Total newbie needs Advice
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, Ca
Hey everybody, looking to get my start into motorcycles after having some buddies convince me that i need a Harley. So since this is my first bike ever i wanted everyones suggestions on what would be the best bike for me to learn and grow on. I'm about 5' 10" 180Lb, pretty fit, but like i said zero experience on a bike, except maybe a few hours on dirt bikes. I was told a Sportster or a Nightster would be best, but honestly the only bikes ive ever sat on are Dynas, one in more of a bobber style and one was an FXDX. PLEASE HELP, all information is helpful. Thanks
I forgot to mention my price range is about $5500....
I forgot to mention my price range is about $5500....
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Nov 23, 2017 at 11:59 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12
Likes: 3
From: Texas
In my opinion it depends on what type of riding you plan on doing. For example around town bar hopping type of bike, medium distance trips or a lot of long distance touring and over night while mixing in the day trips. I did it myself and have watched so many do it after me. The sporster size bikes are not meant for long hours in the saddle. If your not interested in the Ultra style touring models then go between them with a RoadKing or an 18 Heritage Softail with new suspension. That's my two centa after buying 7 bikes in the past 6 years. At first you'll be happy then you will want music, more comfort and here you will go again.
Last edited by Casetime; Nov 23, 2017 at 11:07 AM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
As always...
Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best, rent it 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.
Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best, rent it 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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
Go to a dealer sit on the bikes, find the one that fits you best ......then buy the next size up......just went through the same thing with my son....he's 5'11' and 180 lb....bought him 1200C then two months later "he needs a bigger bike"......which is exactly what I told him he needed....i was looking for the switchback for him as it is a nice bike.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, Ca
In my opinion it depends on what type of riding you plan on doing. For example around town bar hopping type of bike, medium distance trips or a lot of long distance touring and over night while mixing in the day trips. I did it myself and have watched so many do it after me. The sporster size bikes are not meant for long hours in the saddle. If your not interested in the Ultra style touring models then go between them with a RoadKing or an 18 Heritage Softail with new suspension. That's my two centa after buying 7 bikes in the past 6 years. At first you'll be happy then you will want music, more comfort and here you will go again.
Appreciate the info, i'll check out Roadkings and the Softail you mentioned. I'm looking for something to commute to work on ( 30 min to hour ride), play with around town on and occasionally take a day trip on.
Go to a dealer sit on the bikes, find the one that fits you best ......then buy the next size up......just went through the same thing with my son....he's 5'11' and 180 lb....bought him 1200C then two months later "he needs a bigger bike"......which is exactly what I told him he needed....i was looking for the switchback for him as it is a nice bike.
appreciate you chiming in, i'll be sure to take your advice about buying the next size bike up so i dont have to go looking for a new bike soon after my purchase.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Nov 25, 2017 at 12:08 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 170
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte, NC
I would recommend test riding all the different bikes. I also agree that it depends upon if you ever plan on doing long hauls. Any bike is just fine for putting around town but not all of them are good for all day rides. I know when I was younger I thought a real bike was a bike without a fairing and bags. But somewhere along the way I realized that I loved riding bikes more then I cared about looking the coolest possible. I would suggest a bagger with a fairing. Having wind protection makes long rides much more enjoyable, as well as listening to tunes. Having bags is essential if you want to buy anything on your ride. It's also nice to be able to put your jacket and helmet in the bags when you stop somewhere, instead of having to carry them around. Plus one day you are going to want to have a passenger with you to share your love of riding, and they are more likely to want to ride with you on a bagger or touring bike. I ride a Road Glide Special and a Road Glide Ultra, but there are lots of choices out there. Try and think ahead to what you will want for long tours and if you want to ride with your wife rather then what looks cool around town. But in the end, whatever suits your needs it's the right bike for you, as long as you are riding.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
Go take the safety course and buy a beater like a Vstar 650 for a year. You'll be glad you did. A vstar is basically a Softail.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
Don't be intimidated that a bike will be "too big" for you. You will grow into it in short order. Conversely, a lot of people that start on a sporster find that they quickly outgrow them, and trade up. This is not knocking sportsters. They have their place, and many people enjoy them.
As others have said sit on a lot. Ride the ones you can. Make your decision from there.
One thing you will have to consider is your budget. At $5500 you will not buy the newest bike out there. If you are handy with a wrench you may consider an older, well cared for, bike.
As others have said sit on a lot. Ride the ones you can. Make your decision from there.
One thing you will have to consider is your budget. At $5500 you will not buy the newest bike out there. If you are handy with a wrench you may consider an older, well cared for, bike.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
And if this is a serious thread, which I doubt, the penalty for a 'misstep' is much worse on a street bike then it is on a dirt bike.
Last edited by rjg883c; Nov 23, 2017 at 12:56 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 409
Likes: 980
From: Fernley, Nevada
Well. You mention that your price range is $5500. So, you will be pretty much limited to what you can get. Most certainly you can find nice used Harley's. Just older models out there someplace. You might want to consider looking at dare I say it..... Japanese bikes. ( I know blasphemy) Just another option to consider, without busting the budget. Also, being your first bike. ( I better keep to myself now, before I am banned from the site.)
Good luck with what you decide to do.
Good luck with what you decide to do.