Hello all just want to know if a 2008 softtail deluxe is a good bike for a first time ridder.Already took the the class and passed.I only want to buy a bike 1 time and not out grow it in a year or two.Thank You all for your input.

 

I just got mine about three months ago and it was my first bike also. I love my deluxe and I cant see myself growing out of it for a long time if ever. I might get another bike eventually but I cant see getting rid of my baby. I have to say that she was a little heavy at first but you get used to that in a couple of days. I say go for it. My favorite part is everyone asking me what year the bike is... everyone thinks shes a vintage collectors bike... I just cant wait till she actually is !!!

Here is the future owner of my deluxe my son Collin with his sister Lauren on back.

Good luck with whatever bike you get and ride safe !!!



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I have a fatboy not my first bike but you will be fine just take it easy and practice before you jump on the highway.

 

Deluxe is an easy riding bike. Just take it easy the fist several times on the bike and get used to the weight and the power before cranking on the throttle.

I started with a Suzuki M50 800cc, the Deluxe is a better handling bike. I only had the M50 a couple of months before getting the Deluxe. I was very intimidated at first when I picked up the bike from the stealer, took a few laps around the parking lot before hitting the streets and I was hooked right away. It was so much easier to ride, its like comparing the M50 to a manual steering car and a the deluxe with car with power steering.

My only complaint is the heat from the engine, 07's run hot as they run very lean from the factory. I assume that the 08's are the same. I solved this problem with a Stage1, muffler slip-ons and going synthetic oil. Runs much cooler now.

You'll have many years of enjoyment from the bike.

 

The Deluxe isn't my first Harley, but I must say I find it very easy to handle. Low saddle height, and easy to reach controls, and great balance. Might not fit you well if you are over six feet though. Good luck

 

maybe you should rent one and a few others before you decide.

 

I bought my 06 Deluxe 3 days after completing the MSF course. It's my first bike and am only 5'5".

 

Lexi,I do not know how tall you are, but the Deluxe hasa low seat height and is very comfortable for both the short and taller rider.My experiences were similar to momoharley's. I owned a C50 Suzuki cruiser as my first bike and only kept it a few months. It was a nice riding bike, but the Deluxe is much better due, I believe the extra weight, power and superior brakes. Just take your time and get used to how the bike handles, corners etc. out of traffic. I think and hope that youwill love the bike and should not outgrow it. Good luck.

Dlrshort

 

tlb, I like your "soft tail".

As far as the Deluxe, it is my 2nd Harley (and 4th street bike), it is a very easy bike and is incedibly well balanced. The power delivery is very smooth and it handles quite well at anything over 5-10mph. Honestly it is an easier bike overall to ride than the 1200R Sportster I had due to a much lower center of gravity (although the Sportster was a bit more "fun" becuase it was lighter and was more "flikable" in corners). The only thing you will need to get used to is the way it handles at slow speeds like in parking lots, when turning at very low speeds you will feel the weight of the bike and it may take you a bit to get used to since it is your first bike, but a few days of practice and you'll be good to go.

The only thing you may outgrow is the size of the bike itself. The Deluxe has a very low seat height and if you are tall you may want to consider having the seat modded to move you back or getting extended forward controls.

 

The Deluxe was the first bike my wife had ever ridden after the MSF course. She started last year at age 56, and loves riding the Deluxe. She even asks me to go riding now, instead of the other way around. in that one year, she has over 5000 miles logged, Not bad for a beginner...