Bagger as a first bike?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
You'll be a better rider if you start smaller and work your way up.
I've got a Night Train and a bagger. The NT is way more fun to ride and set up right it'll do long distance just fine. I've got the bagger for sale 'cause I hardly ever ride it.
Just my 2 centavo's.
I've got a Night Train and a bagger. The NT is way more fun to ride and set up right it'll do long distance just fine. I've got the bagger for sale 'cause I hardly ever ride it.
Just my 2 centavo's.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: oregon
I agree with the majority of posts.
However, in our current economy, I'm sure dealers would be happy to provide a test drive on some vehicles. If you hit a couple dealers, you can probably test drive 3 to 5 bikes. Test drive as many as you can then ask yourself, not the dealer- what you'd be happiest with. Once you decide make a hard deal - its a buyer's market.
Happy shopping.
However, in our current economy, I'm sure dealers would be happy to provide a test drive on some vehicles. If you hit a couple dealers, you can probably test drive 3 to 5 bikes. Test drive as many as you can then ask yourself, not the dealer- what you'd be happiest with. Once you decide make a hard deal - its a buyer's market.
Happy shopping.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 676
Likes: 1
From: NOVA
You don't grow into what you want, you go get it. Either you want a bagger and you learn how to handle it, or you don't. Life is to short not to do what you want to do. Find the bike you like and feel comfortable on and buy it. It's really that simple.
Stage I
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Alberta Canada
Go big or go home lol
Been reading this forum for a while, this topic compeled me to join. Get the bagger. My first bike was a new 1981 650 suziki. I out grew it the first week. I rode the crap out of that bike for 8 years, then life got to busy and sold it. Two years ago I bought an 1100 yamaha, out grew that right away ( should have learned the first time ) Well this year I bought a new electra glide classic, love it, should have started with the glide. Just remember look down, you go down.
All the best, whatever you decide is right for you, can't go wrong with 2 wheels no mater what the size.
All the best, whatever you decide is right for you, can't go wrong with 2 wheels no mater what the size.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I agree with the majority of posts.
However, in our current economy, I'm sure dealers would be happy to provide a test drive on some vehicles. If you hit a couple dealers, you can probably test drive 3 to 5 bikes. Test drive as many as you can then ask yourself, not the dealer- what you'd be happiest with. Once you decide make a hard deal - its a buyer's market.
Happy shopping.
However, in our current economy, I'm sure dealers would be happy to provide a test drive on some vehicles. If you hit a couple dealers, you can probably test drive 3 to 5 bikes. Test drive as many as you can then ask yourself, not the dealer- what you'd be happiest with. Once you decide make a hard deal - its a buyer's market.
Happy shopping.
FWIW!
Good luck & Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, KY
you can never appreciate a bagger until you work your way up through the ranks!
lol just kiddin.....bagger wasn't my first but wished it was...your gonna end up with one in the end, my advise get it, cause if not you won't be happy riding a sporty or a superglide looking at others riding a street glide. do what i wished i did! get the dam thing
lol just kiddin.....bagger wasn't my first but wished it was...your gonna end up with one in the end, my advise get it, cause if not you won't be happy riding a sporty or a superglide looking at others riding a street glide. do what i wished i did! get the dam thing
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 2
From: Northeast Wisconsin
My first bike was and is my '08 Ultra. Almost 12k later I don't regret it. I keep learning and enjoying the bike. Like others said, get the one you want and drive with in your limits.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 681
Likes: 4
From: N.E. Oklahoma
Riding a motorcycle in traffic is a skill you must learn.
I'm not going to tell you what to buy, it's your decision.
Ask yourself this: You have one week of experience. A cager don't see you and executes a left turn right in front of you. You have 1 second to react on a 680+ pound bike...
Muscle won't make a difference, experience will.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-got-home.html
So, what kind of bike should you start with?
Peace.
I'm not going to tell you what to buy, it's your decision.
Ask yourself this: You have one week of experience. A cager don't see you and executes a left turn right in front of you. You have 1 second to react on a 680+ pound bike...
Muscle won't make a difference, experience will.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-got-home.html
So, what kind of bike should you start with?
Peace.
Last edited by uweldit; May 13, 2009 at 11:02 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 928
Likes: 0
From: Redmond, WA
My first Harley was a new Ultra which I purchased after being off motorcycles for about 40 years; I was 61 years old when I bought it. Weight is the only challenge and only in slow maneuvers. Take your time, practice your slow speed handling and you will be fine.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
I say go for it if you feel you are up to it. Sure it will take a bit longer to get comfortable with the bigger bike, but you will save yourself the hassle of looking for a bigger bike after a couple of months on something smaller. If your intentions and finances are to ride a bagger down the road, it may not be a bad idea to just do so from the start. Just remember to use extra care and take it easy, within no time you will feel comfortable on it. I started with an 800cc smaller Suzuki bagger and very quickly felt that I grew out of it, both in terms of performance and that my goal was to get a Harley bagger.
Best of luck and be safe out there.
Best of luck and be safe out there.