new rider. what do i need?

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Jan 22, 2013 | 02:14 AM

The Outlaw

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 485

Likes: 9

From: Central PA

new rider. what do i need?

im 25 from central PA and im currently searching for my first road bike. been riding dirt bikes my whole life but anymore with family and life i have less time i can spend riding and i cant afford the time loading the bike, driving to a riding location, riding, then loading driving home unloading. that amounts to more time trying to ride than riding. i can easily jump on a bike multiple times a week for an hour or 3 but with the dirt toys that 3 hrs amounts to about an hr and a half of riding. risk is starting to sink in also since i've got kids now, hurling myself through the woods at break neck speed alone doesnt seem like the best idea anymore.

with tax time around the corner with spare cash i've got a bit of coin to get setup on a bike. im wondering what the essentials are for owning/riding/maintaining a road bike

so far im looking into a 2000 road king as my first bike and since its high in miles (80k) im considering picking up a spare motor to have on hand or sending it for a rebuild right away since i have some spare cash now but doubt i will in the future.

what else do i need? i have only basic tools btw. also who makes the best manuals for HD's? i usually buy a haynes manual for everything else i buy with a motor or a clymer for the rare occasion i cant find the haynes.

im also open to advice on choice of this bike.

5'11"
325lb

for my riding im mainly going to be doing 1-3hr rides with the occasional all day rides. no time for multi day road trips or anything like that. mostly scenic rides on country roads. passengers would be for very short rides only. not looking for a rush more of just relaxing and cruising around enjoying the view. hoping it will also help get me back into photography a bit more since i've done less and less shooting since having kids. been daydreaming of saddlebags full of lenses with my beard blowin in the wind

Jan 22, 2013 | 05:12 AM

Lewis2004

1st Gear

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: UK

You'll enjoy the transition, I know I did!

Jan 22, 2013 | 05:34 AM

Rdgray

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 756

Likes: 2

From: Virginia

Welcome and agree with Lewis you will love the transition. I always get the HD manual though I don't know how Haynes compares to them. Have fun and ride safe.

Jan 22, 2013 | 05:37 AM

Timmy B

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 2,882

Likes: 6

From: 12 year, Colombia, 4 years Mexico, currently In Kuwait, but Boston is HOME!!

Road king is a great bike, you can get a manual at any good Indy dealer and cheap on line. 80K is high but if well maintained you should be ok, ask to see the maintenence logs most serious owners keep one. As far as tools, I am not the person to ask, but the manual will list everything you need for tools. Riding the tar is way different than riding the dirt, but I am sure you know that, Have fun and rubber side down. Enjoy!!!