Good for a beginner?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 637
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
I started out on a 06 Wg first bike ever except for the dirt bike I had for a year when I was 12. I say why waste your money on a beater bike or a smaller bike. Put the money towards a bike you are going to keep. Just respect the weight and power of the bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 1,090
From: Eastern IA
I started out on an 800 Vulcan after not riding for many years ,it felt huge at first but after 2 months I was already shopping for a bigger bike.
The bikes your looking at I would ask about the cam chain tensioners , make sure they have been checked for wear if the have over 20K. If they have been updated to the new style or converted to gear drive would be a plus. If they don't know I'd want to know before I signed.
The bikes your looking at I would ask about the cam chain tensioners , make sure they have been checked for wear if the have over 20K. If they have been updated to the new style or converted to gear drive would be a plus. If they don't know I'd want to know before I signed.
I think the obvious choice between those three bikes for a first time owner who is a bigger dude is the low rider. Sporty you will feel like an ape on a tricycle. Wide glide's rake is not ideal for a novice rider. Low rider is going to give you the best mixture of something you could learn on safely and enjoy for 2-3 years before you get the urge to upgrade. And trust me, it will happen.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
I hope this shows up...it was late when I got it home so I only took one pic...it did start up and run, but needed a rolling start...it had sat for about two years...got my mechanic taking it in to tune it up and slap an aggressive flat black theme to it, bobber tank, and new exhaust pipes...Here's the bike as it sits today
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
Gotta love the pin striping. The straight levers of that period took real man's hands to reach and pull. Nothing like the dog leg levers of today. Thanks for sharing. tomp
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Queen Creek, AZ
My first bike when I got back into riding was a 2000 Sporty Custom. That was 4 years ago. I mention this because although the bike had less than 13,000 miles, it was still 10 years old. It did get me around town but the sheer age of the bike dictated there were many mods and upgrades I wanted to do but couldn't find the parts. Also, having no idea who has owned the bike these past 13 years can play against you. My hoses slowly needed replacing, belt replaced, tranny started to clank a bit more, etc.
My suggestion would be a Dyna that is no more than 4 or 5 years old. You will just get more bang for your buck.
My suggestion would be a Dyna that is no more than 4 or 5 years old. You will just get more bang for your buck.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
I know you must have bought the '79 for a good reason but any of the three you listed may have been a better choice...especially given the age and size of the machines.
Have fun and ride safe.
Have fun and ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
