Big Mistake?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
Big Mistake?
I recently purchased my first motorcycle ever. It is an Ultra Limited. The first time I ever drove a motorcycle was at the test drive at the dealership (I do have scooter experience though).
Since buying the bike I have read that what I did is considered a big no no. 'Never have your first bike be a big heavy cruiser' is the predominant wisdom.
The thing is, I am having the time of my life. At first, slow turn maneuvers were challenging, and yes, I dropped the bike a few times, but I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the bike after just a few weeks.
It seems to me like any reasonably coordinated person should be up to the challenge of learning to ride one of these bikes.
So, I am interested to know if you think I made a mistake. If so, why?
Since buying the bike I have read that what I did is considered a big no no. 'Never have your first bike be a big heavy cruiser' is the predominant wisdom.
The thing is, I am having the time of my life. At first, slow turn maneuvers were challenging, and yes, I dropped the bike a few times, but I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the bike after just a few weeks.
It seems to me like any reasonably coordinated person should be up to the challenge of learning to ride one of these bikes.
So, I am interested to know if you think I made a mistake. If so, why?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 1,626
From: Eastern Ohio
I'm sure there are plenty of people who learn on a touring bike. No biggie. Take a motorcycle safety class. Some states offer them for free. A lot of insurance companies will give a discount for taking it. Mostly you will learn a lot! Practice, practice, practice.... It's so easy a greasy biker can do it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
I concur with Dawg the Sportster is one of worst to learn on because of very high center of gravity. I started riding motorcycles as kid from mini bikes, dirt bikes, then street bikes. But I think you'll be ok although kinda of expensive to drop a HD tourer 
. Go take some MC classes at a community college etc. Also some good books like Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough has some very good techniques.
. Go take some MC classes at a community college etc. Also some good books like Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough has some very good techniques.
Friends don't let friends buy Sp------s, Hang on the back roads, don't ride in any groups, and play with it. Accelerate, slow down, accelerate, hard stop (straight road), ride some curves and you'll get the hang of it. The bike will let you know when you are exceeding your skills, just ride so it whispers it to you and not slaps you in the face with it. More scary is there are 10-20% out there that don't have the skills and don't even realize it. Take Care.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 118
From: Ashby, Ma
Sounds like you've already gotten over the worst of it.
Like Dawg says, plenty of people buy small and then wish they bought the big one.
Take the safety course... don't grab a handful of front brake with the handlebars turned or being leaned over. That will put you on the ground faster than you can say "ouch".
Like Dawg says, plenty of people buy small and then wish they bought the big one.
Take the safety course... don't grab a handful of front brake with the handlebars turned or being leaned over. That will put you on the ground faster than you can say "ouch".
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 36
From: Lafayette La
I recently purchased my first motorcycle ever. It is an Ultra Limited. The first time I ever drove a motorcycle was at the test drive at the dealership (I do have scooter experience though).
Since buying the bike I have read that what I did is considered a big no no. 'Never have your first bike be a big heavy cruiser' is the predominant wisdom.
The thing is, I am having the time of my life. At first, slow turn maneuvers were challenging, and yes, I dropped the bike a few times, but I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the bike after just a few weeks.
It seems to me like any reasonably coordinated person should be up to the challenge of learning to ride one of these bikes.
So, I am interested to know if you think I made a mistake. If so, why?
Since buying the bike I have read that what I did is considered a big no no. 'Never have your first bike be a big heavy cruiser' is the predominant wisdom.
The thing is, I am having the time of my life. At first, slow turn maneuvers were challenging, and yes, I dropped the bike a few times, but I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the bike after just a few weeks.
It seems to me like any reasonably coordinated person should be up to the challenge of learning to ride one of these bikes.
So, I am interested to know if you think I made a mistake. If so, why?
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 13
From: Creston, Ohio
I had a Kawasaki Ninja when I was in my early 20's, sold it while still in my early 20's
Jump ahead almost 30 years, I bought my Street Glide at the age of 48.
I don't know how it weighs compared to an ultra but I love my bike, I am very glad I didn't buy a smaller bike.
Jump ahead almost 30 years, I bought my Street Glide at the age of 48.
I don't know how it weighs compared to an ultra but I love my bike, I am very glad I didn't buy a smaller bike.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 118
From: Ashby, Ma
I concur with Dawg the Sportster is one of worst to learn on because of very high center of gravity. I started riding motorcycles as kid from mini bikes, dirt bikes, then street bikes. But I think you'll be ok although kinda of expensive to drop a HD tourer . Go take some MC classes at a community college etc. Also some good books like Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough has some very good techniques.
. Go take some MC classes at a community college etc. Also some good books like Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough has some very good techniques.Motorcycle Safety Course:
1 Push left to go left
2 Push right to go right
3 Look where you want to go
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: DMV
Friends don't let friends buy Sp------s, Hang on the back roads, don't ride in any groups, and play with it. Accelerate, slow down, accelerate, hard stop (straight road), ride some curves and you'll get the hang of it. The bike will let you know when you are exceeding your skills, just ride so it whispers it to you and not slaps you in the face with it. More scary is there are 10-20% out there that don't have the skills and don't even realize it. Take Care.
Bottom line is take ur time, and know your limits, and continue to get that practice in...