Don’t overlook the King, either. Even though I’ve had both a Street Glide and a Road Glide, I still love me some Road King. Nice versatile bike.

 

It's not like he will have a choice to take one once his command know. If you plan on riding in base you pretty much have to sign up for a MC class. It is mandatory fun. And you dont have to pay a single dime since it's free. Take the class since they do have donor bikes.

 

i also rode dirt bikes for many years before getting a street bike, and one thing i know is, forward controls just feel wrong to me after years of having my feet directly under me on a dirt bike. some dynas have mid controls and others do not, but you should check out both before you make a choice.

 

Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best rent one and then buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.

 

I think you’ll mainly get bad advice on here. Having a passenger is a big responsibility, especially if you plan to ride in heavy traffic like So Cal. Buy a used smaller bike, ride it for 5k miles, learn how to take curves, make right turns, panic brake, ride out skids on wet paint, oil, gravel, sand, wet grates, railroad tracks. Then sell it, get your Glide, ride it a 1,000 miles then you’ll be ready for 2up.
You’re young. You’ve got time. Do it right.

 

There's some great advice on here, nevertheless everyone is different, a mate of mine passed his bike test, took the plunge and bought a Breakout as his first bike which are notorious '**** pigs' to ride on twisty roads. He took to it like a duck to water.

My pennethworth....Test ride as many as you can and enjoy your foray into the Harley-Davidson marque and perhaps most importantly ride safely, exciting times ahead!

 

Many dealerships rent. Rent a bike for the weekend. The decide.

 

Look for an older used Road King it is only a matter of time before you move on up to the touring line anyway. According to the blue book My 07 Road King is only worth about half of what you want to spend.

 

Check out a Indian.

 

Blasphemy!