Is a SG too much first Harley?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Enjoy the heck out of my Street Glide.
It has proven to be very versatile.
I ride it boppin' all over town. Enjoy the radio in the city, and also like the gauges and tach.
Have taken several long distance rides, both solo and with OL. With the hard bags, a sissy bar and luggage rack, I can load it up pretty well longer trips where I need it to double as a 2 up pack horse. Went to Sturgis and Laughlin from San Diego, and never found the comfort lacking.
The bat wing fairing not only houses the stereo and gauges, but gives great wind coverage for both driver and passenger. I also like the way it protects my hands and houses the mirrors.
I have a couple different heights for windshields, and can change them out in about 2 minutes.
Pumping up the shocks for riding double, or with t-bag strapped on gives me a pretty good comprimise between lower ride height and smooth running.
These things are popular for a reason.
It has proven to be very versatile.
I ride it boppin' all over town. Enjoy the radio in the city, and also like the gauges and tach.
Have taken several long distance rides, both solo and with OL. With the hard bags, a sissy bar and luggage rack, I can load it up pretty well longer trips where I need it to double as a 2 up pack horse. Went to Sturgis and Laughlin from San Diego, and never found the comfort lacking.
The bat wing fairing not only houses the stereo and gauges, but gives great wind coverage for both driver and passenger. I also like the way it protects my hands and houses the mirrors.
I have a couple different heights for windshields, and can change them out in about 2 minutes.
Pumping up the shocks for riding double, or with t-bag strapped on gives me a pretty good comprimise between lower ride height and smooth running.
These things are popular for a reason.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
A bagger is a lot of machine for a first bike but even so, mere mortal human beings seem to rise to the occasion and prevail. With previous experience, the transition won't be as long as for a true beginner. Respect your limits as you become accustomed to the machine and you can ride anything you want.
Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
Is a SG too much first Harley
I'm also 5'7" and a 30" inseam. I got a used Electaglide and changed to a reach seat, and I feel very comfortable on it.
My progress was a little more gradual with a Softail between my Honda Magna and the Glide.
You'll be fine. Take a MSF or local riding course for your safety and ride the heck off your heinie.
My progress was a little more gradual with a Softail between my Honda Magna and the Glide.
You'll be fine. Take a MSF or local riding course for your safety and ride the heck off your heinie.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I too had been away from motorcycles for 25 or so years. I was talked into buying a Softail and never even test rode a Touring bike.
One year later I rode a Road King at a Demo Days and bought a Street Glide 2 months later.
Get the Street Glide, they are HD's best seller now for a reason.
One year later I rode a Road King at a Demo Days and bought a Street Glide 2 months later.
Get the Street Glide, they are HD's best seller now for a reason.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: California
You will be fine on the SG, just learn to respect it. Take the riding course. Get out with some people and go ridin'.
Bought my FIRST ever street motorcyle in May of this year. I am 60yrs old, 5'-8", 29-30 inch inseam. Took the riding course and was set to buy a sportster, a good friend and the dealer steered me to the Street Glide.
Was intimindated by its size, but between the riding course and my friend (he has a 08 UG), bought it. Have over 1000 mi. now and getting more confidence. We ride in the mountains, really like the curves (makes you stay alert and learn control (slow down)).
Vertically challenged, when stopped, not too uncomfortable ( looking at getting a different seat).
As you can gather, I only ride for pleasure, so I am not in much traffic.
I am happy with my purchase and having a friend to ride with makes for good times.
When I get nervous, go to the shopping mall parking lot and practice TIGHT figure 8's.
Its your money.
Like previously said, TEST ride everything.
Good luck, let us know what you end up getting.
Bought my FIRST ever street motorcyle in May of this year. I am 60yrs old, 5'-8", 29-30 inch inseam. Took the riding course and was set to buy a sportster, a good friend and the dealer steered me to the Street Glide.
Was intimindated by its size, but between the riding course and my friend (he has a 08 UG), bought it. Have over 1000 mi. now and getting more confidence. We ride in the mountains, really like the curves (makes you stay alert and learn control (slow down)).
Vertically challenged, when stopped, not too uncomfortable ( looking at getting a different seat).
As you can gather, I only ride for pleasure, so I am not in much traffic.
I am happy with my purchase and having a friend to ride with makes for good times.
When I get nervous, go to the shopping mall parking lot and practice TIGHT figure 8's.
Its your money.
Like previously said, TEST ride everything.
Good luck, let us know what you end up getting.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
We are on same path. I'm 54, rode a lot 25 years ago and got back in last year on an SG. I was told by some that a bagger was too big/heavy, to start smaller. For me, that's wrong.
Baggers are incredibly heavy. In parking lots, the garage, and gravel the weight is two hands full. Rolling over 20 or so weight really is not much of an issue. We have v/ good brakes.
I do not believe there is any difference between an RK and an SG via a via a newish rider. Get what you like. (Loved the question re color.)
Here's my list. 1. Take an MSF course immediately. 2. Slow down. 3. No alcohol. 4. Parking lot practice. 5. Assume no cager is paying attention. 6. Ride with and listen to seasoned bagger riders, but recognize that some longtime riders have bad habits. 7. Read "Profficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Good stuff in there.
The first season is very high risk. Take it easy. Ride no faster than you are comfortable, maybe slower. Don't chase your buddies. I have a no-traffic 20 mile loop that I've done a million times, now I'm 10,000 miles into riding my SG and know it was the right first bike.
I got black but wish it was burgundy or orange.
Baggers are incredibly heavy. In parking lots, the garage, and gravel the weight is two hands full. Rolling over 20 or so weight really is not much of an issue. We have v/ good brakes.
I do not believe there is any difference between an RK and an SG via a via a newish rider. Get what you like. (Loved the question re color.)
Here's my list. 1. Take an MSF course immediately. 2. Slow down. 3. No alcohol. 4. Parking lot practice. 5. Assume no cager is paying attention. 6. Ride with and listen to seasoned bagger riders, but recognize that some longtime riders have bad habits. 7. Read "Profficient Motorcycling" by David Hough. Good stuff in there.
The first season is very high risk. Take it easy. Ride no faster than you are comfortable, maybe slower. Don't chase your buddies. I have a no-traffic 20 mile loop that I've done a million times, now I'm 10,000 miles into riding my SG and know it was the right first bike.
I got black but wish it was burgundy or orange.