FIRST BIKE
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: FIRST BIKE
The roadglide is a bit more 'nimble' than my Ultra (based on what I've read). With the shark-nose and frame-mounted fairing ... different ride than mine with a batwing on it. as brokenfingers (bastard still has my SE Pro Pipes) stated .... takes awhile to get used to the bike. I know he went from an '06 Road King Classic to the '07 ultra and it still takes a bit of learning as the wind deflects different ...weight distribution ...etc. I went from an '03 Heritage Springer (softail) to the '07 Ultra and it was even bigger of a change.
That being said you should be fine. Just take it a lil easier and get comfortable with the bike. As time progresses you will get harder/faster leans with the bike and really see how they perform out on the road.
I would get the bike you want. You go too small... you will be trading it in ... in less than a year and will probably take a $$$ hit on it when trading it in.
That being said you should be fine. Just take it a lil easier and get comfortable with the bike. As time progresses you will get harder/faster leans with the bike and really see how they perform out on the road.
I would get the bike you want. You go too small... you will be trading it in ... in less than a year and will probably take a $$$ hit on it when trading it in.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
RE: FIRST BIKE
Same experience here.... last bike was Honda 750 Custom circa 1981 with dirt / trail experience before that; which means 20+ years between. I took the MSF and bought the Road King Custom and took it slow to get aquainted with the bike. I think this true of any bike. Since then I've rented or ridden V-Rod, RK Classic, Deuce, Wide-Glide, and now the Ultra and have found the characteristcs of each bike to be different. The Deuce had ape-hangers an I jumped on in the middle of the Rockies - that was uncomfortable but by the end of the run I was feeling pretty good (not cocky). The key is to take your time, learn the handling of the bike you are on, and don't EVER worry about keeping up with someone else.... Ride safe.
[IMG]local://upfiles/18233/92998B4C64DE4B8E9B8542A220F82578.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/18233/5411267A0A024C979362C52F5A38FAD1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/18233/92998B4C64DE4B8E9B8542A220F82578.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/18233/5411267A0A024C979362C52F5A38FAD1.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area 41510 To Vegas!!!
RE: FIRST BIKE
Some solid "bagger info" here bro!Just do YOU!!!
ORIGINAL: cobaltking
I agree with all the above. Remember, not to try and follow people if they are going faster than you want to, always stay in your comfort zone (learned that while on my Buell trying to follow a buddy on his R1 . . .). Your bike is a lot of fun, as long as you let yourself learn it . . . once you do you will not believe what it can do, but for now, just get comfortable with it and enjoy it!!!
Man, I love my RK!!!
I agree with all the above. Remember, not to try and follow people if they are going faster than you want to, always stay in your comfort zone (learned that while on my Buell trying to follow a buddy on his R1 . . .). Your bike is a lot of fun, as long as you let yourself learn it . . . once you do you will not believe what it can do, but for now, just get comfortable with it and enjoy it!!!
Man, I love my RK!!!
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From:
RE: FIRST BIKE
Thanks for all your great comments I'm not one to try to keep up with the pack , riding safe is of major importance to me as I have 2 small children waiting at home.
Im glad to hear alot of support on my choice of a roadglide. Money doesnt grow on the tree's in my backyard, so trading up a bunch just isnt in the cards.
SO yeah, my course is in a week, then its off to find me a Glide, i really like that red color alot. I'm thinking of throwing some F&L meathooks on it(12") should be right in there. I think that will put my hands in a nicer spot for me (being so tall) . Those bars and a color matched inner fairing should give it that " G-Money " look. ( always liked what you've done with you're bike bro) Do they make extension kits for the controls/floorboards , or am i stuck in that department? i would imagine they make some seats to move me back a little.
Thanks again
Im glad to hear alot of support on my choice of a roadglide. Money doesnt grow on the tree's in my backyard, so trading up a bunch just isnt in the cards.
SO yeah, my course is in a week, then its off to find me a Glide, i really like that red color alot. I'm thinking of throwing some F&L meathooks on it(12") should be right in there. I think that will put my hands in a nicer spot for me (being so tall) . Those bars and a color matched inner fairing should give it that " G-Money " look. ( always liked what you've done with you're bike bro) Do they make extension kits for the controls/floorboards , or am i stuck in that department? i would imagine they make some seats to move me back a little.
Thanks again
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 2
RE: FIRST BIKE
some things to consider.
Tallboy seat. Moves you up-n-back a little bit.
ezbrake or one from SoftBrake to help move the rear-brake pedal forward some to give you a lil more stretch on the footboards.
Tallboy seat. Moves you up-n-back a little bit.
ezbrake or one from SoftBrake to help move the rear-brake pedal forward some to give you a lil more stretch on the footboards.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From:
RE: FIRST BIKE
I had a friend that got a Honda Magna 750 for his first bike, only kept it for 3 or 4 months but he shopped around a got a deal and sold it for what he paid for it. I think that was a good choice
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 3
RE: FIRST BIKE
Do it!...but I'd suggest stay out of traffic; head to the country at times when there is no traffic (avoid dusk & dawn, white tail deer); don't take any passengers and be carefull. The only way to gain experiance is to put in the miles.