sit on, and test ride as many as you can, and YOUR bike will tell you which one is right!!
First Bike
RE: First Bike
Follow Me: Wow blackbird that sportster is beautiful! What you got done to it? (if you dont mind me askin)
Added / Changed:
Stage I (SE II Slash Down Slip Ons, Arlen Ness BS Round AC, Carb Rejet), Chrome Oval AC Cover With "Live To Ride" Insert, Leather Badlander Seat, Chrome Detachable Seat Hardware Kit, Chrome Detachable Sissy Bar, Chrome Tapered Luggage Rack, Chrome Lower Front Slider Kit, Chrome Clutch Cable Connector Cover, Chrome Tappet Block Cover Kit, Chrome Enrichner ****, Chrome Horn Bracket, Chrome Headbolt Bridge Kit, Chrome Oil Temp Dip Stick, Chrome Rear Brake Reservoir Cover, Chrome Coil Cover Kit, Chrome Voltage Regulator Cover, Chrome Ignition Switch Cover, Chrome Front Axle Nut Cover Kit, Chrome Wheel Spacers, Chrome Upper Belt Guard, Chrome Swingarm, Chrome Pivot Bolt Covers, Chrome Rear Axle Cover, Chrome Sprocket Cover Kit, Chrome Upper Shock Covers, Chrome Master Cylinder Cover, Chrome Brake Caliper Inserts, Chrome Valve Stem Caps, Chrome Switch Covers, Chrome and Rubber Hand Grips, Chrome and Rubber Custom Foot Pegs, Chrome and Rubber Shifter Peg, Chrome Hand Levers, Chrome Slotted Stem Mirrors, Billet Fuel Cap (Cross), Stainless Bar and Shield Shift Linkage, Smoked Signal Lens Kit, Chrome Lay Back License Plate Mounting Kit, Chrome Bolt / Nut Covers, Chrome Derby Cover, Chrome Timer Cover, Stainless Clock, Small Fork Bag, Trickle Charge Pigtail, Front Spoiler, Le Pera Daytona Sport LT Seat.
Removed:
Passenger strap and reflectors.
Click Here for high resolution.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From:
RE: First Bike
hi chris,
welcome here and hope you enjoy the place. as you can tell there are a million different opinions to mull over, but i think the best is to test ride the ones that strike your fancy. if you haven't already, take the MSF rider course first to get some experience and great education, then do some test riding. they had some problems with the early 06 dyna's but i here HD has cleared most of that up. IMO, the cost difference between a sporty and a dyna is enough to cover lots of mods and you're really not losing much in the bike difference. more stock HP in the sporty 1200 compared to a dyna and the size difference is pretty neglible. your size will really fit any of the bikes so that shouldn't be a worry. good luck with your search and let us know how it all turns out. stay safe...
welcome here and hope you enjoy the place. as you can tell there are a million different opinions to mull over, but i think the best is to test ride the ones that strike your fancy. if you haven't already, take the MSF rider course first to get some experience and great education, then do some test riding. they had some problems with the early 06 dyna's but i here HD has cleared most of that up. IMO, the cost difference between a sporty and a dyna is enough to cover lots of mods and you're really not losing much in the bike difference. more stock HP in the sporty 1200 compared to a dyna and the size difference is pretty neglible. your size will really fit any of the bikes so that shouldn't be a worry. good luck with your search and let us know how it all turns out. stay safe...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
RE: First Bike
Chris,
First, thank you for your service to this great country!. Second, spend a little time in here, take a look at some of the photo galleries and pretty soon you'll have a good idea of what type of bike you'll want.
Best wishes and stay safe.
First, thank you for your service to this great country!. Second, spend a little time in here, take a look at some of the photo galleries and pretty soon you'll have a good idea of what type of bike you'll want.
Best wishes and stay safe.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
RE: First Bike
Chris - I was faced with the same decision as you this past summer. While I was deployed overseas, I was traveling through Sicily and the Overseas Military Sales office there just happened to be hosting a Harley demonstration where they had 7-8 different models for us to try out. You need to first see what type feels right as each one (softail, tourring, dyna) has their own specific attributes. Then figure which one will fit the type of riding you plan on doing. Some items to consider - softails ride tighter (suspension-wise); dynas will only accomodate long legs with a wide-glide unless you add on forward controls but offer great suspension travel combined with light weight; touring bikes and big softails (heritage, etc) with a 16" front wheel will handle crappy roads better. Before you plop down the bucks, you really need to ride a few bikes of each type. - CWO
[IMG]local://upfiles/3599/E3896959D8EB45C8AC34945E192A1835.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/3599/E3896959D8EB45C8AC34945E192A1835.jpg[/IMG]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,783
Likes: 0
From: Tasmania, Australia
RE: First Bike
Welcome Chris, do what I normally do - read forums, test ride as many as you can, talk to as many people about their bikes as possible and then go and buy the one that you wanted anyway.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,411
Likes: 0
From: Beddington, Maine
RE: First Bike
[sm=smiley31.gif]Welcome to the Forum from Frigid[X(][>:]Downeast Maine.[sm=welcomesign.gif]
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: First Bike
Went to the Harley store today, sat on every bike- conclusion - SHOCKING- My favorite was by far the vrod, it felt amazing,the sporty felt to tall, the dynas felt nice and smooth, but kind of ockward because of the handlebars ( the dyna I lied was a street bob but the handle bars made me feel like I needed to put on some serious pipes on my arms and a few more tattoos to fit right ) then the vrod came and it was perfect hight, the seat felt nice, I liked how easy it was to "dance" between my legs, my problem tho---- is this bike too much power. A few harely guys I know said no because the power is only how hard u twist that throttle. But I could see accidently giving it to much gas ect...Input would be great thanks again to all of you and your support and help!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
RE: First Bike
Like Terry mentioned you'll get varying opinions on this. Personally I like all the Harley's so it makes it difficult to just pick one. However for a first time rider, I would recommend a Sportster for a couple of reasons. #1 There are several models to choose from just within the Sportster category, including a couple models that don't sit as high (883L and 1200L). #2 They weigh the least amount of all the bikes HD makes and most beginner riders feel more comfortable on a smaller, lighter weight bike to start with. #3 Even though money is not an issue the Sportster is the most affordable. I see the Sportster as a pure motorcycle, nothing more nothing less. It is uncluttered, nothing unnecessary and simple to operate. A perfect platform for someone who needs to learn the basics. You can always move up to a V-Rod later if that's what you decide to do. On the other hand, you may decide you like the Sportster and just keep it. Have you seen Blackbird's Sportster? It's HOT! There is a picture of it in this thread. Good luck with your decision and please let us know what you end up with.