First Bike Advice
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
First Bike Advice
Hello all! This is my first post in the group and I am seeking some advice at this point. So I recently took and passed the MSF basic rider course and got my class M endorsement. Definitely looking at getting a Harley. I am a bigger guy, 5'10 245 lbs and the only experience I have is the riding I did in the MSF course. My question is should I get a sportster as a first bike or would I be ok with getting something bigger such as a softail. Felt extremely comfortable riding the bikes they had us use in class. Also definitely looking at getting a used bike for my first one. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 6,345
From: pacific northwest
as others have said before, might be better to first start on a metric cruiser( a lot less dough) for a bit and see if motorcycling is for you, then go for a harley when you know for sure if you love motorcycling. there are thousands of garage queens out there from people trying a new hobby and then find out that riding is just not their bag and find that they have to eat a lot of depreciation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
I wouldn't get a sportster to start out with unless you really want one. I did get one right after taking the MSF and regretted it pretty quickly. They're a little more top heavy than some of the other H-D bikes and they handle quite a bit differently than softails and touring models do.
If I could do it over again, I'd buy a used japanese made cruiser for 6K or less and ride it for two full years before buying a harley (or an indian, or a goldwing, or whatever floated my boat). If I could do it all over again and I STILL absolutely needed to buy a harley right off the bat then I'd start out with a softail slim or heritage.
If I could do it over again, I'd buy a used japanese made cruiser for 6K or less and ride it for two full years before buying a harley (or an indian, or a goldwing, or whatever floated my boat). If I could do it all over again and I STILL absolutely needed to buy a harley right off the bat then I'd start out with a softail slim or heritage.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
You're going to get every imaginable response here. My first bike was (is) a Sportster XL1200. Some said it's too big, don't start on that. It's been over a year and 12K miles and it was the perfect bike for me. But you're not me. Only you can decide.
I knew if I got a smaller bike I'd regret it. So early on there was some intense learning and getting comfortable with it. If I had the money I'd have started out on a Dyna.
I knew if I got a smaller bike I'd regret it. So early on there was some intense learning and getting comfortable with it. If I had the money I'd have started out on a Dyna.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
You're going to get every imaginable response here. My first bike was (is) a Sportster XL1200. Some said it's too big, don't start on that. It's been over a year and 12K miles and it was the perfect bike for me. But you're not me. Only you can decide.
I knew if I got a smaller bike I'd regret it. So early on there was some intense learning and getting comfortable with it. If I had the money I'd have started out on a Dyna.
I knew if I got a smaller bike I'd regret it. So early on there was some intense learning and getting comfortable with it. If I had the money I'd have started out on a Dyna.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,462
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From: Kentucky
get a cheap metric to get your feet wet, then skip the sportster and get you a softail or something nice
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,730
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From: Georgia
If you're going to start on a Harley, just buy the one you want to ride, IMO. Neither the Sportster, or the Softail are going to be ideal learner bikes. I started on a Road King though, so if you put in the parking lot time, it can be done. Your ***, your wallet, your choice!
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
If you're going to start on a Harley, just buy the one you want to ride, IMO. Neither the Sportster, or the Softail are going to be ideal learner bikes. I started on a Road King though, so if you put in the parking lot time, it can be done. Your ***, your wallet, your choice!