I am another old guy looking at getting a mc again. 30 some years ago rode a rice burner. was looking at gold wings but a guy that works with me thinks harleys are the only wayto go. What is a good one to start with. I know my wife will want to go also. I know the ultra classic would be good, but I have no business getting onto such a big bike right away.

 

Well I say Fatboy, or hell go with a Road King.. or if you want go all out.. you can hire me to build you a chopper... even a softail chopper at that...

 

Dreamer, Welcome to the Forum, Your story is mighty familiar!!! I too had about that many years in between bikes!! I bought my Harley last October and love every minute of it. If you don't want to go with the real big ones, take a look at the softails, My Heritage is very comfortable solo and two up, the wife loves it just as much as me. This bike handles really well and didn't take long to get used to at all. The Ultras are really nice, but they are a much heavier bike. Go to a dealer and sit on the different models, maybe take a few demo rides, you'll find a nice HOG that fits ya for sure.

 

hello dreamer,
if its advice you need your gonna get it here!! but thats whats so cool about this place you going to get everyones opinion. so here goes mine. if you still have your mc license, go try out some bikes. you sure not going to get any advice about goldwings around here, i dont think! as far as an ultra classic being a big bike to start out with, im 5'6" i cant flat foot with my electraglide, and i do just fine. so dont let the size bother you at all.

good luck in your search! and your friend is right harleys are the way to go!!

 

Hey Dreamer - welcome to the boards. I'm a newbie to these boards also, and to the world of Harleys - but wanted one for nearly 20 years. About your question - to Harley or not to Harley -- the answer is - there is no other scoot in the world like a Harley. There is nothing else that sounds like one, feels like one, rides like one. There are hundreds of motorcycles in this world, but there is only one Harley that everyone tries to copy. I wonder why.

So, if I were you, I would go with that Harley and not the Wing. Has your wife been on a motorcycle? If she doesn't have alot of experience I would suggest for her the Sportster 1200...that is what I have. I know that probably in a couple years I will be ready to trade up but right now because of my lack of experience this was the way to go. My significant other has a Wide Glide that he loves and he picked her up after not riding for over 25 years. A little tense the first few rides, but now with nearly 1,500 miles on it, it is the right one for now. But once Harleys get to you, they stay with you. He is already looking at another model - Harley that is, not significant other.

If you have your endorsement, head down to the dealer and test drive a few and see what fits and works for you.

 

I am also new to Harley. I just bought a FatBoy. I love it. It has good suspension travel. I think it is great for the bar hopping, drive to work and day trips that I do. I almost bought a Road King Classic. I do not like the big touring bikes. The Classic has leather saddle bags with good support inside to keep shape. It has a detachable windshield I liked also. The Road has air shocks. That was the biggest difference I noticed. My fellow riders that have many years and miles under there belt advised me in the RKC direction. I just figure the touring bike will have to wait a few years for me. Still young and dumb and my Ol' Lady has no interest in riding. I would say for a couple and longer rides I vote for the RKC. The touring line has many extras you can add for comfort and longer rides.

 

Road King, would be my suggeston....welcome from SoCal

 

Nowhereman here,
For you and the misses? you can't go wrong with any of the FLH models. I wouldn't worry about too big, take some test rides and you'll feel the confidence in the handling. The first thing to figure out is how much and how far you think you'll be riding and go from there. You'll be a little ticked off if you over buy, but you'll get over it, but you'll be totally pissed off if you under buy. Put a little trust in the salesman's pro/con, they'll want you as a life long friend and steer you over that hump of decision making.

good luck, happy cruisin'

 

Well I don't know what you mean by "Old Guy",I am 71 and I know that Harley is the only scooter,I ride a heritage and it is quite comfortable,(I have ridden many 500 mile days),You will not have any problem riding any of the harley line,My advice is to think bigger because you will not be happy with the small ones

 

Hey Dreamer,

Here is my 2 cents worth. You can't go wrong with a classic or ultra but if you don't feel comfortable then a nice heritage softail would be a great bike. 3 of my good friends just bought 05 heritages and they love them. So do their wives. You get a windshield and saddlebags for a nice all day cruise. For a few dollars more you will have to get a sissy bar/back rest for the wife. All kinds of nice chrome add ons and doodads to keep you broke all the time.

Many new riders and old riders getting back into it can jump right on a big bike (classic or ultra) with no problem. Great center of balance with all the goodies already installed. Sock harleys aren't actually too fast so it's all about what is comfortable to you. Test ride them all and let us know what you decide.

Terry