wondering about a harley as a first bike

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rocker-d · #1 Unread post by **rocker-d** » Tue May 13, 2008 7:20 am

I'm wondering about harleys new rocker. i can afford it an insure it but is it too much bike for a newb

jonnythan · #2 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue May 13, 2008 7:35 am

That's not a good first bike. It's got a somewhat radical seating position, it's big, it's heavy, it's powerful, and it's extremely expensive and pretty and easy to drop.

Start on something much more manageable.

rocker-d · #3 Unread post by **rocker-d** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:23 am

so how about a 1200cc sportser

jonnythan · #4 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:25 am

rocker-d wrote:so how about a 1200cc sportser

Better, I guess. The Sportster is very top-heavy and doesn't have quite the same "cruiser" look and feel the other Harleys (and other brands) have.

I'd suggest you look at something like a Suzuki M50, Yamaha V-Star 650/Virago, Honda Shadow, etc. Preferably used.

rocker-d · #5 Unread post by **rocker-d** » Tue May 13, 2008 8:27 am

i want a crusier i am also thinking about a star raider

Tue May 13, 2008 9:44 am

The raiders a big bike too. Have you ridden before? If not I highly suggest the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Basic Rider Course. After spending a weekend manuevering a motorcycle through all kinds of situations you'll have a better idea for what you want.

However, if you like the look of a sportster check out the Suzuki Intruder or the new version the S50. Sleek, powerful and a great motorcycle. Not to mention cheaper, less expsensive to fix if you drop it (Very common with first bikes and chrome is expensive!) and not nearly as heavy and ungainly as the raider.

jonnythan · Tue May 13, 2008 10:55 am

It's your first bike, not your last.

Cut your teeth and put a couple thousand miles on a used cruiser that's a bit lighter and easier to handle.

Then get the bike you really want.

erbgottie · #8 Unread post by **erbgottie** » Tue May 13, 2008 9:37 pm

jonnythan wrote:It's your first bike, not your last.

Cut your teeth and put a couple thousand miles on a used cruiser that's a bit lighter and easier to handle.

Then get the bike you really want.

1+

Couldn't have said it better myself.

rocker-d · #9 Unread post by **rocker-d** » Wed May 14, 2008 1:34 am

sorry i havent even started riding yet

how about a dyna street bob :motorcycle1:

dean owens · Wed May 14, 2008 2:17 am

rocker-d wrote:sorry i havent even started riding yet
how about a dyna street bob

go and buy what you want. and you can keep bringing up different harleys and run through the whole lineup.... but it's not going to change the answers you're going to get here. i love harleys and would love to have one. i don't know that there is one in the lineup that i don't like.

BUT if you want to know if you can get one as your first bike the answer is yes, you live in a free country. if you want to know if it's a wise move the answer is NO. they are heavy. they have large engines. they have a lot of chrome that is really expensive to replace WHEN you drop it. and you will - especially if it's your first bike. you can take the advice or not. but the only harleys that are possible starter bikes are the 883's IMHO.

real life story... someone i know recently started riding. i tried to talk them out of getting a brand new cbr600 and told them they would drop it and that it was too much for them. they listened, thought about it, and bought the new cbr600. they've had it 3 weeks and they have already dropped it. it's going to cost $500.00 + to fix it (hasn't gotten the full estimate yet).

get a starter bike and learn on it. have it for a season or three and then get the bike you want. you'll be a better rider that way and your harley will thank you for it.