I know theres a lot of these threads on here, ive been using the search button so I apologize for anyone who gets upset at 'another newbie thread', but one common thing I keep reading in all those threads is that you all say that deciding your first bike depends on who you are and how your going to ride it, so I figured id make my own, list some stats and say hey to you all at the same time.
Im 23, 5'10, 170. The bike im looking for is something I can ride every day, for a commute to work, when I go out with friends, or when I just feel like going on a long ride. Im also big into road trips, so something that can handle, as well as be comfortable for a yearly trip from NY to FL. Im not looking for a crotch rocket, so it doesnt have to be the fastest, however I love speed, not saying im not smart about it but who doesnt, but at the same time as this is my first bike I wonder if its a bad idea getting anything fast. Since I do plan on riding this nearly every day it isnt raining, its gotta be durable. Im not sure how much more specific I can get, I can say this though, my street racing, fast and furious borderline illegal activities are a thing of the past, so im not one of those guys who are gonna hop on one of these and think hes immortal, I take very good care of my car as well, pretty much baby that thing and im sure ill baby this even more.

An additional question ive been having as well, I know they say not to get the best bike for your first bike, but I dont want to just buy something to learn on with the thought of selling it when I get better, does everyone really do this?

 

Welcome from Missouri.

As far as what bike is best for you: I'd head up to the Harley shop, and plant your butt on a few. See what fits you.

Personally, I'd say a Softtail, but I'm a little biased, lol.

 

You can't really have everything in one bike. Fast, good commuter and cross country tourer don't really fit together. So just buy what looks good to you. I'm not that experienced, but my friends that ride alot have full dressers in their old age, but used Heritage softails in their youth. Hope some more experienced riders put their 2 cents in. Good luck.

 

Welcome aboard from New York. It sounds to me like you need a touring model. Perfect for both long and short hauls. They also have storage that'll come in handy for the short ride to the store and the long haul full of your clothes.

 

Welcome from the Texas Gulf coast region. I'd say a Road King. It is in the touring family but doesn't look like a full fairing tourer. May Be a Street Glide. If you ride one of the Ultra's or bigger touring bikes you might just get one, like I did. Good luck.

 

Welcome from Florida. One of the things you failed to mention is how much you are willing to spend. From everything you are looking for, I would have to say get a Soft Tail or Touring model. If you buy one a year or two old, you can save on the freight, dealer prep and all that. Also, on the touring models they made a whole lot of changes starting in 07 and 08, but 09 and above reaped most of the benefits. Do your research. If you are a first time rider I probably wouldn't go and spend 20k + on a bike, but if you do have some experience, yeah, get what you want the first time.

 

thanks for the info. I have a nightster 1200, so I am good.

 

Welcome from Illinois.

 

Welcome from New Mexico and good luck with your quest!

 

Here's advice I gave to a guy asking the same question and thinking about a Sportster ...

I just went through this process. Here's my advice:
- Like the others said, take the MSF. Pick a decent local dealer and do Rider's Edge. Let them know you are interested in a bike.
- When you have your license, go back to the same dealer and take a bunch of test rides. I wasn't sure and thought I wanted a 48 but a used Nightster was more in my price range. Test ride as many bikes as they will let you. I probably rode 20 different bikes and found out a lot about what I liked and what I didn't.
- Consider how you're going to ride it - long, short, in town, highway, etc.
- Do your research. I forget the years, but HD made some changes to the Sporty frame and motor mounts somewhere between 2005 and 2008. They also went from carb to EFI, etc. Know what you are buying and the implications for resale later.
- Decide what trade offs you are willing to make. The best looking bike I saw by a long shot was a 2005 1200C. Low miles, 100% chromed-out and looked like a show bike for $6k on the dealer lot. But it wasn't EFI. Didn't want the hassle of a carb, so I passed.
- Get an idea of what mods you want if you are looking at a used bike. It's a LOT cheaper to get them with the bike than buy them and put them on afterwards. Take a look at the parts book and websites to get an idea of what stuff costs and the value you are getting with the bike you buy. Grips or levers can set you back $100, windshield or forward controls $300, V&H pipes $400+. This adds up really fast - trust me on that.
- Make your decision and THEN look for a good deal. It's not just what you pay, but what you want and what you get for the $ you lay out.

My personal opinion was Sportys were fun, but they had to work a lot harder at highway speeds than I wanted. I thought I didn't like the 1200C, until I rode one. Loved the way the 48 looked, but it was too compact for me, the seat was too small and I couldn't see squat in the mirrors. My first serious consideration was a Nightster for $8k at the dealer. Riding a Street Bob completely changed my mind. Ended up with a Fat Bob I found on Craig's List for $10k that had $1,200 in extras already on it.