It's a New World
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
It's a New World
Disclaimer. I have never owned a motorcycle, and have only took one for a spin on a couple of occasions.
However, I'm seriously looking into getting a harley. I'm pretty sure I want a sportster but am not entirely set on it. What kind of bike would you recommend for a complete beginner? Should I buy new or used? Price is not a huge factor, but I'm kinda looking into the $7,000-$9,000 range. Any tips and/or advice would be much appreciated.
THANKS!
However, I'm seriously looking into getting a harley. I'm pretty sure I want a sportster but am not entirely set on it. What kind of bike would you recommend for a complete beginner? Should I buy new or used? Price is not a huge factor, but I'm kinda looking into the $7,000-$9,000 range. Any tips and/or advice would be much appreciated.
THANKS!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
If you aren't sure, go with a used sportster. Most dealers will let you take a test ride on a bike if you ask. I suggest takeing the riders safty course first. That will give you a bit of a heads up as to what it's like on the street.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Most of my riding will just be in town; zipping around. I'll also be doing some rural riding every once in a while just crusing down backroads and such. Then, every once in a while I might take a short road trip (200ish miles).
How do I know if a sportster is right for me?
How do I know if a sportster is right for me?
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 767
Likes: 54
From: San Antonio, TX
Go test ride one.... My sporty sees mostly around town runs, but weekends are often filled with 200 milers... And I can tell you the sporty can travel cross country as well.. Rode mine from Texas to South Dakota in two days... Not a problem. 700 miles the first day and 550 the second. I was very comfortable... Sporty is a GREAT all around bike.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: new britain ct
Yea,take a ride course, I,m not gonna say not to buy an HD but if you have no time on a bike buy something smaller first. Maybe a 650. Get a year on the road, then move on to a bigger bike. Even the 883 (smallest bike they make) can be a handful to a novice rider. They are very top heavy, and have a lot of *****. It can and will get away from you. I rode for 20 plus years in the dirt before I went to street. Nothing can prepare you for the road. ('When you ride in the dirt, you worry about yourself, when you ride on the road, you worry about everyone else"). Take that to heart. Just take your time and get into this slow. Don't bite off more than you can chew.....................HOLLYWOOD
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 305
Likes: 71
From: Everett,Ma
Before you worry about what bike to buy take a rider safety course, find
out whether you will even feel comfortable on a motorcycle.
out whether you will even feel comfortable on a motorcycle.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
Yikes. Every time I read about someone who wants a Harley for his first bike I get nervous. I grew up in the dirt as a kid and had 4 years of riding under my belt before I starting riding street bikes. I hate to say it but I would get something pretty small for starters. Harleys are not beginner's bikes. When you get some time with a small bike you can sell it and move up. Just because a sporty looks small doesn't mean that it is underpowered. They are all motor and will get you in trouble in a New York minute.
Take a rider safety course too.
Take a rider safety course too.