RK for a beginner?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
Hi everybody I was just wondering if an RK is a decent bike for a beginner... especially somebody my age. I'm 15 years old and I've always been interested in touring models the most out of all the other bikes. I'm around 160 pounds and was thinking to myself if I would be able to handle a bike like an RK. I have no experience on a motorcycle other than pocket bikes and a lot of time on ATVs.
If an RK isn't the right bike for me, then what do you guys think I should start off on? I won't be getting a motorcycle anytime soon, but I was thinking about the Iron 883 as a second option since it's a much smaller and lighter bike. I'll be getting my permit in April and my license in November.
I don't want to rush through things, but I guess I'm just thinking ahead. Any kind of help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
If an RK isn't the right bike for me, then what do you guys think I should start off on? I won't be getting a motorcycle anytime soon, but I was thinking about the Iron 883 as a second option since it's a much smaller and lighter bike. I'll be getting my permit in April and my license in November.
I don't want to rush through things, but I guess I'm just thinking ahead. Any kind of help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 3,366
From: Idaho Panhandle
Hi everybody I was just wondering if an RK is a decent bike for a beginner... especially somebody my age. I'm 15 years old and I've always been interested in touring models the most out of all the other bikes. I'm around 160 pounds and was thinking to myself if I would be able to handle a bike like an RK. I have no experience on a motorcycle other than pocket bikes and a lot of time on ATVs.
If an RK isn't the right bike for me, then what do you guys think I should start off on? I won't be getting a motorcycle anytime soon, but I was thinking about the Iron 883 as a second option since it's a much smaller and lighter bike. I'll be getting my permit in April and my license in November.
If an RK isn't the right bike for me, then what do you guys think I should start off on? I won't be getting a motorcycle anytime soon, but I was thinking about the Iron 883 as a second option since it's a much smaller and lighter bike. I'll be getting my permit in April and my license in November.
Could you get a RK and live happily ever after, yes, but it is unlikely. Odds would be against you, especially if you are commuting in LA. At 15 and 16, I would not have been happy with an RK. I was not that mature. A Dyna, maybe, but the mid level 800-1000 engines give you all the power you can control, will haul you, your friend and gear where ever you want to go and if **** happens, well it happened. You pick it up, replace the broken pegs and levers and get on with life.
From the way you jumped into selecting a RK or an Iron 883, I figure you got plenty of time to grow up. Just pick something you can grow with and keep you fun level high enough to learn good basics of handling. It is a lot harder to lane share on an RK than an Iron 883. You live in LA so you don't need rain gear. My recommendation, go for easy handling first. Now my RK handles like a dream, but it that is all you have, you may find that motorcycling is not all the adventure you thought it might be. Get hooked on a fun bike first, then add cruising.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
The key to riding safely is not the machine, it's the rider. A Road King mechanically/physically has several properties that make it an easy motorcycle to ride. Lots of torque, and a low center of gravity. It also doesn't have the acceleration and top speed of a crotch rocket. That being said, any motorcycle that can be licensed for riding on the street will go plenty fast to achieve fatal results.
With proper instruction, and ridden safely; you could find the Road King would be a great first motor, since you wouldn't be kicking yourself for not getting what you really wanted. Without proper instruction, and ridden unsafely; damage to the machine will be the least of your worries.
Harris
Denver, CO
www.youtube.com/conedown
With proper instruction, and ridden safely; you could find the Road King would be a great first motor, since you wouldn't be kicking yourself for not getting what you really wanted. Without proper instruction, and ridden unsafely; damage to the machine will be the least of your worries.
Harris
Denver, CO
www.youtube.com/conedown
Last edited by motorlessons; Feb 19, 2013 at 06:52 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City, MO
Do yourself a favor and save some cash and learn the concepts of handling a bike on cheap jap crap.
Then upgrade to the RK you will appreciate it alot more. JMHO
Enjoy whatever you get and keep the rubber side down
Then upgrade to the RK you will appreciate it alot more. JMHO
Enjoy whatever you get and keep the rubber side down
Last edited by BearHawg; Feb 19, 2013 at 06:46 PM. Reason: spelling
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,862
Likes: 126
From: Republic of Texas
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 444
From: Mi
I don't know I rode a lot of dirt bikes growing up and finally financially stable and bought a Harley. 09 1200 Nighster, 2 days after picking the bike up in March(purchased in Jan) I traded up for a Electra Glide standard as the 09 SG did not come in Black Denim. Lucky enough Harley had the promotion to trade up and keep your buying price value. I lost about $700 in taxes. Never looked back..
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
1. MSF course first and foremost, before you do anything else.
2. No, don't start on a heavyweight bike. Don't start on an expensive bike. YOU WILL DROP YOUR BIKE ONCE OR TWICE.
3. Start on a used Sportster, or a Japanese 650 or 900cc cruiser. You can add windshields and bags if you really want to. Ride it for at least a year.
4. Now that you have dropped a bike, had a few near misses, learned to stop and start with stability and confidence...go ahead and trade up to the big bike.
2. No, don't start on a heavyweight bike. Don't start on an expensive bike. YOU WILL DROP YOUR BIKE ONCE OR TWICE.
3. Start on a used Sportster, or a Japanese 650 or 900cc cruiser. You can add windshields and bags if you really want to. Ride it for at least a year.
4. Now that you have dropped a bike, had a few near misses, learned to stop and start with stability and confidence...go ahead and trade up to the big bike.