What Do Think?
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5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
What Do Think?
hello,not a rider yet.I'm 59 and never been on a bike.I'm taking the course in spring to be able to ride.Question,what bike would you think would be better just starting out a sportster or dyna?I like the dyna's.Would there be any problem handlying the dyna?Thanks,newbe
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Beaman, IA
I agree with the test rides. If you have never ever been on a bike you better take the course first then test ride. IOM.
I grew up riding a Honda 70 then a 175cc dirt bike. Then about a 25 year lay off.
My point is riding a bike is like riding a bike. I was a little rusty at first and there is a definant learning curve but it all kind of came back. If you don't have that to fall back on you just need to go real slow until you gain some confidence.
I'd pick the bike that feels right and be the bike you'd still want in a few years. Unless you have alot of $ and don't mind trading.
my .02 take it or leave it it's just two pennies
I grew up riding a Honda 70 then a 175cc dirt bike. Then about a 25 year lay off.
My point is riding a bike is like riding a bike. I was a little rusty at first and there is a definant learning curve but it all kind of came back. If you don't have that to fall back on you just need to go real slow until you gain some confidence.
I'd pick the bike that feels right and be the bike you'd still want in a few years. Unless you have alot of $ and don't mind trading.
my .02 take it or leave it it's just two pennies
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I stated my newbe year at 50 last year with a purchase in Jan 08 and a rider's course in April of 08. I would get something with a low center of gravity because the hardest thing to learn is turns at slow speed. The size of your bike may depend on your phyiscal strengh because you will need to muscle it around a little untill you get the feel of riding. I started with a Streetglide and picked it up quickly. I know people that started with Sportster's and struggled...meaning the "size" of the bike is not always the challenge. Sit on the cycle at the show room, with your feet on the controls to make sure the size of the bike is right for you and then get what you like, you don't want to get a "starter's" bike and then outgrow it shortly after you get it. Dyna's by the way are great....people that I know that have them are very happy with their choices.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 851
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From: Alberta, Canada
If you like the Dyna, then buy the Dyna... If you want something smaller and easier to handle while learning, buy a cheap used metric. Then you won't care if you end up laying it down a couple times 
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,059
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From: Little Elm, TX
Don't worry about picking one out yet. If you have never ridden before, take the course, learn, look 'em over, learn more, try 'em on for size and fit, learn even more, find one you like and ride happy my friend. Be Safe...
John
John
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
Take the MSF or Rider's Edge classes where you will learn on a smaller bike more suited to beginners. If you do well in the class go shopping for a bike that not only fits you physically but also fits your skill level. There's nothing worse than a bike that scares you to death or one that you have difficulty handling. Beyond this, it's all about you.