Which Bike?

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May 19, 2008 | 10:37 AM

#21

fotoflojoe

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 295

Likes: 0

From: blah

RE: Which Bike?

After a 10 years without a bike, last year I bought a used Road King. This was my first Harley, and up until that point the largest bike I'd owned was a 750 Kawasaki. I'm 6'2", 270lbs. Leaving the dealership, I had doubts as to whether I'd gotten into something more than I could handle. After about 15 minutes though, my doubts were gone.

A big +1 to those who say demo a few bikes and get what you really want the first time out. I love my King, but now I'm wishing that I had a fairing. I want gauges, so aftermarket is out. Rather than go up a single notch to a SG, I'm just going to go all the way to an Ultra - I know I'd end up there anyway.

May 19, 2008 | 02:33 PM

#22

cardboard

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 3,909

Likes: 6

From: Livingston, Texas

RE: Which Bike?

Try to figure out what kind of riding yer going to be doing.
If I wanted a Ultra I would git a ultra. It has a lot of room for coats. and everything else, including room for yer passengers stuff too.. A chic will really like sittin on it.
It has about everything on it you can stick on it.
Start slow and as you ride and git yer confidence up you will adapt to the bike. The Ultra is one nice riding bike. Just keep the RPM's over 2200. Breaking in the bike will be the hardest thing.
Send some pictures to us when you deceide.

May 19, 2008 | 02:35 PM

#23

Johan96

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 3,875

Likes: 8

From: Bergen, Norway

RE: Which Bike?

Quote:

ORIGINAL: blutxcowboy

Okay...Im 40yo 6ft' 200lbs..fairly athletic. I do not currently own a touring bike. I WILL be buying one soon..very soon! I have very little riding experience. I have the Harley Riding Course under my belt now. Concerned about my steadiness/ balancingat low speeds.
I love the Ultra Classic! but do you feel its best to start off with a lighter bike until you have road experience? Anyone out there start big?

Street Glide! I will next year

May 19, 2008 | 03:02 PM

#24

Nellybelle

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,697

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

RE: Which Bike?

Buy the Ultra. I didn't ride for 30 years and went and bought an Ultra. Scared hell out of me on the way home after I bought it.
Now I love it. My 28 year old son never rode before and last fall he took the Abate course. He is single and has a good job.
Last week he took delivery of his new 08 Ultra. He too was worried after riding it home. But yesterday we rode about 135 miles. He had a blast and loves the bike. He says it is like riding a couch down the highway. I say Buy the Ultra you wont regret it.

May 19, 2008 | 03:13 PM

#25

TXMikey

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 94

Likes: 0

From: Bedford, TX

RE: Which Bike?

+2 on renting some bikes to see how they feel. Ideally, yes, you should get what you ultimately want. Getting a smaller bike to begin with and build your skills on can also be a wise choice.A lot of people get discouraged with riding when they start out on a bike bigger than their skill level feels comfortable with. There's lots of used bikes out there, so don't be afraid to get a smaller, used bike to begin with. You'll build lots of skills, and won't lose as much when you sell/trade.

May 19, 2008 | 04:14 PM

#26

Araba Shriner

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,213

Likes: 0

From: Cape Coral, Fl.

RE: Which Bike?

Im 57 years old, 5'8" 190 lbs. Ultra Classic isnt as hard to ride as it would seem.
You cant go up when yer already at the top... buy an ULTRA !!!
my .02

May 19, 2008 | 04:39 PM

#27

dgriffith

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,440

Likes: 0

From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico

RE: Which Bike?

I'm 59 and 5'10 and 220. I haven't had a bike in 30 years. Like you, I took the first basic riding course offered in the Spring of 06. Ask yourself what kind of riding are you going to do?? Bar hop? Get a Soft tail, Gonna ride the highways, get a bagger. Wife picked out an Ultra. We bought an new 06 Ultra classic. I have never found a person who bought too big a bike, but a lot who got to small of one and wished they would have gotten a bigger one.Yes, for the first week, it took a while to get the bike seat out of my butt. But as anyone will tell you, only a foolish inexperienced rider would take a new bike out in traffic to ride it for the first time or until they get to know each other. Buy it and get as far away from everyone and everything to get the feel of it. A Church parking lot, School parking lot or someplace that has a smooth, CLEAN paved area. Then and only then should you venture out on the streets. TOO many moving targets out there to start with. Good luck with your search. Dan

May 24, 2008 | 10:31 AM

#28

blutxcowboy

Thread Starter

Stage II

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

RE: Which Bike?

I wanted to thank each of you for the help in directing me to my new bike purchase. I decided to go with the 08' Road King...It has ABS and has a lower center of gravity than the U.C. I think both of these features will help mewhile I learn the control and handling of a big bike. Again...thanks a ton guys!