Never rode a bike before ...
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Never rode a bike before ...
First time poster. Take it easy on me folks. I am currently looking at HD models and have landed on the road glide, particularly the 2020 road glide "special". I have never rode a bike in my life. This is what I will start with and I appreciate any attempts to keep me out of harms way. I'd like to think at 38 years old, I am much more mellowed out and respect the bike immensely. I respect the power, the weight and frankly I'm a little nervous about the proposition. I am going to take the MSF basic riders course and have been reading some pretty good books for beginners. I know the bike is heavy, that may be my only concern. I am 6'1 and 235 lbs.
What are the experts thoughts who have been riding for a while? Any advice or tips?
I am buying the bike to eventually do some long riding as well as to ride with my dad, brother and father in law. They have given me some great advice but I want as many opinions, knowledge and advice as possible so I make sure I'm making an informed decision. Any information you folks can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
What are the experts thoughts who have been riding for a while? Any advice or tips?
I am buying the bike to eventually do some long riding as well as to ride with my dad, brother and father in law. They have given me some great advice but I want as many opinions, knowledge and advice as possible so I make sure I'm making an informed decision. Any information you folks can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 11,397
Likes: 5,964
From: Alexandria, Va
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 1,215
From: Fort Myers, Fl
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Good Luck!!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Good Luck!!
Stage I
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 2
From: wisconsin
Take it very seriously and you should be fine. I bought my first bike in March of 2019. It is a Ultra Classic and I was 70 years old. My biggest issue is the slow maneuvering and the dreaded U-turn. I trailered my bike to Florida and did take the Ride Like a Pro course in Jacksonville. I’m better and now have 7500 miles under my belt. Enjoy!
