new rider seeking advice......
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
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 
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 2
From: Where I lay my head is home.
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!!!
So anyway... what were we talking about? Was it ordering pizza or something?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,724
From: Hill Country, TX
Case in point my good friend bought his wife a brand spanking new Sportster because she wanted to learn how to ride. I just shook my head and practically begged him to get her a Honda 250 Rebel instead at least for the first couple of months. She went to the rider's edge course, did well, and then immediately started riding the Sporty. Well, in the first week on the Sporty she dropped the bike, and won't ride it anymore. She said she's scared of the Harley. It was an expensive lesson for my friend, to say the least.
My 2010 Street Glide is the first and only bagger I've ever owned. Before I bought it, I had decades of motorcycle experience from dirt bikes and motocross, to Jap street bikes, to Harley Sportsters, Softails, and my FXR, which I still own. I still consider the Street Glide as one of the more unforgiving of all my bikes, especially to a beginner, because of its size, weight, and unique handling characteristics.
Both low and high speed handling characteristics on a bagger can really bite you in the *** quickly, if you don't know what you're doing. It's very unforgiving to the rider experienced or not.
Doing a simple maneuver, such as a u-turn can be a handful on the SG. If a novice panics at all during that maneuver, and snatches that front brake for any reason, guess where he's going?
Braking at speed takes a while to get used to also, because you're trying to slow down something that weighs 800-900lbs. You have to lead this bike much more than a lighter motorcycle. I've also found that the rear brake is very easy to lock up, especially in a panic stop. I could see a novice easily losing control of the bike in that situation. He locks up the rear brake, and as the *** end starts skidding around, he releases it, and high sides off the bike.
High speed sweepers on a bagger are more work than on a lighter, more maneuverable bike too. It can get ugly very fast, if the bike isn't properly set up for the turn. A new guy could easily enter a turn a little too fast, not maintain his line, and find himself in an unrecoverable situation.
When I compare my FXR to my bagger, there is a world of difference. The FXR feels like a bicycle, my bagger feels like a school bus. It is so much easier to perform any maneuver on my FXR (low speed, high speed, or braking), because the FXR is a good 300lbs lighter, and a much more maneuverable bike.
The OP is a grown *** man, and can do whatever he wants. If it were a family member of mine, I would insist on starting small, learning the basics, gaining experience, and then moving up to a bigger bike. Baby steps Stan baby steps.
If I'm going to teach someone how to fly, we'll start off in a small Cessna, not a Boeing 747. The same thing applies here. It only makes sense.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
Thank you
a voice of reason.
Case in point my good friend bought his wife a brand spanking new Sportster because she wanted to learn how to ride. I just shook my head and practically begged him to get her a Honda 250 Rebel instead at least for the first couple of months. She went to the rider's edge course, did well, and then immediately started riding the Sporty. Well, in the first week on the Sporty she dropped the bike, and won't ride it anymore. She said she's scared of the Harley. It was an expensive lesson for my friend, to say the least.
My 2010 Street Glide is the first and only bagger I've ever owned. Before I bought it, I had decades of motorcycle experience from dirt bikes and motocross, to Jap street bikes, to Harley Sportsters, Softails, and my FXR, which I still own. I still consider the Street Glide as one of the more unforgiving of all my bikes, especially to a beginner, because of its size, weight, and unique handling characteristics.
Both low and high speed handling characteristics on a bagger can really bite you in the *** quickly, if you don't know what you're doing. It's very unforgiving to the rider experienced or not.
Doing a simple maneuver, such as a u-turn can be a handful on the SG. If a novice panics at all during that maneuver, and snatches that front brake for any reason, guess where he's going?
Braking at speed takes a while to get used to also, because you're trying to slow down something that weighs 800-900lbs. You have to lead this bike much more than a lighter motorcycle. I've also found that the rear brake is very easy to lock up, especially in a panic stop. I could see a novice easily losing control of the bike in that situation. He locks up the rear brake, and as the *** end starts skidding around, he releases it, and high sides off the bike.
High speed sweepers on a bagger are more work than on a lighter, more maneuverable bike too. It can get ugly very fast, if the bike isn't properly set up for the turn. A new guy could easily enter a turn a little too fast, not maintain his line, and find himself in an unrecoverable situation.
When I compare my FXR to my bagger, there is a world of difference. The FXR feels like a bicycle, my bagger feels like a school bus. It is so much easier to perform any maneuver on my FXR (low speed, high speed, or braking), because the FXR is a good 300lbs lighter, and a much more maneuverable bike.
The OP is a grown *** man, and can do whatever he wants. If it were a family member of mine, I would insist on starting small, learning the basics, gaining experience, and then moving up to a bigger bike. Baby steps Stan baby steps.
If I'm going to teach someone how to fly, we'll start off in a small Cessna, not a Boeing 747. The same thing applies here. It only makes sense.
Case in point my good friend bought his wife a brand spanking new Sportster because she wanted to learn how to ride. I just shook my head and practically begged him to get her a Honda 250 Rebel instead at least for the first couple of months. She went to the rider's edge course, did well, and then immediately started riding the Sporty. Well, in the first week on the Sporty she dropped the bike, and won't ride it anymore. She said she's scared of the Harley. It was an expensive lesson for my friend, to say the least.
My 2010 Street Glide is the first and only bagger I've ever owned. Before I bought it, I had decades of motorcycle experience from dirt bikes and motocross, to Jap street bikes, to Harley Sportsters, Softails, and my FXR, which I still own. I still consider the Street Glide as one of the more unforgiving of all my bikes, especially to a beginner, because of its size, weight, and unique handling characteristics.
Both low and high speed handling characteristics on a bagger can really bite you in the *** quickly, if you don't know what you're doing. It's very unforgiving to the rider experienced or not.
Doing a simple maneuver, such as a u-turn can be a handful on the SG. If a novice panics at all during that maneuver, and snatches that front brake for any reason, guess where he's going?
Braking at speed takes a while to get used to also, because you're trying to slow down something that weighs 800-900lbs. You have to lead this bike much more than a lighter motorcycle. I've also found that the rear brake is very easy to lock up, especially in a panic stop. I could see a novice easily losing control of the bike in that situation. He locks up the rear brake, and as the *** end starts skidding around, he releases it, and high sides off the bike.
High speed sweepers on a bagger are more work than on a lighter, more maneuverable bike too. It can get ugly very fast, if the bike isn't properly set up for the turn. A new guy could easily enter a turn a little too fast, not maintain his line, and find himself in an unrecoverable situation.
When I compare my FXR to my bagger, there is a world of difference. The FXR feels like a bicycle, my bagger feels like a school bus. It is so much easier to perform any maneuver on my FXR (low speed, high speed, or braking), because the FXR is a good 300lbs lighter, and a much more maneuverable bike.
The OP is a grown *** man, and can do whatever he wants. If it were a family member of mine, I would insist on starting small, learning the basics, gaining experience, and then moving up to a bigger bike. Baby steps Stan baby steps.
If I'm going to teach someone how to fly, we'll start off in a small Cessna, not a Boeing 747. The same thing applies here. It only makes sense.
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: arkansas
OK, before I get crucified any further, let me talk...
1. I've test ridden and "sat" everything from a sportster to an electra glide. I like the road glide, it fits me, and it's manageable.
2. Novice rider, not new.
3. Already signed up for refresher riding course at local HD
4. Have 2 fellow riders with 30+ yrs of experience each who have already "informed" me that they will make sure I'm riding safely, and won't let me out of my neighborhood and parking lots until they feel comfortable that I can handle it.
5. I'm not some fuzzy-faced, pimpley-skinned 17 yr old trying to impress friends, I plan on enjoying the ride, but safely.
6. As far as price goes.... I've checked 10 dealerships online, as well as the HD website, and all the 2011 Road Glide Ultra's I've seen are right in this price range.
7. Have also checked NADA, KBB, and Black Book for resale values on this bike, again, right within the ranges. Not sure where you guys are buying your bikes that you think this is highway robbery, but maybe you can steer me there!
8. I do appreciate the input, I may disagree with you, but I respect your opinions.
Thanks,
wbsully
1. I've test ridden and "sat" everything from a sportster to an electra glide. I like the road glide, it fits me, and it's manageable.
2. Novice rider, not new.
3. Already signed up for refresher riding course at local HD
4. Have 2 fellow riders with 30+ yrs of experience each who have already "informed" me that they will make sure I'm riding safely, and won't let me out of my neighborhood and parking lots until they feel comfortable that I can handle it.
5. I'm not some fuzzy-faced, pimpley-skinned 17 yr old trying to impress friends, I plan on enjoying the ride, but safely.
6. As far as price goes.... I've checked 10 dealerships online, as well as the HD website, and all the 2011 Road Glide Ultra's I've seen are right in this price range.
7. Have also checked NADA, KBB, and Black Book for resale values on this bike, again, right within the ranges. Not sure where you guys are buying your bikes that you think this is highway robbery, but maybe you can steer me there!
8. I do appreciate the input, I may disagree with you, but I respect your opinions.
Thanks,
wbsully
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I just wanted to point out that in the title of your thread you stated "NEW RIDER" so maybe that's why the opinions went the way they did.
I personally find it interesting that people say "it's a waste of money" or comment on the money issue when it comes to purchasing a first bike. Wasting money is dependent on how much the person has or what they earn. A waste of money for one person might be different for others. If I was going to purchase a car I wouldn't go looking at used sentras or corrollas. I'd be looking at 2013's in a classier make and model.
He asked if it was a "fair price" for the year, model and mileage. Not opinions on how to spend his money.
I personally find it interesting that people say "it's a waste of money" or comment on the money issue when it comes to purchasing a first bike. Wasting money is dependent on how much the person has or what they earn. A waste of money for one person might be different for others. If I was going to purchase a car I wouldn't go looking at used sentras or corrollas. I'd be looking at 2013's in a classier make and model.
He asked if it was a "fair price" for the year, model and mileage. Not opinions on how to spend his money.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,847
From: Western South Dakota
If you haven't yet, I would recommend taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class.
By taking this course, you will get a break on your insurance too, besides learning some basics.
After that, test ride several bikes and determine which one fits you the best.
After that, start looking for deals.
Look for a private owner low milage garage queen.
You will get a great deal and be helping out a fellow rider.
By taking this course, you will get a break on your insurance too, besides learning some basics.
After that, test ride several bikes and determine which one fits you the best.
After that, start looking for deals.
Look for a private owner low milage garage queen.
You will get a great deal and be helping out a fellow rider.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Just buy what you want and feel most comfortable on. My first street bike was a 10 Ultra Limited, 2yrs, 15000 Miles and haven't dropped it yet. Although I had rode dirt bikes growing up. I would recommend buying the Ride like a Pro DVD, and practicing in a parking lot until your comfortable. Ride safe!
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
On the issue of the price of the Road Glide you're considering... I just bought a 2010 Electra Glide Ultra Classic (Peace Officer) with 1800 miles on it for $18,500 which included a 5 year extended warranty. I know they're not the same bike, and that Road Glide's are harder to find used, but the price you were quoted can be improved.
On the issue of a Road Glide, or any large tourer, as a starter motorcycle, the prudent advice is to start with something smaller. Without knowing you, your ability, and your attitude, I don't think it would be wise to say, "Yeah, buy the big bike as a 'first bike'". That's not to say it can't be done, I did it, but I didn't expect anyone to seriously endorse the idea.
Practice good habits from the start. You can do this in your car. Operate your cage as if it were a motorcycle. Identify hazards like edge traps, gravel, manhole covers, idiots on cell phones, etc. Practice leaving yourself outs and giving yourself cushion. When you see something like a shredded semi-tire in the road, ask yourself, "If I were on my bike, did I identify the hazard in enough time? How would I negotiate this hazard?" Oh, and get into the habit right now of staying the hell away from semis and other large vehicles.
On the issue of a Road Glide, or any large tourer, as a starter motorcycle, the prudent advice is to start with something smaller. Without knowing you, your ability, and your attitude, I don't think it would be wise to say, "Yeah, buy the big bike as a 'first bike'". That's not to say it can't be done, I did it, but I didn't expect anyone to seriously endorse the idea.
Practice good habits from the start. You can do this in your car. Operate your cage as if it were a motorcycle. Identify hazards like edge traps, gravel, manhole covers, idiots on cell phones, etc. Practice leaving yourself outs and giving yourself cushion. When you see something like a shredded semi-tire in the road, ask yourself, "If I were on my bike, did I identify the hazard in enough time? How would I negotiate this hazard?" Oh, and get into the habit right now of staying the hell away from semis and other large vehicles.