Newbie from Houston
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Newbie from Houston
Howdy All,
What can I say...I have the itch to go riding...Signed up for motorcycle safety class and then off to the dealer. With that all being said, what advise can you all give to Beginner Rider...Also what would be a great bike to get started on...A few have told me that the Sportster would be a great stater bike.
Thanks in advace for all the help.
What can I say...I have the itch to go riding...Signed up for motorcycle safety class and then off to the dealer. With that all being said, what advise can you all give to Beginner Rider...Also what would be a great bike to get started on...A few have told me that the Sportster would be a great stater bike.
Thanks in advace for all the help.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 1
From: Southeast WI
Welcome to the Forum.
Congrats on taking the course.....very wise decision. I suggest test riding a few bikes to see what you're comfortable on/with. The Sportster is a very good starter bike, but there are others that suit new riders well also. Just don't get talked into anything - decide for yourself by yourself.
Congrats on taking the course.....very wise decision. I suggest test riding a few bikes to see what you're comfortable on/with. The Sportster is a very good starter bike, but there are others that suit new riders well also. Just don't get talked into anything - decide for yourself by yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 638
Likes: 2
From: Three-one-O
I just did the same thing you did. Literally. My bike is actually still at the dealer and I yet have to pick it up in 2 days 
After MANY trips to the dealer, I ended up getting the Sportster Forty Eight. Initially I wanted the 883, but after sitting and getting a feel for it, I decided the 48 was the one for me. They are both the same in dimension (engine wise), but displacement is bigger on the 48 - 833cc vs. 1200cc. I also liked the fact that the 48 had a "fat" front tire.
MSF is great. They really teach you the ins and outs of riding a bike. My suggestion, which is what I will be doing Memorial day weekend, is to take more classes from MSF that give you more seat time on the bike and just help you get used to the controls and what to do during slower maneuvers. This is typically when you will make mistakes. Example: I passed my MSF rider course today (w/ a perfect score). Then went to the dealership to look at my bike...sit on it and start it....do the friction release and feel it in 1st gear pulling away.....felt great BUt then I stopped, backed it up into the parking spot, pulled out the kickstand, but forgot to put it in neutral. The bike lurched forward about a foot...good thing the stand was down and it just skided on it. Little things like this are worth the extra classes to get used to the bike you buy and to develop good habits.
That being said - get the bike you are most comfortable on. The Sportsters are the best beginner bikes for sure. However you might grow out of it in 3 months Whatever you decide, always have safety in mind and be aware of your environment. Develop good habits and cement them into memory. Find a large parking lot after you get the bike and do turns and slow movements in it...repeatedly.
Enjoy and hope this helps! (if you search my name, you'll see my thread with a pic of my new ride)
After MANY trips to the dealer, I ended up getting the Sportster Forty Eight. Initially I wanted the 883, but after sitting and getting a feel for it, I decided the 48 was the one for me. They are both the same in dimension (engine wise), but displacement is bigger on the 48 - 833cc vs. 1200cc. I also liked the fact that the 48 had a "fat" front tire.MSF is great. They really teach you the ins and outs of riding a bike. My suggestion, which is what I will be doing Memorial day weekend, is to take more classes from MSF that give you more seat time on the bike and just help you get used to the controls and what to do during slower maneuvers. This is typically when you will make mistakes. Example: I passed my MSF rider course today (w/ a perfect score). Then went to the dealership to look at my bike...sit on it and start it....do the friction release and feel it in 1st gear pulling away.....felt great
BUt then I stopped, backed it up into the parking spot, pulled out the kickstand, but forgot to put it in neutral. The bike lurched forward about a foot...good thing the stand was down and it just skided on it. Little things like this are worth the extra classes to get used to the bike you buy and to develop good habits.That being said - get the bike you are most comfortable on. The Sportsters are the best beginner bikes for sure. However you might grow out of it in 3 months
Whatever you decide, always have safety in mind and be aware of your environment. Develop good habits and cement them into memory. Find a large parking lot after you get the bike and do turns and slow movements in it...repeatedly. Enjoy and hope this helps! (if you search my name, you'll see my thread with a pic of my new ride)
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Fort Gibson, OK
Welcome aboard!
I'd say call a couple of dealers and find out when they are having some testing days. After you've completed your safety course and feel comfortable trying out a few bikes, that is.
Most importantly - get what you like and is comfortable to you. Then, enjoy the ride!
I'd say call a couple of dealers and find out when they are having some testing days. After you've completed your safety course and feel comfortable trying out a few bikes, that is.
Most importantly - get what you like and is comfortable to you. Then, enjoy the ride!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
Welcome!
Do some test rides. Sportsters aren't for everybody. Many will tell you it is b/c of the displacement but it is a completely different ride with a higher center of gravity.
Do some test rides. Sportsters aren't for everybody. Many will tell you it is b/c of the displacement but it is a completely different ride with a higher center of gravity.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: B'Ham Alabama
Welcome!
and sporty is a nice starter bike but you need to make sure your comfortable with it becasue it depends on the rider i would definately test ride one and a few others.
I started out on a 250 for my first bike then got a 1200 sporty had it for a pretty good while then recently got a wide glide and loving the change
and sporty is a nice starter bike but you need to make sure your comfortable with it becasue it depends on the rider i would definately test ride one and a few others.
I started out on a 250 for my first bike then got a 1200 sporty had it for a pretty good while then recently got a wide glide and loving the change