One of my friends just bought his first Harley , a 2015 Roadglide. I'm kinda worried for him because he hasn't ridden a bike in over 25 years and has only taken one parking lot lesson since the purchase. He is planning on picking up the bike this weekend. Do I tell him he's not experienced enough for an 800+ lb bike or mind my own business?

 

You could always go to a parking lot and work with him. Teach him some things, maybe help him with a re-fresher. Nothing wrong with not ridding for a LONG time. Just needs to be safe and take it easy until he gets the hang of it again.

 

I would tell him he is making a mistake. If he argues with you, just buy some life insurance on him.

I wouldn't want to give him any training. I think that would be condoning his stupidity. When he drops it in the parking lot, he'll blame you.

 

Help him.

I say buy what you're going to ride.

What would you have him buy? A Sportster? They're harder to ride than a Road Glide.

Waste good money after bad for what reason?

Encourage him to get some practice, maybe take a course, but ride what you're going to ride.

 

If he has already bought it I'd strongly suggest riding courses and putting off any near future trips until he completes them.

 

If you are an experienced rider, help him along. Suggest he takes the MSF course.

A real friend would take the course with him.

 

how much riding did he do previous to his 25 year 'break'? if he has a bunch, then sure, he's going to be rusty, and could definitely benefit from a msf course, but it may not be the 'end of the world' that you make it out to be.

 

I picked up my Electra Glide after over 25 years of not riding. I trailered it out of the city I bought it in and got used to it on small town roads. It didn't take me very long to get comfortable on it, it is a well balanced bike. I did ride both dirt and street bikes from about 10 years old up till I was 25, a lot of which were on highway when I was older. I also picked up the videos "Ride Like a Pro" and "Twist of the Wrist II" and still practice many of the techniques described in the videos. Closest I have come to wrecking is cars cutting me off.

 

Just because he hasn't been riding for 25 years doesn't mean much. You haven't given enough info on him. Was he a Baja 1000 winner? Did he ride motocross? Was he a weekend warrior or a road racer? From all the info you've given so far we could think he's a better rider that you are.

 

I quit riding due to a injury 21 years before I bought the next ride. Had ridden rice rockets and a few old hard tail Harleys but never a dresser until we bought the '03 Road King. Best decision I ever made to buy it and hit the road again.


And while I say this I did get to experience a dump on the bike, dropped the damn thing in a tight parking lot and yes 800+ pounds is a mess once on its side. But worth every minute besides.