Good for a beginner?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: Cardboard Box
If you're going to buy that old I would strongly suggest you talk to your bank about loan options and go private seller since you are bound to get a better deal. That's not to say private sellers don't ever get ambitious on pricing, but Harley dealers are notorious for used bike markup. Hell, I've seen late model used bikes with higher sticker prices than their new counterparts because of "customizations already done".
As far as your question regarding it being a good starter bike or not... If you were looking to buy new I would say no, it isn't, because it's just too expensive for a first scoot for someone that (I assume...) has no personal riding experience on the street. Since you are going used it's not such a big deal, but still, be very mindful of the bike's weight when you're moving slow as one wrong move could put you on your side. Harley doesn't make sportbike fast motorcycles either, but for someone of minimal experience they are fast enough and definitely fast enough to get you into some **** quicker than you realize.
Respect the beast and control that throttle hand and you should be fine though.
As far as your question regarding it being a good starter bike or not... If you were looking to buy new I would say no, it isn't, because it's just too expensive for a first scoot for someone that (I assume...) has no personal riding experience on the street. Since you are going used it's not such a big deal, but still, be very mindful of the bike's weight when you're moving slow as one wrong move could put you on your side. Harley doesn't make sportbike fast motorcycles either, but for someone of minimal experience they are fast enough and definitely fast enough to get you into some **** quicker than you realize.
Respect the beast and control that throttle hand and you should be fine though.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Great Falls, MT
Im hoping you have ridden a motorcycle before.. Otherwise a Harley isnt such a great starter bike being they are rather heavy. I know quite a few people that have been killed because they dont know how to manipulate the bike fast enough. If you dont have much ride time and you are set on a Harley i would go with a sporty of some sort. Might not look as cool but its hard to enjoy your new bike if youre dead.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 290
Likes: 1
From: LI NY
My very first motorcycle was a used 1978 FXE. It was the same $ as a new sporty back in 99-00. I really wanted a sportster....and still do, I love the look of sportsters, but at 5'11, I feel cramped on a sportster.
I sold that FXE and bought a Softail after a few years but I am back on a Dyna now. I like bikes with exposed shocks.
If I were in your shoes....I'd go for the Low Rider. That is a great looking bike.
I sold that FXE and bought a Softail after a few years but I am back on a Dyna now. I like bikes with exposed shocks.
If I were in your shoes....I'd go for the Low Rider. That is a great looking bike.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 395
Likes: 28
From: Dallas, TX
Im hoping you have ridden a motorcycle before.. Otherwise a Harley isnt such a great starter bike being they are rather heavy. I know quite a few people that have been killed because they dont know how to manipulate the bike fast enough. If you dont have much ride time and you are set on a Harley i would go with a sporty of some sort. Might not look as cool but its hard to enjoy your new bike if youre dead.
If you've never ridden, go buy a 10 year old Honda Rebel - or even a Buell Blast - Get 1 year of riding experience under your belt - and start putting money in the bank to get that Dyna NEXT year. It's a hell of a lot easier to keep out of trouble on a 275 pound motorcycle than it is on a 670 pound one.
I hadn't ridden in over 30 years when I bought my WG. It is heavy but at 6'2" and 195 lbs it is the perfect fit. The best thing I did was take the Basic Riders Course at the local Community College. They had small Honda Rebels to take the course with.
At first I only road on back roads until my skill level came back up. Always respect the weight and power and you will be fine.
I vote for the WG. Of course.
At first I only road on back roads until my skill level came back up. Always respect the weight and power and you will be fine.
I vote for the WG. Of course.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 24
From: Memphis, TN
I think all are fine bikes. You didn't mention how much riding experience you have, regardless of this being the first bike you've owned. My vote is to definitely test ride the ones you are thinking about and see which you are most comfortable on. Every bike is a little different. Even same models can feel different in my opinion. I rode three different Sportsters no more than a model year apart before deciding on mine. It just felt "right."
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
you could always take a riders edge course if you dont have a great deal of riding experience. if you have some riding time any dyna is a good starting point. I started on a sportster but when I got my dyna I found for me it was actually an easier bike to ride. I have a street bob and it is the easiest bike I have ever ridden . It practically rides itself.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 91
From: Florida
Your fellow Harley aficionados have provided some very sound advice, friend. Older Yamahas and Suzukis are dirt cheap and "expendable". Nothing wrong with buying a $2,000 beater and practicing on it. Definitely take the rider's course, even if you used to ride years ago, as the practice (on someone else's bike) and lessons are invaluable. When time comes to get your Harley, find something that works for YOU. I love Sporties, but at your size you may find it a little cramped. MAY is the operative word. CHarley in the Sporty forum is a tall fellow and rides a really nice Sporty with forwards on looooong rides comfortably. I'm not a huge fan of Softails, but I now ride an older Dyna.