Heritage a good first bike?
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 261
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From: New Lenox, IL
Heritage a good first bike?
Hi guys, I've been lurking for a while but now I'm hopping you can help me out a bit. I suppose I fairly common in that I've wanted a Harley all my life but family obligations allways seemed to get in the way. Now I'm finally set to make my first purchase and was originally going to get a new Ultra Classic Electra Glide. But, now I'm thinking that maybe I would be better off with a used Heritage until I get more experience. I haven't ridden in the last 25 years and never on the road. So what does everyone think, would a Heritage make a good first bike?
George.
George.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,033
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RE: Heritage a good first bike?
My first Harley was a Heritage Softail Classic and I love it. You might think about taking a MSF course and then test ride a few bikes. But alot depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing i.e. touring, short rides, etc. Good Luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 13
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
They are excellent bikes, that is what I bought, there is lot's of goodies for them, and they are big enough to pack 2 up no problem. They are a + bike in my opinion, then, i discovered a RK/custom, so, now, I've got 2.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 261
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From: New Lenox, IL
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
ORIGINAL: not2kool
My first Harley was a Heritage Softail Classic and I love it. You might think about taking a MSF course and then test ride a few bikes. But alot depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing i.e. touring, short rides, etc. Good Luck
My first Harley was a Heritage Softail Classic and I love it. You might think about taking a MSF course and then test ride a few bikes. But alot depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing i.e. touring, short rides, etc. Good Luck
Thanks for the advise guys.
George.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 47
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From:
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
The Heritage is a great bike, big enough for the open road and handles great in town. Like nightrider2 said, there are alot of great add on's for the Heritage. I went to my local dealer last year to buy an Electra Glide and rode out on a Heritage. Good luck with which ever bike you buy!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
My 08 Heritage was my first street bike. I rode dirt bikes a bit in my teens over 30 years ago. Took the MSF course and figured I'd take my time deciding ona bike. One day in Oct the wife and I decided to stop in at a Harley dealer just to look around. Originally thought about a 1200 sportster. But 2up ruled that out. (haven't talked my wife into her own yet) I then sat on different bikes. RK was a bit high, but the soft tail fit me just right. Two hours later I was the proud owner of one.
First time out with it was quite intimidating, after taking the course on a 200 suzuki.But after 500 miles I'm feeling much more comfortable. I've had to muscle it a couple times when it almost tippedso I'll beglad when I get the engine/bagguards on. It sure gives me a lot of respect for women who can handlebikes this big.
If I can handle this I could've handled an Ultra(which I mayget myself some day). I think it's just a matter of taking your time and riding w/i the limits of your skill level. Are you getting the ABS on the Ultra. Seems like a great thing to have.
If you really want to get a practice bike why not go for something alot cheaper than the Heritage. Then when you move up to the Ultra you can keep it as a second bike for around town or for the wife.
Good Luck.
First time out with it was quite intimidating, after taking the course on a 200 suzuki.But after 500 miles I'm feeling much more comfortable. I've had to muscle it a couple times when it almost tippedso I'll beglad when I get the engine/bagguards on. It sure gives me a lot of respect for women who can handlebikes this big.
If I can handle this I could've handled an Ultra(which I mayget myself some day). I think it's just a matter of taking your time and riding w/i the limits of your skill level. Are you getting the ABS on the Ultra. Seems like a great thing to have.
If you really want to get a practice bike why not go for something alot cheaper than the Heritage. Then when you move up to the Ultra you can keep it as a second bike for around town or for the wife.
Good Luck.
Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Northern Indiana
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
I think that the Heritage Classic is a good bang for your buck. Includes windshield, bags and a backrest. These are all good to have and yet easy enough to take off if you don't. Plus big enough for two-up riding with some comfort.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
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From: Franklin, TN
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
I guess I'm just too damned old to understand guys going out and buying one of the largest bikes made as there first bike.
That bike weighs 750lbs give or take and if it starts to go over forget it, it's going.
In my opinion you would be better off getting a small metric and learning to ride after taking the MSF cource. These things can bedangerous to an experienced rider and disastrous to one with no experience.
If you must start at the top, be careful and take baby steps. I went through at least 5 smaller bikes before going to a large bike and so far no crashes to speak of. (Knock Wood)
Good luck,
Marsh
That bike weighs 750lbs give or take and if it starts to go over forget it, it's going.
In my opinion you would be better off getting a small metric and learning to ride after taking the MSF cource. These things can bedangerous to an experienced rider and disastrous to one with no experience.
If you must start at the top, be careful and take baby steps. I went through at least 5 smaller bikes before going to a large bike and so far no crashes to speak of. (Knock Wood)
Good luck,
Marsh
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
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From:
RE: Heritage a good first bike?
If you can afford it get the Heritage. It is just a loaded softail. It will save you from buying up later. Take a riding class and be willing to learn. I rode off and on for 16 years starting with a 500cc Kawasaki. The only advantage to learning on a small bike is it is a bit easier to countersteer and throw it into a corner. On a big bike you just need to be a bit more aware on your slow speed handling and learn how to properly use your rear brake and clutch for handling.
Get the "Ride Like a Pro" dvd and don't be a footdragger.
Get the "Ride Like a Pro" dvd and don't be a footdragger.