contemplating
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2005
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contemplating
Hey guys,
I'm a total newbie to motorcyles. I had an accident on a quad when I was ten, and never looked at anything like it again. I'm now 28 and want to leave that stupid fear of riding behind me. I figure if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right and start with a H-D. My question is, as a total novice, is this a wise decision; and which one would be a good fit? Thanks!
Troy
I'm a total newbie to motorcyles. I had an accident on a quad when I was ten, and never looked at anything like it again. I'm now 28 and want to leave that stupid fear of riding behind me. I figure if I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it right and start with a H-D. My question is, as a total novice, is this a wise decision; and which one would be a good fit? Thanks!
Troy
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,679
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From:
RE: contemplating
South Texas Welcome!! You have found a great site!
The first thing you should do is to take the basic rider safety course by MSF ( http://www.manys.org/ for New York) where you can learn how to ride and see if this is what you want to do. Typically they supply the motorcycles and helmets and you just need the long sleeve shirt, jeans and boots.
The first thing you should do is to take the basic rider safety course by MSF ( http://www.manys.org/ for New York) where you can learn how to ride and see if this is what you want to do. Typically they supply the motorcycles and helmets and you just need the long sleeve shirt, jeans and boots.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,100
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From: Boerne, Texas (Gods Country)
RE: contemplating
Welcome to the forum.What Tx said is the best advice you can get.The MSF is the way to go.When you finnish you'll be ready to hit the road with confidence.The choice of bike is to each his own IMHO. My neighbor just finneshed with the course 3 weeks ago and bought an ElectraGlide.It's whatever your comfortable with.Just remember there is no bad Harley and go from there.If you can't decide.Go rent the ones you're interested in and check them out.
Goodluck
Craig
Goodluck
Craig
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: contemplating
Thanks guys, I'm checking into the classes right now. As far as selecting a ride, are there things I should consider in terms of power and handeling? Are certain bikes better for the novice rider, or will the class more or less give me a fair start on most bikes?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: contemplating
First off, TW, you are toast. Once you start comtemplating, that's all she wrote!
The advice about the MSF course is the best. Even though you want an HD, you might consider getting a used inexpensive bike to get your wheels on. Since you are new, you will probably drop the bike during your first month of riding so why not drop an old bike.
As far as what bike to get, you need to think about your riding. Are you going to take longer trips, use it for comuting, ride two up often, just toot around town, take only day trips. My point is, buy the bike that fits your riding habits and that YOU think looks the best.
I am always amazed when I go to rallies. People go out and buy big honkin' geezerglides, put them on a trailer, haul them to a rally, ride around town, then trailer the bike home. What's the point?
The advice about the MSF course is the best. Even though you want an HD, you might consider getting a used inexpensive bike to get your wheels on. Since you are new, you will probably drop the bike during your first month of riding so why not drop an old bike.
As far as what bike to get, you need to think about your riding. Are you going to take longer trips, use it for comuting, ride two up often, just toot around town, take only day trips. My point is, buy the bike that fits your riding habits and that YOU think looks the best.
I am always amazed when I go to rallies. People go out and buy big honkin' geezerglides, put them on a trailer, haul them to a rally, ride around town, then trailer the bike home. What's the point?
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: contemplating
ok...total newbie question, but by drop it do you mean while I'm riding it on the street or, just tooling around at home? I would hope that the likelyhood of having that kind of accident while riding on the street isn't a normal thing!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: contemplating
Craig, your response reminded me that a couple of guys that took the MSF course the same time I did had gotten wrong size bikes. This small, older gentlemen (5'6", 120 lbs if he was lucky and late 60's) who had bought a screamin eagle deuce (I think everything on the bike said screamin eagle) and a 'kid' who was bigger than me (he was mid 20's, over 6'4" 250+ lbs) and had picked up a 1200C sporty... By the end of the course they had actually worked out a trade based on what each had paid the dealer and it worked out great for both!!
David
David
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: contemplating
I don't know if it is still true, but we were told that most 'oops drops' happen going less than 5 mph and while parking or from parking. The most common area was a parking lot with the second most common (within a few percentage points of the first) happened in the garage or driveway. Don't worry about it though, it's no big deal. I think the more bikes you own the less likely you are to drop your latest one (I hope anyway...).
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: contemplating
Many new riders will drop the bike when they are doing very low speed manuvers. Never anything serious, they just either turn to sharply or lose their balance. Low speed manuvers are the most difficult to learn because the technique doesn't come naturally, it has to be learned and practiced. When you drop a piece of crap bike, you just duct tape what ever is broken. Once you get the bike moving at speed, then chances of losing it become less.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2005
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RE: contemplating
thanks guys! I really appreciate all the advice. I'll be sheduling the MSF course for mid July, and go from there. I've been looking at the Sportster 1200 Custom, I'll let you guys know what happens.
Best!
Troy
Best!
Troy