Intro
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Stage III
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Intro
Hello! I am the very definition of a NOOB. I don't even own a Harley yet! I joined "early" to seek guidance. I intend to purchase a new (or new to me) Harley in January 2009. I've always wanted a Harley Davidson motorcycle and I think I can finally justify the purchase. Now I need to figure out which model fits my needs.
I'm looking for a daily rider for the commute to work. With rising fuel costs, I'm looking at the more than doubled fuel economy of a motorcycle as a smart move in a difficult economy. I work in an office, so saddlebags of some sort will probably be necessary. I also want the bike to be fun for a long Saturday ride with the wife on the back. I have no interest in racing, and I don't want my Harley to look like a stinking GoldWing.
I am capable of turning a wrench when needed, but I really don't enjoy it. I expect that would limit me to one of the models manufactured in the past two decades, as they have become more maintenance friendly in recent years. I'm looking for the look and feel of the Classic American Motorcycle and the sense of pride that only comes from owning a genuine Harley Davidson.
I am fortunate that my wife is in favor of the idea. We've looked at a few different models and we really like the look of the Heritage Soft Tail editions. In your opinions, is it better to go used and get what we like, but something older? Or should we start simple with an affordable new Sportster model and trade up in a year or two?
I'll follow any link you can suggest to help me figure out which model will suit me best. Thanks in advance for your guidance on my road to ownership.
I'm looking for a daily rider for the commute to work. With rising fuel costs, I'm looking at the more than doubled fuel economy of a motorcycle as a smart move in a difficult economy. I work in an office, so saddlebags of some sort will probably be necessary. I also want the bike to be fun for a long Saturday ride with the wife on the back. I have no interest in racing, and I don't want my Harley to look like a stinking GoldWing.
I am capable of turning a wrench when needed, but I really don't enjoy it. I expect that would limit me to one of the models manufactured in the past two decades, as they have become more maintenance friendly in recent years. I'm looking for the look and feel of the Classic American Motorcycle and the sense of pride that only comes from owning a genuine Harley Davidson.
I am fortunate that my wife is in favor of the idea. We've looked at a few different models and we really like the look of the Heritage Soft Tail editions. In your opinions, is it better to go used and get what we like, but something older? Or should we start simple with an affordable new Sportster model and trade up in a year or two?
I'll follow any link you can suggest to help me figure out which model will suit me best. Thanks in advance for your guidance on my road to ownership.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 3
From: Alaskan transplant to Florida
Welcome from Crossville,Tn.I kinda like the Heritage myself! If you have never ridden before, I would suggest you take the riders course. They use smaller lighter bikes which are easier to learn on.
There are some good used bikes out there. The Heritage would work well for what your looking for but I would not recommend learning to ride on one. That is just my 2 cents!
There are some good used bikes out there. The Heritage would work well for what your looking for but I would not recommend learning to ride on one. That is just my 2 cents!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Gold Coast
Welcome from SE Florida ... I recently went through the same questions and ended up with a Heritage. I rode a lot in my teens and early twenties so I already knew how to ride, all be it a while ago. I also was leaning towards a Road King, but felt the Softail models could be customized more .... but this is a personal opinion ... I also grew up with friends who all rode "choppers". At any rate take a class and get your endorsement and then you can test ride some different models.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 0
From: Cheese land
Welcom from Wisconsin
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Welcome from East Texas! Heritage is a good bike & can be customized to your taste for long haul or bar hopping or whatever.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
Welcome from Northern California. Heritage for sure. You can pick up a nice one on Craigslist for reasonable money. I would suggest a late model, low mileage bike that has had the pipes and fuel injection (or carb) modifications done. This will allow the engine to breath properly for added horsepower. Added perks include chrome and other goodies that the original owner has paid.
If you can, pick up an older metric bike in the 600cc range just for practice until you get some experience. You can turn around and sell it when you are ready for a Heritage. Its a big step to go directly to a Heritage. It can be done, but carefully and without the wife on the back until you are ready.
If you can, pick up an older metric bike in the 600cc range just for practice until you get some experience. You can turn around and sell it when you are ready for a Heritage. Its a big step to go directly to a Heritage. It can be done, but carefully and without the wife on the back until you are ready.