First bike question.
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Traverse City
First bike question.
Hey guys im a new to this board, Picking up a 2009 XL 1200 Sportster/ Nightster with 12in apes. This will be my first bike. Just curious as if this is good for a first bike, im 5'9 170lbs. Thanks for your time guys.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: At home
Your size and weight don't matter. Do you have a M license? I passed on a 650cc the first time, so did my wife. If you can't do a figure 8, or 6 ft. circles in both directions, you better take a course first. Those bars could put you on the wrong side of a curve and make you a statistic.
Good luck
Good luck
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
It will be an easily managable choice if its your very first bike with no experience I would buy a cheapo bike that wont cost you big bucks if you drop it get some riding time/experience then dive in and get a soft tail or dyna.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 0
From: Nomad
the Sporty is a fine bike unlesss you plan on touring. then it gets cramped.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
In answering your question. The Sporty is a good first bike.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
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From: Kentucky
A sportster was my wife's first and only motorcycle after taking MSF. She's never ridden any motorcycle other than that and a MSF-provided bike in class. She's never had a problem with it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,671
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From: Virginia
Take the MSF course, then get the Ride Like A Pro V DVD and practice the lessons they teach. The lesson on slow speed maneuvering alone is worth the price of the DVD. It has saved my hide a few times! Then go to a vacant parking lot & practice, practice, practice!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 1
From: Farnborough uk
If its a sporty you thrive for get one if its a starter harley then I wouldnt bother.
Just go straight to what you would realy want .
Get an old crap bike drive it a bit to get confident then buy what you would be happy to stay with.
Nothing wrong with sportsters I was going to buy one as a first step on the HD ownership ladder but bought what I realy wanted instead a FB (wise Move)
Just go straight to what you would realy want .
Get an old crap bike drive it a bit to get confident then buy what you would be happy to stay with.
Nothing wrong with sportsters I was going to buy one as a first step on the HD ownership ladder but bought what I realy wanted instead a FB (wise Move)
Last edited by eagle56; May 7, 2011 at 04:17 PM.