New rider, wants opinions
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Stage I
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
New rider, wants opinions
I have never rode before but I've decided to get myself a Sportster as I have always wanted a Harley. I was wondering what kind of extras I should get on it. Like I said, I've never ridden before, hence I'm starting with a Sportster. Let me know what you guys think.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 23,178
Likes: 19
From: elsewhere
Just my $.02, but I would buy a used 250 of whatever make to learn on, then think about buying a Harley. I had a Sporty, and I sure don't think of one as a learner's bike. Get something small, with a lot less power, and something that you won't be crying over when you drop it to the pavement, etc.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Take the MSF course everyone will tell you its worth the money. Ride their 250's around to learn on. You shouldnt have too many problems with sporty being your first. I would tell you to spend some hours in a parking lot even if you take the course with your bike before hitting the highway.
Take you time, and the type of bike wont matter. Ride what you want to ride. Hell i know people who went out and bought Road Kings and Ultra's as their first bikes and never dropped them.
Take you time, and the type of bike wont matter. Ride what you want to ride. Hell i know people who went out and bought Road Kings and Ultra's as their first bikes and never dropped them.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 3
From: Inland Empire, So Cal
You need to take a motorcycle safety course if you have not already. That should be the first step. Once you buy your Harley the first thing to go usually is the stock exhaust if you want that more aggressive sound and the stock seat as they are not very comfy. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Last edited by travroc; Aug 21, 2008 at 10:13 PM.
I agree with both of these post. nothing more valuable than an education.
Take the MSF course everyone will tell you its worth the money. Ride their 250's around to learn on. You shouldnt have too many problems with sporty being your first. I would tell you to spend some hours in a parking lot even if you take the course with your bike before hitting the highway.
Take you time, and the type of bike wont matter. Ride what you want to ride. Hell i know people who went out and bought Road Kings and Ultra's as their first bikes and never dropped them.
Take you time, and the type of bike wont matter. Ride what you want to ride. Hell i know people who went out and bought Road Kings and Ultra's as their first bikes and never dropped them.
You need to take a motorcycle safety course if you have not already. That should be the first step. Once you buy your Harley the first thing to go usually is the stock exhaust if you want that more aggressive sound and the stock seat as they are not very comfy. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
From: Panama City, FL
Just my $.02, but I would buy a used 250 of whatever make to learn on, then think about buying a Harley. I had a Sporty, and I sure don't think of one as a learner's bike. Get something small, with a lot less power, and something that you won't be crying over when you drop it to the pavement, etc.
I though about getting about an 800cc for a starter bike after I took the MSF course but then the opportunity for my 1200C came up and I jumped on it. Was a little nervous but just did the easy cruising around around the 25 - 35 MPH neighborhoods and the confidence came up pretty quick.
But take the MSF course first. That little 250cc Virago was a blast to ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
Yep course, pipes, seat, grips, bags for your crap when you go for a long one. Luck and welcome from Vancouver Island...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: " Roll Tide Country "
I vote the 250 an just see? You may not like the two wheel life! 
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 648
Likes: 3
From: San Tan Valley Arizona
just get the bike, and the extras will come naturally. tell them to throw you in a catalog. You can sit on the toilet and dream about all the crap you can put on your bike.
The harley is just a down payment on the chrome and crap you buy later.
The harley is just a down payment on the chrome and crap you buy later.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Windsor, CO
I have never rode before but I've decided to get myself a Sportster as I have always wanted a Harley. I was wondering what kind of extras I should get on it. Like I said, I've never ridden before, hence I'm starting with a Sportster. Let me know what you guys think.
As for extras ... I don't know how old you are, but when I was a kid we used to get the Montgomery Ward and Sears Christmas catalogs every year and then drool over all the cool toys. As I got older I'd drool over the lingerie and underwear models ... but that's a different story.
Anyway, best way to start figuring out what you want extra is to go back to those days of the Christmas catalog. You can start with the HD catalog (pick one up at a dealer) or with some of the online superstores like Dennis Kirk and J&P Cycle.
In the mean time, start with the magazines at your local bookstore or supermarket. The advertisements in the magazines will give you lots of parts and information. It will also take you to some good websites for the different distributors and such.
As for more specific advise ... buy the stuff that fits your riding style the best. If you plan to take trips (more than 100 miles at a time) then you may want to consider saddle bags, windshield, etc. If you just want to cruise to the local Dairy Queen with some buds then things like chrome and beauty parts are the best choices. The secret is to match your craven desires with your pocketbook. Good luck with that, by the way.
