Advice, First time rider
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 0
From: Great Falls, Va.
RE: Advice, First time rider
You'll get wet on any motorcycle in the rain, and cold in the winter. With that joke out of the way, there is plenty of gear out there to "soften the blow".
Oh, and a 1200 would probably be more desirable, as many want the xtra power and tourqe. Either way, take the course and sit on a few bikes for fit; you'll come to your own conclusion.
[IMG]local://upfiles/48168/699618B92D954883A5F082AC8F649229.jpg[/IMG]
Oh, and a 1200 would probably be more desirable, as many want the xtra power and tourqe. Either way, take the course and sit on a few bikes for fit; you'll come to your own conclusion. [IMG]local://upfiles/48168/699618B92D954883A5F082AC8F649229.jpg[/IMG]
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: katy, tx
RE: Advice, First time rider
im 6 1 160 my sporty is kinda cramped until i get on the highway then i just lay my legs on top of my pegs works fine
heres what i did i bought a used 06 883c with a thousand miles on it plenty of power for me
but now that i am so used to it i want more power so im gonna get the big bore kit
best thing though is do what everyone else said go sit on a few and take the course. if you have never ridden before then you dont know if you will like it so the course is the beggining of the journey have fun happy shopping
heres what i did i bought a used 06 883c with a thousand miles on it plenty of power for me
but now that i am so used to it i want more power so im gonna get the big bore kit
best thing though is do what everyone else said go sit on a few and take the course. if you have never ridden before then you dont know if you will like it so the course is the beggining of the journey have fun happy shopping
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 3
From: Houston, Texas
RE: Advice, First time rider
This is my impression of a sportster. I am 5'11" and 215 lbs. I am a first time rider. The first time i ever sat on a bike was when i took the riders course at my local dealership. Then i went home and got on my sporster; a 07 1200C. It felt topheavy to me and it has a lot of low end torgue. I practiced 2 months in parking lots and on deserted side streets on sunday mornings till i got really comfortable with my bike. I havent looked back since. I love my bike and for me, it definitely has enough get up and go.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque Area
RE: Advice, First time rider
I love my Sportster, but.....
I've ridden since I was 13 years old and all types and sizes of bike. A Harley Sportster is not a bike for a first ride. It is heavy and it is powerful and not quite as responsive in a quick braking or swerving situation you may encounter. I would start with something much smaller and lighter like the Honda Rebel 250 to get your road experience then move up when you have become road hardened.
My 2 cents.
I've ridden since I was 13 years old and all types and sizes of bike. A Harley Sportster is not a bike for a first ride. It is heavy and it is powerful and not quite as responsive in a quick braking or swerving situation you may encounter. I would start with something much smaller and lighter like the Honda Rebel 250 to get your road experience then move up when you have become road hardened.
My 2 cents.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
RE: Advice, First time rider
Fellow mid-lifer here...Either you are very practical and take your time, rent, buy used, really figure out if you want to commit to a bike, or you are impulsive and just get something because you can.
As far as experience, I grew up with a bike on the farm, but never rode on the road until January. As far as size, I am 5'10" and 195. The 1200N is not a chick bike. I think the 1200 is just a better investment than the 883 if you can swing it.
I saw the Nightster and got into it without really looking into it. Now, I need to look at getting something for two-up (Road King).
Be impulsive or be practical. Either way, the bike is a blast.
As far as experience, I grew up with a bike on the farm, but never rode on the road until January. As far as size, I am 5'10" and 195. The 1200N is not a chick bike. I think the 1200 is just a better investment than the 883 if you can swing it.
I saw the Nightster and got into it without really looking into it. Now, I need to look at getting something for two-up (Road King).
Be impulsive or be practical. Either way, the bike is a blast.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 848
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Advice, First time rider
I live in CT so I have the same weather as you in NJ. Here is the deal.. regardless of what some people will tell you.
The end of November, all of December, January, February and some of March will be too cold to ride. I think for most of us if the temp is under 45 its not comfortable to ride.
Regarding what bike to purchase... pass the safety course and sit on a bunch of bikes. Until you get your full license you will not be able to test drive anything. If you are interested in a Sportster go for a 1200. The 883 is fine but as soon as you get it you will be itching to bump it up to a 1200.
The sportster is a great bike. Its not a starter bike. The Rebel 250 of the Intruder 250 or the Ninja 250 are starter bikes. BTW.. the Ninja 250 is pretty kick *** for a 250. I had one as my first bike and I actually miss it. Its really fun shifting at 10K+ and having a 6 speed and great brakes.
Take your time and look around. I love my Sportster.
The end of November, all of December, January, February and some of March will be too cold to ride. I think for most of us if the temp is under 45 its not comfortable to ride.
Regarding what bike to purchase... pass the safety course and sit on a bunch of bikes. Until you get your full license you will not be able to test drive anything. If you are interested in a Sportster go for a 1200. The 883 is fine but as soon as you get it you will be itching to bump it up to a 1200.
The sportster is a great bike. Its not a starter bike. The Rebel 250 of the Intruder 250 or the Ninja 250 are starter bikes. BTW.. the Ninja 250 is pretty kick *** for a 250. I had one as my first bike and I actually miss it. Its really fun shifting at 10K+ and having a 6 speed and great brakes.
Take your time and look around. I love my Sportster.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: St. Johns, Fl
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, AK
RE: Advice, First time rider
Dude. I'm 300#. I test drove a sporty 1200 and the damn thing almost came out from under me. I grew up on a KE 100 the yamaha 360. That 12 kicks but look at the Road Kings.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Advice, First time rider
Being a first time Harley owner I can tell you what works for me. I have ridden dirt bikes all my life and been on a couple metrics. When it came time to buy I looked and sat on a lot of bikes. I ended up buying a 1200c and have no regrets. I can handle it pretty well and just take it easy. I am 6'1" and go about 170 soaking wet with all my clothes on. It has plenty of power, fits me great, and drives nice. Couldn't be happier with my choice. It took a little getting used to but I am comfortable on it. A guy who works for me and has been riding for 40 plus years suggested I get something a little bigger than I thought I needed. Went on to say that I would be glad very soon that I did. He was right as far as I am concerned. Did the MSFafter riding for a couple weeks and passed easy. Learned a lot of things that I would have really had no idea about.
Bottom line get what feels comfortable and know that you can always upgrade. You won't be sorry with the 1200.