Forty-Eight 1200 good beginner bike?
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Forty-Eight 1200 good beginner bike?
I'm a hair over 6' only 140 lbs. I know, I'm a skinny guy. haha
I'm wondering if the Forty-Eight is a decent starter bike.
I ride motocross so I'm used to bikes and their power. I'm more worried about the bike being too heavy for myself. Would I still be able to learn on this bike? All help would be really appreciated. Thanks!
I'm wondering if the Forty-Eight is a decent starter bike.
I ride motocross so I'm used to bikes and their power. I'm more worried about the bike being too heavy for myself. Would I still be able to learn on this bike? All help would be really appreciated. Thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
I found that my dirt experience (30 yrs) was invaluable when taking to the street. A lot of people on this site swear that it's of little or no help at all - maybe they don't have any dirt experience, i don't know. But the things you are accustomed to on the dirt; violent accelerating & breaking, shifting up and down nearly a hundred times per lap (depending on the track), using body english, throwing the bike around in the air, etc, etc have helped you to develop two-wheeled skills of balance, coordination and respect for the power beneath you that will put you miles ahead of anybody just starting out on the street. The biggest difference IMHO is the street is a more controlled and confined (and oddly enough, more dangerous) environment than the dirt track. You have to constantly be on the look-out for distracted idiots in cars unwittingly trying to kill you, stay out of blind spots, anticipate your escape options for the inevitable close call and obey traffic laws. Any sportster is a good bike to learn on. The 1200cc motor stuffed into a tiny (although heavier than your average dirt bike) package produces much the same power/weight ratio sensation as a dirt bike, just doesn't respond as quickly to directional rider input, but it won't take long to adjust. Go for the 48 if you like but I would suggest trying all kinds & get what you feel more at home on.
And yes, if you're worried about dropping it, find one that ain't too pretty.
And yes, if you're worried about dropping it, find one that ain't too pretty.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
I agree 100% with everything Exemer said about having dirt experience. You already know how to ride a bike-its just about learning how to street ride. I have a softail deluxe and a 48 sporster. The only thing I will say about the 48 is it is a very rough ride and to me that makes it harder to ride. It definately wont be too heavy for you though. If I was you I would buy a used sporster that your not too worried about. Ride that for a bit and if you love riding then invest in whatever you want. Just my 2 cents.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod, MA
I came from a MX backround myself, and just purchased a sportster last month as my first road cycle..I ended up with an iron 883, (because the price was right) and after putting a couple hundred miles on it I'd say go for it. You won't have a hard time adjusting regardless of your size. And a 1200 weighs the same as the 883, might as well have the extra power. It's better to have it and not need it..than need it and not have it right?
If you race MX, then even better..When you are on the street you won't be worried about railing berms or hitting the triple jump fast enough to clear it...That will leave you plenty of mental processing for the dangers the road has to offer.
If you race MX, then even better..When you are on the street you won't be worried about railing berms or hitting the triple jump fast enough to clear it...That will leave you plenty of mental processing for the dangers the road has to offer.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
You could go w/any of the Sportster line & be happy. 48's a nice scoot, Nightster too & customs/lows. Take some for a test drive & see which fits your riding style(s).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
A couple things to keep in mind; the power on your mx bike may not really come on until mid rpm range or higher (unless you were ridin' thumpers), the power on the sporty comes on immediately right off the bottom - loads of torque - especially on the 1200. Easy does it on the throttle, roll it on, slip the clutch a bit if need be - you're not gonna hurt it. And stopping is a bit different, heavier bike takes longer to haul down but don't stand on the breaks. Anticipate slowing and stopping with gradual easy breaking front & rear simultaneously, gear down and let the motor slow you down some before stopping. You've probably had several different mx bikes in the past and had to get to used to how each one responds. This is just another new bike that you'll have to acquaint yourself with so take it slow at first.
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thank you everyone for the help. It's really nice to come to a forum and have people help you rather than put cruel comments about how the bike(s) i like sucks.
I'll take everything into consideration when selecting my first bike and riding it.
Again, thank you very much everyone.
I'll take everything into consideration when selecting my first bike and riding it.
Again, thank you very much everyone.