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You pretty much have to really want an Ironhead Sporty before buying one. It is not the most pleasant riding bike out there and it's getting harder to find mechanics that will work on something that old. You can learn how to do most of the maintenance yourself, but come rebuild time - and that time WILL come on an Ironhead - your local Harley dealer won't even talk to you.

A newer Sportster 883 would be a much better choice if your heart is set on a Harley. They are much more reliable, easier to maintain and your local dealer will not have any problems working on them if need be. I just did a search on Bike Trader online and there are two in Ontario listed for less than $6k and twenty more ranging from $6-$8k.

But an 800 Marauder is also a good choice and just as competent as the Sportster, although it will not hold its value as well. I would not recommend a 250 from any manufacturer, unless you plan to ride only within the city limits and not on a 400 series highway. They will do it, but small motors like that are not happy about it. Anything from a 500 up to whatever your comfort limit is would be a better choice. And you have a lot of choices out there, limited only by your budget and confidence in your own riding ability. I'd say pass on the Ironhead and get something newer. And post some pics when you do.

csspostal wrote: Well that's enough rambling I think I'll so smash my against a wall then have a nice cold glass of ice water and take a couple of advil's

Um....what?

Um....what

Decisions Decisions of what type and style of bike to get and whether to buy mid september or wait until spring to buy one is driving me bonkers and making me feel like smashing my head into the wall.

Little voices are going ride ride ride the other saying be smart about it get something small learn then get the big bike. and they are about to get into a fist fight.

First bike I need it to be able to drive on 80km Hwy 28 from Port Hope to Peterborough and back for college and in town. It would be nice to have the ability to do short jaunts on the 401 between Port Hope and Bowmanville or Newcastle and the 35/115 from Newcastle to Peterborough just to get used to riding hiway speeds in preperation for my M2 exit test but not a neccesity in a first bike as I have up to 5 years before my M2 expires.

My heart is with a Harley as that is what my father used to ride a low rider. Long story short My Dad lived in Floria for the past 23 years he moved back to Canada in April of 08 and he passed away at the age of 52 from a heart attack on May 18th of this year. The last thing my Dad and I were planning to do together was a tour from Port Hope down the east coast to Key West then to Chicago down route 66 to LA (I have always wanted to take this ride have no idea why) then up the west coast cut across to mount Rushmore (my Dad always wanted to go there he had no idea why either just that he did.) and I now realize that Sturgis is in South Dakota as well (geography a little rusty since grade 10 but they have GPS now so I should be fine) and end the ride during the bike rally I want to turn this tour into a yearly memorial ride for my Dad and somehow turn it into a charity ride for the heart and stroke foundation. Have no idea how to do that but that is what I want to do in the future.

That is most likely more information then anyone ever wanted to know about me and why I got into riding and why Harley is where my heart is.

Being a student budget unfortunately will be the key factor that and how much my insurance will be as a new rider.

Don't worry once I get two wheels pictures will be coming as I'll be like a proud new poppa wanting to show off the new baby

I'm sorry to hear of your father passing away.

Your idea and route for a memorial ride sounds like a very good idea. Talk to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, they'll be able to give you tips and pointers on how to set it up as a charity event. You definitely will not want to try it on a 250, though.

If you end up considering it, the Marauder is a very solid bike.

csspostal wrote:

Um....what

Decisions Decisions of what type and style of bike to get and whether to buy mid september or wait until spring to buy one is driving me bonkers and making me feel like smashing my head into the wall.

Little voices are going ride ride ride the other saying be smart about it get something small learn then get the big bike. and they are about to get into a fist fight.
<snip>

csspostal:

After all of the discussion in your thread viewtopic.php?t=34262 , you're no closer to making a decision?

Have you sat on any bikes yet? Not ridden them; just done some looking and sat on them?

I think I was like that, too. I drove the board crazy with my decision to ride, what to ride, what I'd want in a bike, etc.

Its nice to see that happen to someone else.

RhadamYgg

Thanks Gummie,

I'd do the ride on a CBR 125 if that's all I could get a hold of
Sure would be nice to get a group to go on the trip but everyone in my family think I was dropped on my head a little too much to get a bike say they are death traps, organ donation machines etc.

No bike is out of consideration if it is in the price range.

The only dealer that let me sit on the bikes was Honda. I didn't like the feel of the rebel. Shadow was quite nice was able to flat foot it with my dress shoes on. Most of the other dealers were fill out a credit app we'll then we'll see from there.

Harley dealer was quite nice I didn't have my gear but he walked me around showed me all the bikes told me to bring my gear and he'd let me take one out for a half hour test drive. I was shopping with the wife and seeing I was in 3 different wal marts that was my treat to look at Harley's. They had a 2008 Boulevard C50 with the bags windshield and back rest 27k for 6400.

I was about settled in on getting a 2007 Suzuki GS500 for 3700. But they sold it as I was showing the wife the online ad for it. Seems I have a wandering eye for bikes they are shiny but I haven't fell in love with one yet.

RhadamYgg well it is at least good to know I'm not alone with having this issue.

promise Velocity last post on what bike I should ride. Next one will have pictures and a subject of my new bike.

I have to admit that I was nervous about sitting on bikes in the beginning.

I would say that you should not wear large belt buckles or boots with soles that mark things when they make contact, etc. Just courtesy to scratch the paint if you are only looking. My motorcycle boots leave marks.

It was quite embarrassing - I went to a Honda dealer and sat on a ST1300 (possibly my destination bike) and when I got off my motorcycle boot skimmed the top of the integrated saddle bags leaving a black mark. It was a new bike and I was upset. The ST1300 is no little bike. I guess it wasn't that big of a deal and that boot scuff marks can be rubbed out.

You'll notice some bikes at the bike show have dozens of similar marks on the hard saddle bags.

The dealers over here in NJ (that I've been to) just let you sit on the bikes. It is usually a good idea to ask if it is ok at the front desk, though - and some places want a sales person to jabber at you while you sit on bikes.

If they ask you to fill out a credit application - be up front about it and tell them you are really trying to understand what bikes 'fit' you.

RhadamYgg

csspostal wrote:<snip>

promise Velocity last post on what bike I should ride. Next one will have pictures and a subject of my new bike.

No problem, csspostal; post away. I was just hoping that we all could help you move forward in your decisionmaking process. I know it's a big decision, and this is the place to talk it out and work through the questions.