RK for a beginner?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
I have never dropped my Harley. But I would bet heavily that a 160 lb 15 year old has a pretty high odds of dropping a 850 lb first bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Hope I'm wrong but something doesn't seem quite right here.
If this is real height is important. Time on two wheels? I think something for a couple months you could sell for about what you pay. Then go get your RK if you want and can afford it. I do question if that is really the bike a 15 y/o wants though. I'd expect a Dyna to be more along the lines of what you want. But you know you better than I know you
If this is real height is important. Time on two wheels? I think something for a couple months you could sell for about what you pay. Then go get your RK if you want and can afford it. I do question if that is really the bike a 15 y/o wants though. I'd expect a Dyna to be more along the lines of what you want. But you know you better than I know you
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
I don't know, man....at 15 years old you are going to have so many hot chicks begging you for a ride (especially if you buy the RK Classic...)...your face is going to hurt from smiling. 
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
I would recommend getting a cheap dirt bike and learn how to ride off road. Once your proficient in riding basics and feel very comfortable on two wheels, then get the RK. My first street bike was a Ultra limited, once you get used to the weight, you'll be fine. Take it slow and lots of parking lot practice before you hit the open road. Also recommend getting "Ride like a pro" DVD.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
I dunno man, to me it's a no brainer that you don't learn how to ride on a big heavy bagger. the folks arguing to just get the road king don't make a lot of sense to me. They may, (or may not), have gotten a big harley as their first bike and have never laid it down, but if that is true, they're certainly in a tiny, tiny minority. Most anybody who actually rides, has dropped their bike at one time or another. Parking lot, gravel, wet surfaces etc, and that's not even to mention any situation that would come up in actual traffic that may or may not be within your control to avoid. If they truly believe that there is no difference in the odds for a 16 year old kid with no experience riding a road king vs a honda shadow, then i want to see these guys let this kid take their bagger for a ride.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Vernon, BC
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.