new rider
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: new york
new rider
i'm new here and am not sure if i'm posting this in the right place
So i am looking into buying my first bike,I have my eye on the streetbob and softail slim. My question is are these good first bikes? I have ridden a honda cbr250 before and my only issue i had was the shifting. I'm 6ft1 185lbs. I am looking into a riding class as well
So i am looking into buying my first bike,I have my eye on the streetbob and softail slim. My question is are these good first bikes? I have ridden a honda cbr250 before and my only issue i had was the shifting. I'm 6ft1 185lbs. I am looking into a riding class as well
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,312
From: Virginia
Well I'm a big fan of Sub Caliber Training Devices.
How much have you ridden the CBR250? If less than 5,000 miles, go back get a bike no bigger than 400cc, put 5,000 miles on it, really learn how to ride it, then get a bigger bike.
Plenty of others will argue with me, but that's my opinion, I've seen too many people buy a big bike for their first one because they don't want to out grow it too soon, and end up dropping it. I had a co-worker buy a Vulcan 900 as his first bike, dropped it three times on his way home.
How much have you ridden the CBR250? If less than 5,000 miles, go back get a bike no bigger than 400cc, put 5,000 miles on it, really learn how to ride it, then get a bigger bike.
Plenty of others will argue with me, but that's my opinion, I've seen too many people buy a big bike for their first one because they don't want to out grow it too soon, and end up dropping it. I had a co-worker buy a Vulcan 900 as his first bike, dropped it three times on his way home.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 404
Likes: 86
From: Portland, Oregon
I'm 6'00 (ok,ok 5'11 3/4) and 200 (208ish) and Lovin' the Street Bob.
Have forward controlls so I can stretch out a little more.
It's a good steady platform, and light enough it doesn't feel like heavy bike for first timer.
Have forward controlls so I can stretch out a little more.
It's a good steady platform, and light enough it doesn't feel like heavy bike for first timer.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 174
Likes: 111
From: Melbourne, Florida
I don't see why a Harley wouldn't be a good bike as a first or a second bike for anyone. I think the best thing you can do is go down to the Harley dealer and fit yourself onto a bike. Bagger or not. Most Harley dealers offer rider courses and at the end give you a certificate to rent a bike at a discounted price (plus a discount on a new or used bike if you buy from them). It will help you decide what you like. Once you figure it out buy one. I put my daughter through the class when she was 16 and she can ride my EG without any problems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,533
Likes: 34,722
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
I live in the Sierra foothills and I get to see these new riders on their brand new shiny Harleys attempting to ride the mountain roads up here and let me tell you it is a harrowing experience. They can't lean the bike, hold a line in a turn, or ride at a respectable speed. There's a lot of bike crashes up here and the majority of them are Harley riders. That is why I don't recommend a Harley for a first street bike.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 404
Likes: 86
From: Portland, Oregon
I live in the Sierra foothills and I get to see these new riders on their brand new shiny Harleys attempting to ride the mountain roads up here and let me tell you it is a harrowing experience. They can't lean the bike, hold a line in a turn, or ride at a respectable speed. There's a lot of bike crashes up here and the majority of them are Harley riders. That is why I don't recommend a Harley for a first street bike.
A HD isn't some mythical creature you should only be able to ride after apprenticing on some "lesser" bike.
Probably (definitely) should take rider course and practice before getting into the tight twisties, no matter what bike you're riding.
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: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,533
Likes: 34,722
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
It's a case of too much horse and not enough cowboy. Make no mistake, Harleys are big, heavy motorcycles. It's just a better idea to start out on a lighter bike that handles better & has more lean angle. An inexperienced rider that goes into a turn too hot and the bike starts scraping parts panics and stands the bike up and off the road or into oncoming traffic they go. This is less likely to happen with a bike that is lighter with more ground clearance.
