Purchasing My First Harley
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toledo
Purchasing My First Harley
Hey everyone, I'm a relatively new rider, only been riding for about 3 years now. My first bike was a Ducate Monster 750, but I quickly outgrew the street bike phase. It was an uncomfortable bike for someone who is 6'2" and 190 lbs. I am going to be buying my first Harley but am looking for some advice.
I test rode the fat boy lo, vrod and the street bob to get a feel for the different families. VROD is too sporty and the fat boy lo felt like I was driving a lounge chair. The street bob was a truly fun bike, but I plan on taking this bike on 240 mile round trip hauls and want something a little more comfortable (storage is not an issue, definitely don't want a bagger).
Trying to find a bike that mixed comfort and handling, I settled on the softail slim and the blackline. Both pricey bikes but cost isn't a huge issue. Any thoughts between the two, is softail even the family for me?
I test rode the fat boy lo, vrod and the street bob to get a feel for the different families. VROD is too sporty and the fat boy lo felt like I was driving a lounge chair. The street bob was a truly fun bike, but I plan on taking this bike on 240 mile round trip hauls and want something a little more comfortable (storage is not an issue, definitely don't want a bagger).
Trying to find a bike that mixed comfort and handling, I settled on the softail slim and the blackline. Both pricey bikes but cost isn't a huge issue. Any thoughts between the two, is softail even the family for me?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I'm sure the Heritage guys and gals will be chiming in. For the kind of riding you describe, a Heritage or Heritage Deluxe will probably be the way to go. JMHO. Welocme to the Forum and good riding!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 974
Likes: 4
From: Utah
Yep, thats is what I would recommend you try for what your saying. Bottom line though is what you like. Just take your time.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 242
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From: Culpeper, VA
I'm 6'1" and around 200 and I completely understand. Putting bar risers on my Ducati Hyper bc I feel giant on it. I LOVE the room and relaxed yet still sporty feel of the my Deuce and you can certainly lean it over. You looking for used? If so looks like there's a Deuce in your area (yes, I'm Deuce biased): http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2...euce-103669567
EDIT: Oh, but I DO have forward controls! Likely necessary for a tall guy.
EDIT: Oh, but I DO have forward controls! Likely necessary for a tall guy.
Last edited by Liberator; Aug 1, 2012 at 05:17 PM.
Welcome to HDF and you can guess what my recommendation might be! At the end of the day, it has to be the one you like..in style, ride, fit, etc... I'm with Mark H, take your time and enjoy the search!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Also 6'2" 190 - any of the bikes mentioned will feel better and fit better with different bars and seat. Especially on long rides. Taller bars and a seat that sits you back a bit and lower works best "for me".
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: n
I love my Heritage and am partial to them, but my advice is to find the bike you like the best, ride it and be absolutely comfortable with it the moment you get on it. Don't settle for something that you think will work or you can get used to or spend another small fortune making it comfortable. That was my Road King experiment, I knew it wasn't for me when I bought it and 3 years later I still didn't like it. Hence, the Heritage. Good luck with choice and enjoy the ride.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
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From: Omaha
I just went through the same thing as you. I wanted my first Harley one that I could cruise the streets with as well one that was tolerable on a long run. After much reading, test riding, and talking with friends I chose a 2009 Heritage. I went used because it only has 8000 miles on it and over $3,500 worth of add-ons, most of which I would chose as well. Not to mention the out the door price was about $4,000 less than new. In the end what really sold me was it just felt right for me. I'll add that I'm 5'8" so the low seat stance for me was a plus and at the age of 50, I was looking for something classic and simple.
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Toledo
I'm not sure how well this comment will be received (my apologies in advance), but I've never been a big fan of the heritage or the deluxe. I prefer a leaner looking bike and feel like the deluxe and heritage are all about flash and chrome. I've only heard great things about them and have actually been told by a few friends to check them out, but while the ride may please me the aethetics just don't do it for me. Now my goal is to try and balance comfort and practicality with looks.
Another note, most of my riding will be city driving, but I'd like something that won't be terribly uncomfortable if I decide to go on a haul.
Thanks everyone for responding so far, I really appreciate your words of wisdom and for welcoming me to HDForums!
Another note, most of my riding will be city driving, but I'd like something that won't be terribly uncomfortable if I decide to go on a haul.
Thanks everyone for responding so far, I really appreciate your words of wisdom and for welcoming me to HDForums!