Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Im a 25 year old male currently serving in Iraq. I always wanted a Harley Davidson, and now that i'm in Iraq I have the opprotunity to buy one from the 'exchange new car sales' program at a really good price. I have never rode a motorcycle before, but I have I enrolled in a MSF course to take when I go home on leave next month.
I have read on this site that smaller bikes are better for beginners. Would I be making a huge mistake by buying this bike? I am a pretty big guy and a really cautious person. I wont have the opprotunity to buy a motorcycle at this great price again (unless I get re-deployed to Iraq). I guess all im looking for is re-assurance that im not going to regret this.

There are a lot of different Harley's which one are you looking at?

2006 Dyna Street Bob
1450cc

I trust you realize that that is a lot of bike to hold up. At speed most bikes behave the same, speed will keep them moving. But at slow speeds the bigger the bike the tougher it is to manevour. And something that size will be easy to drop and expenisve to fix until you get the hang of it.

One possibility might be to buy the Dyna, and spend a couple thousand on a smaller cheaper used bike that you can throw around and drop once or twice then resell at about the same price (unless you totally wreck it).

I'm going to advise against buying this one, but ultimately it's your choice.

The question I have in return for you is, "why do you want/need a bike that big?"

Well, I guess nobody really needs a bike at all. I want that bike because I like the way it looks. Ive looked at the metric cruisers and have known people who own them. But I really like the way the harleys look and sound. Its what I have always wanted. So its not really a question of need, its one of desire. What I want to do with the bike, is put saddlebags on it and go on poker runs and attend mid-distance bike rallies. Probably use it as my main transport to work during the summer when I get back to my civilian job.

are you in the US Military, I heard more US military have died and injured them selves on motorcycles on leave than in ARAQ the last two years.

if you can handle the weight then go for it, though they dont apeal to me.

Yes I am n the U.S. military. I have heard a statistic similiar to that, but i'm not at all interested in going fast and swerving around turns and the such. I want a motorcycle for leisurely, scenic tours. I also understand that it is the unforseen circumstance that matter in motorcycle safety, not just the behavior of the driver. I have a very stout muscular body type, I am 6ft and weigh about 210lbs . I lift weights and am pretty strong. I do not know if that has anything to do with the consideration of the weight and size of the motorcycle though. Guys I really appreciate the input you have for me regarding this motorcycle as my first bike, and I am taking all advice into consideration.

I think you have a right to do what ever you like, putting your life on the line for your country, make sure you take a course, ride to your own ability, and look after your self, and when you get your machine post us a picture, best of luck mate, be safe.

Joshua80 wrote:I have a very stout muscular body type, I am 6ft and weigh about 210lbs . I lift weights and am pretty strong. I do not know if that has anything to do with the consideration of the weight and size of the motorcycle though.

Strength is irrelevant. A 5'1" girl at 100lbs can race around a track just as fast as any 6'0" male bodybuilder. Chances are, she'll sustain lesser injuries if she crashes too, since she will have less weight behind her impact.

Sure, you may be able to better walk a big heavy motorcycle out of a garage easier. But once you roll-on the throttle on the street, it's all about balance and finesse. Brute strength becomes meaningless.

weight isnt *that* big of a deal either. Im about 6'0 225ish, and my 250cc bike pulls me around with ease... (but I am glad I am a bit bigger when I hop on my KZ650, that thing is pretty topheavy for slow-speed maneuvers).

I assume you are having the motorcycle shipped back when you return? If you are getting it for such a good price, I would probably say take the MSF course, if you feel comfortable with the weight, get the bike, and if worst came to worst, you might be able to sell it back in the states for more than you paid for it over there. Not sure how much less they are going for, but that sounds like an option to me.