Hello from Dallas GA..new buyer question
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 226
Likes: 56
From: Dallas, GA
Hello from Dallas GA..new buyer question
Need some advice. I just got my license and I know I'm going to get a Harley. So far, I've only ridden the little 500 in the training class. I've sat on quite a few at the dealerships though.
Originally, I was going to just get a sportster because of the price point, but I sat on a Fatboy Lo the other day and it was the most comfortable of everything I've tried out.
Is that too big of a bike to start out with? If not, I was planning on buying a used one to get the best deal possible. What sort of things should I look for when test driving and what not?
Thanks in advance.
Originally, I was going to just get a sportster because of the price point, but I sat on a Fatboy Lo the other day and it was the most comfortable of everything I've tried out.
Is that too big of a bike to start out with? If not, I was planning on buying a used one to get the best deal possible. What sort of things should I look for when test driving and what not?
Thanks in advance.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 364
Likes: 221
From: Ga
Well...... You are going to have to make that decision for your yourself. A lot of people start on smaller metrics my self included. Ride as many bikes as u can b4 deciding. And no ,Fat boy is not to big if u feel comfortable with it , just be careful with it until u get some seat time
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 299
Likes: 23
From: ATL metro
Welcome to the forums!
It really depends on your comfort and confidence level. If you feel comfortable on the bike and it doesn't feel too heavy for you, then ask to take it for a test ride. Some people will tell you to get an older cheap metric to get some miles under your belt, others will tell you to just get what you want. It really all depends on your confidence in your riding ability, and not getting over confident when you do get a bike.
As for things to look for on a used bike...look for obvious signs of being dropped (scratches on the end of the bars...), oil leaking...things of that nature.
Which ever way you go, good luck and enjoy the process of getting a bike.
It really depends on your comfort and confidence level. If you feel comfortable on the bike and it doesn't feel too heavy for you, then ask to take it for a test ride. Some people will tell you to get an older cheap metric to get some miles under your belt, others will tell you to just get what you want. It really all depends on your confidence in your riding ability, and not getting over confident when you do get a bike.
As for things to look for on a used bike...look for obvious signs of being dropped (scratches on the end of the bars...), oil leaking...things of that nature.
Which ever way you go, good luck and enjoy the process of getting a bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,759
From: Atlanta, GA
Welcome from Marietta!
The FatBoy shouldn't be too much to handle if you feel comfortable with it. Just be a conservative rider until you really feel OK on the bike; basically don't try stupid sh*t.
As for used, I'd stay away from anything where the motor has been heavily modified, unless you really know motors. You don't want some else's problem. Ask for service records, or a record of any self-service the owner did. The more stock the bike is the better IMO; b/c it's a blank canvas for you.
Look close at bar ends, crash bars, pegs,undercarriage, etc for signs the bike kissed the pavement. Could've been a gentle tip-over or something worse. Did the owner tell you about it before you saw the evidence?
You probably won't get a test ride from a private seller until you hand over the cash. A dealer will let you test ride; got mine used at Killer Creek.
Bring a friend who knows bikes with you. A second opinion from someone you trust is valuable.
Make sure the title is clean; not a salvage. Stay away from bikes titled in AL; I understand they do not have to state the bike is a salvage on their titles.
WOW Cycles in Marietta: go at your own risk. I've not heard many good things about them. Won't even START a bike until you fill out the loan paperwork.
Good Luck! Hope to see you on the road.
The FatBoy shouldn't be too much to handle if you feel comfortable with it. Just be a conservative rider until you really feel OK on the bike; basically don't try stupid sh*t.
As for used, I'd stay away from anything where the motor has been heavily modified, unless you really know motors. You don't want some else's problem. Ask for service records, or a record of any self-service the owner did. The more stock the bike is the better IMO; b/c it's a blank canvas for you.
Look close at bar ends, crash bars, pegs,undercarriage, etc for signs the bike kissed the pavement. Could've been a gentle tip-over or something worse. Did the owner tell you about it before you saw the evidence?
You probably won't get a test ride from a private seller until you hand over the cash. A dealer will let you test ride; got mine used at Killer Creek.
Bring a friend who knows bikes with you. A second opinion from someone you trust is valuable.
Make sure the title is clean; not a salvage. Stay away from bikes titled in AL; I understand they do not have to state the bike is a salvage on their titles.
WOW Cycles in Marietta: go at your own risk. I've not heard many good things about them. Won't even START a bike until you fill out the loan paperwork.
Good Luck! Hope to see you on the road.
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: minnesota
Check all gaskets for leaks if going older. And as stated, look for mostly if not all stock. Might look a little boring but HD knows what they are doing. They build their bikes the way they do for a reason ( it's the right way). I started on a 750, was happy for about a month and then wanted a bigger bike. If you like a big twin go for it, it won't be to much. As the others said just take it easy till you are comfortable.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: South Georgia
Welcome from South Georgia. I would suggest setting up a few test rides on different models and go from there. Good luck with whatever you decide. Ride safe.
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Dallas ga
It seems that people don't regret their sportster purchase, but simply wished they had gone bigger. I was in the same boat as you and decided to get a new Dyna Low Rider. I am glad I made that decision. Either way, I don't think you could go wrong. Just a matter of choice and or economics I suppose.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Hello from just down the road in Carrollton. If it feels comfortable to you is the main thing. I brought a 2007 XL1200C last year after not being on a bike for over 20 years. I enjoy it greatly but I wonder if I should have got something bigger.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,564
Likes: 3,979
From: Virginia
If you have never ridden before the training class, I highly recommend you get a lighter bike. I've seen people go different ways. I have taught most people either on a sportster or an inexpensive used 600-800 cc metric and seen them trade up to a Harley in a year or two. There are always exceptions, I had a friend who grew up on dirt bike as a kid and decided to ride street in his 30's and his first bike was a road king.