Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: S Puget Sound
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
As a newbie, your wife may be feeling a bit daunted by the 883 verses 250. Until we learn more and gain a little experience, the difference can feel huge. I was unsure at first too. But within a week after the course (rode a 250 during class) I knew I could handle my 1200 and was sooooo grateful I didn't let my initial uncertainty keep me from getting a larger bike (though I don't agree with a Road King as a first bike 
)! I have 700+ miles onmyNightsternow and would beREALLY be regrettingmy purchase if I wouldn't have stepped up--would likely have traded in a smaller bike ASAP. I know I would have outgrown a small bike veryquickly. I'd even say jump to the 1200--basically same size/weight frame as the 883, just a little more power when you need it. My first pass--literally my very first pass--was around a semi truck on a narrow two-lane road with someone else passing right behind me--had no choice to be safe[&:]. I was VERY glad my bike had the guts to quickly take my tremblingself to a safer zone.Best of luck to your wife--it will change her!
)! I have 700+ miles onmyNightsternow and would beREALLY be regrettingmy purchase if I wouldn't have stepped up--would likely have traded in a smaller bike ASAP. I know I would have outgrown a small bike veryquickly. I'd even say jump to the 1200--basically same size/weight frame as the 883, just a little more power when you need it. My first pass--literally my very first pass--was around a semi truck on a narrow two-lane road with someone else passing right behind me--had no choice to be safe[&:]. I was VERY glad my bike had the guts to quickly take my tremblingself to a safer zone.Best of luck to your wife--it will change her!
"Moderator"
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 952
From: San Tan Valley, Arizona
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
My wife also told me she wanted to get her own bike. She wanted a Deluxe but I told her it was too much bike to learn on and too expensive to learn on. I told her she was much better off learning on a metric bike and once she got so she could ride my Fatboy comfortably she could have her Deluxe. She procratinated about taking the course so one day i took her to a local used bike dealer that had everything from rebel 250s to a good assortment of full sized harleys. They had everything. She sat on all of them and kept going back to the Vulcan 800 Classic. It was perfect for her. Full sized but low seat height for her and not nearly as heavy as a Harley. A couple days later I surprised her with it in the garage when she got home from work but told her she couldnt ride it until she took the course and got her liscence. She was thrilled and had her course scheduled the next week. I'm glad I didnt get her the big bike right away. It might have scared her away from riding or she might have got hurt from too much too soon. Also glad I didnt get her something small. She might have got bored with it and quit. The one I got for her is perfect in every way (except it is not a Harley). We both couldnt be happier.
ps. just to clarify, she is already pretty good at riding my Fatboy but she can't ride my harley yet.
ps. just to clarify, she is already pretty good at riding my Fatboy but she can't ride my harley yet.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,166
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
So many new women riders like the 883 cause it sounds big, it's a Harley, and it's cheap. I would have her at least do a dyna or suzuki boulevard. Spend a few extra. She will grow out of the 883 this year.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 936
Likes: 21
From: Paying taxes in New York State
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
My wife took the course last fall - first off, that's a good move. Secondly, it's not about what you want. If she's going to be more comfortable on the Rebel, buy the Rebel. It's one less thing on her mind while she's learning and getting more proficient at riding. They are good starter bikes - easy to manage and light.
My wife passed the course and decided that she didn't want to shift - so now she's on a 400cc Yamaha scooter - she's still riding and is enthusiastic about it. So what that it's a scooter...She's on two wheels and having fun...just my $.02 worth since you asked. By the way, the scooter will do 100 and handles like a sport bike (no she's not riding it like that hard...)
My wife passed the course and decided that she didn't want to shift - so now she's on a 400cc Yamaha scooter - she's still riding and is enthusiastic about it. So what that it's a scooter...She's on two wheels and having fun...just my $.02 worth since you asked. By the way, the scooter will do 100 and handles like a sport bike (no she's not riding it like that hard...)
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 774
Likes: 21
From: Florida
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
Let 'er get the Honda. I dated a new rider that bought an '08 Heritage and wrecked the first time out. The next time we were headed for a parking lot and she dumped it in her driveway. Now she wants to sell it and be a passenger. Maybe that's why I said "dated" Very expensive learing experience.
Very expensive learing experience.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA area
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
My wife passed the course and got her endorsement a week ago. We are headed out today bike shopping. She will sit on some Sportsters and maybe a Dyna Low or Street Bob. She also is inclined to a smaller metric though so I suspect we will be coming home with one. It is her choice but I would prefer she go metric or Dyna and leave the Sporties alone. Before my RKC, I had a 1200C and it was a great bike but topheavy and squirrelly.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
I started my wife off on a Kawaski 500...mainly it was the bike SHE felt most comfortably blanced on...
remember when buying a motorcyle buy small....you can always go up in size..you'll never go down
(man did I leave myself open with that one)
remember when buying a motorcyle buy small....you can always go up in size..you'll never go down
(man did I leave myself open with that one)
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
Wife took basic rider course. She wanted to ride a REAL HARLEY. Tried to talk her into a Rebel. No go. I bought an 05 Low Rider. It intimidates her. That was 3 years ago. I ride the Low Rider every couple of weeks just to keep it exercised.
Buy her the Rebel and let her get comfortable.
Buy her the Rebel and let her get comfortable.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 885
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
RE: Wife is takin Basic Rider Course
Seriously though what is right for one may not be right for another. I would say get them what they feel comforatable with and build their confidence level. Keep them riding and learning and they will want more. My wife rides everywhere now, even to run errands and is always ready to go for a putt at the drop of a hat! In fact we are heading out the door right now!