Researching my first bike!
#21
06-11-2018, 09:54 PM
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#22
06-12-2018, 01:35 AM
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Good advice. The primary reason there are so many used bikes on the market with very low miles is that folks buy the bike then attempt to learn to ride & find out that the reality of riding didn't meet their fantasy they envisioned about the riding experience. Learn on a cheap used bike & find out if riding is for you. If it's not, you wont be loosing a lot of money like you would if you bought a new Harley....
#23
06-12-2018, 06:45 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
The really good riders started B4 8 or 9 yrs old, some b4 age 5
They learned the basics and so much more until it was all reflex.
They honed there skills until a 6th since evolved.
You know you are talking to a Gumbyy rider when he syas i layed it dwn!
In other words, another dweeb that had no Fn clue, locked up the rear brake, and gave up all control to fate!
Not too brilliant.
Now, Its not that you cant learn,, but its huge hurdle.
You need to pick brains, ask the whys, and stay to hail away
from novices that have been riding 40 years on sheer luck and know nothing.
Trailering one's bike to Sturgis once a year and riding around twn hardly accounts for experience.
They learned the basics and so much more until it was all reflex.
They honed there skills until a 6th since evolved.
You know you are talking to a Gumbyy rider when he syas i layed it dwn!
In other words, another dweeb that had no Fn clue, locked up the rear brake, and gave up all control to fate!
Not too brilliant.
Now, Its not that you cant learn,, but its huge hurdle.
You need to pick brains, ask the whys, and stay to hail away
from novices that have been riding 40 years on sheer luck and know nothing.
Trailering one's bike to Sturgis once a year and riding around twn hardly accounts for experience.
#24
06-12-2018, 07:33 AM
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#26
06-12-2018, 07:57 AM
Some riders have forty years of experience. ..some have one year's experience forty times!
Lots of good advice in here for the OP. Generally, the truly good advice is the stuff that a neophyte just doesn't wanna hear! She or he just wants to get out on the highway with their pals and cut straight to the badassery. And said pals are saying "Naw, you don't need no Honda Rebel, just buy that Street Glide with the 198 motor...you'll be fine..."
Not so much. ..
Lots of good advice in here for the OP. Generally, the truly good advice is the stuff that a neophyte just doesn't wanna hear! She or he just wants to get out on the highway with their pals and cut straight to the badassery. And said pals are saying "Naw, you don't need no Honda Rebel, just buy that Street Glide with the 198 motor...you'll be fine..."
Not so much. ..
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AJSHOVEL (06-12-2018)
#27
06-12-2018, 08:41 AM
Moderator
Assuming you already have your endorsement, go to a Harley demo event. The Demo truck goes around to dealers across the country. Should be able to find an event within reasonable distance. Ride the bikes you think you might enjoy. Ride them all. If you buy a bike based just on looks, chances are you probably are not going to end up with the bike you really want to ride. The bike everyone is raving about and you think looks cool might totally suck for you when you actually ride it. Its your money and Harleys are not cheap so make sure you buy it for you, not because someone else said you should get it. There is a big bagger craze so you will hear a lot about them and the Road Glide seems to be catching up on the Street Glide as the latest trendy bike. But if you get influenced by the popularity, again make sure to ride one before deciding. Just my own preferences, but I cannot stand the ride and think they are an abomination. IMO a Sportster is more comfortable on long trips.
#28
06-12-2018, 08:44 AM
Well there are 1,000's of posts about this on the forum. Going to get lots of opinions. Take a good motorcycle course and pay attention to the instructors they know what they are talking about. Buy a "big" bike or a "small" bike? Up to you, take demo rides and choose what you want. My wife took the course through our HD dealer with absolutely zero experience. She then bought a "big" Harley and she loved it and was a good rider. Of course she was nervous (she respected the bike) but loved the way the 700lb bike went down the road, she felt glued to the pavement. She rides slow and cautious through corners which is fine with me. Used or new? Again up to you but if it was me I would go used but make sure you go with the new motor (M8). I have 15K trouble free miles on mine and love it. Yep, someone will jump in and bring up sumping or some other problems, but there are always problems and can be covered with a warranty. Good luck! Ride safe.
#29
06-12-2018, 09:13 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
My point is there is more than one way to skin a cat if you're determined enough. If you're going to start out on a big twin, make sure it has an engine guard. If you do lay it down practicing low speed full lock u-turns and such, it will save you a lot of money and maybe even a leg injury.
#30
06-12-2018, 09:38 AM
Cruiser
Hello everyone. I’m 45 and starting the process of researching my first bike purchase. The only thing I know so far is that I want a Harley Davidson. I love the look, the sound and I won’t lie, they have the best gear around. So what things do I need to consider? New? Used? I’d like to take a more extended trip someday, but maybe I shouldn’t get a small touring bike right away? Any and all advice, questions would be appreciative.