I am looking to get my motorcycle licence soon and wondering about my first bike. I have always wanted to get a bike but kept putting it off. My father recently passed away and made me think that you never know when it will be too late. It was his dream to drive a bike from Toronto Canada to California. I would like to make this dream of his come true and sprinkle some of his ashes when I get there. I would like to get everyones opinion on my first bike. I have always loved the Harley Davidson Touring bikes like the Electra Glide. I have been told those are too big to start and I would just kill myself. I have also been told as long as I take my time to learn on it I will be fine. I am 6'0 and about 200 pounds. Any suggestions?

 

Being I have the EGC I'm a bit partial....if you plan on touring, then buy a touring bike. My wife and I made the mistake of buying a Fatboy first and driving it for 2 years. We should have pulled the trigger and bought a tourer then. Its the same mistake a lot of us make. Not that having the Fatboy wasn't fun...its just not a touring bike IMO. With the new frames (09 and newer) the bike drives like a dream and corners better IMO then the Fatboy did. At your size and weight you won't have an issue moving the bike around. Yes of course its going to take practice and riding to gain some experience...put the time and effort in...take a state riding course if available..well worth the money! Then get out there in some open parking lot and practice turns and stopping. There are smaller bikes you could start out with and I'm sure you'd love them too. This is really a personal decision. I happen to love touring with my wife...having a smaller bike was not the answer. Don't let anyone ruin your dreams...only you can do that. Ride SAFE

 

My advice is free... and worth every penny:

Look around for an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course in your area. They typically use small bikes such as a 250cc Yamaha. Not only will you learn the fundamental skills, you'll also get a better idea of whether motorcycling is for you. And you'll have fun.

 

+1 on MSF course.

Just note that learning to ride on a large tourer will be a bit more challenging than starting small.. nothing a little practice won't fix, but just don't expect to buy and start riding accross the country right away. Not safely that is..

 

Rent a Electra Glide and see how it feels for you. If it's seems to big, rent a different touring bike and see how it feels. Renting is cheap compared to getting something and then realizing it isn't the bike for you.

I hope you get to live out your fathers dream. Would be a great story.

 

I don't feel like an 800lb bike is something to "get started" on, IMO.

 

Agreed on taking the msf course. I took the course and was worth it. I would by the bike you want right away cause eventually you will end up with it anyway.

 

First thing!! Sorry about losing your Father. It's hard to answer your question with no more info than you gave. 6 Ft, 200 lbs, you can handle any touring bike out there once you take the MSF course and practice some. I wouldn't waste my money buying a smaller bike to learn on. Go look at bikes, not just Harley's. Find what strike's your fancy, do some research and the rest will be history. Good luck to you!

 

An 850 lb. bike is not a bike for a beginner. You will hurt yourself. Get something smaller like a 750 cc to 800 cc to start with. A 250 cc is just a waste of time but that is what you will learn on in the MSF course. I would ride at least a year before you step up to the touring bikes. Take your time and make sure you like to ride first before plunking down a bunch of money on a bike.

 

Yes, above all, take the time to learn and be comfortable on whatever it is you end up with. Good luck to you, I hope you fulfill that dream.