New Rider Bike Suggestions
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
I know a lot of people who have gotten an 883 as a "starter bike" only to regret it a year later after they feel they have outgrown it. That, coupled with your size, should steer you towards anything other than an 883.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
Buy what you like. Bigger in most cases is better (especially for the kind of riding your talking about). Dont listen to numbskulls on here telling you to buy a metric. If you want an HD, buy an HD.
I believe starter (small) bikes are a waste of money unless you've never ridden. their only good for learning the basics, and then after owning one for only a couple of months you will be tired of it, and wanting to trade it in for your dream bike.
A MSF course is a good idea. Test rides are also a good idea.
My first street bike was a Fatboy, and there was a little learning curve which required me to be a little "extra" careful, but I had no problems.
A guy your size will be much better off on a bigger bike. Buy what you think looks good, and most importantly what will be comfortable for your style of riding.
I believe starter (small) bikes are a waste of money unless you've never ridden. their only good for learning the basics, and then after owning one for only a couple of months you will be tired of it, and wanting to trade it in for your dream bike.
A MSF course is a good idea. Test rides are also a good idea.
My first street bike was a Fatboy, and there was a little learning curve which required me to be a little "extra" careful, but I had no problems.
A guy your size will be much better off on a bigger bike. Buy what you think looks good, and most importantly what will be comfortable for your style of riding.
Buy what you like. Bigger in most cases is better (especially for the kind of riding your talking about). Dont listen to numbskulls on here telling you to buy a metric. If you want an HD, buy an HD.
I believe starter (small) bikes are a waste of money unless you've never ridden. their only good for learning the basics, and then after owning one for only a couple of months you will be tired of it, and wanting to trade it in for your dream bike.
A MSF course is a good idea. Test rides are also a good idea.
My first street bike was a Fatboy, and there was a little learning curve which required me to be a little "extra" careful, but I had no problems.
A guy your size will be much better off on a bigger bike. Buy what you think looks good, and most importantly what will be comfortable for your style of riding.
I believe starter (small) bikes are a waste of money unless you've never ridden. their only good for learning the basics, and then after owning one for only a couple of months you will be tired of it, and wanting to trade it in for your dream bike.
A MSF course is a good idea. Test rides are also a good idea.
My first street bike was a Fatboy, and there was a little learning curve which required me to be a little "extra" careful, but I had no problems.
A guy your size will be much better off on a bigger bike. Buy what you think looks good, and most importantly what will be comfortable for your style of riding.
But I Love the nightster and it's got some power to it as well.
Get what you love and I suggest taking the course....
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Buy a Road Glide. You will then be a member of the secret society. The RG is the best of the best when it comes to the various HD models. Everyone who has one loves it, everyone who has a different model wishes they had one. 
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Any 800 cc metric would be fine, so I don't see where a sporty would be a problem... or ? any other bike... it's YOUR nickle. I have NO idea why someone would say a V-rod wouldn't handle twisty roads... but like any opinion, I guess it's valid as the next. I don't know that they'd be comfortable for an Iron Butt, but you gotta figure on needing gas every 100 miles or so, which would give you ample time to stretch.
Personally, MY advise would be for you to
1) take the MSF BRC class, "here and there since you was a kid" doesn't sound like a lot of experience, the money would be well spent, you'd have fresh skills, and often an insurance discount
2) given your wide range of bikes, take the class, and then buy a metric, ride a while, then figure out what you want the bike for.... then select the bike that will do the job, you've selected.
Again, I doubt you'll follow , or even like MY opinion.... but you asked.
Pretty much ANY bike could do every task... folks bigger than you are touring the country from coast on little ol Ninja 250 cc bikes.
Buy what you want, buy what you can afford.
Go to dealership, sit on EVERY thing, used, new even metric.... the one that calls your name after you walk away, will be the one..... trust me, if it's the right bike, it WILL call your name
Personally, MY advise would be for you to
1) take the MSF BRC class, "here and there since you was a kid" doesn't sound like a lot of experience, the money would be well spent, you'd have fresh skills, and often an insurance discount
2) given your wide range of bikes, take the class, and then buy a metric, ride a while, then figure out what you want the bike for.... then select the bike that will do the job, you've selected.
Again, I doubt you'll follow , or even like MY opinion.... but you asked.
Pretty much ANY bike could do every task... folks bigger than you are touring the country from coast on little ol Ninja 250 cc bikes.
Buy what you want, buy what you can afford.
Go to dealership, sit on EVERY thing, used, new even metric.... the one that calls your name after you walk away, will be the one..... trust me, if it's the right bike, it WILL call your name
Last edited by tda69; Mar 9, 2009 at 12:18 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
So I am in the sealership yesterday and start talking...they want to give me 12K on my 2009 FXDC and if I fork over $7,700 I can get the RK out the door and includes all of their add-on stuff. That sure does seem high to me. I really do like my Dyna, but you can get beat up pretty good on long trips. I also plan to put in a 3000 mile trip this summer (subject to whether I trade up) Shouldn't the Road Glide be more in that price range? Any comments from anybody?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
Likes: 1
From: Sheridan, AR
Took the words right out of my mouth. Buy a metric first, anything will do...Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki or Kawasaki. They are all good platforms and perfect for somebody who has little experience riding. There's a wider range of bikes and engine sizes to choose from. Also from a cost standpoint you will spend a lot less than you would on a Harley. If you're going to make mistakes, it best to make them on something less expensive and one which you're won't become quite so attached to. Obviously taking the MSF course should be your #1 priority at this point.
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Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
So I finally am getting around to getting it this week and I have it narrowed down to
1999 Dyna Super Glide 15000 Miles $6500
2000 Dyna Low Rider 22000 Miles $6200
or a few 1200 Sportsters in a range of ages and prices
Not sold on one style but more an under 7500 price range. I plan on doing a few long trips and tons of 100 mile and less canyon trips in the area. Any help would be appreciated. I plan to learn well on this bike and then next spring trade up to a Road King. Thanks for all the help.
1999 Dyna Super Glide 15000 Miles $6500
2000 Dyna Low Rider 22000 Miles $6200
or a few 1200 Sportsters in a range of ages and prices
Not sold on one style but more an under 7500 price range. I plan on doing a few long trips and tons of 100 mile and less canyon trips in the area. Any help would be appreciated. I plan to learn well on this bike and then next spring trade up to a Road King. Thanks for all the help.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 3
From: NCWV