what harley would be the best to start on
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
... Unfortunately here state side anyone can buy any size bike they want and a lot of totally clueless do with sad results . I like the system you have over the pond , size bike depends solely on skill level & training with competency testing to get it . It would save lives here seriously ....................
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 27,225
Likes: 31,567
From: Florida
took the safety riders course, graduated, started out on an 08 1200 custom. I was happy with it til I rode my softail springer. I understand what others are saying about the sportster being top heavy. The softails low center of gravity is much better for me.... everyone is different. Take the class, ride a few bikes and decide which one suits you, and your budget.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 552
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
For what it's worth, i got an Electra Glide for my first "full size" bike. Rode dirtbikes before that for a couple of years. Took a rider safety course and instead of wasting money, continuosly upgrading the size of the bike, like so many do with Sportsters (hence why so many are for sale on CL) i figured i'd get exactly what i wanted and planned to keep. I have no regrets. Sure, at first it took some getting used to, but i took my time riding the backroads and focusing on developing the skills that i felt i lacked. I personally find the EG very well-balanced. All in all, just do what you think works best for you and what suits you; just keep in mind that continuous "upgrading" may cost you some.
Kudos to you lady , love hearing stuff like that . Unfortunately here state side anyone can buy any size bike they want and a lot of totally clueless do with sad results . I like the system you have over the pond , size bike depends solely on skill level & training with competency testing to get it . It would save lives here seriously ....................
Thanks guys. Hopefully it's true
hahaBut on a serious note that is pretty scary that pretty much anyone could go pick up a 1000cc Kawasaki and go and kill themselves.
The UK has just made tests even harder (law started 2 days after I passed!) People now have to go through 125cc > 495cc > unrestricted via tests if they are under 24. It's a very pricey thing to do which is a shame cos it will stop young people from doing it (which is what the gov want!). If you're a small lady like me you are screwed and will have to start from the bottom up no matter your age cos the bikes the schools have are always sports bikes with tall seats.
I don't think it's right BUT the system is better than just anyone getting on any sized bike.
Anyway back on topic... YES no matter what you get, get engine bars. I dropped my 883 at a junction once due to someone speeding from round a bend as I was about to go. BAM breaks. No damage (other than my back muscle from trying to stop it going down - just let it gooo!) thank god!!
As for 883... not bad but you do notice the lack of power quite quickly even as a new rider. Not always a bad thing though as a newbie! I had plans to do all sorts to this bike I have but I don't think I'll bother. I'll probably keep it 2 years and get a bigger H-D.
Take care riding to those MSF courses
and enjoy!
I started on a cr85 dirt bike a couple of years ago. Bought it for $500 dollars, rode the **** out of it, wrecked it, and sold it for $900. Bought a 750 Shadow. I rode it for a few months, then I bought my Nightster. I don't get the top heavy feeling from it. My dad's Road King is a different story, though.
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