First bike for beginner
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore, MD
As others have already stated, buy a used smaller bike and "LEARN" to ride. "LEARN" means exactly that, how to ride as if everything is second nature. You will be surprised at how little you know about motorcycle riding skills until you do some time in the saddle. Remember you need the two "S" in skills, otherwise you will end up a "KILL" stat.
Can you make tight U-Turns without putting your feet down? Can you go in a straight line at 1 to 2 MPH for 100 feet without putting your feet down? Can you make your bike do a dip before a hard turn? Know why so many riders drop their bikes as they make a hard turn? I do, and I am surprised at how many riders with a lot of time in the saddle still have issues. Lots of rider skills are "Perishable" and if not practiced on a continuing basis you will lose them.
Not trying to scare you, but please, I am begging you, buy a used bike that fits you and learn to ride it well, regardless of brand or make. Then when you are ready, move up to that nicer bike you really want. I cry every time I see someone drop their 900 pound Tourer, because I feel their pain, and know that but for the Grace of God Almighty, That Could be ME!
Can you make tight U-Turns without putting your feet down? Can you go in a straight line at 1 to 2 MPH for 100 feet without putting your feet down? Can you make your bike do a dip before a hard turn? Know why so many riders drop their bikes as they make a hard turn? I do, and I am surprised at how many riders with a lot of time in the saddle still have issues. Lots of rider skills are "Perishable" and if not practiced on a continuing basis you will lose them.
Not trying to scare you, but please, I am begging you, buy a used bike that fits you and learn to ride it well, regardless of brand or make. Then when you are ready, move up to that nicer bike you really want. I cry every time I see someone drop their 900 pound Tourer, because I feel their pain, and know that but for the Grace of God Almighty, That Could be ME!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
I would suggest a used 883 Sportster or one of those 650 Yamaha cruisers (V-Star). Buy used, get your sea legs and then move up to a Dyna or Softail. Don't be in a hurry to get into the Touring platform as they are heavy (i.e, riding skills needed to shift the weight as opposed to using sheer muscle to get the bike to do what you want with it).
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 6
From: Riverside, Ca.
I rode limey's for over 45 years and at the age of 63 bought a 2007 road king on e-bay for $7,800. I went from a 380 lb. bike to 800+ lbs. The first month or two I thought I really screwed up. I love the bike now. Can almost toss it around like the limey at speed. If you go big make sure you take time to get used to it. If you have no prior exp. listen to the previous posters and take some classes. Your butt depends on it.
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