First Motorcycle
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
RE: First Motorcycle
A few people have already said this............buy a good used bike..........but a Harley......'cause that's what you're \\;going to end up with eventually anyway \\;!
 \\;
Being a new rider and not really sure of what you want.....and probably won't until you've ridden one for awhile........you'll save thousands of dollars by buying a used bike. \\;There are lots of low mileage, great condition bikes for sale now.
 \\;
I bought a new '07 Yamaha VStar 650 Classic last year and really liked \\;........BUT........over the winter I bought an '06 Heritage Softail Classic, so I'm taking a huge loss on the VStar right now by selling it !!
 \\;
Being a new rider and not really sure of what you want.....and probably won't until you've ridden one for awhile........you'll save thousands of dollars by buying a used bike. \\;There are lots of low mileage, great condition bikes for sale now.
 \\;
I bought a new '07 Yamaha VStar 650 Classic last year and really liked \\;........BUT........over the winter I bought an '06 Heritage Softail Classic, so I'm taking a huge loss on the VStar right now by selling it !!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 648
From: Vegas, baby!
RE: First Motorcycle
ORIGINAL: ILTim
Its not a bad idea to buy a cheaper metric bike at first, so you can decide if you like to ride, how you like to ride, and figure out what kind of bike you REALLY want. \\;\\\\\\; Plus its a little easier on the psyche if you ding it up. \\;\\\\\\; But, you'll lose money compared to just buying what you want up front, if you know for sure what that is. \\;\\\\\\; Buying a nice new bike and THEN realizing you want something else will REALLY cost you.
Its not a bad idea to buy a cheaper metric bike at first, so you can decide if you like to ride, how you like to ride, and figure out what kind of bike you REALLY want. \\;\\\\\\; Plus its a little easier on the psyche if you ding it up. \\;\\\\\\; But, you'll lose money compared to just buying what you want up front, if you know for sure what that is. \\;\\\\\\; Buying a nice new bike and THEN realizing you want something else will REALLY cost you.
The OP, according to his profile, is in Denver. I have never been there but have heard it is a pretty big city with a lot of traffic. I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, and will undoubtedly prompt a lot of smarta$$ remarks, but not everybody likes riding motorcycles, Especially in \\;heavy traffic or areas that have harsh winters.
 \\;
For this reason the above quote, and others like it, offer the best advice for a beginner. \\;
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 648
From: Vegas, baby!
RE: First Motorcycle
ORIGINAL: CoffeeGuy
Thanks again for everyone's help\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; great advice. A couple questions though. Whats a "bagger" and whats a "metric"?
Thanks again for everyone's help\\\\\\\\\\\\\\; great advice. A couple questions though. Whats a "bagger" and whats a "metric"?
 \\;\\\\\\;
A metric is a Jap motorcycle. They can be baggers also. In addition they can be smaller, lighter, and easier to learn on. And has others have mentioned, dropping a metric can be \\;\\\\\\;not nearly as traumatic an experience.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: First Motorcycle
Jump in feet first! Today the rider course is mandatory in most all states.A Sportster is a very good start,you will get hooked sitting on top of a great sounding torque monster.Have fun and ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 17
From:
RE: First Motorcycle
ORIGINAL: CoffeeGuy
Thanks again for everyone's help\\\\\\; great advice. A couple questions though. Whats a "bagger" and whats a "metric"?
Thanks again for everyone's help\\\\\\; great advice. A couple questions though. Whats a "bagger" and whats a "metric"?
Now, watch the reactions here.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 386
Likes: 1
From:
RE: First Motorcycle
There isn't any thing wrong living in Denver co. great riding, \\; I lived in Fort Collins back in the 80's rode all year, \\; except when it snowed, then it was gone in a day or so.
Coffeguy
 \\;run up to Loveland to Hawg Wild , buy a T shirt and look cool. \\; Those guy's  \\;will teach you how to ride, and \\; answer all your questions.
Coffeguy
 \\;run up to Loveland to Hawg Wild , buy a T shirt and look cool. \\; Those guy's  \\;will teach you how to ride, and \\; answer all your questions.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
RE: First Motorcycle
As you notice, a lot of women on here ride full-sized Harleys. If they can, you can too. My wife rides a Wide Glide which is a Dyna model with a stretched out front end. Imho the bigger the bike the easier it is to ride once you've had the training. I believe that a bigger bike is more solid on the highway. Don't be intimidated by size. Buy what you like.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: First Motorcycle
The reason I suggested a metric is that used ones are significantly less expensive than an HD. \\; I would suggest that until you know your riding style (long trips or short hops) and if you'll even enjoy riding, don't invest too much in a bike. \\;