Dockside Chat - Thinking about buying a Harley...

So my wife made the mistake of taking me to Ocean City, MD this past weekend to celebrate my birthday. That part wasn't the mistake but it happened to be bike week down there and while she sat on the beach I sat on the corner watching the action. I've been "shopping" ever since we got home. She knows what's up and is not too thrilled about the idea but I told her I'd double the insurance policies. Someone talk me out of this. I've never ridden before but have always had that itch. I'm going to take the course offered by the DMV to get the motorcycle endorsement and go from there. Maybe start off with a Sportster and move my way up.

Wait a month if you still have to have one, go for it but buy used.

Nothing sucks like laying a brand new bike on the pavement.

You want talking out of it, really?

Beware, this site is full of real life gore and is not for the weak stomached or weak of heart.

It is bloody, violent and gross.

Go to "TheYNC.com" and do a "Quick Search" on "motorcycle", soak it all in and....enjoy.

If you still buy a bike at least you have seen the risks you run.

Once you get past that, go to HDForums.com and let the games begin.

J
2011, FLHX/Street Glide, 103" :)

Get hold of a used, full sized Harley as you will be wanting to get rid of the sportster in a couple of months if you are like everyone else I know.

Get hold of a used, full sized Harley as you will be wanting to get rid of the sportster in a couple of months if you are like everyone else I know.

So true. Street Glide or Road Glide for sure.

Although I like the glides, I'm not sure I'd jump on one if I was a new rider.
Your size, strength and dexterity could be a consideration.
A sporty could be a decent place to start. Or a dyna super maybe. Neutral riding position for good control and still fun. Something used and cheap. Find yourself wanting to go bigger, chop it up, shove a bunch of power in it for the fun of it and go get another! Then you'll have one for ripping around and one for cruisin!
Either way, you won't find me trying to talk you out of it... I've got several bikes, and want more.
I live near OC, and watched alot of the coming and going.
It got to be almost comical. Everybody in their HD uniforms and tough guy scowls...

[QUOTE=
It got to be almost comical. Everybody in their HD uniforms and tough guy scowls...[/QUOTE]

Funny you mention that. My brother in law mentioned that they all looked so pissed off.

FWIW I'm 30 years old, 5'9", 175lbs and in good shape. I did see some really small men and even smaller women riding some monster bikes.

I'm definitely waiting a month, more like six, before purchasing. We'll see if the novelty wears off.

FWIW I'm 30 years old, 5'9", 175lbs and in good shape. I did see some really small men and even smaller women riding some monster bikes.

A bike you won't outgrow in a few months would be a Fat Boy or a Heritage. If you're going to be doing any distance riding, a fat front tire bike is the way to go.

After becoming skilled/experienced, anyone can handle most any bike. My 5'3" wife rides a Street Glide.

I did see some really small men and even smaller women riding some monster bikes

Please do not buy a Sportster.

Dont buy a sportster and please dont buy an 900 lb bagger as your first bike....

Go out and buy a dirt bike thats street legal and get used to riding first .....

If you must have a Harley,,, buy a Lowrider FXDX I think is nomenclature ... Light, low and easy to ride ...

This was my first Harley..... Think 1999 Lowrider - not stock at all BTW

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o431/triplenet/Apr2403.jpg

Went from a Bridgestone 200 to this....

http://oi34.tinypic.com/2uzezgj.jpg

a. ask yourself whether it's a HD you want, or is it a motorcycle you need?

b if it's the logo you're looking at, note that having a gator or a check-mark on a shirt costs $10 more, but having a HD instead of another similar bike can cost $10,000 more.

c. big bikes are hard to handle, and will cause a newbie trouble. They don't have the acceleration to get out of the way of a car veering into your lane, and you can't just pull into a parking space (they don't have a Reverse gear). Imagine a parking slot with a slight downhill slope to it....you're screwed with a bike weighing more than you can push uphill.

You'll develop a whole new skill set learning to scan a parking lot just like a golfer scans a putting green. Riding into a parking lot made of gravel is a whole 'nother skill set.

d. I echo what triplenet said about getting a smaller, lighter, bike with maybe 250cc and become comfortable with it before getting into bikes that are bigger and more sluggish.

It was a nice event this year... NO RAIN...

At 5'9" you don't need a short person bike like a Deluxe or Low RIder, you can ride anything you want from a Sporty to a bagger.
I wouldn't buy a Sportster, unless thats what you really want. The 1200 is a fast bike, but they aren't well balanced I hear (never rode one).
I would get the MSF course under my belt, then do what I did, go rent a couple different models at the Harley store. Fortunately, these are not like boats, you can get a used whatever Harley model you want in decent shape for under $10k, and a new one for $20. Which one you pick depends on what you intend to do with it, bar hop, cruise, tour....
I have a bar hopper and a touring bike, and a couple others...
If I could have only one bike it would be a Road King, once you learn to ride, you'll find the touring Harleys especially handle extremely well, very well balanced
As for the Harley clothes, there are about 3 Harley clothing stores for every one that sells bikes. You buy a Harley and you have just made it a lot easier for friends and family to find you Christmas and Birthday presents...

So my wife made the mistake of taking me to Ocean City, MD this past weekend to celebrate my birthday. That part wasn't the mistake but it happened to be bike week down there and while she sat on the beach I sat on the corner watching the action. I've been "shopping" ever since we got home. She knows what's up and is not too thrilled about the idea but I told her I'd double the insurance policies. Someone talk me out of this. I've never ridden before but have always had that itch. I'm going to take the course offered by the DMV to get the motorcycle endorsement and go from there. Maybe start off with a Sportster and move my way up.Just my views. Take the course, get your paper and rent what you want to ride for a while. You can rent one at most Harley dealers. Make sure its what you want. Once you buy it, its yours. I still have the M on my license and can go rent what every bike I want to ride any time I get the hanker-n,, LOL
My toy was a ZL1000. Shaft drive, low rider bike back in the 80s. First year rode it a lot. Second year, not hardly at all. Third year I wondered why I put tags on it.
If you look at the prices, you can rent twice a month for what it cost you to own anyway and you get to change up when you want to try something different..
PS.. If you rent, your warranty never runs out. LMAO. If the wife was going to enjoy it with you, that would be a different story but sounds like thats void anyway.. Boat one weekend, bike one weekend. Its what I do with the racing Ver the boats. Good luck with your choices.
Just my views.

Not sure where you are located but here's a Dyna from one of our own in NC. :thumbsup:


http://www.thehulltruth.com/carolinas/448785-2005-harley-dyna-posting-here-would-nc-sale.html

I've owned my fair share of Harley's, from sportsters to my road king. I had two bikes this year alone, an 06 sportster and my 11 RK. I had a ball riding the sporty. The newer ones have a lot of features like rubber isolated engine, bigger tanks. I agree, get your license first, then RENT. Try out any and all styles that interest you. As for the rally in ocean city, I was down there and there were a lot of bikes. I've been riding for almost 30 yrs and I love it. Mind you, riding is not for everyone and you tend to spend way more than you planned.

Buy my Dyna wide. Its for sale at $9500. Stay away from a sportster

They're too dangerous. Lots of fun to ride but far too much risk. My nephew is 27 and is paralyzed from the waist down as the result of an accident he was involved in -- he was riding a "crotch rocket". Don't want to be "gory" but bikes are a huge risk.

In 2003 I bought a new 2002 Night Train. If it's what you want, go for it.

Most Harleys are big, unbalanced, ungainly, heavy, loud, and hard to ride.
Most crotch rockets are stupidly fast, whiny sounding rice burners driven by 20 year olds wearing flip flops.

Take the MST course, which will most likely be on a smaller more ridable bike, like a standard, with a tiny little 250. Once you have done that, try a couple different types of bikes until you are a little more sure of the style you want. Once you've settled on the style (cruiser, crotch rocket, standard, naked, touring) go ahead and buy something used. Ride it for a year. No one outgrows a bike in a month.
I don't care how good you think you are, no one outgrows a bike in a month. Their EGO outgrows the bike quickly and just because they haven't killed themselves yet, they want a bigger bike.

After riding that bike for a year, if you still want that style of bike, go buy the one you want. Sell the one you'be been riding for a year at slightly less than you paid for it.

It's really really hard to learn how to ride properly on a 900lb bike, It's equally as challenging to buy a 190 mph literbike and assume you can learn by not twisting the throttle too far.

Slower and smaller bikes make you a far better rider, and are also far more forgiving. You're going to make mistakes in the first 5,000 miles of riding, and if you do it on a beater, you stand a better chance of not killing yourself, and you won't cry when you lay it down.

I have problems with my back and tailbone, so sitting slightly forward is far more comfortable for me. I bought an older used Ninja 250, and once I got comfortable on it, I rode it like I stole it. At 80mph on the highway, that little engine was howling at 14,000 rpm. I put 4,000 miles on it that summer, and the following year I sold it for $100 less than I bought it for. It sold in two days.
Next bike was a Ducati Monster 696 (smallish bike, good for me at 5'8" 175 lbs) and it weighs about 350 lbs, slightly less than the previous 250. I've put about 15,000 incident free miles on that bike since. Had I got that bike first, I most likely would have dumped it, as it isn't as forgiving as the little Ninja was.

Keep in mind that any bike is a risk, and it's a politically incorrect risk. You can be a fat ass who never exercises, and no one will say "that's dangerous" even if you die of diabetes or a heart attack.

That's said, you are riding on a bike not driving in a car, so you are less protected. There are a number of things you can do to decrease the risk. First is the MSF course. Do you know the most dangerous situation on a bike? It's not driving at night on the highway in the rain - it's at an intersection where you are the lead vehicle and someone directly across from you is taking a left turn. The MSF class will explain stuff like this to you. Second is to wear the proper gear. I see middle aged touring guys with reflective vests riding their BMW's that have put 50,000 miles on their bikes, and then I've seen 20 year old squids wearing a tshirt and flip flops. While both are at risk, one has taken means to reduce that risk. Third is to not drive like a hooligan, but this is easier said than done.

I once had a sales pitch for selling Harleys to women........"Nothing's fina, than your vagina on a Dyna" :grin:

I once had a sales pitch for selling Harleys to women........"Nothing's fina, than your vagina on a Dyna" :grin:

Nice

A Harley Davidson is a 700 pounf vibrator.

A Harley Davidson is a 700 pounf vibrator.

And you can add one of these to help "speed things up". :grin:

http://www.viberider.com/vibe_rider.asp

And you can add one of these to help "speed things up". :grin:

http://www.viberider.com/vibe_rider.asp

That's great. Why didn't I think of that?

I bought this 750 Honda for the GF to learn on. Has 4000 miles on it, Vance and Hines pipes (it is loud) new Avon rubber and lots of other stuff. $2750 fob Stuart, FL
FWIW, she went from that to a Heritage, and she handles the Heritage a lot better! It's all about balance..

nice sharing....http://www.bdoh.info/11.jpg

Go out and buy a dirt bike thats street legal and get used to riding first .....

Good advice.

Or, since the OP is only 30 and in good shape, I would advise getting a strictly off road dirt or MX bike and try that for a while. It's not only about as much fun as is humanly possible, but you also get your thrills and spills out of your system in the dirt.

I remember when I took my MSF course about 10 yrs ago and before class, there were people reminding themselves which side the clutch and brake were on. I wouldn't want to get into a traffic situation if those things were not instinctive. That and knowing how to avoid target fixation.

Also, like another poster mentioned, be truthful with yourself about what style of bike you really want. Are you sure you want a cruiser? Or perhaps a touring bike is more for you. There are many different types of bikes. Get the one that genuinely suits YOUR needs. If you are set on starting out on the street, and a cruiser is your style, maybe as your first bike, consider getting a used metric cruiser. They depreciate like crazy so you can get a used clean one dirt cheap. Then after you've got a few yrs riding experienced under your belt, which will probably include several "oops", move into a Harley.

Whatever you decide, good luck and be safe.

You dont have to spend a lot of money for a cool bike. My last bike was a suzuki intruder 700 that I paid $1600.00 for and made a bobber out of in a couple weekends. Stripped a few things off and added a new headlite, seat, bars, wraped the pipes and made a stubby fender out of a steel drum. Primer red on the tank and matte black on light and fender. Less than $2000.00 and a little time invested and I could'nt go anywhere without getting aproached by people wanting to check out the bike. Sporsters would make a good first bike but are a dime a dozen and have a stigma about them. Maybe build a bobber, upgrade or just ride a smaller jap bike and if you get into it sell it and get your harley.

A Harley Davidson is a 700 pounf vibrator.

And noisy paint shaker.

Like with a boat, what you plan to do with it will have alot to do with your purchase, so take your time and put some thought into it.
Throw your leg over as many bikes as you can to get an idea for what feels best to you, and pair that with your intended purpose for it.
I ride alot, and am lucky enough to have, and have access to a number of different bikes.
My good friend has had his sporty nightser for several years, loves it, and has no intent to move up.
I've ridden it, had a ball, but not nearly enough lean angle. My uncles older sporty has had alot of engine work, and is fitted out for aggressive riding, and does it well. But I wouldn't want to go any great distance on it.
My brothers Rocker C makes my back hurt, and it's fat tire and rake make it less than nimble.
My Ducati 900ss is mucho fun, but also not what I would consider as a beginners bike.
The easiest bike I have to ride and the one I run errands on the most is a BMW R100GSPD (on/off road), easy to ride, park and maneuver, but about 60mph is all she wants.
I could go on, but don't want this to turn into an "I got" post, I just wanted to make the point that you have alot of choices, and your tastes and abilities should weigh heavily..

Regardless to what you decide, my answer to your question is still, go get a bike!
Or 3! They don't take up much room in the garage, don't cost much to own, and always put a smile on my face, no matter which one I'm on!!

I've been riding about 50 years! Started on dirt at the age of 14. I've had 20 some bikes over the years,8 of them were Harley's! Spotsters,Dyna's Softails and Electra Glide.
Like some others have said,take the riders safety class! Buy used and I would recommend getting a rice burner in the 600 to 800cc class for a starter. You can buy one for $2-$3K. Ride it for a season,sell it and buy a nice used HD Softail for $10-$12K.
Most important........Remember every vehicle on the road is out to kill you! If you remember that and ride accordingly you will live longer! Good luck!

Although I like the glides, I'm not sure I'd jump on one if I was a new rider.
Your size, strength and dexterity could be a consideration.
A sporty could be a decent place to start. Or a dyna super maybe. Neutral riding position for good control and still fun. Something used and cheap. Find yourself wanting to go bigger, chop it up, shove a bunch of power in it for the fun of it and go get another! Then you'll have one for ripping around and one for cruisin!
Either way, you won't find me trying to talk you out of it... I've got several bikes, and want more.
I live near OC, and watched alot of the coming and going.
It got to be almost comical. Everybody in their HD uniforms and tough guy scowls...


This ^

I started on a 67 Shovel at 19 years old. Had the rice rockets at a time too-up to a GSX1100. Now at almost 50 I putt along on a Fatboy. W Screamin Eagle kit it's a fast as I want, yet a comfortable bar hopper. Thing is to get on a couple and see what is comfortable

Don't want to end up like ALOT of harley owners...get the bug, spend big bucks on a machine...within 6 months, it's a garage queen....why do you think the average harley out there is 10 years old and has 20K mi on it?....if you really want to get one, it is OK to buy a sporty....a used one...plenty out there in the 3-4K $$ range with low miles and if you sell it later or it winds up as a garage ornament you aren't out alot of $$$...don't go out and spend 10-15K....look around at other makes also...most have great starter bikes and getting hung up on the harley mystique is due to good marketing....

Think about where you will be riding regardless of what you'll be riding. Is it an area you would want to ride a bike in. People don't look out for bikes in the east. They'll run you over in a heartbeat. Been riding since I was 16 in and around Philly. Wife and I took the '89FLHTC to Sturgis. Riding out west is as different as night and day compared to the east.
Had an '84 FLH, shovelhead, 4 speed, wet clutch, belt driven before to FLHTC. Night and day in comfort. If you think you'll be riding long distances, get a rubber mount. We've done the Skyline Drive a bunch of times. Best ride in the east in my opinion. Good luck.

New riders usually go on the occasional ride after spending about 20k on a Harley and then it sits and ends up on craigslist along with the other 1000's of Harleys. I'd say take the class go rent one a few times '10' at least then see how you feel about it.

A big part of the reason I started riding (in 06) was so many days in the winter down in Florida it was too windy to wet a line, one of the BEST things I ever did for myself. I haven't put 25 hours on my two boats in the last year, and don't miss it it a bit!!! I always wanted a bike but didn't have the discipline and felt buying one was a guarentee I would kill myself. When I finally did do it at 55 years old, I still have to practice discipline it is fun to twist that throttle.

Something nobody has touched on here; There is definately a social aspect to consider too. You can be a loner and be happy with that, but I have more fun when we ride with others. I have met a ton of nice people riding, at all the events, in various riding clubs, no MC's. I am active in several 'Meet Up' groups, one on Facebook, and a informal group of folks we've come to know local to us in both Florida and NJ. I've been to Sturgis the last 3 years and we hook up with about 20 people that we met in the first two years. We have a great time and enjoy the best riding there is out there!

Another thing: Trust me on this NOBODY really cares what brand you ride, you gotta like it, that's it. One notable thing about the Harley brand, no matter which one, no matter where you are there is service not far away. We ride with groups that have everything from choppers to scooters in them, nobody gives a hoot.

................. We've done the Skyline Drive a bunch of times. Best ride in the east in my opinion. Good luck.
Ditto!!!

We've done the Skyline Drive a bunch of times. Best ride in the east in my opinion.

Been meaning to get up to Skyline. I heard it is beautiful. I have a meeting in KY next week and am going to take off Friday and ride the Tail on the way up and the Snake (421) on the way back.

the msf course is the best suggestion yet...if youve never ridden the responsible thing to do is learn to ride right...

there are a lot of nice used bikes our there and you dont have to own a harley...once you get in the wind youll understand...

it is as enjoyable as it gets...a great feeling and a great family...whatever you decide just remember to enjoy it...

To hell with all of the reasonable advice. Buy the darn Harley - that is what I did - a used fatboy - and enjoy the hell out of your midlife crisis. :grin:

She knows what's up and is not too thrilled about the idea but I told her I'd double the insurance policies. Someone talk me out of this.

I think most of us missed this part, ha ha.

Enjoy.

Sharing my current ride.

Thanks for the responses. I had never even thought "rent" until it was just mentioned. That is a great idea and an inexpensive way to get my feet wet. I'm confident that I would be a decent rider as I'm much more conservative in my ways than I was just a few years back. The only bike I ever rode was a dirt bike and I was about 12. I had no idea how a clutch worked and dumped the bike shortly after take off. I guess I got that first "drop" out of the way a long time ago. I especially like the advice about "every car is out to kill you". I sometimes think that even when I'm driving my car.

Oh yeah, and you all aren't doing a very good job of talking me out of this.:thumbsup:

I think most of us missed this part, ha ha.

Enjoy.

Sharing my current ride.


Eusomm1, nice bike! :thumbsup: One question. It looks like a Street Glide but has the matching leg fairings. Did they come with the bike or did you have to order them to match?

:
87 Scarab Sport w/ twin 99 Mercury 225 EFI's
2007 Chevy Suburban
2007 Harley Fatboy (For Sale) <<<<< ;?
2011 New Wife <<<<< :trout:..........:rofl:

To hell with all of the reasonable advice. Buy the darn Harley - that is what I did - a used fatboy - and enjoy the hell out of your midlife crisis.

And now its for sale?? We know who wears the pants in that family. BUSTED..:grin:.....;cool;

Eusomm1, nice bike! :thumbsup: One question. It looks like a Street Glide but has the matching leg fairings. Did they come with the bike or did you have to order them to match?

Thank you.

Yes, SG and I ordered them to match.

Thank you.

Yes, SG and I ordered them to match.

Very cool! :thumbsup:

nice ride 58k and still running strong...........

My Harleys..
Picking up my new Road Glide, and Susans first ride on her new to her Heritage 28May12.
2nd Pict is after we unloaded at a hotel one night in Cody Wyoming, the 3rd I think was western Wyoming coming into Utah. Great 6000 mile ride this summer out there, never get enough of the Rockys. Shipped the bikes out to Sturgis, and back from Denver.

The Wide Glide is my bar hopper (and first bike), that pict was taken when I was just about finished refitting it with new tins and more from getting hammered from the side at an intersection two years ago.

My Harleys..
Picking up my new Road Glide, and Susans first ride on her new to her Heritage 28May12.
2nd Pict is after we unloaded at a hotel one night in Cody Wyoming, the 3rd I think was western Wyoming coming into Utah. Great 6000 mile ride this summer out there, never get enough of the Rockys. Shipped the bikes out to Sturgis, and back from Denver.

The Wide Glide is my bar hopper (and first bike), that pict was taken when I was just about finished refitting it with new tins and more from getting hammered from the side at an intersection two years ago.
Thats when its the best it can be. When your best friend can do it with you.. Two thumbs up Mike.. You two have my vote. :thumbsup:

Thats when its the best it can be. When your best friend can do it with you.. Two thumbs up Mike.. You two have my vote. :thumbsup:

Amen to that.. More often than not, it's Susan that comes up with a plan to ride. She never sat on the front half of the seat until March when she took the MSF course at 57 years old, yep very proud of her. Next summer after Sturgis it's either to SanFran via Vegas and up the PCH, or a ride up to Vancouver then a cruise to Alaska.. Our turn....

Well as long as we are showing pictures. Here's my 06 plain jane Police Road King. Bought it new thru the Shriner program. It's got the air seat on it. Ugliest seat HD makes but by far the most comfortable. BTW, Gator 86, I have always loved that green. :thumbsup:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii118/bomichelle/flhpi-1.jpg

Here's the air tank that controls the pressure in the seat bladder. A lot of people switch out the seat or re-locate the tank into a saddle bag. I just left it, had it chromed, and put the sticker on it. You woudn't believe people who ask if the bike actually has NOS on it. :grin:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii118/bomichelle/nos2%20(Medium)_zps1530e29d.jpg

Shag, :thumbsup:
I have come sooo close to doing one of those used and customizing it to my own taste... So many options, so little time..

Well..if he needs more pictures to help influence him. Here's a picture of my Dyna Wide Glide just after my brother did a custom paint job on it.
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc391/NCcarguy/Toys/IMG_2672_zps5ad1b803.jpg

Look around first, ride alot of bikes, don't just settle on HD there are many better bikes out there even in the obsolete cruiser catagory.

So my wife made the mistake of taking me to Ocean City, MD this past weekend to celebrate my birthday. That part wasn't the mistake but it happened to be bike week down there and while she sat on the beach I sat on the corner watching the action. I've been "shopping" ever since we got home. She knows what's up and is not too thrilled about the idea but I told her I'd double the insurance policies. Someone talk me out of this. I've never ridden before but have always had that itch. I'm going to take the course offered by the DMV to get the motorcycle endorsement and go from there. Maybe start off with a Sportster and move my way up.

I've always had this urge. After a few weeks, it passes. My biggest concern is if I get one then I know my son would buy one and I don't want him to do that due to the risk. Parent setting an example to the child thing.

If I could only do that with boats.

If you are considering getting into riding a motorcycle...do yourself a favor and at least ride a few other makes/styles....I had a harley and found it loud, heavy, slow, lousy handling, anything but smooth engine....rode a goldwing and a bmw....TOTALLY different idea....worth the comparison.....

I have been riding for 48 years, dirt bikes, crotch rockets, and cruisers. At one time or another I have owned just about every production brand available today, and some no longer available. My current ride is a "09" Harley, Cross Bones, FLSTSB. Go for it. My only advise would be, get what you like, and buy late model used.:thumbsup:

Boats, bikes, and babes, no wonder I'm always broke.

You guys are awesome. Consider this thread "jacked" Let's see some more pictures!

I

I'm going to take the course offered by the DMV to get the motorcycle endorsement and go from there.


What state do you live in and which DMV are you talking about? I am an MSF Instructor and can give you some hints and tips about the course. PM me if you like

What state do you live in and which DMV are you talking about? I am an MSF Instructor and can give you some hints and tips about the course. PM me if you like

Delaware. They offer the course for $50. I think it is ten hours in the class room and 10 on the bikes. Something like that.

Maybe start off with a Sportster and move my way up.

That's like saying I'll start out with a Camaro and move up to a Buick Electra.......:roll

Delaware. They offer the course for $50. I think it is ten hours in the class room and 10 on the bikes. Something like that.

Wow, thats about $225 cheaper than the MSF course in NJ or FL

OP wants more pics!
My last ride 05 Fatboy,sold a month ago and a few of my past rides over the years!
Top to bottom 05 Fatboy,2000 Heritage,03 Dyna FXDP,04 Sporty 1200C,04 FLHT,04 Sporty1200R

Nice bikes Lazy. I was actually looking at some sporties. That 883 "Iron" looks like a nice little starter bike.

Mines for sale.
2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic (52,000 miles), AM/FM/CD, skull
series floor boards, grips, and passenger floor boards. Rinehart true-duel
exhaust, stage one kit, K&N airfilter, LEDs, Pinstriping by Chris Cruz, tour
pack and saddlebag lighting,

Average Retail: $11,000 (Stock bike, no add-ons)

I will 'take' $8,000....




http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk123/Searunner_2008/IMG_0835.jpg?t=1341434149

Get a metric bike, such as a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha. You'll spend more time on the road, and less time in the shop. You won't need a bucket of Oil Dry in the garage, either.

;?


Thats such an old rap ..... Dont get me wrong,,,, Harleys are heavy, slow, crappy breaks, old tech, etc,etc..... But my last 3 NEVER broke down or leaked....

The build quality on my 2010 Street Glide is pretty good....

That said, I have been seriously looking at a BMW :grin:

;?


Thats such an old rap ..... Dont get me wrong,,,, Harleys are heavy, slow, crappy breaks, old tech, etc,etc..... But my last 3 NEVER broke down or leaked....

The build quality on my 2010 Street Glide is pretty good....

That said, I have been seriously looking at a BMW :grin:

Ditto... I'm surprised this thread went so long without the normal haters.

FWIW triple; I had a real hard on for the new 1600 Bimmer for some long distance plans.. Do your due diligence, a few months ago they hadn't got their parts act together yet, riders sitting on the bench for weeks, months if they were in an accident... Still may add one to the toy box one day, but they need more dealer support to make me happy. Ft Lauderdale and Daytona are the two closest to Stuart for example... Imagine how far apart they are in Wyoming for example...
BTW, I got the ABS on my RG... Very nice

Always amazing what strong feelings there are when it comes to motorcycles and brand loyalty. Over the years I have owned and ridden them all, I can’t think of a single brand I just hated, they all had pluses and minuses I guess. You have to hand it the HD however; love em or hate em the strength of their brand is second to none. My current and two previous rides have been BMW’s great all around machines, expensive to maintain but I love the way they handle. If I were only going to ride long distance on the slab HD would be a good choice, but I like riding sweepers and the twistys and frankly with the big front fork rake on the HD’s they are not my choice.

I do not believe HD makes any machine that is suitable for a new rider. Riding is a risky enough thing to do and new riders have no clue just how much risk there is and what’s really involved. Putting six or seven hundred pounds and 80 or more horse power between your legs without appropriate mental and physical skills is just a ticket to the ER or worse.

Take the course, buy a smaller machine 600cc or less, practice the skills you learn in the class learn to ride with your head on a swivel develop your braking and swerving skills to a point of perfection. When you can ride and control the machine instinctively and you are in 100% control of it in all situations all the time. Move up to a bigger more powerful machine if you like.

I understand the allure and attraction for a new rider in wanting the big shiny chrome machine. But like I said riding is risky enough why would you want to add to that risk in the beginning by picking a machine that requires higher skill levels to operate?

Get a metric bike, such as a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha. You'll spend more time on the road, and less time in the shop. You won't need a bucket of Oil Dry in the garage, either.

New ones rarely leak unless you really hammer one cold and blow a gasket.

What is so funny is most people dont realize that the old Harley's (pre-Evo) didn't really "leak" that much. The primary drive was lubrcated via an unsealed main bearig. Oil would feed through (flush) the bearing , move down to the drive sprocket and the primary chain. In order to keep too much oil building up in the primary, a sluiceway was machined into the mating surface of the primary cover in order to drain off excess oil. Anybody who rode/rides an older Harley knows that the oil drip is almost always in the same spot (the location of the "drain"). I know a couple of people with Shovelheads running sealed main bearings and open primaries that are vitually leak free.:thumbsup:

Always amazing what strong feelings there are when it comes to motorcycles and brand loyalty. Over the years I have owned and ridden them all, I can’t think of a single brand I just hated, they all had pluses and minuses I guess. You have to hand it the HD however; love em or hate em the strength of their brand is second to none. My current and two previous rides have been BMW’s great all around machines, expensive to maintain but I love the way they handle. If I were only going to ride long distance on the slab HD would be a good choice, but I like riding sweepers and the twistys and frankly with the big front fork rake on the HD’s they are not my choice.

I do not believe HD makes any machine that is suitable for a new rider. Riding is a risky enough thing to do and new riders have no clue just how much risk there is and what’s really involved. Putting six or seven hundred pounds and 80 or more horse power between your legs without appropriate mental and physical skills is just a ticket to the ER or worse.

Take the course, buy a smaller machine 600cc or less, practice the skills you learn in the class learn to ride with your head on a swivel develop your braking and swerving skills to a point of perfection. When you can ride and control the machine instinctively and you are in 100% control of it in all situations all the time. Move up to a bigger more powerful machine if you like.

I understand the allure and attraction for a new rider in wanting the big shiny chrome machine. But like I said riding is risky enough why would you want to add to that risk in the beginning by picking a machine that requires higher skill levels to operate?

:thumbsup:x2.......Virago 535 is an excellent choice and practice. When I started riding I use to go to an empty parking lot and practice slow speed handling. I still practice some but probbably not as much as I should.

Get a metric bike, such as a Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha. You'll spend more time on the road, and less time in the shop. You won't need a bucket of Oil Dry in the garage, either.


That's exactly what I would do if I couldn't afford a Harley.

That's exactly what I would do if I couldn't afford a Harley.

Bingo....lmao.

I see everyone is on thier game this morning. Must be Friday!

I read a ride report on a HD in Colorado, the tester was amazed the HD even put such a crappy handling bike on the market, pretty much sums it up.

I just wish my boats held their value as well as my crappy Harley.:)

I read a ride report on a HD in Colorado, the tester was amazed the HD even put such a crappy handling bike on the market, pretty much sums it up.

If you want a bike to carve canyons you dont buy a HD ....:grin:

What I really dont understand about bikes is why they are so heavy... Builders need to start using lighter material... Would love a low touring bike in the 500 LB range .... with 150 hp with big Brembo ABS ... :thumbsup:

....What I really dont understand about bikes is why they are so heavy... Builders need to start using lighter material... Would love a low touring bike in the 500 LB range .... with 150 hp with big Brembo ABS ... :thumbsup:

Wind factor would be my guess. I had a little Suzuki Volusia (800CC) that looked like a wanna be Harley. Way too light weight to be comfortable on the highways although I thoroughly enjoyed cruising the back roads where I live. Miss that ride at times but I will have a Harley at retirement - probably a full dresser that weighs a ton or a little Street Bob! :thumbsup:

Here's my bike.:grin: I couldn't ride long distances on my 1200 so it had to go. It was lighter and quicker, but I feel that the fatboy is easier to control due to the riding position. It was between a Road King and a Fatboy. Rode both and rented a fatty quite a while ago. You just feel like you sit "in" the bike and not on it.
If you get a bike, get a light one to learn on. 700 lbs is not very forgiving. If it starts to go over, it's going to go over whether you like it or not. If you buy a Harley, you will start an addiction modifying it and it will not stop. Depending on work this winter mine is going to go from 72 HP to over 100.:thumbsup: Rims are going to be chromed as well as controls and cables..... See where this is going?
Another reason to get a smaller inexpensive bike is the fact you may not like it after you get into it. It happens. Alot. Me? No matter how bad a day I had, riding (even through Detroit) puts a smile on my face and my family loves my mood afterwards. It's that's relaxing for me.

http://i687.photobucket.com/albums/vv234/twistedtin/bike/DSC03025.jpg

Jest for giggles... started as stock and after a LOT of cash and work....

This is where I started...
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/Electra%20Glide%20Classic/DSC_0514web.jpg

Opened the wallet up, out comes the tools and then...

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/right1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/withTP1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/wheel1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/tipF1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/turnsigsR.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/shift1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/pedal1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/logo1.jpg
http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz315/badbagger/EG%20Classic%20Finished/aircleaner1.jpg

Jest for giggles... started as stock and after a LOT of cash and work....



Sweet :thumbsup::thumbsup: Well done.

Sweet :thumbsup::thumbsup: Well done.

Agreed!

Thanks also built this one many years back...

If you want a bike to carve canyons you dont buy a HD ....:grin:

What I really dont understand about bikes is why they are so heavy... Builders need to start using lighter material... Would love a low touring bike in the 500 LB range .... with 150 hp with big Brembo ABS ... :thumbsup:

Not just about carving canyons what about braking and acceleration, and you do need to turn your bike every once in a while. On most bikes curves are fun on a HD it's a challenge to keep all the chrome bits from dragging.

buy a kaw vulcan nomad . 1700 cc 6 speed cruiser , you can grind the boards on turns, its a nimble bigger bike

Get hold of a used, full sized Harley as you will be wanting to get rid of the sportster in a couple of months if you are like everyone else I know.

Not bad advice, but the OP has never ridden before--- I vote Sportster, make sure that this is something you will actually enjoy & keep doing-

Randy

If you are looking for training call your local dealer and ask about their Riders Edge class. Its a 3 or 4 day thing and is a very good program. I'm also with everyone here, dont get a sportster, you will be wanting something bigger in no time. Look into a Dyna Wide Glide or Low Rider.

Take the riders course....then rent to see what you like.

Road Kings been ride of choice for years.

But, what ever you get.....learn to ride... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9MVY8swO5M&feature=related it will be a lot of fun and it will help save your butt when you need it.

Just ride like everyone is trying to kill you.

If you are looking for training call your local dealer and ask about their Riders Edge class. Its a 3 or 4 day thing and is a very good program.

The Riders Edge curriculum is exactly the same as used by the majority of state programs and is the MSF Basic Rider Course curriculum. HD added 5 hours to the class and in those 5 hours you are given a tour of the dealership, a history lesson on HD and a chance to try on the gear they sell. In addition all of the riding exercises are 30 minutes in length whereas in the BRC the exercises are run for various times depending on the exercise. In addition the only motorcycle used for training in Riders Edge is the Buell Blast. Most likely the Riders Edge class will be taught by the same instructors who teach the states MSF classes.

Generally you will pay a premium amount to take the Riders Edge class versus the state’s class as HD wants to make a profit on the training and most of the states fund the their programs from DMV fees. I imagine each Harley Dealership sets its own pricing, but for example in my state the fee for the state course is $50.00 where at the HD dealership it is near $300.

I am not saying there is something wrong with the Riders Edge course it’s just more expensive for essentially the same thing you get through your state sponsored class.

Fun way to kill yourself.

The Riders Edge curriculum is exactly the same as used by the majority of state programs and is the MSF Basic Rider Course curriculum. HD added 5 hours to the class and in those 5 hours you are given a tour of the dealership, a history lesson on HD and a chance to try on the gear they sell......

Yep, a friend of mine walked out of their class... She said the whole first day was them 'fitting' you with a bike.. Really pissed her off, said here she was paying to have a salesman work her over!

I'm impressed with the MSF course.

Damn, Badbagger Just Damn! That is sweet.

If you are considering getting into riding a motorcycle...do yourself a favor and at least ride a few other makes/styles....I had a harley and found it loud, heavy, slow, lousy handling, anything but smooth engine....rode a goldwing and a bmw....TOTALLY different idea....worth the comparison.....

I was first looking at a small metric cruiser, but leaning slightly forward gets rid of my tailbone problems so I tried few others. I found laying down on the gas tank to be equally uncomfortable. Some other bikes tend to have balanced engines, and don't need rubber engine mounts. Oddly enough, the high mileage bikes generally aren't Harleys or crotch rockets - it's the BMW's and Gold Wings.

If you want a bike to carve canyons you dont buy a HD ....:grin:

What I really dont understand about bikes is why they are so heavy... Builders need to start using lighter material... Would love a low touring bike in the 500 LB range .... with 150 hp with big Brembo ABS ... :thumbsup:

How about a 423 pound 150HP touring bike with ABS? It's called a Ducati Multistrada. :grin:

I was first looking at a small metric cruiser, but leaning slightly forward gets rid of my tailbone problems so I tried few others. I found laying down on the gas tank to be equally uncomfortable. Some other bikes tend to have balanced engines, and don't need rubber engine mounts. Oddly enough, the high mileage bikes generally aren't Harleys or crotch rockets - it's the BMW's and Gold Wings.

Now see, I can't have anything that will lean me forward. That hurts my lower back. I rode a valkyrie and hated the seating position and foot position as well. Smooth though, I'll give it that. Very smooth and alot of power. Also felt I was sitting up high. I was really impressed with the FIL BMW 1200. WONDERFUL balance and ride quality. Again, I felt I was sitting higher than in my truck. Buddy has a VTX1800 that absolutely rips. Fun bike right there, but not for me. I'm more comfortable on the fatboy. Swapped the seat to a touring and I can ride all day in comfort. Just goes to show, what works for one person won't for another. I've had metrics in the past and have a 68 Triumph as well, nothing fits me (IMHO) like the harley. Never had the metrics feel right, or the sporty.

How about a 423 pound 150HP touring bike with ABS? It's called a Ducati Multistrada. :grin:

Not really touring the USA.... Now if I was in Europe with 200 mile days - then I guess its a touring bike....

:thumbsup:

Fun way to kill yourself.

I guess some people want to go thru life wearing a body condom but not me. This is from the Tail of the Dragon last Saturday. Just got home from a 1500 mile ride. :thumbsup:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/members/shag-albums-shags-pics-picture61621-229126-medium.jpg

Kawasaki wanted to get into the low rider field and not lose HP back in 86 and 87. built two bikes just alike with a 900, and a 1000cc.
ZL1000. 445 pound, shaft drive, smooth as silk ridding and I changed the jets, and exhaust, 156 hp. and water cooled. Never have to worry about it stuck in traffic.
Owned that back in the late 80s. Won't to much I could not outrun back then other than the largest CC crotch rockets and could ride all day without getting tired.
Torque is unreal on that bike.
200823659320 One on e bay now for under 3 grand.
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/liveaboard74/m_b91aba120218479ba761581faaa8f712.jpghttp://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/liveaboard74/m_5503f854bf1849c0b4e837e439881f86.jpg
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm277/liveaboard74/m_7fad7eff68d04b5494fec3d309fe61c4.jpg

Now see, I can't have anything that will lean me forward. That hurts my lower back. I rode a valkyrie and hated the seating position and foot position as well. Smooth though, I'll give it that. Very smooth and alot of power. Also felt I was sitting up high. I was really impressed with the FIL BMW 1200. WONDERFUL balance and ride quality. Again, I felt I was sitting higher than in my truck. Buddy has a VTX1800 that absolutely rips. Fun bike right there, but not for me. I'm more comfortable on the fatboy. Swapped the seat to a touring and I can ride all day in comfort. Just goes to show, what works for one person won't for another. I've had metrics in the past and have a 68 Triumph as well, nothing fits me (IMHO) like the harley. Never had the metrics feel right, or the sporty.

:thumbsup: Good point - I'd rather have something that fits me that what I thought made sense before swinging a leg over. I wanted to lean back but after riding 30 minutes I had difficulty walking. The takeaway here is that make sure you get what fits.