I'm sure it's been asked

[newrider]

I haven't ridden a bike in a long time, but want to get one. Specifically, I want a Harley. It's been over 15 years since I've ridden and I'd like to know a) what model/type should I look at and b) how to REALLLY, REALLY learn how to ride safely. Courses?

I'm not a big guy, I'm 5'10" tall and 170lbs. I'm pretty strong though and very coordinated/balanced.

Please let me know. Thanks.

[stock28]

Forget the Harley, for now. Start by taking the MSF. They will teach you all the basics in three days. Then get a cheap used bike to practice with in parking lots and back roads. After a season or two you may be ready for that Harley. You WILL drop your bike at least once, and a Harley aint what you want to drop.

[Lion_Lady]

Take the MSF course. Then buy something used to tune your skills, THEN go shopping for your dream bike... while you're doing the first two, you'll have lots of opportunity to talk to folks in the know to find out what's what regarding HD's and gear and everything else. Welcome back!

... statistically, the fastest growing segment of dead motorcyclists is the 'over 40' set.

Lots of speculation as to the causes. Returning riders (with 5 or more years 'off') starting way bigger than their previous rides - not realizing how much has changed while they were away, older riders not realizing (or not admitting) that their skills and reflexes may not be what they were, buying too much motorcycle and not taking the risks seriously enough.

P

[newrider]

Yeah, I've done some reading and you are right. I should get used to it first. I also hear that new (or returning) riders are likely to drop their bikes and I wouldn't want to do that with my dream bike.

Anyway, thanks for the response.

[cb360]

We get into mini-battles on the board over this all the time. Some members think it's ok to go ahead and buy an expensive bike that's a bit larger than others recommend. I'm firmly in the buy a somewhat smaller smaller (up to 5-600ccs) used bike camp. I wish I had a dollar for every late-model harley I see for sale locally by someone who spent $$$$ and then decided not to ride or that it was too big or expensive. My opinion - and that's all it is - is buy a used bike of the general style (cruiser, standard, sport-bike, etc.) you THINK you want at this point - ride it for a season and THEN spend the big bucks after you have some miles under your belt. Make sure the bike you get is commensurate with your riding experience/skill. A 600cc sport bike is an entirely different animal than a 600cc cruiser. The reasoning is simple... Harleys are heavy and they are pricey. Lots of new bikers drop or lay down their new bikes shortly after purchase. Do you want to pay the repair bill on a brand new Harley? Get some miles under your belt, then sell the used bike for appx what you have into it and get on your new pricey bike with confidence.That's one man's opinion.

[newrider]

You are absolutely right, now another question. I'm going to look for a cruiser (not really interested in speed), what should I AVOID when looking at a used bike? Miles > X? Older then X? Make? Model?

Thanks.

[cb360]

I think the honda Shadow's are a very reliable cruiser, but they are hardly the only ones out there. There aren't any magic numbers. You can save a ton of cash if you buy a non-running bike and fix it up yourself. I enjoy doing that myself, but probably most don't. Are you near a major metro area? The cycletrader is great as is craigslist.com - my personal favorite. You can get a pretty nice running bike for ~ 2k and then sell it for about the same if it's well taken care of.

One thing I would recommend that you do is go to the Blog section of this site and read, Travels of a Squid: Blair's beginning motorcyclist journal. Blair bought a '93 shadow 600 and has done a great job of documenting his experiences from start to present. It's a great read for someone just getting into bikes again. Also, pick out a couple bikes you like and report back with what you are looking at. If you have a riding friend, you could take him along to test-drive the bikes you are looking at if you haven't taken the course yet. Probably not a great idea to get on a bike you don't own until you get some miles under your belt.

[ZooTech]

You WILL drop your bike at least once, and a Harley aint what you want to drop.

Please...speak for yourself. It is not mandatory that everyone drop their first bike. I didn't and neither did my two good friends. And we all started on 500's, mine a CX500 and theirs a GL500i. He should start out on a cheap beater only if there is some doubt within himself regarding his ability. My coworker also never dropped his first bike, and it was the first one he had ever even sat on....a 1000cc Honda Hawk.

Your Results May Vary.

[Wizzard]

Once again I completely agree with zootech . It seems to me that there is a large contingent around here that have never heard of a self fulfilling prophecy with all the threads regarding dropping your bike , going down , etc. Yes it can happen and may even do so . However it doesn't have to happen . This is almost as bad as target fixation which is easily enough to over come by Paying Attention Keep your mind on what you are doing , cause ya can profile any ole time.
Regards, Wizzard

[ZooTech]

Exactly!

You can drop your bike...if you're not careful. This idea, even if it's just a cliche', that you will drop your first bike is pure discouragement for any and every newbie that signs-up for membership here.