Never rode a bike before ...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 1,140
From: SW Missouri
No access to a smaller bike. I thought about buying a used dirt bike, like a 250 to mess around with and learn the basics and maybe lay the foundation. I am still kicking that idea around. I have heard the class is fantastic and I'm ready to be fully engaged and open to any and all advice or tips. It's best to listen and pay attention if you're a little apprehensive about something. At least that's been the case for me in this thing called life.
Big big difference in a 4 stroke bikes and 2 stroke....
You do not want a 2 stroke! I repeat You DO NOT want a 2 stroke.
I would go with an Endoro style bike...On and off road bike. Tag it and use it for the riding class.
Keep it around and have fun with it for years to come, along with the big daddy bike!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 4,912
Likes: 8,987
From: SoCal
Welcome! I was more or less in the same boat a half dozen years ago, although I rode when I was young it was decades before I went reentry and got my Heritage. My advice:
1. Take an MSF course, preferably through your HD dealer if available. They will likely use their own, smaller bikes, which is good.
2. Buy the Ride Like a Pro DVD (or better the downloadable version so you can just download it to your computer) and watch it a number of times. You will still have to practice a lot, but I watched it enough times that I still hear Jerry yelling commands when I ride! The most bang for 20 bucks anywhere! https://www.ridelikeapro.com/ (You can set up the exercises in your own vacant parking lot and practice all you want. Make sure you have an engine guard, and maybe wrap some material around the areas it could scrape during your practice.)
3. Take the live Ride Like a Pro course. They have classes in NC.
4. Take it slow and easy while you learn. Have fun!
1. Take an MSF course, preferably through your HD dealer if available. They will likely use their own, smaller bikes, which is good.
2. Buy the Ride Like a Pro DVD (or better the downloadable version so you can just download it to your computer) and watch it a number of times. You will still have to practice a lot, but I watched it enough times that I still hear Jerry yelling commands when I ride! The most bang for 20 bucks anywhere! https://www.ridelikeapro.com/ (You can set up the exercises in your own vacant parking lot and practice all you want. Make sure you have an engine guard, and maybe wrap some material around the areas it could scrape during your practice.)
3. Take the live Ride Like a Pro course. They have classes in NC.
4. Take it slow and easy while you learn. Have fun!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,485
Likes: 1,140
From: SW Missouri
If you can swing a 2020 Road Glide you can pull off this street legal bike.
It could be fun and useful for a long time. In your area and priced right!
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy...281148170.html
It could be fun and useful for a long time. In your area and priced right!
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy...281148170.html
Last edited by Ray on the drums; Feb 24, 2021 at 10:01 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 1,001
From: Winnipeg
Welcome from Winnipeg Canada 🇨🇦!
A smaller practice bike would provide huge benefits in confidence and balance prior to moving up to a 900lb bagger... that you do not want to drop!
Ride safe
A smaller practice bike would provide huge benefits in confidence and balance prior to moving up to a 900lb bagger... that you do not want to drop!
Ride safe
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Welcome.. My wife took course at dealer a year and half ago. We bought her a new Iron 883 and put it in garage at first, because I also got her a Honda Rebel 250 that she rode for several months.. She got bored with the Honda and started riding the 883. She rides to work sometime and we ride locally to lunches or breakfast. The winds at highway speeds were blowing her around pretty good, so we test rode several larger Harleys. She fell hard for the 2021 Streetbob.. After some serios budget evaluation and negotiation at dealer, we bought it today. The long winded point is this.. She hadnt ever ridden before either. She took course and continued to get more proficient with riding, and moving up in size/confidence. Youll do well if you learn correct habits and never stop practicing and learning. IMO dont get a huge bike first.. Get an amount of time and skill under your belt.. You will know when youre ready..I think I knew, when I didnt have to think about what I was doing. I just naturally was doing it.
So, here is something else to consider....a small bike is good for learning, but they are also a hoot to keep around to just putz around on. If you have the finances, consider starting with a smaller bike and then ADD a touring bike. I have been riding many years and I do have a 900+ lb 1800cc cruiser in my garage that I frequently ride. I also have a 250cc, 583 cc, 865 cc, 1200 cc, another 1200 cc, and 1600 cc bikes. I like the little ones as much as the big ones. Each has its own personality
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