What to look for in a first bike?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Joliet, IL
What to look for in a first bike?
Greetings, all. Travis from Joliet, here. Just joined the forum and this is my second post. I've been wanting a bike FOREVER. Now the time is right. Honestly, I don't know much other than what looks good. I'm looking for any advice on things to look for when I go out bike shopping. I understand that in the end, I'll need to ride the bikes and choose which one feels right to me. I'm looking for any opinions from experienced riders on what to keep in mind when I test drive.
Here's where I'm at: 33 years old, 6' 1", 225. I'm not huge but I'm not small either. The vast majority of my riding will be 10-30 miles one way, with longer rides as often as I can manage. I've got friends in the St. Louis area so the occasional ride from Chicago to STL is not out of the question. While I'm not necessarily looking for my ultimate, be all end all bike right now, I am more of a proponent of getting a bike that I'll keep for a long time. Basically, I'm not looking for a beginner's bike to ride for a while until I trade up. I want a bike that's going to last. Used or new doesn't really matter that much to me.
I had my eyes on an '07 Road King Classic that a guy I work with is selling, just not sure if that is the right bike for me. I'm past the point of needing to look cool more so than feeling good on the bike. If I had to choose function over form, it would be function. At the same time, I wouldn't mind something that would turn some heads now and again.
Any opinions, advice, things to look for when I test are welcome. Help me cut down on the number of bikes I need to ride in order to find MINE. Thanks a bunch.
Here's where I'm at: 33 years old, 6' 1", 225. I'm not huge but I'm not small either. The vast majority of my riding will be 10-30 miles one way, with longer rides as often as I can manage. I've got friends in the St. Louis area so the occasional ride from Chicago to STL is not out of the question. While I'm not necessarily looking for my ultimate, be all end all bike right now, I am more of a proponent of getting a bike that I'll keep for a long time. Basically, I'm not looking for a beginner's bike to ride for a while until I trade up. I want a bike that's going to last. Used or new doesn't really matter that much to me.
I had my eyes on an '07 Road King Classic that a guy I work with is selling, just not sure if that is the right bike for me. I'm past the point of needing to look cool more so than feeling good on the bike. If I had to choose function over form, it would be function. At the same time, I wouldn't mind something that would turn some heads now and again.
Any opinions, advice, things to look for when I test are welcome. Help me cut down on the number of bikes I need to ride in order to find MINE. Thanks a bunch.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 5
There is no advise or books you just got to RIDE the different bikes ..... all can be modified up or down to suit YOUR needs ..... i have said this time and time again you will know when you have found what your looking for! .... the less input the easier your choice will be otherwise you will get sensory overload it's as simple as that
Last edited by skulltrainharley; Jun 22, 2011 at 11:50 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
1. Don't be afraid to buy used. There are lots of good used, low mileage bikes out there. And that sort of ties in with...
2. IMHO, you're right on target with the idea of starting with the model you want to end up with. The days of coming out ahead when buying/selling Harleys is over. You're better off financially to wait till you can get the bike you want right off the bat--even if it's a used one. It's no fun waiting months--yes, MONTHS--for a bike to sell so that you can buy a different one.
And don't overlook repos....Talk to your bank or credit union and ask them how to tap that market in your area.
2. IMHO, you're right on target with the idea of starting with the model you want to end up with. The days of coming out ahead when buying/selling Harleys is over. You're better off financially to wait till you can get the bike you want right off the bat--even if it's a used one. It's no fun waiting months--yes, MONTHS--for a bike to sell so that you can buy a different one.
And don't overlook repos....Talk to your bank or credit union and ask them how to tap that market in your area.
Last edited by Sharknose; Jun 22, 2011 at 12:09 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
If you're a new rider, I'd buy a used bike no larger than 750cc's that you can learn to ride and sell it and move up in about a year. Take the MSF courses and "Ride Like a Pro" dvd's are excellent.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Plus one on the Road King. I had one about 10 years ago and still wish I had it. The size of the bike really shouldn't be a big problem of someone your size, so buy what you like, make sure you either have or learn the skills and enjoy. It will go where you want to, I road mine for the Harley 100th from San Antonio to Milwaukee and back without a glitch.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 733
Likes: 8
From: Georgia
I would look for comfort and versatility inside the type of riding you'll be doing. The Road King is an excellent choice in this regard. My former employer (and friend) has a 2000 RK he has ridden in all 50 states and would have nothing else even though he can afford whatever he wants. I'm on my fourth vtwin 08 Street glide because I wanted a fairing. With your size I would not do a "trade up" smaller bike. I would probably rent a RK and go from there.
Last edited by camsmith; Jun 22, 2011 at 08:51 PM.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
After carefully reading your post, and all the necessary functionality, plus all the requisits you mentioned there is clearly only one model you should consider.
The Road Glide.
Get one and you'll never look back.
The Road Glide.
Get one and you'll never look back.