First time bike?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 826
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
My question is what are your thoughts? If she starts riding the Heritage will you buy another bike? My sister started out on a 08 Heritage and my brother in-law bought a Limited. Now she rides a Street Glide. I would say use the $4500 for a down on YOUR next bike.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 413
Likes: 1
From: canfield,ohio
how old are you first and if you have time on a bike ,then the 883 is fine ,but trust me ,883 is a good bike to start with .but a soft tail is only 1 or 2 steps up and a lot more bike . my first Harley was a 89 1200 sportster 4 speed and it was only 2 months I knew that was not the right bike ., but that was in 96 ,since then I had 3 Harley ,my last was a 2006 road king ,nice bike ,but now 2011 road glide 103 . and next I hope will be the 2015 new road glide , any bike you buy ,just enjoy and be careful.its a great life to have a bike , any bike
my first bike was a '12 heritage....in 5 months I had traded it in for a '13 street glide.....Im small. 5'1 with a 29 inch inseam. got both bikes lowered and super reduce reach seat. yes, there is more weight there, but nothing compares to the ride...
My wife started on a Honda Aero 750, perfect sized bike for her, low profile and you can get them cheap. She went down on that bike more than she did me(VBG) but once she mastered riding it then she moved up to a Heritage softail and now she rides a street glide.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
As others have said MSF course is a must. If she is going to be moving up, I would start with a cheaper honda or yamaha. If she drops it a couple of times, it won't hurt as much. Sportsters are nice bikes but they aren't "easy" to ride. They are taller than some of the metrics and are very responsive - not necessarily a good combination for a new rider.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 925
Likes: 15
From: So. Fla.
I agree it should be your wife's choice, within budget of course. Picking out a bike for someone else is as hard as picking out a gun or a mate for someone else.
The one who is going to be holding and handling it should make the final decision. Nothing at all wrong with steering her in the right direction though.
Dennis
The one who is going to be holding and handling it should make the final decision. Nothing at all wrong with steering her in the right direction though.
Dennis
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: NE Wisconsin
She says the vibrations through the handlebar make her hand and wrist muscles sore.
She hasn't mentioned any other issues with vibrations though - hey, she keeps riding it...
She hasn't mentioned any other issues with vibrations though - hey, she keeps riding it...
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Thanks for all the replies. A lot of great advice! My wife is a Harley girl. So, we were going to look at some Hondas, but I could tell she just wasn't there. So we went and found a 2009 XL883L and she immediately loved the bike. Only 5700 miles and a great price of $3900. Her smile....priceless. I rode it the 50 miles home and it handled well and had some pep. (reminded me of my Kawasaki 750 LTD of many moons ago). My wife tried it out at home and was a little tentative but knows she just needs miles. She is 5'4" and fits nicely on the bike. Overall a huge hit. She did do the MSF course and passed. Once she has miles and confidence, the Heritage is hers. I already ride the Heritage as well as an Ultra. I figure I can keep the 883 for kids to learn if they want.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Keithville, La. 71047
For my hard earned money. It would be a MSF course. first. Bikes are supplied by most usually Honda Rebel 250 or Yamaha 250's. Riding course will give her an idea as to what she wants and can handle. Maybe she will be more equipped to make a more informed choice. Here to many years of safe riding. Cheers