Looking into getting my first Harley
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 19
From: Indiana
Looking into getting my first Harley
I took my motorcycle safety course, got my endorsement, and for the last year I've put 3k miles on my little Honda Rebel 250.
A few reasons (among many) can explain why it's time for me to move onward and upward.
1. I'm getting tired of having cramped legs.
2. Though it may sound crazy, my wife has been riding with me on the back of my 250. And, she has discovered the love of riding as my passenger.
So, she agrees with me that I need to step into something bigger, and she is looking forward to it almost as much as I am.
I am a practical guy (hence the high gas mileage, inexpensive Honda Rebel), and I could realistically get a reliable, quality, full-size motorcycle fairly inexpensively. I could pay cash for high-year low-mileage Honda Shadow today ($4-$6k), and that would probably suit our needs just fine.
However, I just can't get past the fact that when I am driving my car, and a motorcycle pulls up beside me, nothing gets my imagination going like a Harley.
Truly, if I look out my car window to see a Shadow, Boulevard, etc... I just couldn't care less. But if I see a Harley, no matter if it's a Sporty, a Softy, or a Road King, my eyes stay glued to it, and I begin to lust.
So, I've accepted that it's worth a little extra money to be able to own that intangible thing that I don't get with the metrics.
I would still like to stay as near to or under 10k as possible. My only requirement for the bike is that it be suitable for a passenger for short trips out in the country (Long trips where she is riding passenger are not in our near future).
I assume I will be looking primarily at the used market. Do you guys recommend any models in particular? Do you think 10k is enough to get me into a Harley that suits my needs?
Thanks so much!
Brock
A few reasons (among many) can explain why it's time for me to move onward and upward.
1. I'm getting tired of having cramped legs.
2. Though it may sound crazy, my wife has been riding with me on the back of my 250. And, she has discovered the love of riding as my passenger.
So, she agrees with me that I need to step into something bigger, and she is looking forward to it almost as much as I am.
I am a practical guy (hence the high gas mileage, inexpensive Honda Rebel), and I could realistically get a reliable, quality, full-size motorcycle fairly inexpensively. I could pay cash for high-year low-mileage Honda Shadow today ($4-$6k), and that would probably suit our needs just fine.
However, I just can't get past the fact that when I am driving my car, and a motorcycle pulls up beside me, nothing gets my imagination going like a Harley.
Truly, if I look out my car window to see a Shadow, Boulevard, etc... I just couldn't care less. But if I see a Harley, no matter if it's a Sporty, a Softy, or a Road King, my eyes stay glued to it, and I begin to lust.
So, I've accepted that it's worth a little extra money to be able to own that intangible thing that I don't get with the metrics.
I would still like to stay as near to or under 10k as possible. My only requirement for the bike is that it be suitable for a passenger for short trips out in the country (Long trips where she is riding passenger are not in our near future).
I assume I will be looking primarily at the used market. Do you guys recommend any models in particular? Do you think 10k is enough to get me into a Harley that suits my needs?
Thanks so much!
Brock
Last edited by bglaze; Jun 23, 2013 at 12:08 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: greenfield in
I have a 1200 sportster 06 that I got last year. Paid 4500 for it. As much as I like the bigger bikes I test rode a few and the sporty is much more fun solo. Depenting on u and the ol size its not bad 2 up eather. New shocks and seat make them great.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The best two up motorcyles Harley offers are the tourers. The best two up city and shorter distance bikes are the softails and the most sportiest two up bike is the Dynas. The sportster are not GREAT two up bikes but are the best around town bikes for solo riding. I've heard of people getting all kind of great deals on Harley's so I think any model Harley (considering year and mileage) can be purchased for around 10k.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,107
Likes: 13,053
From: Texas, USA
I applaud you for the steps you took in learning to ride a motorcycle.
1. Took an MSF course
2. Got your endorsement
3. Got experience by putting miles on a smaller bike
The decision you need to make now is determining which model Harley would best suit your needs. The best way to do that would be to go to a dealer and test ride the different models; a bagger, a Softail and a Dyna. Tailsfrommycrib pretty much summed up the models. Take your wife so she can sit on the bike and see how comfortable it is from a passenger's perspective.
Once you've determined which model best suits you, now you can begin looking for a used bike that fits your budget. The best advice is to take your time. If you have questions about a particular bike or a particular deal post back. The members here can give you unbiased advice whether it is good or bad.
If and when you make a purchase, post some pictures. We love pictures.
Ride safe, brother.
1. Took an MSF course
2. Got your endorsement
3. Got experience by putting miles on a smaller bike
The decision you need to make now is determining which model Harley would best suit your needs. The best way to do that would be to go to a dealer and test ride the different models; a bagger, a Softail and a Dyna. Tailsfrommycrib pretty much summed up the models. Take your wife so she can sit on the bike and see how comfortable it is from a passenger's perspective.
Once you've determined which model best suits you, now you can begin looking for a used bike that fits your budget. The best advice is to take your time. If you have questions about a particular bike or a particular deal post back. The members here can give you unbiased advice whether it is good or bad.
If and when you make a purchase, post some pictures. We love pictures.
Ride safe, brother.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 589
From: Running with the gators
Stop looking already and go buy a Harley. Get a new one and you will have warranty. Buy the one you really want first. Trust me you will enjoy all the women who will show you their breast at every stoplight.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 9
From: washington
sounds like you have concidered all but one thing.... you say shorter trips for a day or a weekend, (so to speak) however one thing i have learned is that we (my wife and i) would like the option of much longer trips... she has a sporty and i have a dyna custom that we have riden for the last 3 yrs... even though the sporty is fine for day trips, we elected to get her a softtail slim for much longer trip then just the weekend.... so you may want to concider something that you wont grow out of in a year or two.... there are a lot of bikes out there for around 10k that are good deals, take your time, make an informed decision so that you dont end up with a money pit.. those are out there to.... ask question on this forum get opinions, the more you know the better off and happier you will be with the harley.... good hunting
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
This is the first. "I am buying a Harley" thread, where I didn't fear for the OP' s life. You are doing things the smart way.
Going to a Dyna or Softail would be smarter if you are average size. Big guy, you might want to go right to an Electraglide Classic. Pretty nice Dynas, and Softail for $10k. EGC could be nice for $10k with some work and luck.
Whatever you get, put 1k on solo and learn emergency braking and get comfortable before taking wife on.
Ride safe
Ron
Going to a Dyna or Softail would be smarter if you are average size. Big guy, you might want to go right to an Electraglide Classic. Pretty nice Dynas, and Softail for $10k. EGC could be nice for $10k with some work and luck.
Whatever you get, put 1k on solo and learn emergency braking and get comfortable before taking wife on.
Ride safe
Ron
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
I would suggest a 8-10 year old heritage softail. It will have a windshield and bags (trust me you will appreciate both) and one with average miles can be had on your budget. Ebay is a great place to start, and don't overlook your local Craigslist. Cycle trader occasionally has some good deals, but it would be my last choice.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
Try and buy your 2nd Harley first if possible. Sportsters are great, had one but wanted more right away. That is just my opinion, find a well cared for slightly older one and you will be fine with a little research.
Good luck and you can get a nice bike for $10k if you are patient.
Good luck and you can get a nice bike for $10k if you are patient.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 686
Likes: 29
From: Niceville
You are going to get all types off opinions. The best thing to do is start looking and at the different models, have in mind any mods you are interested in, your mechanical ability, read, read , read everything you can about a particular model you're interested in. For 10k there should be a lot of good options available.