When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
That being said, my first one was a Road Star so I can speak with some experience on that one. The balance of the HD is far superior to the Yamaha making that 168 pound difference negligible. And the ride on the Road Star is the one that is brutal!
I also had a Roadstar... and while I admittedly have only ridden a Roadglide around a parking lot... I seriously dunno WTF you're talking about. Not trying to start an argument here... really... But a Road Glide with ____ pounds of batwing fairing and assorted electric doo-dads bolted on high in front is better balanced? I don't get it... and it sure wasn't when I rode it. And I'm not sure there's much of a fair comparison in ride between a Touring bike and a Softail (which the Roadstar is)... but every time I bottom out on my Fatboy and jar the **** out of my spine... I miss my Roadie.
So... anyway... to your point... I agree with you completely that the OP should get something comfortable that "fits" him. It's just that first bikes get dropped... that's what they're for. Understand that you didn't tell him, "Yeah! Go spend $20k on that bike... have fun!!"... it's just that cost needs to be a higher priority when considering a FIRST bike... IMO.
Of course... the OP might be independently wealthy with wads to burn and $20k IS a cheap first bike to him... it is used after all!
The ride on mine was terrible. Brutal was a good word. No where close to what I have now. Yes, in my opinion, the balance is better. Different strokes for different folks i guess. Lol,,,,,we are so far off of what the original post was. Dude, they want too much money for that bike!!!
Help! I'm an older (50's), larger (height and weight) new rider looking to buy my first bike!
Have always been a fan of the Road Glide, and have found a Road Glide Ultra. It's a 2011 with 38K miles. HD dealer selling, wants $19,500 no major cosmetic or mechanical issues. Daily rider who traded in for new Road Glide.
Good Price?
Good Bike?
Questions to ask?
Things to look for?
wbs
Since when was 50s "older"?! (well ok)
But seriously. First ever bike? NO this is not a good first bike. Also - price is too high.
Do yourself a favor and buy an older lighter metric cruiser off of craigslist. Here's a suggestion (Little Rock)
Pleeeeease take the riders course. I suggest buying something super cheap right b4 the class. I don't care how big it is, just something you can sell a month or two down the road for about what you paid. Then go buy your Hog. If there is going to be any scratches you don't want them on a pristine bike.
Welcome to the forum. Look forward to hearing about your progress.
I learned and just came off of two Honda's, a 07 C2 and an 07 Aero, both 750s..... my road glide is much easier to ride and balance in slow moving traffic as well as in parking lots and I only weigh 180lbs....... my concern would be mileage and value here..... they're not as hard to ride and keep upright as they look
Waaaaaaaaaay tooooooooooo expensive with that many miles. You should also consider taking the Riders Edge Course or some other motorcycle safety course.
Last edited by tazman509; Oct 6, 2012 at 10:52 PM.
You are getting sound advise from some. I started with a Vulcan 900, rode for 6 months and moved up to the 01 UC. The rider course will give you great fundamentals, but nothing like you will experience on the open road. These 800 - 900 lb. beasts are easy to handle when running, it's the slow speed, quick stop stuff that will get you in trouble if caught off guard. You have to dig deep and make an honest assessment of your abiltities to make a decision. From what I read its still a buyers market, make a ridiculous counter offer. Good luck.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.