Howdy all form Splendora, Texas.
I am about 5 hours away from getting my first bike. Needless to say I did not sleep at all last night. It must have been my head being all stopped up.( yeah right)[8D] My lovely, adorable, fantastic, sexy, gorgous, and maybe not so bright wife, has told me I could get me a scooter. (the fact that I have an awesome life ins. policy may have something to do with it. She may be brighter than I give her credit for) Anyway having not ridden since the mid 70's, I am a little nervous. The biggest bike I had was a Honda 125 twin, and I only rode it in the fields behind ou house.
I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes that we can afford at the moment. A 2005 Dyna Super Glide, or a 2000 ElectraGlide Classic. The Dyna has about 10,000 miles on it. The Classic has 22,000. They are bothe the same price so that does not matter. I am not sure which would be best. Any suggestions? I like both. The Dyna looks like it would be easier to handle but I am going to have the lovely sweet fantastic wife riding on back 6 months or so until we can get her own bike. Also we want to take a few over night trips this spring and the Classic has more space for our stuff. But the Classic looks like it is a little harder to handle for a first timer. I did take the Rider'e Edge Course last month and had no problem there. I am going to be using this bike to get to work on everyday and that is an 85 mile round trip. The Dyna still has a year left on the warranty so that might be good. How many miles can one expect to get out of a bike before major repairs start to kick in?
I know this is long and I have asked a lot of questions but I need help. I have read other forums that said one would be crazy to get a big bike for your first. Someone suggested a Sportster, but I am a big dude (300+ all muscle. right?) A sportster just does not feel right. The Dyna is good but the Classic is better. I am going to test ride both before and hopefully that will tell me which one.
So, I will watch the thread this morning and hope somone can give me some insight. Then I will update it tonight after I wipe the smile off my face. It is supposed to be 48 degrees for the high today and my sweet loving kind sexy wife said it might be to cold to ride it home. I don't think she understands, not ridding today is not an option. the sun is out and I GOTTA RIDE.

Later.
Ray N.

p.s. I feel like a 7 yr old kid the night before christmas. And I am to old to act this way. [sm=yeahsmile.gif]

 

I to had not had a bike since 1991 it was a 1100 honda i was going to get like a 1200 but everybody told me I would be selling it with in a year so i went with a big bike and they were rite , good luck with your choice

 

Hi, no how you feel i am 41 and have only had drit bikes in my teen years.
wonted a big bike for a clouple of years. So last year my wife bought me one for our 23rd
annv.And had no problome putting 10,000 mil.on it in 6 mo.

 

Hello Ray: Welcome to the forum, we are from PA. Glad to hear that you are going to get your ride. Sounds like you have your heart set on the 'classic'. Both bikes are great bikes. Just my thoughts, the '05 Dyna may be a better choice especially if you plan on getting your wife her own ride down the road. As far as mileage, if a bike is well-maintained, the TC motor will go a long way. There are people who put on well over 50 thousand miles. Good luck with you choice and we're glad you are on the forum.

 

Hey Ray,

First, welcome to the forum. You've found a great place to learn alot about bikes. Second, you're a pretty big guy and I'd like to suggest that your purchase should be predicated on how comfortable you'll feel on your bike. The biggest mistake to make is purchase one that you'll outgrow in a few months.

If I can make another suggestion; much like you I hadn't been on a bike since the 70's. A lot of things have changed since then, most notably that there are a heck of a lot more cars on the road now. I took a beginner's course from ABATE before I bought my bike and the experience really helped me decide what type of ride I wanted. Check with your local HD dealer for more information on riding courses. It was well worth the money that I spent on it.

Best wishes.

 

Welcome from Rhode Island.

 

Ray,

Welcome from Wisconsin. I'll be getting a bike for the first time since a 22 year absence. I live in a less populated area so I can take it easy for awhile. Have fun and be safe.

Dan

 

Welcome to the forums from Louisiana. Good luck with your new purchase!!! Tim

 

Ray, Welcome from San Antonio.. That 7yr feeling is what will keep you active and young!! Use it my friend!! Safe riding to you and enjoy your new bike....

 

Hi Ray, to the forum. We're happy to have you with us. Enjoy the site and ride safe.