Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I'm new to biking. I haven't purchased a bike yet, I haven't even been on one since I was like 10 years old. That was an old Kawasaki 125 which I throttled down and dumped the clutch on popping a wheelie right into a tree...good times.

But now that I'm older (24) and the weather is nice I've had this itch. I want something I can sit back and cruise around on maybe get some friends into it and go riding somewhere.

I've seen a lot of posts about beginning bikers that seemed to be strictly for people who want to ride performance bikes (the Hondas, Ninjas etc) but what about those of us that just want to cruise along on a HD? Are there issues with beginning on something like a Softail? What are some things I should know, suggestions...anyting to help me out.

(I read the sticky on beginners and found that very helpful)

Thanks in advance.

Welcome! If you've read the sticky then I'm asuming you'll be taking the MSF course before buying a bike. In most parts of Canada this has the added advantage of giving you a discount on motorycle insurance... not sure if it works the same way in the US or other countries, though.

It's hard to recommend a good first bike as it all depends upon your riding ability. Some people start off with a big touring rig, some with a potent sport bike, some with a small olderl bike then work their way up to what they want. If you take the course you'll have a much better idea about what you should start with - you may be confident enough to get the Softail right away but only you will know for sure.

I was a CSC (Canada Safety Council) motorcycle course instructor for 5 years. During that time I taught many new and returning riders - some took to it like a duck to water, some needed more practice time and some just didn't have the knack for it. They all bought bikes afterwards based on how they felt after the course.

Gummiente wrote:Welcome! If you've read the sticky then I'm asuming you'll be taking the MSF course before buying a bike. In most parts of Canada this has the added advantage of giving you a discount on motorycle insurance... not sure if it works the same way in the US or other countries, though.

It's hard to recommend a good first bike as it all depends upon your riding ability. Some people start off with a big touring rig, some with a potent sport bike, some with a small olderl bike then work their way up to what they want. If you take the course you'll have a much better idea about what you should start with - you may be confident enough to get the Softail right away but only you will know for sure.

I was a CSC (Canada Safety Council) motorcycle course instructor for 5 years. During that time I taught many new and returning riders - some took to it like a duck to water, some needed more practice time and some just didn't have the knack for it. They all bought bikes afterwards based on how they felt after the course.

Thank you


Yes after reading the sticky taking the safety course will be a definite and I plan on picking up the books mentioned in that post as well. I've always been a quick learner with things that take coordination and balance so maybe I'll be lucky eh, and be able to start off on the bike I really want (Softail Night Train).

I can't wait to get out on the road and start cruising.

There are two issues that jump to mind.

First: You will drop your bike. That is a proven fact. Wouldnt you want to drop a smaller, lighter bike than a 629 pound soft tail? Then how would you feel when you have to replace parts after your drop?

Second: A bike with a 88 Cubic Inch (1400 cc) engine is a little much for a beginner. My first bike was a 750 Cubin Cenameter engine and it scared the poop out of me. If I could do it over again I would have started out with a 500ish cruser verses the 750. But that is just me. Heck my 1200cc Goldwing scares me sometimes.

pinger05 wrote:There are two issues that jump to mind.

First: You will drop your bike. That is a proven fact. Wouldnt you want to drop a smaller, lighter bike than a 629 pound soft tail? Then how would you feel when you have to replace parts after your drop?

Second: A bike with a 88 Cubic Inch (1400 cc) engine is a little much for a beginner. My first bike was a 750 Cubin Cenameter engine and it scared the poop out of me. If I could do it over again I would have started out with a 500ish cruser verses the 750. But that is just me. Heck my 1200cc Goldwing scares me sometimes.

Yes that is one thing that does concern me...but if I could find an old softail for cheap and I end up dumping it would it really matter how big the engine is? But like I said I'm completely new and am open to any input, and appreciate any "first bike" suggestions you guys may have for me.

BikesnBeer wrote:
Yes that is one thing that does concern me...but if I could find an old softail for cheap and I end up dumping it would it really matter how big the engine is? But like I said I'm completely new and am open to any input, and appreciate any "first bike" suggestions you guys may have for me.

a cheap softail? have you actually priced a used harley? they probally range from 12,000$ and up... if thats cheap for you then go for it ha, cheap to most of us would be 3,000$ or under which can buy you alot of nice bikes(without the harley logo on it).

iwannadie wrote:

BikesnBeer wrote:
Yes that is one thing that does concern me...but if I could find an old softail for cheap and I end up dumping it would it really matter how big the engine is? But like I said I'm completely new and am open to any input, and appreciate any "first bike" suggestions you guys may have for me.

a cheap softail? have you actually priced a used harley? they probally range from 12,000$ and up... if thats cheap for you then go for it ha, cheap to most of us would be 3,000$ or under which can buy you alot of nice bikes(without the harley logo on it).

Simplest respons?


<--------newbie!

BikesnBeer wrote: Simplest respons?
<--------newbie!

a good place to start is ebay gives a good general idea of what people are willing to pay for bikes.

http://motors.listings.ebay.com

I bought a cheap (well sorta cheap, I am poor) Virago 920, it went plenty fast, scared myself pretty good more than a few times. It cost $850 USD and I had fun on it for a long time. Not being afraid of expensive repairs if I dropped it took a lot of pressure off me. I would suggest buying a beater, I ended up loving mine and hated selling it.

My better half refused to let me have two bikes, so off the Virago went

A 600 sport bike is a complete different animal than a 600 cruiser. Most would agree that a cruiser in the area of a 650-800 would be a good choice for a first bike. I started on a 650 cruiser and it has more then enough power than I need. But, there is no way I would spend $10,000 dollars on a new bike to learn on. There is a much greater chance that you will rather than won't drop it. Probably while stopping/stopped or doing a 2 mph turn, but it will damage that new chrome.