New Rider Questions
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: California
For a first time rider of your age the safety course is a must. I have heard too many stories of first time riders hurting themselves. It is not about being a good driver, it's about being a good motorcyclist. They are not the same.
The problem with getting a lesser bike than you want will undoubtedly cost you money. It won’t be long before you upgrade and have to sell the first one at a loss. I know I’ll get some flack for this, but getting a real cheap used Honda or something of similar size to the bike you want is not a bad idea. You won’t loose much (if anything) selling it and if you drop it a few times, who cares?
When you are comfortable in the saddle and have the riding thing down, then you can test drive the HDs and you will know what makes you happy. I think renting any bike with no experience isn’t going to help you in picking the perfect bike and it might get you a spot on the 6:00 news.
The problem with getting a lesser bike than you want will undoubtedly cost you money. It won’t be long before you upgrade and have to sell the first one at a loss. I know I’ll get some flack for this, but getting a real cheap used Honda or something of similar size to the bike you want is not a bad idea. You won’t loose much (if anything) selling it and if you drop it a few times, who cares?
When you are comfortable in the saddle and have the riding thing down, then you can test drive the HDs and you will know what makes you happy. I think renting any bike with no experience isn’t going to help you in picking the perfect bike and it might get you a spot on the 6:00 news.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
best thing i would say to do is take the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation course) you will learn alot if you never rode before also first bike if your that worried find a cheap bike and ride it around for a little bit then go and buy a real bike a HARLEY
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
+1 on the rider safety course...regardless of your age. I'd recommend the experienced rider course a year or two later as well.
I started riding at 51 years old. I wanted a HD but decided on a mid-sized cruiser. Bought a new 2003 Suzuki Volusia. That lasted one year and 5000 miles. I wanted a bigger displacement bike...specifically a Dyna. But the HD dealers would give me only $4000 on trade. The Suzuki Dealer gave me $5200 on a 2005 Boulevard C90. It wasn't the bike I wanted but I didn't want to lose $1200 in trade allowance.
22 months and 10,000 miles later I traded that $10k C90 on a new 2006 Street Bob. Got $6500 for it. Now, nearly 4 years and 27,000 miles later I'm as happy today with the Dyna as I was the day I bought it. I have no desire to trade it for anything else.
Just goes to show ya...buy what you want today. If you want a Harley now, you'll want one a year, two or three from now. You won't be satisfied until you buy one.
I started riding at 51 years old. I wanted a HD but decided on a mid-sized cruiser. Bought a new 2003 Suzuki Volusia. That lasted one year and 5000 miles. I wanted a bigger displacement bike...specifically a Dyna. But the HD dealers would give me only $4000 on trade. The Suzuki Dealer gave me $5200 on a 2005 Boulevard C90. It wasn't the bike I wanted but I didn't want to lose $1200 in trade allowance.
22 months and 10,000 miles later I traded that $10k C90 on a new 2006 Street Bob. Got $6500 for it. Now, nearly 4 years and 27,000 miles later I'm as happy today with the Dyna as I was the day I bought it. I have no desire to trade it for anything else.
Just goes to show ya...buy what you want today. If you want a Harley now, you'll want one a year, two or three from now. You won't be satisfied until you buy one.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Everyone, thanks for the confirmation. Renting sounds like a great idea. I didn't mention it first but I'm going to do the rider courses first. When I get it I'll be sure to post pic's right away. Sucks that it's still at least four months from decent conditions here...
You are all the bomb dot com
You are all the bomb dot com
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 392
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
For a first time rider of your age the safety course is a must. I have heard too many stories of first time riders hurting themselves. It is not about being a good driver, it's about being a good motorcyclist. They are not the same.
The problem with getting a lesser bike than you want will undoubtedly cost you money. It wont be long before you upgrade and have to sell the first one at a loss. I know Ill get some flack for this, but getting a real cheap used Honda or something of similar size to the bike you want is not a bad idea. You wont loose much (if anything) selling it and if you drop it a few times, who cares?
When you are comfortable in the saddle and have the riding thing down, then you can test drive the HDs and you will know what makes you happy. I think renting any bike with no experience isnt going to help you in picking the perfect bike and it might get you a spot on the 6:00 news.
The problem with getting a lesser bike than you want will undoubtedly cost you money. It wont be long before you upgrade and have to sell the first one at a loss. I know Ill get some flack for this, but getting a real cheap used Honda or something of similar size to the bike you want is not a bad idea. You wont loose much (if anything) selling it and if you drop it a few times, who cares?
When you are comfortable in the saddle and have the riding thing down, then you can test drive the HDs and you will know what makes you happy. I think renting any bike with no experience isnt going to help you in picking the perfect bike and it might get you a spot on the 6:00 news.
I know my riding skills improved consistently with every mile I rode. After a few hundred (maybe 1,000 miles) of solo riding, you will feel much ore confident in your skills and abilities to ride safely in any kind of traffic.
You skills will also continue to improve "provided" you consistently work on them by practicing all the Riders Edge Skills they teach.
Good luck with whatever you choose and welcome to the motorcycle riders "club".
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
Your neighborhood will get real small real fast. Before you know it, you will be taking 500 mile weekend trips and riding with heated gear. Keep that in mind when you decide your bike choice.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Correct me if I am wrong, but most states require a motorcycle safety course in order to get a motorcycle license don't they? Since I have had mine since I was 16, I don't know all the current laws, but in checking for my son and my GF, that has been my understanding.
You can't rent without a license, correct?
You can't rent without a license, correct?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Saratoga Springs,NY
Correct me if I am wrong, but most states require a motorcycle safety course in order to get a motorcycle license don't they? Since I have had mine since I was 16, I don't know all the current laws, but in checking for my son and my GF, that has been my understanding.
You can't rent without a license, correct?
You can't rent without a license, correct?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
PA does not require the course to get your liscense you can just go and take a riding test at the DMV but to ride without a helmet and to get a insurance discount you must take it also its free so why not its about time i get something out of my tax money haha