Bagger as a first bike?
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Stage II
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Bagger as a first bike?
Is this a horrible idea? I kinda thought it was, but in talking to some knowledegable folks I hear that it may not be too dumb. I'm told that they're not any harder to ride and that it's not that steep of a learning curve. It'll be tougher at first negotiating slow speeds compared to a smaller bike but not for long.
I'm a big strong guy and I've fooled around on my bro's bike just up and down the street. My bro let me try his 2006 Street Glide a bit. The size/weight doesn't seem too bad (though granted I didn't do much in the way of manuevering -- just felt out the clutch and throttle in a straight line) and I know I'm going to want a tourer as soon as I can handle one. We're gonna wanna take road trips.
I'd like more opinions from you folks. Thanks in advance.
I'm a big strong guy and I've fooled around on my bro's bike just up and down the street. My bro let me try his 2006 Street Glide a bit. The size/weight doesn't seem too bad (though granted I didn't do much in the way of manuevering -- just felt out the clutch and throttle in a straight line) and I know I'm going to want a tourer as soon as I can handle one. We're gonna wanna take road trips.
I'd like more opinions from you folks. Thanks in advance.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Pembroke Pines, FL
i say go for it. my first bike was a 1200 sportster. i had it for a month, put 1,000 miles on it and traded it in for a street glide. i love my street glide. it will be the last bike i own for a long time. i was lucky, the dealer gave me what i paid for the sporty so i didn't take a loss. if i did it again i'd go for the big bike. i was a little intimidated so i went with the 1200. once you learn how to ride you can ride anything. it has nothing to do with the size of the motor, etc. remember you're the one in control of the throttle. take it easy at first, once you get comfortable GET ON IT! ENJOY
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Why not. Especially if you end up with a SG, that way you don't have the added weight of the trunk to make it more top heavy. And you can always get that later if you decide you want one.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1
From: New York
My first bike wasn't a bagger but after not riding for 20 years, I did go straight to a bagger. Now, I'm much older and not as healthy but, except for the weight of the bike, not a problem. Just need to go slow at first. Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 622
Likes: 16
From: Independence, MO
I went with a sporty first deliberately to get used to a smaller bike prior to buying a bigger bike... better a $10k mistake than a $20K mistake.
I ended up riding the sporty for 8 years. I had experiences on the sporty that I was able to save myself from disaster on because of it being more nimble.
I ended up riding the sporty for 8 years. I had experiences on the sporty that I was able to save myself from disaster on because of it being more nimble.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
Honestly, i didn't start with a bagger, 'cause i started riding motorcycles when i was a youngster, and there is certainly something to be said for gaining experience on something with a little bit more forgiveness. having said that, i don't think that the weight of a bagger is that big a deal if you know the basics of riding. sure you might not have alot of skill in slow speed riding, but you can gain that as time goes on. the important thing is riding within your abilities.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Boston
Started with a 1200 Custom Sportster and went to a Fatboy for the next three years, then to a SG this year. I though the Fatboy was much easier to handle than the Sportster (lower and better balance). The SG seems a little harder than the Fatboy but in some ways easier than the Sportster. I think the biggest thing to watch is not getting into trouble at a stop or low speed. With the Sportster you can manhandle it back in balance, but if the bagger gets too far off balance I think it would be almost impossible not to lay it down.
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