Mar 17, 2015, 02:13 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
First bike? Found out what some experienced riders suggested to first timers.
• Sportster – Pros and Cons
• What are your plans with the bike
• Height and weight
• Safety
These are just some things you need to consider before making a move.
Read full discussion below.
• Sportster – Pros and Cons
• What are your plans with the bike
• Height and weight
• Safety
These are just some things you need to consider before making a move.
Read full discussion below.
First bike for beginner
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 8
From: Powder Springs, GA
I agree within reason. Stay away from a full dresser if you've never ridden before, but don't wast cash on something you don't want. If you do want a "learning bike" buy the cheapest thing you can find. A $2000 bike wont go down much in value in a year. But like the others have said, take the course! Also, be sure to start slow. Spend lots of practice time in parking lots or whatever and get VERY comfortable with your bike. Would be a great idea to rent one to make sure you get something that fits you. As far as what bike to get? Well that all depends on what you like, and what ridding you want to do. You'll have to figure that one out on your own. I know I made about 20 visits to the dealer before I finally pulled the trigger...
Last edited by 2006FLST; Mar 16, 2012 at 12:29 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 800
Likes: 75
From:
my first bike was an 03 fatboy. I thought it was really heavy. Dropped it a couple of times but kept on going. Now its the one of the easiest bikes to ride. took the ride like a pro class and never dropped it. So I agree get what you want. Not sure if i would get an ultra though for my first bike
I agree,
Take your time, maybe rent out a few and see which one feels best. I have been riding bikes for most of my years and use to motocross race, then went onto quads and finally when I got my license I jumped onto the crotch rocket phase. I am glad I left that and bought a Harley, and when it came to choosing the right one I just went for the one that felt right for me, and since then I have really enjoyed riding Harleys over any other bike.
If money is an issue, pick up a second hand bike as most advise, which is a cheap way to start off plus you wont loose much when you want to sell it to upgrade.
Take your time, maybe rent out a few and see which one feels best. I have been riding bikes for most of my years and use to motocross race, then went onto quads and finally when I got my license I jumped onto the crotch rocket phase. I am glad I left that and bought a Harley, and when it came to choosing the right one I just went for the one that felt right for me, and since then I have really enjoyed riding Harleys over any other bike.
If money is an issue, pick up a second hand bike as most advise, which is a cheap way to start off plus you wont loose much when you want to sell it to upgrade.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 120
Likes: 2
From: Jeddo, TX
Hey y'all, look at his username: hogfinaticxxx.
How could you tell him to buy anything but a Harley?
If he's the least bit coordinated there is no reason he should be on anything but a Harley.
Ithink the best advice so far is the "buy used, upgrade next year".
My first Harley was a 1997 Softail Heritage Springer, white with red scallop.
How could you tell him to buy anything but a Harley?
If he's the least bit coordinated there is no reason he should be on anything but a Harley.
Ithink the best advice so far is the "buy used, upgrade next year".
My first Harley was a 1997 Softail Heritage Springer, white with red scallop.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 595
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I bought a Heritage in '09 as my first ever motorcycle and I have been fine. But I'm not a small person and took an MSF class before I bought it...I obsessed over Harleys for so long that I couldn't take it anymore. Most family and friends told me not to do it (except for Dad)...they don't know what they're missing!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 4
From: Sunny South Florida
Go to the dealer and rent a bike and ride it for a weekend. If you like it, take note of what it was and rent another until you find THE bike for you. A $200 weekend rental is much cheaper than buying a small bike that you are not happy with and getting stuck not being able to sell it or getting too much bike for you and being afraid to ride it or worse getting hurt trying to.
Personally I like the buy a beater and get some experience posts. Nothing will teach you more than seat time. Do it on something cheap and if you go down, replace it.
Just ride safe.
Personally I like the buy a beater and get some experience posts. Nothing will teach you more than seat time. Do it on something cheap and if you go down, replace it.
Just ride safe.
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Monrovia, Ca
All I can do is offer my experience to you.
I purchased my first street bike 8 weeks ago. I bought an 07 Softail Deluxe from my local dealer. My experience was limited to riding friend's dirt bikes as a kid and taking my own dirt bike out a whopping 3 times before selling it.
I am totally happy with my choice. I appreciate a wide range of bikes, but at some point the Harley became all I wanted. They are big, powerful machines. But, to me, they are solid, stable and predictable. I ride every chance I get. I started out riding in my neighborhood until I felt comfortable with all the controls and basic dynamics of the bike. I am still taking baby steps as far as where I will ride and when I will ride.
For What it is worth, I have a neighbor that has 30 years of experience riding Harleys. Riding and Harleys are his life. He went on an hour ride with me to observe. He gave me a couple little tips and stated, "you ride like that has been your bike for 20 years".
For me, the learning has been fun and rewarding. If you have an aptitude for riding, start out slow, have respect for the machine and the fools in the cars around you, you will be fine with any Harley you choose.
Good luck!
Mike
I purchased my first street bike 8 weeks ago. I bought an 07 Softail Deluxe from my local dealer. My experience was limited to riding friend's dirt bikes as a kid and taking my own dirt bike out a whopping 3 times before selling it.
I am totally happy with my choice. I appreciate a wide range of bikes, but at some point the Harley became all I wanted. They are big, powerful machines. But, to me, they are solid, stable and predictable. I ride every chance I get. I started out riding in my neighborhood until I felt comfortable with all the controls and basic dynamics of the bike. I am still taking baby steps as far as where I will ride and when I will ride.
For What it is worth, I have a neighbor that has 30 years of experience riding Harleys. Riding and Harleys are his life. He went on an hour ride with me to observe. He gave me a couple little tips and stated, "you ride like that has been your bike for 20 years".
For me, the learning has been fun and rewarding. If you have an aptitude for riding, start out slow, have respect for the machine and the fools in the cars around you, you will be fine with any Harley you choose.
Good luck!
Mike