Bagger as a first bike?
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Let me say that I whole heartedly agree you will end up with the Bagger in the long run as a friend of mine told me, “It took me $60K worth of motorcycles to figure out the Ultra Classic was the one and only one that I needed”.
My perspective is going to come from the financial investment you’re about to make for the most part.
Having said that, I think your choice beckons a few questions like, “What are the traffic conditions where you will be primarily riding?” This could change your learning curve in a big way, putting you and your investment at more risk.
Apparently, contrary to the popular vote here, I would suggest a “disposable” bike to get your feet wet, where you learn “how to ride”. There’s a lot to learn. Where I’m going with this is there’s a lot of difference between riding and being able to put that bike wherever you need to in order to stay as safe as possible. Not that I don’t think you could not learn it on a Harley as you could, but you’re going to spend in the neighborhood of $20K on a new Harley...In learning, a mistake dropping your $20K bike in a very slow maneuver or just putting your kickstand down where you shouldn’t have will really get ya fuming.
I believe, no matter what the first bike you own is, the Harley Bagger will be the last bike you own…but just in case…before ya finalize that decision -
You might want to pick up an operational bike of any model for a couple thousand first, and then sell it when you’re feeling comfy. Even if you lost a few bucks in the deal, I think you would be happy you did. Or, you can rent a few bikes before you buy (I did this and it really helped). When you rent, you can go riding with your buddy a few times and that will take you into different driving conditions than taking his for a spin. Then you will have more data to compute and make your final decision more comfortably.
Finally, a few folks mentioned the MSF course. I would highly recommend taking the motorcycle safety course. You learn a ton in both knowledge of how to conduct yourself on the highways to try to keep safe but also in riding techniques. It has been 20 years since I have taken it, but I’m signed up for a refresher to start in June..You can never be too safe and safe is cheaper for your bike and cheaper for your body.
Just more to consider…this is a huge investment in not only the bike, but time, all those cool ways to fix it up, lifestyle, etc.
My perspective is going to come from the financial investment you’re about to make for the most part.
Having said that, I think your choice beckons a few questions like, “What are the traffic conditions where you will be primarily riding?” This could change your learning curve in a big way, putting you and your investment at more risk.
Apparently, contrary to the popular vote here, I would suggest a “disposable” bike to get your feet wet, where you learn “how to ride”. There’s a lot to learn. Where I’m going with this is there’s a lot of difference between riding and being able to put that bike wherever you need to in order to stay as safe as possible. Not that I don’t think you could not learn it on a Harley as you could, but you’re going to spend in the neighborhood of $20K on a new Harley...In learning, a mistake dropping your $20K bike in a very slow maneuver or just putting your kickstand down where you shouldn’t have will really get ya fuming.
I believe, no matter what the first bike you own is, the Harley Bagger will be the last bike you own…but just in case…before ya finalize that decision -
You might want to pick up an operational bike of any model for a couple thousand first, and then sell it when you’re feeling comfy. Even if you lost a few bucks in the deal, I think you would be happy you did. Or, you can rent a few bikes before you buy (I did this and it really helped). When you rent, you can go riding with your buddy a few times and that will take you into different driving conditions than taking his for a spin. Then you will have more data to compute and make your final decision more comfortably.
Finally, a few folks mentioned the MSF course. I would highly recommend taking the motorcycle safety course. You learn a ton in both knowledge of how to conduct yourself on the highways to try to keep safe but also in riding techniques. It has been 20 years since I have taken it, but I’m signed up for a refresher to start in June..You can never be too safe and safe is cheaper for your bike and cheaper for your body.
Just more to consider…this is a huge investment in not only the bike, but time, all those cool ways to fix it up, lifestyle, etc.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: South Bend Indiana
2009 FLHRC Vivid Black
I hadn't ridden for 20 plus years and bought a Honda VT750DC. I had the bike for about a week and wanted a bigger one.....I kept it for three years.... My Road King is easier to handle than the Honda and it weighs 300 pounds more.
If you are thinking new, Harley has a even trade policy on the Sportster...
If I knew then what I know now I would have bought the RK
I hadn't ridden for 20 plus years and bought a Honda VT750DC. I had the bike for about a week and wanted a bigger one.....I kept it for three years.... My Road King is easier to handle than the Honda and it weighs 300 pounds more.
If you are thinking new, Harley has a even trade policy on the Sportster...
If I knew then what I know now I would have bought the RK
6th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Sure, why not?
My first bike wasn't a bagger, nor was my second, or tenth, or ... Well, I now happily ride an 07 Classic that's trying to masquerade as a SG. If the bagger's what you want, you might as well get on it and get safe and good at it. I suppose the downside is that if you lean it all the way over even when parked, all those parts that hit the ground come from Harley and we all know that they cost approximately 80% more than they ought to. So, do a biker safety class (making the wrong move on a bike can have much greater consequences than it does inside the perimiter of 4 wheels), make yourself safe, and get used to it. And consider doing it with the bags off. Take the lowers off too if you have them. Keep the crash bar fully in place with no outer pegs, and take another bike along to help if you need it and to follow until you are ready to lead. Be safe and enjoy!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
You shouldn't have any problem, just remember that the first time for anything should really be conservative. Be attentive to the details and be well prepared so there are no surprises. Most of us started on smaller bikes simply for economic reasons, back in the day I really couldn't afford anything else. And most definitely take a Mortorcycle Safety Course.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: York, Pa
My first Harley was a RK Classic. I went into the purchase knowing I wanted to tour and should get something for comfort. I was smart and practiced riding the back roads in the area where traffic wasn't too heavy, but I coud get a good feel for the bike. It didn't take too long before I was comfortable. I see no reason why your first bike shouldn't be a bagger. It seems silly to buy a smaller bike just to trade it in and buy a bigger one if you already know you're going there.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,925
Likes: 5
From:
I'll just say that I'm glad this Ultra wasn't my first bike, this thing is f'n heavy and with little to no experiance it would have been tough. Of course I'm sure I was stronger 30 years ago when I started riding on my 1970 Honda CB350 in 79, but it was a great bike to learn on.
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If you want a bagger now, you'll end up with one in the end so just do it. The weight will not be an issue and they handle way better than a sportster. My 06 SG handles way better than any motorcycle I've ever owned and slow speed handling is why police use them.
