Choosing First Bike - Knowledge Please
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 497
Likes: 4
From: Navarre, FL
Nope - I haven't purchased yet! I have spent the majority of this week gathering information and trying to decide what bike is best for me. I have looked at several and sat on a few.
I have been reading the posts - with each thread I either: 1. LOVE the info and appreciate the shared opinions of people with real experience, 2. Roll my eyes, or 3. laugh. I can tell you that I am blown away by the willingness to share and most of the guys that have been explaining things are very articulate and mention points that I didn't even consider. This has been very helpful to me and I hope it continues. Thank you ALL for sharing, I wish I could thank each of you individually. Don't stop posting either - I can never have too much information. THANKS AGAIN! xoxoxox
I have been reading the posts - with each thread I either: 1. LOVE the info and appreciate the shared opinions of people with real experience, 2. Roll my eyes, or 3. laugh. I can tell you that I am blown away by the willingness to share and most of the guys that have been explaining things are very articulate and mention points that I didn't even consider. This has been very helpful to me and I hope it continues. Thank you ALL for sharing, I wish I could thank each of you individually. Don't stop posting either - I can never have too much information. THANKS AGAIN! xoxoxox
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 821
Likes: 1
From: In the wind
As far as dividing us into groups. All I can say is I agree with Alkay 15k and 15 miles dosen't make you a biker. Bikers ride and ride alot motorcycle enthusiast ride on weekends and every now and then. And POSERS just have them in the garage. So is this grouping ok with everyone LOL.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 655
Likes: 6
Get the Dyna! My theory is, buy the better one first and save some money. Why buy the cheaper one only to upgrade later when you could have had the upgraded version in the first place and saved some cash? This Wide Glide is my first bike and it's perfect! I didn't even consider a sporty. I wanted a big V-twin Harley!
If you're asking us, get the Dyna. But, only you know which one feels better.
If you're asking us, get the Dyna. But, only you know which one feels better.
Last edited by Steel Steed; May 20, 2011 at 05:18 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 0
From: Nomad
As far as dividing us into groups. All I can say is I agree with Alkay 15k and 15 miles dosen't make you a biker. Bikers ride and ride alot motorcycle enthusiast ride on weekends and every now and then. And POSERS just have them in the garage. So is this grouping ok with everyone LOL.
how many harley doo rags do I need to upgrade my status ?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 0
From: Nomad
there ya go! sound advice ....
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 951
Likes: 0
From: Florida, central on the right coast
I went through this same thing last summer. Only having been a passenger before I finally took the class. After many recommendations from others, I got a used metric. As luck would have it I came into a good deal on a Kawasaki Vulcan 800 classic. It was comfortable and easy to ride. The problem I had was in 300 miles (1 month) I realized it did not have enough power. While window shopping to determine what would be next (inherit my husbands Softail or find my own) we found my Bob. It was already lowered with apes and fit perfectly.
Find what is comfortable for you. If this will be your 'starter bike' don't focus on small, but cheap. Then take what you learn to determine what you get next, (wider, smaller, heavier, etc).
And personally I don't think my apes are 'cool' but necessary. I work on a computer and my wrists are shot. With the apes, there is no pressure on my wrists allowing me to get in many more miles in comfort.
Good luck!
Find what is comfortable for you. If this will be your 'starter bike' don't focus on small, but cheap. Then take what you learn to determine what you get next, (wider, smaller, heavier, etc).
And personally I don't think my apes are 'cool' but necessary. I work on a computer and my wrists are shot. With the apes, there is no pressure on my wrists allowing me to get in many more miles in comfort.
Good luck!
Novice
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I also went the route of a used metric, though mine was an 83 kz550 I picked up for under 1k on craigslist. I rode the hell out of it and decided that I wanted a bigger engine for my riding. I now own a Dyna Low Rider and am really happy. The best part... by shopping for a good deal on the KZ I actually MADE money by selling it for more than I bought it for.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
You ought to take a look at the Softail DeLuxe, if you haven't already ....
I bought a new '05 Dyna Super Glide FXDI in Apr '06 and have put over 35,000 miles on it even though I was deployed the first 4 summers I owned it ....
So, my suggestion is not because it is what I ride ....
The DeLuxe makes good smooth power with the counterbalanced 96" motor ... it also has a very low seat height ... I think you'll like the floorboards and riding position ... if it fit me (I'm 6'4") I would be inclined to get one ... very good looking bike, too ... IMHO ....
R/
'Chop
I bought a new '05 Dyna Super Glide FXDI in Apr '06 and have put over 35,000 miles on it even though I was deployed the first 4 summers I owned it ....
So, my suggestion is not because it is what I ride ....
The DeLuxe makes good smooth power with the counterbalanced 96" motor ... it also has a very low seat height ... I think you'll like the floorboards and riding position ... if it fit me (I'm 6'4") I would be inclined to get one ... very good looking bike, too ... IMHO ....
R/
'Chop
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 351
Likes: 2
You ought to take a look at the Softail DeLuxe, if you haven't already ....
I bought a new '05 Dyna Super Glide FXDI in Apr '06 and have put over 35,000 miles on it even though I was deployed the first 4 summers I owned it ....
So, my suggestion is not because it is what I ride ....
The DeLuxe makes good smooth power with the counterbalanced 96" motor ... it also has a very low seat height ... I think you'll like the floorboards and riding position ... if it fit me (I'm 6'4") I would be inclined to get one ... very good looking bike, too ... IMHO ....
R/
'Chop
I bought a new '05 Dyna Super Glide FXDI in Apr '06 and have put over 35,000 miles on it even though I was deployed the first 4 summers I owned it ....
So, my suggestion is not because it is what I ride ....
The DeLuxe makes good smooth power with the counterbalanced 96" motor ... it also has a very low seat height ... I think you'll like the floorboards and riding position ... if it fit me (I'm 6'4") I would be inclined to get one ... very good looking bike, too ... IMHO ....
R/
'Chop