Difficult decision
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
I started off with a Fat Bob as my first bike and glad I did. Great handling and great forgiving bike due to the beefy front forks and tire. IMO you will outgrow a sporty in no time and be kicking yourself in the *** as to why you didn't get a Dyna in the first place. Also practice, practice and practice in parking lots until you feel comfortable on the road. Do a motorcycle safety course if you can . Good Luck and let us know what you get.
Last edited by bobgv; Jan 20, 2014 at 12:26 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
If by "first bike ever" you mean you have never ridden a motorbike period then personally I don't think you should be looking at Harley's yet. The rule of thumb is to be as safe as possible and one of the biggest factors in being a safe and responsible rider is getting a motorcycle that small and light enough to feel comfortable and confident on. I started out on a 40cc motorbike and went from there. Once those big hogs start to tip over there isn't anything you can do about it.
Last edited by Tailsfrommycrib; Jan 20, 2014 at 10:58 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 459
From: Here and now
On the flip side, I know a gal who's still riding her first bike. A 2004 Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic. She always did just fine on it.
Every individual is different and depending on your own level of fitness and agility, a bigger heavier bike might work just fine.
Every individual is different and depending on your own level of fitness and agility, a bigger heavier bike might work just fine.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Mainah
Both bikes are going to be forgiving, with the fat front end. Go with which one 'speaks' to you. Also, your size should be considered. Make sure you are comfy for more than 20 minutes...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
I can't say I've never ridden as I have been riding something on and off for the last 48 years. However with the GF type having a young daughter who we wanted to initiate into riding, we picked up a couple of Yamaha scooters. I had a Zuma whereas the kiddo had a Spree. The Zuma would out accelerate and go faster with both Laurie and I on it as Ashley could go on the Spree.
That being said, I traded the Zuma and a Warn winch for the down on my 06' Electroglide. It was/is a heavy lumbering beast of burden,(780lbs) but I like it. I've been riding it for the last 4+ years and enjoy every moment on it. Heading out for a ride in a short. Sure I've dropped it a couple few times, but it never fell all the over.
I say buy and ride what you want to ride. If it's bulky and cumbersome, it will in itself keep you riding slower and safer. They all handle differently, so you will have to develop skills for any ride you choose.
My $0.02
aka Bob
That being said, I traded the Zuma and a Warn winch for the down on my 06' Electroglide. It was/is a heavy lumbering beast of burden,(780lbs) but I like it. I've been riding it for the last 4+ years and enjoy every moment on it. Heading out for a ride in a short. Sure I've dropped it a couple few times, but it never fell all the over.
I say buy and ride what you want to ride. If it's bulky and cumbersome, it will in itself keep you riding slower and safer. They all handle differently, so you will have to develop skills for any ride you choose.
My $0.02
aka Bob
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Joe Kucinski
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Northampton
I'm not a fan of buying something small, cheap and used just to get rid of it a season later. Even cheap, it's still money you didn't need to spend. If you want your first bike to be a Harley then buy a Harley. I've been riding bikes my whole life and I've never laid over motorcycle on the street. Dirtbikes and quads are a different story for me. If you take your time, ride within your skill level and spend a few quid for the safety course then you'll be ahead of the game. Buy a few defensive motorcycle riding books/dvd's and employ what you learn. Nothing outbeats experience but the size/type of bike you buy will not change the amount of cell phone idiots trying to turn left on you.
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