Beginner bike
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Beginner bike
Hi to all
Im a beginner to riding bikes. I’ve rode a 883 sportster a few times in the past. I recently got approved for a loan on an 02 heritage soft tail. With my limited experience and just starting would this be a good bike? I’m 6’4” and weigh right around 300.
Im a beginner to riding bikes. I’ve rode a 883 sportster a few times in the past. I recently got approved for a loan on an 02 heritage soft tail. With my limited experience and just starting would this be a good bike? I’m 6’4” and weigh right around 300.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 5,149
From: Robbm sucks
A Suzuki DR650 would probably be better based on your height, riding experience and nothing else to go on. Everyone is different and opinions will be all over the place . Just one suggestion. Finding something you’re comfortable with to learn is Key.
First take a msf class if you haven’t already.
First take a msf class if you haven’t already.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Welcome to the forum.... you will get much advice here. My suggestion is: take the MSF course, get a smaller used bike for your first 6-12 months. There are many things you must conquer besides the basics. You will drop this bike during your course of familiarization process. Better to drop a less costly and older bike then your dream bike!! Ride by yourself, in quiet places until you feel comfortable with the controls and gain some habits and experience. Remember that everyone is out to kill you.... expect the unexpected. Good Luck!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
Likes: 6,062
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Welcome to the forums, and MSF course is definitely your best friend to start. Get into a large parking lot where there's no traffic, set up some cones and learn in a safe environment, good luck. As for the bike, get something you're comfortable with, nobody can tell you what that is.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,085
Likes: 19,246
From: The Wasteland
I'll be the first to dissent. Get the bike you want. If you're careful and take your time to learn the characteristics of the bike you'll be fine. You might drop it once or twice, but then again you might not. Everyone is different.
As for the MSF course, I do agree with everyone else that said you should take the course. I rode for 20 some years before I ever took it and I thought I was a good rider. Wrong, the course taught me I had developed a lot of bad habits and how to correct them.
As for the MSF course, I do agree with everyone else that said you should take the course. I rode for 20 some years before I ever took it and I thought I was a good rider. Wrong, the course taught me I had developed a lot of bad habits and how to correct them.
Last edited by Bubba Zanetti; Sep 6, 2019 at 09:12 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 10,767
From: SE Michigan
25 year rider and I also took the class and learned a ton....just one thing you learn in class could save your life
that softail is a great option imho...and I've always had a heart for the looks of that bike....very cool
6'4" is not too tall for that bike, my boy is 6'4" and 325....he loves the feel of his Dyna LR which is a little less roomy than yours
let us know what you decide and come back with pics
that softail is a great option imho...and I've always had a heart for the looks of that bike....very cool
6'4" is not too tall for that bike, my boy is 6'4" and 325....he loves the feel of his Dyna LR which is a little less roomy than yours
let us know what you decide and come back with pics
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Welcome to the forum.... you will get much advice here. My suggestion is: take the MSF course, get a smaller used bike for your first 6-12 months. There are many things you must conquer besides the basics. You will drop this bike during your course of familiarization process. Better to drop a less costly and older bike then your dream bike!! Ride by yourself, in quiet places until you feel comfortable with the controls and gain some habits and experience. Remember that everyone is out to kill you.... expect the unexpected. Good Luck!!
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
25 year rider and I also took the class and learned a ton....just one thing you learn in class could save your life
that softail is a great option imho...and I've always had a heart for the looks of that bike....very cool
6'4" is not too tall for that bike, my boy is 6'4" and 325....he loves the feel of his Dyna LR which is a little less roomy than yours
let us know what you decide and come back with pics
that softail is a great option imho...and I've always had a heart for the looks of that bike....very cool
6'4" is not too tall for that bike, my boy is 6'4" and 325....he loves the feel of his Dyna LR which is a little less roomy than yours
let us know what you decide and come back with pics
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 398
Likes: 35
From: canada
You have a good attitude.......something that really helped me taking a course was the slow speed training which came in handy since I started with a heavier bike (Road King) which is comparable in weight to a Heritage.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 439
Likes: 256
From: Pa
I'd buy a beater to learn on,you will dump your bike,seasoned guys still do. Keep the beater for bad weather days,acidic rain creates rust in unreachable places. This will alow you to keep your new bike pristine for resale,though you are diggin this softy your tastes will more than likely change as you become more aware of amenities available on other machines. Good luck and always assume everyone is going to run u over......cuz some will try. Ride w situational awareness and when maneuvering in traffic mentally have an escape route at every intersection. Watch the front wheel of the vehicle not the person who is stopped at intersections as you pass thru.Tires down,seat up!!