Heritage As First Bike???
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Heritage As First Bike???
First of all, I'm new to this group and I don't even own my first bike yet. I'm still in the research phase but I like the Heritage Softail Classic. I was told by my local dealer that I should probably start with I smaller bike, and I probably would if I wasn't married. I want a bike that my wife could ride on with me and still be comfortable. I understand that a smaller bike may be easier to learn on, but I don't want to kick myself later for not buying what I really want in the first place. Any suggestions?
Bob
Bob
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
Depends, how big are you? Do you have any experiance? Have you, or are you planning on taking the motorcycle riding course? I'd buy the bike, but wouldn't do any two up riding untill you are really comfortable.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
The Heritage is a great bike. I am on my second one. I have owned everything from a Sportster to an Electraglide and I find the Heritage to be the easiest to ride and handle. It is a great all around bike. A few years ago I took a coast to coast ride on my Heritage. I rode 7000 miles, sometimes up to 600 miles a day, and on the stock seat. I put an H-D Sundowner seat on the Heritage I have now and love it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
I think the Heritage is a pretty good bike to start out on. I've never ridden one but I have sat on them and they feel well balanced and not too heavy. I guess the question you need to ask yourself is, How do you feel on it? Does it feel comfortable to you and are the bars and foot pegs in the right location for your arm length and inseam. I'd suggest you sit on every Harley in the line up just to see how you feel on them and how they fit you. Only you can answer it.
As far as starting on a bike that's too big or too heavy, keep in mind, the bike isn't going to get any smaller or lighter and unless you start growing, it's always going to be too big and heavy. You should get what you feel confident and comfortable on. As far as riding with your wife on board, I'd give it sometime and really learn how to handle the bike alone first. Don't forget if you have to make an emergency or quick reaction maneuver, it's harder with someone on the back. It takes practice and a lot of seat time. The best thing you can do is be smart about your bike selection and take your time when learning how to ride. Take a safety course and it will all come together. Good luck and ride safe!
As far as starting on a bike that's too big or too heavy, keep in mind, the bike isn't going to get any smaller or lighter and unless you start growing, it's always going to be too big and heavy. You should get what you feel confident and comfortable on. As far as riding with your wife on board, I'd give it sometime and really learn how to handle the bike alone first. Don't forget if you have to make an emergency or quick reaction maneuver, it's harder with someone on the back. It takes practice and a lot of seat time. The best thing you can do is be smart about your bike selection and take your time when learning how to ride. Take a safety course and it will all come together. Good luck and ride safe!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
The first bike I ever rode was the Heritage I bought last year (age 58, 6'). I'm really glad I started with the Heritage. It was the bike I wanted, and it saved me the hassle of buying and selling a starter bike. It was a handful the first few times I rode it, but it only took a few weeks before I started feeling comfortable.
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
Hi, I am 5' 8" and I bought a Heirtage Classic in June. I am 77 years old and not nearly as strong as I used to be. I have ridden Harleys for a long time so learning to ride was not a consideration. The bike is just perfect for me. It's big enough to be very comfortable and it is easy to handle if I pay close attention to what I am doing.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
There is no reason not to start with a Heritage. They balance well, have a low center of gravity, and are easy to handle.
You would be well advised to take a Motorcycle Rider's Course before riding, and as someone mentioned, buy a small, cheap bike to ride around until you get your confidence before riding your new Heritage. You might even want to keep the cheap one in case your wife decides she wants to ride her own.
My wife rides a Heritage, and she previously rode a Lowrider. She thinks that the Heritage is actually easier to handle than the Lowrider because of the center of gravity even though it is a bigger, heavier bike.
Just my opinion for what it's worth.
Regards,
Bill
PS. Your dealer would recommend a smaller bike because he knows that if you are wanting a Heritage, it is just a matter of time before you have to have one. This will let him sell you another bike while raping you on the trade-in of your smaller bike.
You would be well advised to take a Motorcycle Rider's Course before riding, and as someone mentioned, buy a small, cheap bike to ride around until you get your confidence before riding your new Heritage. You might even want to keep the cheap one in case your wife decides she wants to ride her own.
My wife rides a Heritage, and she previously rode a Lowrider. She thinks that the Heritage is actually easier to handle than the Lowrider because of the center of gravity even though it is a bigger, heavier bike.
Just my opinion for what it's worth.
Regards,
Bill
PS. Your dealer would recommend a smaller bike because he knows that if you are wanting a Heritage, it is just a matter of time before you have to have one. This will let him sell you another bike while raping you on the trade-in of your smaller bike.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Brookville, Ohio
RE: Heritage As First Bike???
Get the Heritage. If you have ridden before the Heritage will feel just fine. I got mine in March '05 and had not been on a bike in 20 years (5'7", 55 years and 175 pounds). I've got 6200 miles on it now. After getting the informational instructions from my dealer I sat in the lot with the engine warming up. When it was time to go, I went. It just felt natural. The Heritage is a big bike but it handles so well you don't even notice the weight. If you are a new rider, get the Heritage anyway! Like the others said, get a smaller cheaper bike for the MSF course etc.