Good First Bike?
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
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Good First Bike?
After years of dreaming about it, I've decided to take a riding class, get my operators license and buy my first Harley. I love the classic cruisers and am thinkin of getting a used Softail Special Deluxe (Blue & White two-tone if I can find it).
I'd love something with a set of wide whitewalls on a spoke rims, long duals exhausts with fishtails and a single saddle. I love that look and I love the low riding position; maybe even a set of beach bars.
My questions are (1) is this a good bike for a first time rider (I'm 5'10", and about 225 lbs), (2) since I don't want to start with a new bike, what years should I be looking at in terms of build quality and reliability and (3) Is it better to go through a dealer or should I be considering some of the offerings on ebay. It seems like eBay has some really great looking, low-mileage bikes that don't seem too expensive. Which brings up my last question, how much should I expect to spend on a low to medium mileage used bike that's been well cared for and heavily chromed?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Andy.
I'd love something with a set of wide whitewalls on a spoke rims, long duals exhausts with fishtails and a single saddle. I love that look and I love the low riding position; maybe even a set of beach bars.
My questions are (1) is this a good bike for a first time rider (I'm 5'10", and about 225 lbs), (2) since I don't want to start with a new bike, what years should I be looking at in terms of build quality and reliability and (3) Is it better to go through a dealer or should I be considering some of the offerings on ebay. It seems like eBay has some really great looking, low-mileage bikes that don't seem too expensive. Which brings up my last question, how much should I expect to spend on a low to medium mileage used bike that's been well cared for and heavily chromed?
Thanks for any advice and help.
Andy.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
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From: Western, MA.
RE: Good First Bike?
Softail Special Deluxe will be a fine choice! I've seen plenty of women riding bigger Softails and if they can handle them so could a new rider.
One of my best friends is 5'7", 170 pounds and he can handle the Deluxe with no problems.
Good luck! [sm=deal.gif]
One of my best friends is 5'7", 170 pounds and he can handle the Deluxe with no problems.
Good luck! [sm=deal.gif]
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: Good First Bike?
Deluxe is no womans bike....Its just manly women riding them...
I hear people say its a woman's bike but I am yet to see any women riding them in my area..
Its a great frist time bike...Get it if you like it.
I hear people say its a woman's bike but I am yet to see any women riding them in my area..
Its a great frist time bike...Get it if you like it.
RE: Good First Bike?
The deluxe is a great bike and there are some real good deals on low mileage bikes around. Its now late in the season on the East coast and prices will fall even more soon. You will save a bunch on a good used deluxe. You can check e bay and if you want stick to the bikes with in driving distance unless you want to have one delivered to you there are plenty of places that will pick up a bike and deliver to you. i shipped one from Connecticut to south Carolina the buyer paid about $450.00
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Good First Bike?
Nikon - your bike looks incredible. That's the look I'm going for. Thanks for the feedback and advice.
Andy.
Andy.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
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RE: Good First Bike?
Don't let the comments about it being a chick bike bother you, these are going to come from folks who think black spray paint makes them look mean. They have a complex about a bike that takes the thunder away from theirs. The Deluxe, like Nikons, will make everyone stare in your direction. I was just like you 15 months ago, I wanted a bike but did not know which kind except that it had to be 50s era classic look. I never ridden anything on 2 wheels that was motorized except a scooter when I was young. One day I saw a couple cruising down a street on a blue and white beauty. Well that same day I went straight to the dealer and fell in love.
As far as used Deluxes---'05 was the first year for them, and the blue and white was that years. The 06 and 07 are somewhat purple in the sun, but still look good. Nothing Harley is cheap--(unless you spray paint your bike black)-- so whatever you buy, new or used, if you want the custom look(like Nikons) get ready to shell out serious cash. My 2pennies...
p.s. i almost bought the Train for the black look
p.s.s. thinking it will save me money.
As far as used Deluxes---'05 was the first year for them, and the blue and white was that years. The 06 and 07 are somewhat purple in the sun, but still look good. Nothing Harley is cheap--(unless you spray paint your bike black)-- so whatever you buy, new or used, if you want the custom look(like Nikons) get ready to shell out serious cash. My 2pennies...
p.s. i almost bought the Train for the black look
p.s.s. thinking it will save me money.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Good First Bike?
Enzo - I kinda like the blue/white combination. I also really like the Heritage Springer in red/white.
Mean - Damn Man! That's gorgeous!
It'll take me some time to get my permit and then I want to ride some bikes before I make a decision, but I'm already sold on the Heritage. I just love that look. Plus, I'm kinda looking forward to fabricating some custom chrome parts in my metal shop and making the bike my own.
Andy.
Mean - Damn Man! That's gorgeous!
It'll take me some time to get my permit and then I want to ride some bikes before I make a decision, but I'm already sold on the Heritage. I just love that look. Plus, I'm kinda looking forward to fabricating some custom chrome parts in my metal shop and making the bike my own.
Andy.