Opinion needed
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 1
From: Ottenheim, KY
Opinion needed
Ok here goes:
I have wanted a Harley for about 20 years. Finally broke down and bought one (Softail Deluxe). It should arrive next week. I have not riden much at all in my life. Just always wanted to. I will finish my MSF course next week (12 hourse riding time) before the bike arrives. The dealership is 55 miles from my home. They want $275 to deliver the bike. I would like to ride the bike home myself using nothing but back roads.
Do you think that the MSF course will give me enough experience to make that ride right out of the gate? I plan to go slow and get to know the machine. I really want to bring this baby home myself. I soloed a plane after only 15 hours with an instructor - surely I can ride this home after 12 hours of MSF course time. Am I pushing it? What do you think?
John
I have wanted a Harley for about 20 years. Finally broke down and bought one (Softail Deluxe). It should arrive next week. I have not riden much at all in my life. Just always wanted to. I will finish my MSF course next week (12 hourse riding time) before the bike arrives. The dealership is 55 miles from my home. They want $275 to deliver the bike. I would like to ride the bike home myself using nothing but back roads.
Do you think that the MSF course will give me enough experience to make that ride right out of the gate? I plan to go slow and get to know the machine. I really want to bring this baby home myself. I soloed a plane after only 15 hours with an instructor - surely I can ride this home after 12 hours of MSF course time. Am I pushing it? What do you think?
John
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Opinion needed
I agree.... mine offered free delivery too. Why risk it with your brand new ride?Bikes aren't exactly cheap. Let 'em deliver it and get used to it at your own pace. Tell 'em you want free delivery.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Opinion needed
My opinion since you asked....the basic course will help you with the basic skills at a low speed in a controlled area such as a parking lot. At some point you will need to just ride the bike so if you are confident and can travel without high speed traffic...go for it. Only you can decide if you are ready.
RE: Opinion needed
Dude, ride it home. I would never have a bike delivered. I was in the same position as you 2 months ago. Never ridden except the MSF course. Got on my new '07 Wide Glide and rode away. Was I nervous? I would be lying if I said that I wasn't. Look at it this way. Bike gets delivered to your doorstep. What are you going to do immediately? I bet that you get on that bike and ride in around the neighborhood. Is that much different from taking it home on back roads from the dealership? Take it from me, hardest part is rolling out when everyone at the dealership is watching you. That lasts all of 30 seconds and then it is all downhill from there. Ride it home. You won't be sorry.
Oh, and get the gap insurance. Just kidding!
Oh, and get the gap insurance. Just kidding!
Novice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Opinion needed
Interesting situation.
First of all, congratulations.
Second, you should see how confident you feel at the end of the MSF course. What bike did you ride during the course? Is it similar to the bike you purchased? If not, is a similar bike available to you before you take delivery of your bike?
If you decide to ride your bike home, you may want to consider the following. Plan to stop after the first half hour. Get off the bike, stretch, have a drink of water, take a 10 minute break. By segmenting the trip it will not seem so ominous your first time out.
You should also have a buddy who is licensed to ride follow you in a chase vehicle. His presence alone will probably give you the confidence to complete the ride. In the event things get hairy, at least you know that a trusted friend can get the bike home for you.
Your decision, however, is a personal one. Good luck.
First of all, congratulations.
Second, you should see how confident you feel at the end of the MSF course. What bike did you ride during the course? Is it similar to the bike you purchased? If not, is a similar bike available to you before you take delivery of your bike?
If you decide to ride your bike home, you may want to consider the following. Plan to stop after the first half hour. Get off the bike, stretch, have a drink of water, take a 10 minute break. By segmenting the trip it will not seem so ominous your first time out.
You should also have a buddy who is licensed to ride follow you in a chase vehicle. His presence alone will probably give you the confidence to complete the ride. In the event things get hairy, at least you know that a trusted friend can get the bike home for you.
Your decision, however, is a personal one. Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Opinion needed
Got mine delivered 160 miles away..... no charge. PS it was the only thing they didnt charge for.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Opinion needed
Again make them deliver it for FREE period!!!!!!! I would have it delivered. I was nervous at first but was glad I had it delivered. I live in a quiet neighborhood and just rode around the blocks the first couple days. Then slowly went to the busy streets. It is a little challenging at first changing lanes on busy streets. After a few weeks you will feel a lot more comfortable. Have it delivered for free and take your time.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 386
Likes: 6
From: Huntsville, AL
RE: Opinion needed
If you have any friends that are experienced, just get them to ride with you. Follow their lead and take it slow and you shouldn't have any problems. If you don't feel good about riding it and you have a friend with experience, just get them to ride it for you.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 626
Likes: 1
From: Ogden, Utah
RE: Opinion needed
If your nervous about bringing it home then have them deliver it. But you are going to have to get on it and ride it at some point.
At the South Valley HD in Salt Lake City about a month ago a guy was picking up is new bike. His wife well we will say was not happy with him buying a bike and was yelling at him in the parking lot as he is getting on it to go home. He droped it not once but twice I felt bad for the guy. There was several guys in the parking lot to help him pick it up
At the South Valley HD in Salt Lake City about a month ago a guy was picking up is new bike. His wife well we will say was not happy with him buying a bike and was yelling at him in the parking lot as he is getting on it to go home. He droped it not once but twice I felt bad for the guy. There was several guys in the parking lot to help him pick it up