Did I make the wrong choice?
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
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From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
ORIGINAL: GringoLoco
x2 on don't ride out of your comfort zone to keep up with the pack. I rode for about 3 years back in high school (1993-1995), and haven't ridden since. Last monday I broke down and went over to Destination Harley in Fife and bought me the last Nightster they had, the shiny black one. Bought it out from under some dude (if you're in here, sorry, lol). Anyways, almost all my friends from work that ride have sport bikes. I've only ridden with one so far, but I told all of them that if they start booking off, don't wait up too long, cause I'll probably just go off tooling around by myself. They don't really understand that while 70mph feels like 35mph on a GSX-R1000, it feels like sky diving on a smaller framed Harley with no windshield, lol. The one dude I did ride with was pretty cool and respected my not wanting to go ***** to the wall. Just make sure its known that you don't enjoy riding fast, or that you don't like speeding, and don't want a ticket.
As for a Sportster being a beginner bike or not, well, I'm sure there are easier bikes to ride (250cc Rebel, or Ninja). Back in high school I learned on a 450cc Suzuki cruiser, then upgraded to a 750cc Kaw cruiser. I was a little nervous buying my Nightster, being 1200cc and a bit heavier, especially since I wasn't able to get into the DMV for a permit until AFTER I bought the bike (big money financing with no test ride. That sucks, lol). At first I was shaky, but after about 100 miles it started clicking. I must say, this bike is probably easier to ride than my old 750 Kawasaki. It's agile, the suspension is well sorted, the only thing that occasionally catches me off guard is that touchy throttle (I thought it was just me until I read this thread). As for being top heavy, well, you can only say that compared to other Harleys, which aren't exactly a representative sample of all bikes. Both of my other two bikes in high school were much more top heavy than my Nightster (granted, the Nightster IS lower than other Sportys). As long as the bike doesn't scare the crap out of you, and you're seeing continual improvement, there's nothing wrong with it as a starter bike. It would only be a problem if it intimidated you to the point where you were too distracted to improve. It sounds like you're catching on fine!
Oh yeah, did you get your Sporty from Destination? I'm extremely impressed with that stealership. That was the most fun I've ever had buying a vehicle. Let me restate that: That was the ONLY fun I've ever had buying a vehicle. Very professional, didn't try to tack on a bunch of crap (of course they offered, but after the first polite "no," I never heard about it again). Every time I've ever bought a car, the sales dude wasn't a car guy, but a sales guy trying to get me for everything I'm worth. My sales dude at Destination (Mike Z.) was a true bike enthusiast. We talked bikes, and it really made the purchase smooth. He even spotted me on the road the other day and remembered my name.
x2 on don't ride out of your comfort zone to keep up with the pack. I rode for about 3 years back in high school (1993-1995), and haven't ridden since. Last monday I broke down and went over to Destination Harley in Fife and bought me the last Nightster they had, the shiny black one. Bought it out from under some dude (if you're in here, sorry, lol). Anyways, almost all my friends from work that ride have sport bikes. I've only ridden with one so far, but I told all of them that if they start booking off, don't wait up too long, cause I'll probably just go off tooling around by myself. They don't really understand that while 70mph feels like 35mph on a GSX-R1000, it feels like sky diving on a smaller framed Harley with no windshield, lol. The one dude I did ride with was pretty cool and respected my not wanting to go ***** to the wall. Just make sure its known that you don't enjoy riding fast, or that you don't like speeding, and don't want a ticket.
As for a Sportster being a beginner bike or not, well, I'm sure there are easier bikes to ride (250cc Rebel, or Ninja). Back in high school I learned on a 450cc Suzuki cruiser, then upgraded to a 750cc Kaw cruiser. I was a little nervous buying my Nightster, being 1200cc and a bit heavier, especially since I wasn't able to get into the DMV for a permit until AFTER I bought the bike (big money financing with no test ride. That sucks, lol). At first I was shaky, but after about 100 miles it started clicking. I must say, this bike is probably easier to ride than my old 750 Kawasaki. It's agile, the suspension is well sorted, the only thing that occasionally catches me off guard is that touchy throttle (I thought it was just me until I read this thread). As for being top heavy, well, you can only say that compared to other Harleys, which aren't exactly a representative sample of all bikes. Both of my other two bikes in high school were much more top heavy than my Nightster (granted, the Nightster IS lower than other Sportys). As long as the bike doesn't scare the crap out of you, and you're seeing continual improvement, there's nothing wrong with it as a starter bike. It would only be a problem if it intimidated you to the point where you were too distracted to improve. It sounds like you're catching on fine!
Oh yeah, did you get your Sporty from Destination? I'm extremely impressed with that stealership. That was the most fun I've ever had buying a vehicle. Let me restate that: That was the ONLY fun I've ever had buying a vehicle. Very professional, didn't try to tack on a bunch of crap (of course they offered, but after the first polite "no," I never heard about it again). Every time I've ever bought a car, the sales dude wasn't a car guy, but a sales guy trying to get me for everything I'm worth. My sales dude at Destination (Mike Z.) was a true bike enthusiast. We talked bikes, and it really made the purchase smooth. He even spotted me on the road the other day and remembered my name.
Where abouts in Tacoma are you?
I work across the street from the Courthouse (Jail) in the 911 building.
Would love to meet up with some of the local folks I talk to here.
OH... and I find that ALL the folks I've dealt with at both Destinations (Fife and Puyallup) remember me each time I'm in there.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
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From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
I'm having a real good time with it. Last nightI took a ride down a real winding road... lots of turns and u-turns, not a lot of speed.Riding alonemeansNo pressure to keep up.And as I always ride with my cellphone I'm never really riding alone. 
I did really well and I LOVE that road. I'm going to ride it again REAL soon. The only problem I had was the sun was going down and was just low enough that it made some of the corners "blind" so, I just slowed a bit more and took them a bit more cautiously. Didn't have any issues at all.
I did really well and I LOVE that road. I'm going to ride it again REAL soon. The only problem I had was the sun was going down and was just low enough that it made some of the corners "blind" so, I just slowed a bit more and took them a bit more cautiously. Didn't have any issues at all.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
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From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
I have found a "solution" of sorts for my touchy throttle. I use an exaggerated wrist down hold on the throttle. That way I can only give it just so much throttle as my wrist will only bend backwards just so far. Once I get to cruising speed, I find I can bring my wrist up some, and its more comfortable. For me, for now this extra wrist down thing keeps me from giving it too much gas, which keeps it from getting away from me.
I'm seeing improvement everytime I go out. I still have to remind myself tolook WHEREI'm going, not look at the road, when I make turns and I do tend to take turns, especially turns off of two lane roads onto two lane roads, a bit more carefully than I should, but apparently I learned the lesson I needed to learn from my fall. It was making a turn from a 2 lane road onto a 2 lane road where I fell. Now I'm very cautious about going around cars especially when making left turns. So, lesson learned.
I have read all the posts in this thread, and I'm going to do my own thing. Unless I do something REALLY stupid, and someone here tells me I've done something really stupid, I'm going to just ignore all the statements about the Sportster not being a beginner's bike. I'm in love, and I have NO intention of giving it up now. I'm hooked Big Time!
I'm seeing improvement everytime I go out. I still have to remind myself tolook WHEREI'm going, not look at the road, when I make turns and I do tend to take turns, especially turns off of two lane roads onto two lane roads, a bit more carefully than I should, but apparently I learned the lesson I needed to learn from my fall. It was making a turn from a 2 lane road onto a 2 lane road where I fell. Now I'm very cautious about going around cars especially when making left turns. So, lesson learned.
I have read all the posts in this thread, and I'm going to do my own thing. Unless I do something REALLY stupid, and someone here tells me I've done something really stupid, I'm going to just ignore all the statements about the Sportster not being a beginner's bike. I'm in love, and I have NO intention of giving it up now. I'm hooked Big Time!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
ORIGINAL: JohnC88
Joan,
I can't add much to what has been said here. You're doing great! Stay positive and keep up the good work!
I will emphasize that you should never, never, never, ride beyond your comfort zone. If it takes you a little longer to reach that comfort zone, so be it. Whether it is speed, freeway, or other locations/situations take them at your own pace. You will get there.
Now go out and continue having fun.
Joan,
I can't add much to what has been said here. You're doing great! Stay positive and keep up the good work!
I will emphasize that you should never, never, never, ride beyond your comfort zone. If it takes you a little longer to reach that comfort zone, so be it. Whether it is speed, freeway, or other locations/situations take them at your own pace. You will get there.
Now go out and continue having fun.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
ORIGINAL: tplyons
Joan,
I started riding this year as well, and frankly have had about the same experiences as you.
At first I was a bit intimidated by the size of the bike. I'm a 20 year old guy weighing in at 154 lbs at 5'7".... I'm small, but wanted a Harley, and this fit me like a glove, so I bought the same bike. Only mine's Fire Red Pearl / Black Pearl.
I had a nice little spill before I took the MSF course. Ironically, almost exactly what you did to yours, except I hit a curb instead of a ditch and landed it in my neighbor's lawn. Scared me off for a bit until I took the MSF course.
Since then, I've had my licence 35 days. I've ridden the bike 850 miles since then. I can't and won't stop except for pouring rain. I've logged highway, city, twisty country roads, milled roads, steel grates and feel more and more confident every day.
I'm loving the forward controls, despite them being the biggest regret about a new bike. It took a little bit to adjust to, but now I can't imagine anything else.
You're happy, therefore you've made a good choice. You may have been able to make a BETTER choice per se, but you love your bike, don't EVER doubt it.
Tim
Joan,
I started riding this year as well, and frankly have had about the same experiences as you.
At first I was a bit intimidated by the size of the bike. I'm a 20 year old guy weighing in at 154 lbs at 5'7".... I'm small, but wanted a Harley, and this fit me like a glove, so I bought the same bike. Only mine's Fire Red Pearl / Black Pearl.
I had a nice little spill before I took the MSF course. Ironically, almost exactly what you did to yours, except I hit a curb instead of a ditch and landed it in my neighbor's lawn. Scared me off for a bit until I took the MSF course.
Since then, I've had my licence 35 days. I've ridden the bike 850 miles since then. I can't and won't stop except for pouring rain. I've logged highway, city, twisty country roads, milled roads, steel grates and feel more and more confident every day.
I'm loving the forward controls, despite them being the biggest regret about a new bike. It took a little bit to adjust to, but now I can't imagine anything else.
You're happy, therefore you've made a good choice. You may have been able to make a BETTER choice per se, but you love your bike, don't EVER doubt it.
Tim
TO ALL MY NEW FRIENDS HERE: Ride Safe! You Folks are sure a great bunch!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
ORIGINAL: StargazerXT12
Destination in Fife??? that perked up my ears. I spend a lot of time (and money) there.
Where abouts in Tacoma are you?
I work across the street from the Courthouse (Jail) in the 911 building.
Would love to meet up with some of the local folks I talk to here.
OH... and I find that ALL the folks I've dealt with at both Destinations (Fife and Puyallup) remember me each time I'm in there.
Destination in Fife??? that perked up my ears. I spend a lot of time (and money) there.
Where abouts in Tacoma are you?
I work across the street from the Courthouse (Jail) in the 911 building.
Would love to meet up with some of the local folks I talk to here.
OH... and I find that ALL the folks I've dealt with at both Destinations (Fife and Puyallup) remember me each time I'm in there.
I JUST got my work schedule changed from Mon/Tues/Weds off to Sat/Sun/Mon off, first time in YEARS that I've had weekends off, so I might actually be able to go out and have a life now, lol.
Yeah, I've spent a buttload of money at the Destination in Fife, but I haven't been to the Destination in Puyallup. I work nights, so even when I manage to get up early, it's still up right at South Hill rush hour.... forget that. I used to live up there, don't think I'll move back now that Meridian is a parking lot in the evening.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 5
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
One other good thing is that you have a narrow frame as compared to some other bikes. This makes the bike much easier to handle in turns. If its going over just gooser her alittle bit and she'll straighten right up. Good riden.
Stage I
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
In my opinion! you have the best beginner bike, and one of the best forever bikes made.
If you are happy with the power, and you should be, you got "da bomb." The injected sporty is smooth, quick, and fuel efficient. The Custom also happens to be the sweetest looking HD built.
If you are happy with the power, and you should be, you got "da bomb." The injected sporty is smooth, quick, and fuel efficient. The Custom also happens to be the sweetest looking HD built.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
Joan, I don't think I'm going to cast any additional light on the subject then what you've already heard but I want to chime in. I'm an older rider (50ish somethink) and started last year with a Honda 250. I was bored with it in about a month (following the safety course). I started working on my wife immediately and started serious shopping last winter. I was just about to sign the contract for a '03 Dyna Super Glide which I was in love with. The salesman was giving me the prepurchase run through of features etc.. I then hit the starter and that big V-Twin started to rumble and I, frankly, got a bit scared. I backed away from it and purchased a '05 883C. What a great choice. I read about all the handling issues and discounted them. Some people just act like "perfection" is the only goal to shoot for. This usually results in overly critical analysis. I learned how to counter steer in the course and I've begun to perfect it. It is the only way I steer. I can drop my Sporty into a curve with a slight push on the grip and it holds the curve like it's on a track. I have gotten used to the bike and am beginning to feel comfortable but not over confident with it.
I too was told that I'd grow out of the bike and I'd want something bigger. I've looked at other Harleys and found that they aren't that much bigger and they are not as quick or nimble as mine. I ride mine to work and for short (50 mile) trips. I will have it for a long time. I'll only look at a heavier Harley if I begin to do some serious touring.
Ride safe.
I too was told that I'd grow out of the bike and I'd want something bigger. I've looked at other Harleys and found that they aren't that much bigger and they are not as quick or nimble as mine. I ride mine to work and for short (50 mile) trips. I will have it for a long time. I'll only look at a heavier Harley if I begin to do some serious touring.
Ride safe.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,502
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in, WA
RE: Did I make the wrong choice?
[quote]ORIGINAL: GringoLoco
I know where that is. Hehehe.
That's great. Destination in Puyallup is going to start having weekend events and rides, plus all the stuff going on at Destination Tacoma. I'm sure we'll get an opportunity to meet up somewhere. I think it would be GREAT!
You should run up there on a weekend. Its a pretty neat place. A lot smaller than Tacoma, and just a bit more "family" if you know what I mean. They are a great bunch of people. I hear that they are going to have their own HOG Chapter and was informed that because I bought my bike there I'll be eligible for a Charter Membership. They are also doing "First Fridays" which is like Taco Thursday. The first friday of every month. I think in July they are actually going to have their first official ride. However, I won't be able to make that one as I'll either be at Gold Mt. Observatory or at Table Mt. Star Party when that one happens. But I will catch the next one.
Hope to see you around. Like I said I'd love to meet up face to face one day soon.
Ride Safe!
I actually live in Fife, by the Puyallup River, but nobody online knows where that is so I just put Tacoma.
I JUST got my work schedule changed from Mon/Tues/Weds off to Sat/Sun/Mon off, first time in YEARS that I've had weekends off, so I might actually be able to go out and have a life now, lol.
I think it would be GREAT!
Yeah, I've spent a buttload of money at the Destination in Fife, but I haven't been to the Destination in Puyallup. I work nights, so even when I manage to get up early, it's still up right at South Hill rush hour.... forget that. I used to live up there, don't think I'll move back now that Meridian is a parking lot in the evening.
Hope to see you around. Like I said I'd love to meet up face to face one day soon.
Ride Safe!