agree.... riders class, then something cheap to start. Regardless of what others say, there will be much to learn.... I believe it is far better to start small, get some skills, then upgrade. But then, others tell you to get what your dreams are and you'll grow into it. It is your money, and your call. But I say take the class, get some experience, then you will have a far better idea of what you would really like.
good luck on your decision....

 

First, DO go to a dealership and sit on the bikes you like. Test ride those bikes to see if they fit your idea of comfort. DON'T purchase the bike from a dealership, but rather look around for used in whatever model you like. You can find some sweet deals if you look for them but the key is to know what your looking at.

Many of the used bikes are often from RUB's (rich urban bikers as in drop $40k on a new CVO model without blinking an eye). Then let the bike sit in their garage for years and then sell with ridiculously low miles. I'm not saying the bikes will be CVO models, but a lot of baggers can be had for a reasonable price, especially since Harley's don't hold their value like they used to. Many will already have the aftermarket exhausts, and a tuner installed. Some may even have extensive engine mods done (Stages I to Stage IV) But remember, your purchasing the bike, not the extra chit even if it's included. Use Blue Book pricing as your start point. They don't list if a bike has had mods done, just the year and model. And mods do not increase the value of a bike! Neither do warranties!

Finally, get the bike YOU want! If the one you really find the most appealing is a Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, or any number of other brands out there, go with what you want. NOT what your friends want you to ride. Take your time and DON'T make an impulse buy!

Since your a new rider with limited experience, DO take the basic riders safety course. Doing so will often give you a break on insurance.

 

All pretty good advice. The weight of the bike isn't as much as of a factor as the Center Of Gravity. Sportsters, Dynas and the Touring Line all have a fairly high center of gravity. In the price range you're looking to spend, I'd suggest a used Softail, because they have that lower center of gravity & are much easier to handle at slower speeds. Probably look for a Heritage. In my market area, it would probably be a 90s vintage, maybe an early 2000. Good luck, have fun, & ride safe.

 

Take the MSF course first, then rent a few bikes and go from there

 

1200 custom Sportster

Great first (and last) bike. Easy and cheap maintenance. For example, to change a belt on a Big Twin, it takes hours and could cost $1000. On the Sportster maybe an hour by yourself (swing arm does not have to be removed like Big Twins) Everything seems easier. only two holes for oil. The engine has been basically the same for years. Less expensive to have work done. No cam tensioners to worry about.

I started with a Road King, Ultra Classic, Heritage Softail and ended up with a 1200 Sportster custom and never looked back. The bike is nimble and fast compared to the stock . Big Twins A joy to own and ride. If you can find a carbed one all the better. You can rebuild the carb in 30 minutes on your kitchen table.

 

First?

Safety course before ANYTHING. Seriously, it's worth it's weight in gold and you'll be able to assess different bikes much, much better. Mine allowed me to test for my license after I took it while still at class. There is a reason everyone is saying to do this first, it's fun, it's extremely helpful and it will make you a much better rider.


Once you've taken that and you're looking at bikes, stop and remember you need gear too. Buy good stuff, it makes a difference.


Ok, time for the bike.

Think of it like a dog you're walking, yes you can control it when you're walking slow, but what happens if it sees a cat and starts to chase it? Can you still control it in that moment or are you along for the ride? A fat 300lb dog might not be fast but he could pull you off your feet without much effort.

I'm a big guy, about 220lbs, 6' but built not fat lol. The dyna I'm on now would not have been the best starting point. It's heavy and you need to learn some control if you don't want to low speed drop it all the time. The center of gravity is pretty low though which helps that.

Harleys aren't fast, but that torque they make can be surprising if you're not used to it. Like a big V8 rather than a turbo charged inline 4, it's always there.

My brother and I started on a 1200 Sportster. He still rides it after all these years. They're great bikes. I road a SV650, Fz1 and now a Lowrider S.


My recommendation would be a Sportster. They're not an entry bike but they are balanced in such a way that works well to grow into and keep around. Test ride a few, test ride all you can. It's a good time to buy.

Take some of your friends with you that already ride, have them test it too and get their opinion. They'll be able to catch things you won't till you've put down more miles and see how the bike itself, not the model, is doing.

If they are mechanically inclined about bikes try buying privately. Much cheaper and this time of year people are selling bikes wanting Christmas money and no one is buying, so you might be able to get a great deal.


And just a heads up, most people don't keep their first bike. You learn, you change, when you hit around 20,000 miles you discover how you really like to ride. Don't spend too much money on a first. Don't buy what someone else thinks you should have, buy what makes you excited. Unless it's a liter bike, stay off a liter bike right now, lol.



Oh, and don't group ride with anyone who doesn't specifically know how to ride with a new rider. Not a huge problem with Harleys but people who aren't thinking about this will ride faster and get you into trouble when you go to keep up. It's not fun to follow that.


Lastly, welcome to the party, there's no going back once you get the bug. For me it was after the class, and after a week of training, but when you hit that moment you can do it without thinking about it, man it changes everything.

 

The hell do you mean by that? Been on this forum for one day and i already have some trash talking?

 

Easy, junior... we get a lot of posters on here who seem to just want to start crap.

And if you plan to stay, I'd realize this is an internet forum and get some thicker skin. Good rule for life, too.

 

I am an inch taller than you and my first Harley was a Softail Duece and I loved it. It has forward control and easy to ride. My second bike was a 2004 Dyna Wide Glide and it too was easy to ride and had forward controls. You should be able to find either of those bikes in your budget, maybe a little more if it had lows miles. They are also easy bikes to maintain and work on. I’m concerned with your lack of experience and being in traffic. Maybe take it easy, stay out of traffic till you get used to it. Keep you head on a swivel! A lot of bad drivers out there.

 

knock out the MSF and get some training wheels for a few months. you can resell the training wheels for what you bought them for probably. then grab you a hd.

500cc or something. like 1000 bucks