Looking to get back into it...........

[Cmack]

Hi everyone, let me start out saying that it's been nearly 15 years since I've been on a bike. Got the urge really bad here lately and am strongly considering getting back into it. I've owned 2 bikes over the years and have a lot of dirt experience. My last bike was a Yamaha XS1100G but that's been a long time. The majority of my experience has been on dirt bikes. I bought the 1100 because it was a deal too good to pass up, but never put a lot of miles on it. I rode the street long enough to get some of the basics down such as countersteering, braking and such, but have less than 1000 miles street experience. I have been down once OUCH! and still carry the scars as a reminder. Mechanical failure (stuck front caliper)on a wet road got me. I never got very comfortable in traffic and always figured that all the cars were out to get me Anyway I'm thinking about going the Harley route this time. I'm a big guy 6'2" 335# and have long gorilla arms, so fitment is an issue to me. I've sat a bunch of bikes lately and so far the best fit has been a Dyna Wide Glide and a Road King. I have been looking into the MSF courses and know that will be my 1st step. Oh yeah I am 50 yrs old and very conservative so speed is not an issue to me. Never liked going fast on a bike when I was younger, I'm a cruiser at heart. So tell me my experienced friends......Have I lost my mind, maybe having a mid-life crisis. I love all things mechanical and have had a fascination with V twins since I heard that 1st Panhead with drag pipes. Don't spare my feelings, if ya think I'm an idiot, go ahead and say it. Anyway, thanks for any advice or guidance Y'all can give me

[Bored]

You are NOT crazy, I read a signature on this forum a couple of years ago that seems to fit this: "4 wheels frees the body, 2 wheels frees the soul"
To me even a quick ride changes my whole day, I feel so alive and refreshed after. It may not be for everybody but it is for me! I just rode an 07 Super Glide that my seargent just got and it is fairly low but wide, and it was easy to get used to. huge motor but not scary fast though, I have had 600's that were quicker off the line. If you have the cash, just do it... You won't regret it, and Harley's hold their value or increase in value, so it is a good investment!
Steve

[dr_bar]

You are NOT crazy, I read a signature on this forum a couple of years ago that seems to fit this: "4 wheels frees the body, 2 wheels frees the soul"

Hmmmm...

Sounds really familiar...

Used to have an green animated biker...

[anarchy]

go for it... although you have some experience, the msf class would still be a wise choice. check with the dealer you're buying from - they may offer the rider's edge new rider course (harley's version of the msf). if they do, see if they'll work out some deal where they'll throw in the class if you buy the bike.

between the super glide and the road king, i'd say figure out what kind of riding you're going to be doing the most. if you're mostly riding around town, go for the super glide. if you're planning on taking more trips, think about the road king - those saddlebags carry a lot of stuff...

keep us posted on your decisions...

[Cmack]

I do find myself a little apprehensive about the sheer mass of a RK. Makes my old 1100 seen like a toy. I'm going by my local Yamaha dealer later today to look at a V star bagger. Not sure I want to go metric, but do have an open mind. I do know that I'm not too fond of bees and wasps getting too personal with me. Almost crashed my 1100 once when a wasp got in my helmet and proceeded to do the mambo down the side of my head at 70 mph ......Cmack