I'm told that some guys buy smaller bikes to learn on, then upgrade to a bigger one when they get the skills down. Did anyone here just go for it and buy a bigger bike for their first?

The reason I'm asking is because I am 35 and buying my very first bike later today. I'm going for the gold and getting a '92 SuperGlide Custom. Why? A few reasons...

- I can
- Idon't want to get a smaller bike, then have to upgrade in the near future
- My wife wants to start riding with me the second I feel comfortable with a passenger and a smaller bike won't cut it
- Thismay be considereda poser thing to say, but I either want an HD or no bike at all

Some people I know think I'm crazy. Others agree with my reasons above and they tell me to go for it. It's a "you only live once" type of deal...

So, who else did this same thing?

Chris

 

Here's a pic:



And PLEASE don't discourage me. I've had a few people in the last week try to talk me out of this, but I'm doing it anyway. I'm tired of hearing it. I do want advice, though. Just not any advice that has to do with me not buying this bike. lol...

Chris

 

My first, REAL bike? An 2007 883R.
Before? Nothing, only a city scooter, ideal for Palermo and its traffic!

 

I bought a Harley as my first bike. Still riding it and don't regret it for a second!

 

I ordered a Electra Glide Standard in December of 2004.I took delevery in April of 2005.My first H-D and my first bike.22000 miles later im happy I did it that way.
Take the rider course.
First 3 months was nerve racking but bythe end of my first summer,04 I felt pretty good.
Best advise I can give you is to take the MFS course and NEVER try to keep up with someone rideing faster than you are comfortable.
Have fun and be safe.
dave

 

Thanks for the advice! I'll admit that one day I'm confident and the next day I'm a little nervous. I'm also buying this late into the riding season, so I probably won't get to build up confidence until next Spring.

 

Get what you like. My first bike is my Fatboy. The only reason I would say don't do it is if you are not phyiscally capable to handle the bike, like if your 4' 11" at 90 lbs. or have one leg. Take the MSF it may save your life. Ride within your abilities and stay safe.

 

My first was a Softtail Deluxe. Traded on a Road King after 6 months.

 

See, this is good. Now I don't feel as crazy. One thing that sucks is I'm buying the used bike from Gateway HD in Missouri, but I live right across the river in Illinois. I'm trying to get the dealer to hook me up with a riding course in Illlinois, but I'm not sure how this is going to play out.

I could take the Missouri course, then just take the Illinois test on my own at the DMV. I'd rather knock all of that out at once by taking a course in Illinois, though. All I know is that I want the bike and the course ASAP to at least get the training before the end of good riding weather this year. That way I'm ready to go right after winter.

I sure hope this works out like that.

 

First bike was a new 1995 FXD! I learned on that bike.