New rider
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
New rider
New guy here. Seeking advice. I'm one of those Baby Boomers ready to ride. I don't want to look at any other brands than Harley. This is all new so I appreciate your input. Anyway, I'm a skinny guy 6', 155 lb. Love the bigger Harley's but are they only for heavier people? Also looking at the Sportster 1200. I would appreciate any advice you could give. Looking for a comfortable ride, cruising-touring. Will take the rider course.
Also...new harley's are a bit pricy. See lots of used on ebay. Any tips?
Thanks so much!
Mike
Also...new harley's are a bit pricy. See lots of used on ebay. Any tips?
Thanks so much!
Mike
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: New rider
First you need to figure out the riding style, and riding position that best suites you. What are your likes, and what style has your interest? As for big twins being for big people, thats all bs. Im 5'7, 145lbs, and ride a Roadking with ape hangers. Its all on what you want. As for buying a used bike, if you dont have any experience with bikes or maintaining them then I would recommend having a dealer or someone you know that does have experience look over the bike, before the purchase. There are plenty of used HD's to be had, youll just have to figure out what best holds your interest. There have been plenty of model comparision threads posted here, just browse through them. Welcome to the forum, enjoy.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New rider
Riders have told me "As a new rider you'll drop one." So I have this image of getting too much bike and the bike tipping on me. I'm new and have lots to learn. I want comfort, not a lot of vibration. Thanks for your input!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 2
From:
RE: New rider
mferraguti, that's why the riders course will help with your lack of confidance.
Get the one YOU want. Not the one someone else thinks you should have.
You won't reget it.
Welcome to the club!
Get the one YOU want. Not the one someone else thinks you should have.
You won't reget it.
Welcome to the club!
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New rider
Hi Mferraguti,
Welcome to the post. Sincecrazy is right, if you are going to tour any, I wouldn't go with the Sportster. It's got some vibration, mostly at idle, and it's not going to be the most comfortable during the long haul. However, being a newer rider, they are easier than most of the other H-D's to handle.
All of the Softtails after 2000 have the 88B engine which is counter-balanced and basically reduces most of the typical H-D vibration that you are familiar with.
The Touring bikes such as the Road Kings, Electra Glides, or Road Glides after 99 have the 88A engine and are going to vibrate, but are going to be smooth once on the road. These are also the heaviest bikes.
Find a dealer that is happy to spend time to show you the entire line of bikes to help in your decision process. If you are looking on Ebay for a bike, make sure it's close by so you can go look it over. I looked at several on Ebay before buying my 99 RKC and ended up buying from a dealer, just because I can get service after the sale.
Good luck and happy riding.
Welcome to the post. Sincecrazy is right, if you are going to tour any, I wouldn't go with the Sportster. It's got some vibration, mostly at idle, and it's not going to be the most comfortable during the long haul. However, being a newer rider, they are easier than most of the other H-D's to handle.
All of the Softtails after 2000 have the 88B engine which is counter-balanced and basically reduces most of the typical H-D vibration that you are familiar with.
The Touring bikes such as the Road Kings, Electra Glides, or Road Glides after 99 have the 88A engine and are going to vibrate, but are going to be smooth once on the road. These are also the heaviest bikes.
Find a dealer that is happy to spend time to show you the entire line of bikes to help in your decision process. If you are looking on Ebay for a bike, make sure it's close by so you can go look it over. I looked at several on Ebay before buying my 99 RKC and ended up buying from a dealer, just because I can get service after the sale.
Good luck and happy riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: New rider
I agree with Sincecrazy and Ironhead, get what you want, and take the safety course.
One thing that always helps is to get your new bike into a deserted parking lot, and do figure 8's. Start in first, and do at least 50 laps going right, and then spin the bike around and do 50 left. Don't just do a few laps, do them all. Then do the same thing going up through the gears to 3rd and back down to first on every lap. No straight line stuff, figure 8's only so that you get used to the controls without looking at them. And the most important thing I can tell a new rider is the bike will go where you look, so if you are looking at that curb, thinking you better avoid it, you will hit it. Look in the spot where you want to be going. Once comfortable take the complete safety course, and start riding.
Good luck! See you on the road soon.
One thing that always helps is to get your new bike into a deserted parking lot, and do figure 8's. Start in first, and do at least 50 laps going right, and then spin the bike around and do 50 left. Don't just do a few laps, do them all. Then do the same thing going up through the gears to 3rd and back down to first on every lap. No straight line stuff, figure 8's only so that you get used to the controls without looking at them. And the most important thing I can tell a new rider is the bike will go where you look, so if you are looking at that curb, thinking you better avoid it, you will hit it. Look in the spot where you want to be going. Once comfortable take the complete safety course, and start riding.
Good luck! See you on the road soon.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From:
RE: New rider
a sportster's gonna be for curves and downtown riding and just plain fun to have.If youve got plenty of cash and want comfort check out the heritage,roadking,glide,even a fatboy is more comfort than a sportster. Have you been riding much ?around here you can rent what you think you'd like.anyway let us know eh?watch out for the other guy!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1
From:
RE: New rider
Welcome,
I was reading your post and you seem alittle intimadated by the bigger bikes. Dont be. All the bikes balance well while sitting still, and once on the move they all handle great. You never really feel how heavy the bikes are.
Get what you want for your riding style.
David
I was reading your post and you seem alittle intimadated by the bigger bikes. Dont be. All the bikes balance well while sitting still, and once on the move they all handle great. You never really feel how heavy the bikes are.
Get what you want for your riding style.
David
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: New rider
Don't worry about the size of the bike. I'm a skinny guy too, I'm 6'3" and 175 or so, bike is not a problem, and I'm riding an Electra Glide Standard.
Take the MSF course...you use their bikes, and really gain confidence. From there you will have an idea of what you want. Go to the HD shop, sit on the bikes, look, ask questions. Check out the newspaper, go look at the bikes. The owners love to talk about them so you will learn tons while shopping.
Good luck,
Mac
