I am planning on getting myself a nice motorcycle here later this week, I just don't really know what I want and was looking for some further insight.

Alright, so I was talking to a few buddies and one of them was saying how I should get an XR1200 if I want to go with a Sportster.

Another was saying I should ditch the idea of a Harley all together and go for a BMW sports touring model of some kind, forgot what he said, some 1200 something or another.

And yet another one, the craziest of them all, is saying I should go with a simple 600cc sports bike of some sort. Recommends the Kawasaki Ninja...

But all I can think is how physically dead I would be after the first couple hundred miles on a sports bike like that.

I am going to a dealership on Thursday but I really don't know what I want.

I like a sportster, but reaction has been very very mixed. Mainly people saying I'd want a bigger bike (that I probably couldn't afford). But I've had a few that say they love going cross country on their Sportster and all I need is a handful of bungee cords and a few duffel bags and what not.

Oh, and there's always my dad. He's been riding for the past 30+ years. Many of these 30 years he spent overseas in the military, stationed throughout Europe. He's owned at least 5 different Harley's over those years. And to this day, he has not really liked a single one of them enough to keep more an a few months. I believe he's owned a total of almost 15 different bikes, sold most of them when he settled down and had a family. But now he's riding a Yamaha RoadStar, and he's quite happy with it. He's always trying to sell me on buying some Foreign Touring bike of some kind.

Which is surprising because when it comes to cars he only buys Domestic...

So this means he must have a good reason right?

Well I don't want to put all my faith into biased decisions based on what my friends and family like.

So what do you guys recommend for a Daily rider with regular road trip capabilities, on something of a semi-tight budget (nothing over 12k)?

 

I don't think the Sportster is that great in terms of touring. I know people do it, but I don't see how. I have one, and I'm not really into longer trips like I thought I would. I'm going to get a Dyna Street Bob to get something bigger and more comfortable for longer distances. I do ride my Sportster daily though and love it as a bike.

If you have 12k, I would suggest looking at used bikes to get more for your money. For 10k, you can get a very nice, late model Dyna.

I would extend your search beyond just this week, and try to ride everything you can. Your bike interests are all over the map and I would try to narrow it down more. Harley is not for everybody.

Happy Hunting!

 

I completely agree with this statement. Are you in a big hurry? Buying this week and have no idea what you like. Take a little time man.

 

Only you can decide for yourself what bike is best for yourself. If you're looking for a Harley, check them out, read reviews on the internet, test ride them at the dealership. It's a buyers market right now. If you only have 12 grand, look into a low mileage used Harley. After a few years most of the depreciation is gone.

 

If I recall correctly, you're planning on riding to Oregon.

You're budget is 12K, so that pretty much limits you if you're looking for something new

To give you an idea of where I'm coming from, here's my story:
- I bought a new XL1200L last year. Fun, wonderful bike. I add a windshield and bags because I figured this would be a great daily driver and with the bags and windshield, I figured it would serve as an occasional cruiser
- Well, for commuting and short weekend runs, the sportster was the most fun I've had with my cloths on. It was light, nimble, easy to control. Everything I wanted.
- However (you knew that was coming), the thing would scare the crap out of me at highway speeds. I'm sure this is my in-experience talking, but at 50+ MPH, that sporty was downright scary. It felt like the front end was going to leave the road. It also felt like the wind was going to blow me off the back
- I drove that sporty for about 2 months and swapped it for a RoadKing.
- Huge difference.
- That RK is quite a bit heavier, but it's as steady as you could want. For our long rides it;s always the wife and I, so we two-up. Cross winds & vehicle blow by have not been a problem and cruising all day (well a tankful at a time) is not that big of a problem. We get a little saddle sore, but nothing a ten minute walk-about doesn't fix. On top of that, I get about 50 mpg on the highway



My suggestion, for what it's worth:
- Take a bunch for a test ride. Make sure you get them up on the highway, drive them in traffic - in short drive them where you plan to take your bike.
- I think you'll start leaning towards the bigger (more expensive) bikes.

Good luck and have fun!!

 

If all you're looking for is a good inexpensive bike get a Yamaha. It'll get you down the road just fine. You pay a big premium for the Harley namebrand.

 

You need to do your own due diligence on this one.

And no one on a forum will be able to pick out a bike which fits you. Slow down. Once you think you've narrowed the choice down, rent one for the day.

 

If you decide you want a Harley but not the biggest, I'd recommend a Heritage Softail Classic. It comes with bags, windshield, backrest. It is great for around town or touring. Although I now have a bagger, I really miss my Heritage.

 

Have u ridden a motorcycle before?
I worry for people that just go out and buy a bike, take a MSF class and off they go. There are all kinds of bad situations a novice is just not equipped to handle.
If u are new, I would really suggest a low cc (like 200cc or so) enduro bike. Ride trails at first, learn how to operate a bike well, in all kinds of situations. Seriously, I would suggest a year of just riding trails offroad before even considering riding on the streets.
I am not being paranoid, but I just want u to really respect the consequences of going down on the street. It can be game over, so I suggest u really know how to ride before u get out there.
U will have fun with a trail bike, and when the time comes u will be a competent rider and have a much better chance of staying up when things get squirrely.
Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the input everyone!

I just really need an idea of what to avoid at all costs, and what are good names to look into on Thursday.

I don't plan on buying right away, and I do plan on renting for a day before buying. I just want to try and narrow my focus down a little bit to what would be best suited for my needs.

And SloChicken, thanks for the concern. I know how you feel.

I've ridden off-road and on trails for many many years. Dirt bikes mostly, but a 90cc suzuki something or another as well. I ride my dads Yamaha 750 Roadstar now and again. It's nice, but not enough power for a bike it's size.