this year. I started her out on a Honda Rebel which she rode for 1000 miles in the first month. I asked her if she was ready to try my 883 as I had two bikes, she said sure and that was over 4000 miles ago. I get to get to ride as often as I want now, even if she can go but she is always ready for a ride if she has time. We have been married for 25 years this year and I wish we had been riding together all that time but I was busy racing motocross all those years and not really interested in road riding that much until this year. Getting her riding with me has been one of the best things I ever did.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,208
From: In your head rent free
My wife went from the motorcycle safety course to a Yamaha V-Star 650. The V-Star is a light, yet powerful enough, bike. It is very forgiving for a new rider. It is capable enough for any type of riding with the possible exception of long haul highway.
She rode the Yamaha for a year. During that year we traveled and she rented Harley and got a feel for what she really wanted. At the end of the year and almost 10,000 on the V-Star she traded it in on a Heritage.
Been smooth riding ever since.
You can pick up a decent used V-Star for less than $3000.00. Then one weekend a month or for a special occasion, rent her a Harley. Pick up the extra insurance from the rental just in case and it won't break you if it falls over.
That way she can try everything before she decides, while she improves her skills on something more forgiving.
She rode the Yamaha for a year. During that year we traveled and she rented Harley and got a feel for what she really wanted. At the end of the year and almost 10,000 on the V-Star she traded it in on a Heritage.
Been smooth riding ever since.
You can pick up a decent used V-Star for less than $3000.00. Then one weekend a month or for a special occasion, rent her a Harley. Pick up the extra insurance from the rental just in case and it won't break you if it falls over.
That way she can try everything before she decides, while she improves her skills on something more forgiving.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
alot of "get her what she wants" c-rap on here. did YOU get a harley for YOUR first bike? i would suggest a USED metric. you wont lose much money if any on a nice honda shadow 750 or something similar. she can get her dream bike when she EARNS it. i mean, dont get me wrong, shes hot and all, but c'mon dude! she's going to want a deluxe or something in a year or two anyways. METRIC NOW, DREAM HARLEY LATER. be smart man. be smart.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 11
From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
Vulcan/Shadow/Intruder. If she is adamant, put a set of crash bars on the HD as was stated earlier.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Charles Town, WV
If you are worried about her wrecking, I think it might be better to be more concerned about her life than whether or not it was a cheap or expensive bike. If you are confident she can learn to ride safely, enroll her in a class, let her prove it, and then get her the bike she wants that you can afford. I've sold a few things on Craigs List lately and so I've been surfing around there and it looks like you can get a pretty good deal on a used late model harley right now.
She needs more than her toes touching the floor on a bike as shown in the picture. That means either finding something that fits a little better or investing what it takes to make what she wants fit her.
I wouldn't start my wife out on a cheap bike because I'd be afraid she'd wreck it. If that were my fear, I wouldn't let her get on one to start with. If I went that route, it would be because I was concerned she wouldn't stick with it and I'd be stuck upside down in a new bike I couldn't sell.
She needs more than her toes touching the floor on a bike as shown in the picture. That means either finding something that fits a little better or investing what it takes to make what she wants fit her.
I wouldn't start my wife out on a cheap bike because I'd be afraid she'd wreck it. If that were my fear, I wouldn't let her get on one to start with. If I went that route, it would be because I was concerned she wouldn't stick with it and I'd be stuck upside down in a new bike I couldn't sell.
Good point. I'm not worried about her wrecking it though... I am more concerned about the drops. But you're right - it seems to be a good time to get a used bike. I've pretty much come to a 'whatever' thought though. It's her bike, and if it means that much to her, it'll probably hurt her as much as it would me to see it tip.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Charles Town, WV
Good stuff... We talked it over last night. She's going to start with the MSF. If she handles the bike well (not by my judgement - more her comfort level) I'll get her what she wants. There were some good points made for sure... Like pointing out the fact that if she starts with a metric - she'll want to bump to the HD later - AND if she starts on the dyna, she'll probably want the deluxe later... either way, i'm just going to go ahead and get her what she wants... If mama aint happy...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
If you are comfortable and confident enough to ride on a highway or road with other traffic around, etc., you should be able to do it on whatever bike you want and can afford. If you aren't comfortable and confident enough to do it on a Harley, then maybe you shouldn't be on the road to start with.
Talk about "c-rap".... C-rap is thinking you gotta earn a Harley. What I earned was the money to buy it with which is just as good and green as anyone else's that feels they paid some sort of dues to earn the right to ride a Harley.