Decisions, decisions
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
RE: Decisions, decisions
I sat on the NR Special a few weeks ago . . and yes, the riding position is clamshell - similar to the NightTrain. But, if you opt for the standard Night Rod you will find it has much less of a reach to the bars.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach
RE: Decisions, decisions
I thought I knew what model Harley I wanted until I went to the dealer and sat on every model. First thinking I wanted a Dyna and then found the Road King. Not only did the RK fit me like a glove, I asked to road test before purchase. I was sold during the first mile. In your case, I would rent a couple different models to find which bike handles the best for you. My RK handles like a dream compared to my first metric bike. Even though you can change components to make the bike feel better, I looked at my purchase as if I was buying a new pair of shoes. If they hurt your feet while trying them on.....move on to the next pair until you find the right fit.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 696
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
RE: Decisions, decisions
To do a road test or rentalyou'll probablyneed the MC endorsement on your license. Many dealers have road test days and this would be a good time to try a few different rides.
I never owned a bike before I bought my Road King Classic but after checking them all out and getting some good info from my brother about his Heritage Springer, I bought the RK and could not be happeir.
Many people go through a process of buying/trading a few bikes and end up with a touring bike. That's why I started with one.
I never owned a bike before I bought my Road King Classic but after checking them all out and getting some good info from my brother about his Heritage Springer, I bought the RK and could not be happeir.
Many people go through a process of buying/trading a few bikes and end up with a touring bike. That's why I started with one.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Decisions, decisions
This is extremely helpful. Like I said, I sat on a Fatboy at the dealership yesterday and it felt very comfortable. I know some of you are a little concerned about this being a first bike. For me, go big or go home; I don't want to spend the time going back and forth on bikes and always wanting a Harley anyways. Figure take the plunge and go for it.
My intentions are to do as some have said. Take the riders classes, get my license, then rent some bikes. But can someone explain the the 'MC Endorsement' is? Is that just another way of saying you have received your motorcycle qualifications stamp on your license?
My intentions are to do as some have said. Take the riders classes, get my license, then rent some bikes. But can someone explain the the 'MC Endorsement' is? Is that just another way of saying you have received your motorcycle qualifications stamp on your license?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 2
From: Contributor to HDForums.com
RE: Decisions, decisions
Yes, the "M" endoresement is a requirement to operate a motorcycle. Here in Indiana, and most states for that matter, you must take a written test as well as a skills test. There are several options, including your HD dealership, to get the training as well.
Go to your BMV and get a "Motorcycle Learner Permit". You can get that after you've studied and passed the written exam. It's good for a year in most states and will allow you to get experience riding solo and during daylight hours. You will also be required to wear a helmet, if your state happens not to have a helmet law.
Then, during the course of the next year, take a MC skills class, offered at numerous places (do a google search for your state and motorcycle skills course).
Your HD dealer will also be able to help you out, as they too probably offer skills training classes.
Good luck! Enjoy that new FATBOY!
Then,
Go to your BMV and get a "Motorcycle Learner Permit". You can get that after you've studied and passed the written exam. It's good for a year in most states and will allow you to get experience riding solo and during daylight hours. You will also be required to wear a helmet, if your state happens not to have a helmet law.
Then, during the course of the next year, take a MC skills class, offered at numerous places (do a google search for your state and motorcycle skills course).
Your HD dealer will also be able to help you out, as they too probably offer skills training classes.
Good luck! Enjoy that new FATBOY!
Then,
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 4
From: Logan, Ohio
RE: Decisions, decisions
ORIGINAL: mp
It depends on whether you want a Harley or not. A V-Rod isn't really a Harley. It's a metric bike meant to compete with other metrics that have water cooling, overhead cams, etc. Made for speed.
Harleys are air-cooled with overhead valve engines, and meant for laid back cruising down the highway, although they are plenty fast. Not stupid fast though.
By the way, you really have to stretch for the bars on some of the Harleys, too. Like the Night Train.
It depends on whether you want a Harley or not. A V-Rod isn't really a Harley. It's a metric bike meant to compete with other metrics that have water cooling, overhead cams, etc. Made for speed.
Harleys are air-cooled with overhead valve engines, and meant for laid back cruising down the highway, although they are plenty fast. Not stupid fast though.
By the way, you really have to stretch for the bars on some of the Harleys, too. Like the Night Train.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 4
From: Logan, Ohio
RE: Decisions, decisions
ORIGINAL: rjkusse
This is extremely helpful. Like I said, I sat on a Fatboy at the dealership yesterday and it felt very comfortable. I know some of you are a little concerned about this being a first bike. For me, go big or go home; I don't want to spend the time going back and forth on bikes and always wanting a Harley anyways. Figure take the plunge and go for it.
My intentions are to do as some have said. Take the riders classes, get my license, then rent some bikes. But can someone explain the the 'MC Endorsement' is? Is that just another way of saying you have received your motorcycle qualifications stamp on your license?
This is extremely helpful. Like I said, I sat on a Fatboy at the dealership yesterday and it felt very comfortable. I know some of you are a little concerned about this being a first bike. For me, go big or go home; I don't want to spend the time going back and forth on bikes and always wanting a Harley anyways. Figure take the plunge and go for it.
My intentions are to do as some have said. Take the riders classes, get my license, then rent some bikes. But can someone explain the the 'MC Endorsement' is? Is that just another way of saying you have received your motorcycle qualifications stamp on your license?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
RE: Decisions, decisions
I think allot determines which bike to get.
Your physical size, your mental size, wallet size, what do you want the bike to do?
I know, most of us started riding bikes when we were young. So.....I rode smaller/cheaper bikes.
Not knowing your age or finacial status. If you are on the 'lower' end (young/poor) I
would vere to the small and cheap side. Now if you are young/rich, that is where experience
comes in also. You don't want to just get a BIG bike to wreck.
If you are more mature and able to pay for a bike.....I think whatever bike you choose.
having a wife to kick your butt for wrecking a bike when you could have finished re-modeling
the kitchen helps you keep the bike upright.
That said....I ride a Fatboy. Solo seat, quick remove saddlebags and windscreen. I have
a luggage rack that can hold a small trunk. I recently rode this bike from Daytona to
Maggie Valley, NC. It was a fairly comfortable ride. The point is, it makes a somewhat
decent tourer and with removablebags/shield, an excellant cruiser.
But if you HAVE to have a Fatboy......because the kids in school or guys at work
will laugh if you don't....you probably don't need one.
For a first bike, I wouldn't over look other brands of bikes. If you like the look of the Fatboy,
glance at a Yamaha V-star
Chuck
[IMG]local://upfiles/40791/F1C5C55AD1A445A3B711A8C2D7C36758.jpg[/IMG]
Your physical size, your mental size, wallet size, what do you want the bike to do?
I know, most of us started riding bikes when we were young. So.....I rode smaller/cheaper bikes.
Not knowing your age or finacial status. If you are on the 'lower' end (young/poor) I
would vere to the small and cheap side. Now if you are young/rich, that is where experience
comes in also. You don't want to just get a BIG bike to wreck.
If you are more mature and able to pay for a bike.....I think whatever bike you choose.
having a wife to kick your butt for wrecking a bike when you could have finished re-modeling
the kitchen helps you keep the bike upright.
That said....I ride a Fatboy. Solo seat, quick remove saddlebags and windscreen. I have
a luggage rack that can hold a small trunk. I recently rode this bike from Daytona to
Maggie Valley, NC. It was a fairly comfortable ride. The point is, it makes a somewhat
decent tourer and with removablebags/shield, an excellant cruiser.
But if you HAVE to have a Fatboy......because the kids in school or guys at work
will laugh if you don't....you probably don't need one.
For a first bike, I wouldn't over look other brands of bikes. If you like the look of the Fatboy,
glance at a Yamaha V-star
Chuck
[IMG]local://upfiles/40791/F1C5C55AD1A445A3B711A8C2D7C36758.jpg[/IMG]
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