First Bike???
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Rowlett, Texas
My 2 cents - Don't go too small. A rebel or something may be cheap, wife's got one in the garage, less than two months after she got it, she hated it, couldn't keep up with my 1200 sportster.
Dynas are awesome, sportsters are awesome. Both are a blast to ride. Either can be found pretty inexpensive on craigs list as others have posted.
You really can't go wrong either way.
But, you are right to take the course before you buy a bike.
Whatever way you go, welcome to the obsession!
Dynas are awesome, sportsters are awesome. Both are a blast to ride. Either can be found pretty inexpensive on craigs list as others have posted.
You really can't go wrong either way.
But, you are right to take the course before you buy a bike.
Whatever way you go, welcome to the obsession!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 11
From: Edmonton
My first bike is my 2012 48, bought it mid winter last year took a riding course in the spring and boom rode like hell all summer. Never had any issues with too much power, but believe me it's there when you want it. I've been riding moto for years that might help a little bit but they're two different beasts riding dirt and road. I don't suggest going smaller at first cause as its been said many times already here, it's waste if money. I almost made that mistake and I'm sure as **** glad I didn't. Hope you get it all figured out and ride safe man!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 27
From: San Diego, CA
I'd go with a 1200 in a Sportster myself. Some people call the Sportster a starter bike and others call it a girls bike but I think you'll find most here don't feel that way. I've had Sportsters most of my 47 years riding Harleys and in my opinion love it more than any other HD bike. I ride them on short rides and cross country rides, it doesn't matter to me, I just love them!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Owensboro
Thanks for all the comments! I think getting what I want is the way to go. Like others mentioned its wasted money to get something and then sell a few months later. Def. going the used route for the first. I'm 6'1 230, I think I should sit on a sportster first to make sure I'm comfortable. Forward controls are a must!
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Thanks for all the comments! I think getting what I want is the way to go. Like others mentioned its wasted money to get something and then sell a few months later. Def. going the used route for the first. I'm 6'1 230, I think I should sit on a sportster first to make sure I'm comfortable. Forward controls are a must!
My first bike was a very inexpensive crotch rocket. I had no worries if I dropped it I just wanted experience before I bought a real bike. I laid the rocket down once the whole time I owned it, gravel on a corner sucks. I bought my Harley with 2.6 miles on the odo. so far I tipped it over being an ***, no matter what you do once in your life you are gonna go down its how you get up and keep riding is what matters.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: ft lauderdale fl
I been riding for 50 years in south fla where people dont drive they aim. Any way I have never "knock on wood" I have never droped a bike. Why in gods name does everyone worry about dropin a bike just drive the dam thing and be carfull. If you are worried about droping a bike stay the hell off I dont want to ride with you.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: dallas
My 2006 1200c is my first bike, took the MSF course and went on my way no issues so far I ride every day and love every second of it!!
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
My recommendation is buy the cheapest smallest cc bike you can get on the road with and ride it for a year or two while saving money toward what you really want. if you know it is not the bike your gonna keep and think of it as dispensable then when you drop it here and there ( it is probably gonna happen), you will feel much better about it. that is really the worst thing when you drop a really expensive bike that you are probably making payments on and then have to pay for repairs also. get some time and enjoy learning without having to be afraid of hurting your baby all the time.
Last edited by IRON1250; Apr 13, 2013 at 10:13 AM.