Beginner learning bike?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 38
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From: TX
Beginner learning bike?
What wuold be a good, cheap bike to learn on? I've never ridden before and I definitely want to start out on something cheap so I don't have to worry about it too much if I drop it or something.
I've looked at Honda Rebels and things like that but I don't know what to get.
I really want it to be cheap.
I've looked at Honda Rebels and things like that but I don't know what to get.
I really want it to be cheap.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
Personally, if you've never ridden before I'd take a class in riding. They will show you the basics and, if they are like they were in my area when my son took the course, they will supply you with a bike to learn on and if you drop it, no big deal. While taking that class, it will give you an opportunity to see if riding a bike is really for you or not. If after taking that course and you are still interested in riding, then you might have a better idea of which bike to buy for your very first one, good luck.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: .....
That's the answer to your question. Buy a used bike and learn to ride it, before you sink thousands on a bike you really want. After all, you might not like riding, since you never have.
And like Springer and everyone else has said, take the safety course.
And like Springer and everyone else has said, take the safety course.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: TX
I'm saying when I get started I want to practice on an old bike that I won't be too upset about messing up. I just don't want to learn on a nice Harley. I'll get the Harley later after I have enough experience on the cheaper bike. I do plan on taking the course ASAP. I'm just trying to get some imput.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
Honda Rebels are popular learning bikes. They are even styled a little like HDs, so the seating position will be similar. If you can find a used one, it's probably been dropped already, and much cheaper than a new HD.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 256
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From: Ohio
Honda has some good light bikes to start out on that's what I started out on many years ago ( Honda 160) you could get a used Harley XL 883 there light about 500 lb. new at about $8000 but still that would be a lot of to spend on a starter bike. Good luck in your hunt.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 81
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From: Alaska
I'm saying when I get started I want to practice on an old bike that I won't be too upset about messing up. I just don't want to learn on a nice Harley. I'll get the Harley later after I have enough experience on the cheaper bike. I do plan on taking the course ASAP. I'm just trying to get some imput.
My best advice is to take the course and then sit on a bunch of different bikes to figure out what fits you, then find something used. If I had it to do over again, I'd have gotten a Buell Blast, rode the heck out of it, then a bigger bike. You can pick them up for under 2k up here and they're super easy to learn on and with a 500cc engine, take a little bit longer than a 250 to outgrow.
Good luck on the course and have fun!
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
a really cheap bike could be a PITA. there's a difference between a good deal price and a piece of junk price that will need $$$$$$'s spent on it just to get it and keep it running..
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Doghouse... mostly
Find a good bike somewhere in the 500cc range that's in decent shape for a reasonable price to start on. You definitely don't want a bike that's too "cheap" because you'll likely end up inheiriting some one else's problems. Once you're confident in your ability, sell the starter to someone that's going to learn just as you did then use that money to put a down payment on a larger bike.
