Re-entering motorcycling
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
Welcome to the nut house!, Just kidding. Like you I haven't had a steady ride in 30 years. \\; 2 years ago in January, I signed up for the riders edge course. On that Friday evening, We made the deal on our 06 Ultra. 25,000 miles later we are still enjoying our rides together. \\; I'm se-mi retired now and on business in Knoxville, Tn. riding the foothils every day. \\; Wife will fly down next week when this gig is over \\; and we'll ride the this area together. \\; we've started learning to make every day count, on doing the things, I or we want to do. \\; \\; we've learned to not put it off till some day. \\; I guess we've learned before it's too late. \\; For it is said that tomorrow is not promised. \\; Just our observation. \\; Dan
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Manteca Ca.
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
 \\;
It was 15 years for me. Went straight to an ultr, and have not looked back.. MSF class was very informative, but the real eye opener is the ride!
 \\;
Much more traffic, many more a$$holes that were not beaten enough as children, and just more disrespect.
 \\;
Wife and I love the rides, but time away and age makes us a bit more nervous than I remember.
 \\;
Mian thing is, HAVE FUN \\; and be safe. AS a semi retired jail cop, I hope we see you in central Calif....
It was 15 years for me. Went straight to an ultr, and have not looked back.. MSF class was very informative, but the real eye opener is the ride!
 \\;
Much more traffic, many more a$$holes that were not beaten enough as children, and just more disrespect.
 \\;
Wife and I love the rides, but time away and age makes us a bit more nervous than I remember.
 \\;
Mian thing is, HAVE FUN \\; and be safe. AS a semi retired jail cop, I hope we see you in central Calif....
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 4
From: Oxford, Mississippi
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
The '08 Ultra with your name on it is out there. \\; Keep looking and you'll find it. \\; My wife and I are really enjoying my '07. \\; Good luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
Welcome back! It might just be me, but I find that the color choice of my bike is a minor part of the process - almost all of the colors suit me just fine. If I was getting back into riding, I would want a bike RIGHT NOW and wouldn't want to spend much time waiting. The '08s are terrific bikes, and I don't know if I would have the patience to wait for the '09s. Sure, they will have some improvements, every year does, but you could be on your bike weeks - or months - quicker if you take from dealer stock. I suspect you might find a better deal on an '08 now than on an '09 down the road.
I agree with the suggestions about the MSF course\\; I took it a few years ago and it was time and money well spent.
I agree with the suggestions about the MSF course\\; I took it a few years ago and it was time and money well spent.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
At this time, you take what's on the floor for 08'. However, like Tampa Harley, there are some dealers that'll work with you to get a 08' off the floor and, if you were to want a 09' in a month or so, they will discount your 08' by only about a $100 or so \\;a month as far as trade in. \\;I thought it was a damn nice gesture from a dealer, only discount a $100 per month for a trade in on new model. If you don't already know it, there is a HUGE difference in dealers, even ones that are fairly close in distance to each other. You've got the right attitude in getting an Ultra so go for the dream and BUY the DVD "Ride Like A Pro" and discover you need to learn and practice to improve or guarantee riding skills. Take care.
 \\;
axe11
 \\;
axe11
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
I just started riding last October at 52 and immediately took the Riders Safety Course. \\; I bought a Honda 600 Shadow as I was intimidated by the size of the big cruisers and touring bikes. \\; It didn't take me long, especially when two up to get the Ultra EG. \\; It's been great, easy to ride and much more maneuverable than I ever dreamed.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
You are smarter than me, after being out of \\;bikes for 25 years I bought an '07 \\;Fat Boy.
I loved the bike (spent about 10 grand in upgrades),
then took a test ride this past spring on a Touring bike and fell in \\;major love. \\;
I now own an '08 \\;Street Glide.
 \\;
You will be surprised how much you will learn taking a driver's training course, I was.
 \\;
If you are concerned about price, then the '08 \\;will be cheaper.
You won't get an '09, especially if you order one, until after July (probably well after)
Dealer's will get a few '09s in, in July, but they can't even pick and choose what they get at first.
 \\;
Right now sales are down in big cities, there should be a deal out there somewhere, on an '08 like you want.
Big city show rooms still have lots of bikes. Dealer trade for one like you want.
I recommend one with ABS. It can't hurt.
I loved the bike (spent about 10 grand in upgrades),
then took a test ride this past spring on a Touring bike and fell in \\;major love. \\;
I now own an '08 \\;Street Glide.
 \\;
You will be surprised how much you will learn taking a driver's training course, I was.
 \\;
If you are concerned about price, then the '08 \\;will be cheaper.
You won't get an '09, especially if you order one, until after July (probably well after)
Dealer's will get a few '09s in, in July, but they can't even pick and choose what they get at first.
 \\;
Right now sales are down in big cities, there should be a deal out there somewhere, on an '08 like you want.
Big city show rooms still have lots of bikes. Dealer trade for one like you want.
I recommend one with ABS. It can't hurt.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Re-entering motorcycling
Welcome back to riding my friend, I would watch the end of season sales on the 08's as summer draws to a close. The economy will force the dealers to offer bikes at a break on the retail price and many will throw in a gift card for $500 or more. One dealer near me offered a $2000 dealer gift card if you purchased an end of year \\;dresser from them. You know once you buy that ride you will throw some junk in the trunk. \\;
