Sportster for a beginner?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 11
From: San Diego
Sportster for a beginner?
I have never rode a sportster before. I have a lowrider, bur a friend of mine wants to buy a bike. He rode dirt bikes a little when growing up but nothing on the street. He has the bug and is buying a bike, He wants a Harley and a sportster is in his price range. My question is, he is set on a 1200, is that too much bike for a beginner. He will be taking the safety course and a few of us at work ride and will help him out. It just seems like that is a lot of power for a new rider?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
It can be. Sporties are more....well....sporty.
A lot of the BT's are lower, relative to seat height, and are a little easier to handle.
That said, it really depends on your friend's confidence level and what feels right when he sits on HD's by model.
My advice is to tell him not to be model specifc when he enters the delaership. Sit on, and test ride if possible, all the models he is interested in. He'll be able to feel the right one.
Kinda like Luke and the "force" but I believe it works.
A lot of the BT's are lower, relative to seat height, and are a little easier to handle.
That said, it really depends on your friend's confidence level and what feels right when he sits on HD's by model.
My advice is to tell him not to be model specifc when he enters the delaership. Sit on, and test ride if possible, all the models he is interested in. He'll be able to feel the right one.
Kinda like Luke and the "force" but I believe it works.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 4
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
Assuming he is taking an MSF class and will also do some parking lot training with his new bike after he's certified - a 1200 should be fine and maybe better than purchasing a smaller bike that he will just end up selling in a few months
But, most importantly - he needs to be aware that the 1200 is a pretty powerful bike and a little top heavy also - it will not do slow speed maneuvers like most bikes used in MSF classes.
Just my opinion though..many others on here have more insight.
But, most importantly - he needs to be aware that the 1200 is a pretty powerful bike and a little top heavy also - it will not do slow speed maneuvers like most bikes used in MSF classes.
Just my opinion though..many others on here have more insight.
ORIGINAL: dynamac
I have never rode a sportster before. I have a lowrider, bur a friend of mine wants to buy a bike. He rode dirt bikes a little when growing up but nothing on the street. He has the bug and is buying a bike, He wants a Harley and a sportster is in his price range. My question is, he is set on a 1200, is that too much bike for a beginner. He will be taking the safety course and a few of us at work ride and will help him out. It just seems like that is a lot of power for a new rider?
I have never rode a sportster before. I have a lowrider, bur a friend of mine wants to buy a bike. He rode dirt bikes a little when growing up but nothing on the street. He has the bug and is buying a bike, He wants a Harley and a sportster is in his price range. My question is, he is set on a 1200, is that too much bike for a beginner. He will be taking the safety course and a few of us at work ride and will help him out. It just seems like that is a lot of power for a new rider?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
From: White Rock BC
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
I bought a 1200 XL50 while doing my msf. It handles well, has a traditional riding position and handles well.
Lots of low end torque and more than enough power if you need to accelerate onto the freeway, etc.
Its not too much bike at all, and its better than getting an 883 and deciding you want a 1200 later.
If the 1200 end up not being enough bike, than it will hold its value, and he can get a big twin.
My 2 cents
Lots of low end torque and more than enough power if you need to accelerate onto the freeway, etc.
Its not too much bike at all, and its better than getting an 883 and deciding you want a 1200 later.
If the 1200 end up not being enough bike, than it will hold its value, and he can get a big twin.
My 2 cents
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
Hi, I have the 883 '03 Custom andI wish I would have bought the 1200 instead. I love mine, but I really would like the extra power.
So, I am converting it to a 1200 next year with the kit. I hear the conversion is much faster than the stock 1200.
So, I am converting it to a 1200 next year with the kit. I hear the conversion is much faster than the stock 1200.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
I had no experience AT ALL with motorcycles PERIOD, prior to June of this year. I ended up in a Harley Dealership, fell in love with a 06 1200 Custom, then bought it 2 days later. It sat in my garage for 3 weeks until I passed the motorcycle safety course and got my license. As long as you respect the bike, it will respect you. I have had nothing but great times this summer on the bike. Very easy to handle....very forgiving. The hardest part is probably slow maneuvers......just practice. Unlike the test.....you ARE allowed to put your feet down in real life.
---One Happy Police Officer ;^)
---One Happy Police Officer ;^)
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
I got a 2006 1200C as my first motorcycle ever about a week and a half after taking the MSF course. I've loved riding on it and it's very easy to handle. It's been a lot of fun to ride.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
I have a 1200, have dirt experience and was in the same boat as your friend this summer. I was worried if the 1200 vs the 883 would be too much power. It was not. If your buddy can handle a dirt bike, he can handle the throttle on a 1200. Dirt teaches you throttle control. You just need to respect the bike. The 1200 is a heavy bike and a powerful bike (in the world of bikes). Respect it, take it easy, and he should be just fine.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 3
From: Stanwood, WA
RE: Sportster for a beginner?
I think it's a paradyme we all have...start small, get bigger. All the way back to childhood. Walk, then run. BB gun - .22 - 30.06. Used clunker - nicer car - hot rod. A 1200 is good for the start. Don't know why but H-D's size/weight intimidates alot of folks (I know it did me for years). So what did I have? Honda 450 Nighthawk. [&:]