Which Bike
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 5
From: Cleveland, OH
I'd get your rider course out of the way first. Then try to rent one or two that interest you from a dealer if that's an option where you are. They should also let you test ride the exact bike you choose before you sign any papers. HD's are heavy and powerful so they can be a little intimidating until you become more comfortable on 2 wheels. There is no shame in starting with a metric to become more comfortable first. I had a Suzuki Boulevard before the HD's. It was comfortable, dependable, and very affordable. If you are dead set on a Harley I would suggest finding one a year or two old with low miles. There's a good chance you'll want to upgrade in a year or two anyhow, so why take the depreciation hit on a new one? Just some food for thought.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Gahanna Oh
i would just suggest a wideglide because of your height my buddie is 6' 2" tall and rode mine compared to his superglide and liked my forwards better because he was stretched out more but his big problem is how low the forwards are when you really get into a corner if you have bigger than a size 10 foot you will drag heels if you dont rock your foot forward im only 5'9" and i wear an 11 and i drag on my wide glide all the time just another tid bit of info to help you make an educated decision. take both out on a test ride and see which fits you better you can customize anything so the argument of customization is moot point because the moco may offer more factory option parts but you get my drift that aftermarket has alot out there for the wide glide
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Okay,
So I'm looking at getting a motorcycle and have never owned one before. I'm currently deployed to AFG and can get a good deal on a Harley. I have been looking at the 2013 Wide Glide or a Super Glide. Looking at the specs the Super glide and Wide Glide have about the same specs. Prior to riding I plan on taking the Army Required MSF Safety Course and the the Riders Edge as well. I'm 6ft 180lbs so I didn't want to get a sporters I sat on one priro to me leaving and well my knees were in my chin. Whats your adivce?
So I'm looking at getting a motorcycle and have never owned one before. I'm currently deployed to AFG and can get a good deal on a Harley. I have been looking at the 2013 Wide Glide or a Super Glide. Looking at the specs the Super glide and Wide Glide have about the same specs. Prior to riding I plan on taking the Army Required MSF Safety Course and the the Riders Edge as well. I'm 6ft 180lbs so I didn't want to get a sporters I sat on one priro to me leaving and well my knees were in my chin. Whats your adivce?
He will have to do the MSF course; but, again ... cannot do it until he gets back ... (I believe the service will give him 30 days grace period as long as he has the course scheduled ... Navy does, anyway ...)
I had not ridden a bike for probably over 15 years and never ridden a H-D ... a very good friend let me borrow his Road King and it was no big deal ... I got a Dyna through the Military Overseas Exchange program ... it saved some money; but, depending on the market, I have heard that recently the dealers will actually deal and you can sometimes get about as good a deal just haggling (again, I am sure it is highly dependent on the specific dealership) ...
If I had it to do again, I would probably try to save the depreciation hit and buy a low-miles used Harley of the model that caught my fancy ... maybe a year or two or three old (still under warranty if possible) ... although I think all the hand wringing about warranties is a bit much ...
There is a rule about taking the MSF course on the same size bike as you will be trying to get a base decal for ... however, as I understood the rule, it was a simple break point at over or under 1000cc ... thus, taking the course on a 1200 Sportster would allow you to qualify for a 'big twin' ... but, not an 883 Sportster (or a 250cc Honda, etc.) ...
deerassassin22 is a 'big boy' ... he is paying his own way and representing in Operation New Dawn ... good on him!
deerassassin22, thanks for your service ... hope your time is short and you make it back soon ...
R/
'Chop
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
As a advanced riders instructor I do not suggest a new bike to learn on. Yes, there are some or a few that does well on their first bike but then there are those-more of them I might add- that doesn't do so well.
personally speaking and from experience from myself and others your chances are way above average to remain accident free, this includes just plain forgetting the kickstand on up. That is a lot of $$ to invest to take a chance on a new beautiful bike for it not to be dropped. Even a scratch on a new bike will get you upset, not to mention if you drop it and cause some damage.
Go with used for a while, doesn't matter what to learn on.
As far as mini apes or the 19 inch apes they are really comfortable but in low speed-this is the biggest problems for riders of any age or experience-can be a challenge for a while. Add a extended front end you add a big percentage in needing time to learn to use the bike correctly.
The thing one must learn is to learn to use the bike and the bike using you. Like a hammer, anyone can drive a nail but can they use the hammer without geting wore out quick.
just a thought.
dd
personally speaking and from experience from myself and others your chances are way above average to remain accident free, this includes just plain forgetting the kickstand on up. That is a lot of $$ to invest to take a chance on a new beautiful bike for it not to be dropped. Even a scratch on a new bike will get you upset, not to mention if you drop it and cause some damage.
Go with used for a while, doesn't matter what to learn on.
As far as mini apes or the 19 inch apes they are really comfortable but in low speed-this is the biggest problems for riders of any age or experience-can be a challenge for a while. Add a extended front end you add a big percentage in needing time to learn to use the bike correctly.
The thing one must learn is to learn to use the bike and the bike using you. Like a hammer, anyone can drive a nail but can they use the hammer without geting wore out quick.
just a thought.
dd
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
You can save 1,000'$ by buying a late model, low mileage cream puff.
But learn to ride, first, before spending a year's salary on a brand new love interest.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 171
Likes: 25
From: Central Florida
Since you kinda asked....I'd go with a bike with a full suspension, low seat height, lower weight, mid controls and abs.
I'd custom order a Street Bob with the 103, abs, pull back handlebars and stay with the mid pegs. It takes a month for delivery.
I'd get the dealer to install a crash bar (they call them engine guards). Most beginners that drop a bike do it standing still.
Definitely take the learner course. And practice.
Oh, I think the Street Bob comes standard without passenger pegs and seat.
Whatever you do, have fun! Getting a bike is a great feeling.
I'd custom order a Street Bob with the 103, abs, pull back handlebars and stay with the mid pegs. It takes a month for delivery.
I'd get the dealer to install a crash bar (they call them engine guards). Most beginners that drop a bike do it standing still.
Definitely take the learner course. And practice.
Oh, I think the Street Bob comes standard without passenger pegs and seat.
Whatever you do, have fun! Getting a bike is a great feeling.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: GA
Bike
I went with a Dyna Super Glide Custom with crash bars and saddle bags I also upgraded the rims. I appreciate all of the advice and look forward to asking more questions and maybe seeing you out on the road. Look for the guy that looks nervous and is white as paper 
just joking thanks fellas.
just joking thanks fellas.
Last edited by deerassassin22; Nov 24, 2012 at 11:32 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 964
Likes: 9
From: Acme Pa.
good choice on the superglide. that's what i chose and never looked back. love my bike. enjoy and be safe. congrats.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 653
Likes: 7
From: illinois
buy used and save $$, you will then find what your true needs are. Some may think they want a tour bike but in reality they just weekend bar hop, or vise versa. I seen many people like the idea of having a bike but never rode them. buy cheap, find out what type of riding you will do and buy a new or newer bike accordingly. I also think most people never get the first one right, based on lack of funds or delusional ideas of they are gonna do. But If I had to pick a bike for a stranger it would be a street bob, cause of lower price,cool style, versatility, add bags and a windsheild and tour or strip it down and bar hop.
hope this helps
hope this helps