SG as first bike - please share your experience
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
too much for an 03. While this is not my first bike, I will say that the Dyna's are very easy to ride. Not much power to em(compared to sport/ crotch rocket bikes) and they are heavy with the weight down low. Easy to ride on the faster roads and in crosswinds than a lighter taller bike.
If you have decided to shop around a bit more, look for an 07 and up if you can find one in your price range. Even if you have to stretch 1K or so, it is worth it to get the newer model over an older one. It is also better to get the newer model with less accessories than an older one with more(if comparably priced).
If you have decided to shop around a bit more, look for an 07 and up if you can find one in your price range. Even if you have to stretch 1K or so, it is worth it to get the newer model over an older one. It is also better to get the newer model with less accessories than an older one with more(if comparably priced).
Last edited by rounder; Oct 25, 2009 at 10:16 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
Likes: 10
From: S.E. MO
I agree with everyone else that the price is to high.
As far as first bike it really depends on the person but if your comfortable on dirt bikes its not a hard transition.
My SG isnt my first street bike but it was my first bike in 12 years and it didnt take me anytime to get comfortable on it.
As far as first bike it really depends on the person but if your comfortable on dirt bikes its not a hard transition.
My SG isnt my first street bike but it was my first bike in 12 years and it didnt take me anytime to get comfortable on it.
I hadn't ridden in 1/4 century when I bought mine. Back then it was a Honda CX500. Took a 2 day refresher course on 250's before picking up my SG this past July. 3.5 hour ride home from the dealer. I had the usual "what have I done" nerves that many people experience when stepping up but the bike was great... in reality it's only as good as you are. Take your time and enjoy the learning curve, but do ride whenever you can.
I'm 6', 190 lbs. and the bike is big enough. I had a full hip replacement on my left leg 8 years ago and, with other 52 y.o. joints in the mix, have been toying with moving to forward controls. Think I'll get into 2010 though and see what a new 5.5" riser and 1.5" of pullback will do for me. I've always got my highway pegs in the meanwhile.
Last thing. My GF is about 5ft5" and 135 lbs. I do find the bike a little burdened when riding 2-up. Love having her back there but I think there's better bikes for longer hauls with 2-up.
Good luck and stay safe!
I'm 6', 190 lbs. and the bike is big enough. I had a full hip replacement on my left leg 8 years ago and, with other 52 y.o. joints in the mix, have been toying with moving to forward controls. Think I'll get into 2010 though and see what a new 5.5" riser and 1.5" of pullback will do for me. I've always got my highway pegs in the meanwhile.
Last thing. My GF is about 5ft5" and 135 lbs. I do find the bike a little burdened when riding 2-up. Love having her back there but I think there's better bikes for longer hauls with 2-up.
Good luck and stay safe!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Azusa, CA
k&j eglide, I have zero street riding experience. My CHP certificate should come in 2 weeks then off to the DMV to get my C/M license.
Thanks for all the responses so far. This forum and the people participating are wonderful. I am leaving my options wide open. Maybe I'll go with a stock HD and add accessories as I see/feel needed.
Keep the replies coming. Relax, ride safely, and enjoy God's creations.
Thanks for all the responses so far. This forum and the people participating are wonderful. I am leaving my options wide open. Maybe I'll go with a stock HD and add accessories as I see/feel needed.
Keep the replies coming. Relax, ride safely, and enjoy God's creations.
FXD2003 rider's report
My ride is a carbed 2003FXD. I've done 33.000 km past 4 years and haven't had any technical problems at all. She's being serviced in accordance with the service intervals as stated in the service manuals and has never let me down. As to driving characteristics: sharp as a knife! I've done a lot of km's in mountainous areas and she handles quite satisfactory:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLDhI7Ggdys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNY380ZwpwU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLDhI7Ggdys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNY380ZwpwU
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Pcola
Have to agree with everyone so far. My Superglide was my first bike and I'm glad I didn't get something smaller. The biggest difference will be in the weight of the bike compared to those in the MSF course. Just respect the bike and you should be fine. And definately get the shop manual ... it's worth it!!
Mark
Mark
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Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: ny
i have owned many bikes from dirt to cruisers my opion on the dyna class bike is it is a pretty good alaround bike doesnt do one thing really great but does a lot of things really good. as a harley goes a dyna is pretty quik and it has the abiality to lean real deep in a turn, ride is pretty good unless going 2 up a lot but in the bikes defense i am a pretty big guy.i bought mine and am really happy with it. looks good handles good just a fun bike to ride. as for getting it for your first street bike pretty good choice a little heavy for new riders. and a little heavy on clutch friction points. and being able to handle your bike at low speeds is the key to learning how to ride at higher speeds. i would also say to try to take an advanced rider class after you puy a couple of hundred miles on what ever bike you purchase. good luck and congrats on the license.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Fresno
Stay within your abilities! Super glides, as all Dynas, are great bikes. I bought an 07 w/4700 mls with a bunch of extras for about $12,000. At least I think it was a great deal! Look around, I'm sure you will find a great deal... Just be patient. Good luck!