Which Bike
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
with the extended rake of the WG, it will make handling at lower speeds harder esp since u've never ridden before. As far as the streetbob, because of the mini apes, it may also be a lil bit harder to learn how to ride on as ur arms will be closer to shoulder height as opposed to the superglide where ur hands are below ur shoulders, it will give u a feeling of bein more in control. I'd suggest the superglide, but then again, i may be a lil biased lol. Good luck on whatever u decide and thank u for ur service
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Save your money and buy something used, cheap, to learn on. Pick your bike, in person, not on the internet.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 3
From: Virginia Beach
I bought mine recently through the Navy Auto Source while I was on deployment. If you are doing something similar, they will still make you a really good deal after you get back (giving you time to go test ride a couple to see what you like). There was a difference of $500 between ordering it while deployed or after I got back, but that would be pretty small when you're spending 15-20 grand. And it's still cheaper than getting it straight from your local dealer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
If you've never owned or ridden a bike before I would encourage you to buy a small cheap used bike to start on. After you get comfortable on the starter bike you can probably sell it for about what you paid (assuming you haven't dropped it) and then get a nice new shiny Harley. Based on your height I think you'll like the Wide Glide due to it's forward foot controls and stretched out rake and feel, but I wouldn't recommend it as a starter bike for anyone.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 33
From: Glendale, AZ
Last year I was in the same situation as you. I had never ridden before so I took the MSF course and was instructed to buy a small bike to learn on. I chose to purchase a sportster off Craigslist for a good price. After 6 months I purchased a street bob and I love it. I'm partial to the streetbob!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 428
Likes: 21
From: Western PA
If you're getting your bike through one of the AAFES vendors, it's usually a pretty good deal. Go for it.
Biggest diff between Super Glide and Wide Glide is the increased rake. I got a Wide Glide because I liked the look of the longer front end. You can change just about anything else, but it's tough to add that rake later. If you just gotta have that Wide Glide front end, get the Wide Glide. If not, maybe save some money and get the Super Glide. Get which ever one speaks to you.
If you're concerned about handling, Harleys handle like Harleys. It's not a CBR / Ninja / Hayabusa. One thing I did notice with the Wide Glide is that with the longer rake, it takes a bit more "lean" to make turns. You get used it.
Definitely consider a "beater" bike to learn on. Also, when I was in the service, you had to pass a military-approved motorcycle course to be able to ride on base. That "base pass" was only good for a certain range of displacement. You couldn't take the course on a 250cc bike and then start riding a Harley on base. Find out what the requirements are, and maybe find a beater bike that fits the "XXX cc and up" category.
Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Biggest diff between Super Glide and Wide Glide is the increased rake. I got a Wide Glide because I liked the look of the longer front end. You can change just about anything else, but it's tough to add that rake later. If you just gotta have that Wide Glide front end, get the Wide Glide. If not, maybe save some money and get the Super Glide. Get which ever one speaks to you.
If you're concerned about handling, Harleys handle like Harleys. It's not a CBR / Ninja / Hayabusa. One thing I did notice with the Wide Glide is that with the longer rake, it takes a bit more "lean" to make turns. You get used it.
Definitely consider a "beater" bike to learn on. Also, when I was in the service, you had to pass a military-approved motorcycle course to be able to ride on base. That "base pass" was only good for a certain range of displacement. You couldn't take the course on a 250cc bike and then start riding a Harley on base. Find out what the requirements are, and maybe find a beater bike that fits the "XXX cc and up" category.
Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
Getting a shiny new motorcycle is a a great thing. Messing it up due to inexperience, not so great. Look first at metric cruisers as a starter bike. Honda Shadows, Stars, kawis, Suzukis, etc, Most are built well and dependable, allowing you time to learn before spending the BIG bUCKS on a MOCO product.
There's so much more to proficient riding than the MSF course will give you, and that comes with lots of riding experience and trial and error. Error with a $20K bike is no fun. Good luck with your decision, thank you for you service and come home safe... tomp dd50
BTW, the Superglide Custom is a great bike. If you can find an XR1200 used at a good price, it is unlike any other Sportster, and you can really learn on one. tp
http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...ts/reviews.asp Go here and select motorcycles and you can read owner reviews on any model you may consider.
There's so much more to proficient riding than the MSF course will give you, and that comes with lots of riding experience and trial and error. Error with a $20K bike is no fun. Good luck with your decision, thank you for you service and come home safe... tomp dd50
BTW, the Superglide Custom is a great bike. If you can find an XR1200 used at a good price, it is unlike any other Sportster, and you can really learn on one. tp
http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/en...ts/reviews.asp Go here and select motorcycles and you can read owner reviews on any model you may consider.
Last edited by dirtdreamer50; Nov 22, 2012 at 10:35 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
I'll play devils advocate here. My first bike was a brand new Harley. The same goes for my wife. We took the MSF course from the dealership, passed it with flying colors and got our bikes. We then spent another 120 miles in our little neighborhood mastering what we could before venturing out to our first street light. There is no way I would have taken my ride to work on day one, MSF just doesn't carry over like that between the Buell and my softail.
However, It's been over 6 months, 5,000 miles, and we've been accident/stupidity free (knock on wood).
If you do go for it, don't buy it and then take the MSF. Not saying you will----BUT, if you fail/don't like it, you'll have a bit of a mess on your hands. Maybe work a deal where "On the condition that I pass & still desire the purchase the bike, I will purchase it for $____ out the door."
Regardless, WG for the rake, Super Glide Custom for the chrome, Street Bob for the non-chrome (I'm so glad they ditched the tailight!). Get the bike you want, not the bike you settled on.
However, It's been over 6 months, 5,000 miles, and we've been accident/stupidity free (knock on wood).
If you do go for it, don't buy it and then take the MSF. Not saying you will----BUT, if you fail/don't like it, you'll have a bit of a mess on your hands. Maybe work a deal where "On the condition that I pass & still desire the purchase the bike, I will purchase it for $____ out the door."
Regardless, WG for the rake, Super Glide Custom for the chrome, Street Bob for the non-chrome (I'm so glad they ditched the tailight!). Get the bike you want, not the bike you settled on.
I am 5ft7 and got my first bike after taking the MSF course in July. I sat on several bikes and ultimately decided on a used 2010 Fat Bob. I couldn't be happier with my choice and I've put over 7000 miles on it since I picked it up July 19th. I think any Dyna would be a good choice, but with your height, I'd recommend going with forward controls.