Looking for some sage advice…
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
"first grade" Sounds to me like ded robbed the cradle hehe.
I would check out the Sporty trade in deal, I did it with my 07 Nightster was a great deal. You are tall enough to handle no problem, try the 1200 C it seems to be popular with females starting out.Not saying it is a chick bike by any means, it is a powerful bike that can take you across the country no problem, hell ya never know ya might want to keep it and not go to a bigger model. It is a great deal.
Get a crash bar on whatever bike ya get, will be the best $200 ya ever spent.
I would check out the Sporty trade in deal, I did it with my 07 Nightster was a great deal. You are tall enough to handle no problem, try the 1200 C it seems to be popular with females starting out.Not saying it is a chick bike by any means, it is a powerful bike that can take you across the country no problem, hell ya never know ya might want to keep it and not go to a bigger model. It is a great deal.
Get a crash bar on whatever bike ya get, will be the best $200 ya ever spent.
Last edited by masterblaster; Apr 11, 2010 at 06:08 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Fl.
The only thing I will add is do not put a lot expectations for the class. The MSF has really lowered the bar on that class over the years.
A couple books you may want to read before and/or after the class are:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right which is a lot of the same good information offered during the class.
,
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L Hough which offers a lot of infomation about riding technique, style, and strategy. I would argue this is the best book on the subject.
and of course the Ride Like a Pro DVD. In that video the Motorman even shows girls how to pick up a downed crusier.
BTW I think SCHD has or recently had an All Womens event at the dealership to market the ladies to ride a Harley. I have heard it is a fun event.
If you plan to take the class at Space Coast you may want to check with Dino as to when Barbie Braden is instructing. Her and her husband are both instructors and I am sure you will really enjoy the class.
Then you have to practice what you learned.
Ride Safe
A couple books you may want to read before and/or after the class are:
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence: Skills, Knowledge, and Strategies for Riding Right which is a lot of the same good information offered during the class.
,
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L Hough which offers a lot of infomation about riding technique, style, and strategy. I would argue this is the best book on the subject.
and of course the Ride Like a Pro DVD. In that video the Motorman even shows girls how to pick up a downed crusier.
BTW I think SCHD has or recently had an All Womens event at the dealership to market the ladies to ride a Harley. I have heard it is a fun event.
If you plan to take the class at Space Coast you may want to check with Dino as to when Barbie Braden is instructing. Her and her husband are both instructors and I am sure you will really enjoy the class.
Then you have to practice what you learned.
Ride Safe
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
Steve, contrary to the common "girls bike" mis-conception, the Sportster's higher center of gravity and lower weight to HP ratio, tends to make it harder for a new rider to handle than a Deluxe or Heritage would be. 
And I agree with Dave, a Shadow would be a real good choice.
And I agree with Dave, a Shadow would be a real good choice.
Damn... I had no idea. I was just out for dinenr with my wife and I mentioned this thread. I told her my reply and she said maybe she should do that. I immediately agreed thinking "Yeah, you get a sportster for a year and then trade it in on a Limited for me, and you get my Road King after we have it lowered.". (Sometime sI have these great conversations going on in my head)....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,995
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
.. and what's wrong with that? My wife was in kindergarten when I graduated highschool. But at least I wait till she graduated college before I hit on her. 
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Palm Bay Florida
Damn... I had no idea. I was just out for dinenr with my wife and I mentioned this thread. I told her my reply and she said maybe she should do that. I immediately agreed thinking "Yeah, you get a sportster for a year and then trade it in on a Limited for me, and you get my Road King after we have it lowered.". (Sometime sI have these great conversations going on in my head)....
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 2
From: Palm Bay Florida
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
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From: north of Daytona
Honda 750! ACE or Shadow...has good looks, no-to-little maintenance....cost to buy is with in reason....may not want to trade later!
Below 600cc is a little BUZZY when riding above 60 MPH...not so much fun trying to keep up with the pack. Not that a 600cc bike (Not talking NINJA HERE) can not go fast.
Good luck with your endorcement. (Piece of cake when you look back on it! LOL)
700cc (plus) Yamahas my next choice.
Below 600cc is a little BUZZY when riding above 60 MPH...not so much fun trying to keep up with the pack. Not that a 600cc bike (Not talking NINJA HERE) can not go fast.
Good luck with your endorcement. (Piece of cake when you look back on it! LOL)
700cc (plus) Yamahas my next choice.
