Welcome to ECCIE - Sign up today!

ponyboy · 10-19-2012, 04:58 PM

What kind of Harley would be good for a beginner? I took the safety course and everything and I have never rode a bike until the course. I keep hearing about the sportster but t I want something different than that. Thanks for any info ahead of time.

Whirlaway · 10-19-2012, 05:05 PM

Road King.....but buy the bike that fits the type of riding you want to enjoy most...touring, or whatever

You will wish you had a bigger bike if you get the Sportster....don't be intimidated by the size..a few hours of riding and you will get confidence.....this is a dilema every rider goes through....

ponyboy · 10-19-2012, 05:12 PM

Thanks for your input. That's what I'm trying to avoid is getting a sportster than just trade up because I'm not happy with it anymore.

Whirlaway · 10-19-2012, 05:18 PM

I think the Road King is the best of both worlds, a versitle touring bike that is comfortable on long hauls, but great for around town riding.

ponyboy · 10-19-2012, 05:28 PM

I was looking at more of just a cruiser like Dyna low rider or a street bob. I just worry if the power will be too much for me to handle since I'm a rookie at this.

i'va biggen · 10-19-2012, 05:35 PM

A new rider can't go wrong on a lighter bile,easier to handle till you get some experience.A lot does depend on your size.I had to go from a screaming eagle street glide to a VROD because my knees are shot..

Whirlaway · 10-19-2012, 05:37 PM

My recommendation is go test ride a variety of bikes, you will be surprised how quickly tor confidence builds. A few hours on a bike and you will feel "one" with it. Very zen.

HD had demonstration days and you can get riding time in on a variety of bikes.

Whirlaway · 10-19-2012, 05:40 PM

Don't be intimidated by power, bike weight is a consideration for many. Not much power difference between dporster and dyna.

Ducbutter · 10-19-2012, 07:55 PM

Here's what happens to guys who figure they'll learn on the biggest bikes out there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEBCTIlfMow
And don't listen to anybody who's response isn't to ask you a few questions about your experience level and your intentions for said motorcycle before they make any recomendations.

Whirlaway · 10-19-2012, 08:15 PM

Ive seen inexperiennced riders decappitated on Vespas.....power isn't a boigeyman.

Jackie S · 10-19-2012, 08:38 PM

All Harleys are big, even the Sportster. That is, when compared to 95 percent of the Japanese Bikes.

But, if you dump a 600 Suzuki, it's going to hurt just as much as if you dump a Wide Glide. Of course, your pocket book will hurt a lot more seeing that Hog laying by the curb.

Go for it. You only live once.

i'va biggen · 10-19-2012, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whirlaway

Don't be intimidated by power, bike weight is a consideration for many. Not much power difference between dporster and dyna.

You got a Road King for sale whirrly??

steamyromance · 10-20-2012, 04:23 AM

You might check to see if you can take the advanced rider coarse on their bikes , this will help you a bunch. If they dont furnish mc for the advanced stuff take it as soon as you buy something.. As far as brands go i have had a number of bikes over the last few years, i try to ride 25-30k miles a year ! Dependability is my #1 criteria, comfort, then cost to own. Cost to own is way more then the purchase price. Repairs, modification,service,resell value etc.
You will most likely want to graduate to a bigger, smoother, more powerful machine rapidly if you are typical.
My g/f a few years back went from a Honda 250 to a Suzuki 600 in a week, then to a Kawasaki 900 ,after 3 weeks on the 900 to a Kawasaki 1500 after another 2 months.. She is 5,2 , 120lbs and was scared shitless the 1st 3 days then she just woke up and everything started clicking . Good luck

Prolongus · 10-20-2012, 05:02 AM

I would skip the Sportster and go with the Low Rider...(the Sportster is known as the "chick's bike"). Unless you want to take really long day trips (200 miles or more) the L.R. may be all you need. After a year on the LR trade up for an Ultra Glide... The ultimate for touring!

And congratulations for taking the safety course...too many people don't...and die.

Whirlaway · 10-20-2012, 05:36 AM

I did, but recently traded it in for a Road Glide......loved my RK but it was a 98 with the smaller EVO engine, now have the RG with the SE 110.....giddy up fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekim008

You got a Road King for sale whirrly??