Start Expensive - or cheap??
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: Stamford, CT
Greg
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,265
Likes: 99
From: Northern VA
I did a little bit of editing to this original post, but I agree with this list.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
my girlfriend just got an 09 street bob for her first bike. After taking the MSF riding class of course. 
She's loved every mile so far, and wouldn't trade it for anything.
OP, do the MSF course on a real bike (ie. not a 250cc scooter) she'll get a good feel if she's comfortable to ride. After the course if your wife is comfortable enough to take a new one for a test drive and you have the means to buy it, I say go for it.
-t3h_:clap:
She's loved every mile so far, and wouldn't trade it for anything.
OP, do the MSF course on a real bike (ie. not a 250cc scooter) she'll get a good feel if she's comfortable to ride. After the course if your wife is comfortable enough to take a new one for a test drive and you have the means to buy it, I say go for it.
-t3h_:clap:
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
IMHO, a big twin is too much bike for a beginner. Drop one of those, and she could be turned off of riding her own. I would get her a used metric in the 250-650cc range, then get her a big bike when she has some miles in the saddle. Don't worry about losing money on the metric. Once they depreciate out the first few years, they level off. And, yeah, the MSF course is a must.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
one thing for sure, the harley is certainly more stable in cross winds and on the highway over a lighter metric. I think a Harley is a very easy bike to ride. I would suggest a crash bar in case of drops. I was on a ride last year with 2 new riders in the group. Wife dropped her bike over coming into a gas station (just tipped it over coming to a stop). The best part was the worried Husband jumped off his new sportster while it was still moving to attend to her. They managed to crash both bikes at the same time(both just purchased that week). It was a funny scene. Anyways, the wife was on a nightster and that crash bar sure helped out.
Last edited by rounder; Oct 6, 2009 at 03:25 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Charles Town, WV
CQCBlades said it well i think... it's just a bike. I've got what i want, and the motor i want, and put lots of money into it... Granted - when i looked at her and said, i want a motorcycle, she showed up at my house (before we were married) with a Honda Rebel 250. I rode it for a month, and sold it. I'm on my 4th bike now, and finished recently my first motor job. She's let me throw a lot of money and time into this thing i'm so passionate about... all the responses are appreciated. If she passes the MSF and loves riding as much as i do... i'll go ahead and get her the BOB. (with the engine guard)
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
maybe you guys are right, as long as you can afford it, there is no need to "step up" hell, look at hulk hogans kid. he sure earned that supra that he nearly killed his friend with.
im glad you have enough money to buy a harley for your first bike 2007fxdc, and no, im not saying you dont deserve it. im sure you work hard like the rest of us. but i personally just wont have as much respect for you as a rider. just the kind of jerk i am i guess. just like the people on here that frown upon others for bringing in their bike to the shop to get work done, instead of doing it themselves.....
