Starting out
General MotorcycleDiscuss Starting out in the Motorcycles forums; As a newbie, I'm wondering if there would be a whole lot of difference in starting out on a Sportster or perhaps a Superglide or a Lowrider? Would the weight ...
As a newbie, I'm wondering if there would be a whole lot of difference in starting out on a Sportster or perhaps a Superglide or a Lowrider? Would the weight difference be that much of a factor? What about if you threw a Fatboy into the equation. Thanks, C.W.
Welcome. There is a whole different ride experience between a Sportster and a Low Rider. Fatboy..different yet. There is a very noticeable weight difference between the Sporty and big twin but the weight is carried lower.
It's not really a situation where there is any better or worse...just different.
If you plan on long distance or carrying a passenger.. or are taller than about 5' 10" or so you probably won't want a Sportster. If you aren't so tall, ride solo, and like twisty roads the Sportster might fit the bill.
Evaluate your preferences and needs, straddle a few in the showroom and see how easily the controls fit you.
Lastly, whatever you buy attend a motorcycle training class so you have the proper skills when you head down the road. Ride safe and GOD bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.
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Shovel covered it well. The only thing I would add is unless you have plenty of dough, I would pick the one you want from the beginning. Ride safe and enjoy!
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2007 VRSCDX since
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Maybe it would be a good idea to hold off on the purchase until you're done with the course. Assuming they have their own bikes for you to use.
Why do I say that?
A good friend wanted to get back into riding. He had his MC licence, but hadn't ridden for over 15 years. So, he went out and got himself a StreetGlide (bagger). He loved the looks.
Short while later we all decided on an overnighter. Off we go, weather wasn't all that great, light rain wet roads etc. Coming around a bend, he fubared and stuffed that pretty bike into the rocks.
He healed, but not his pride. After some arm twisting he agreed on the course.
Here's what he found out about himself.
He gets nervous on wet pavement. Dislikes to lean bike.
Does not look ahead far enough. Zeroes in on pavement in front of him.
Time came when we asked him for another extended ride. He was sweating bullets the night before, by next morning he was a no show. Not a good sign.
He knew he bought the wrong bike
What am I getting at?
All HDs are pretty. But not all HDs are the right "first" bike for someone.
A 750+lb bagger is more intimidating than a 650lb Fatboy, and that Fatboy is again more intimidating than a SuperGlide or Sporty.
If you're gonna get into riding, the money layout should be your "last" concern. You'll go through your stages, however long or short, before you get there.
When you learned how to walk, you didn't do it in your dad's size 11 shoes, did you?
My .02 worth
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BUT,, as always whenever a question like this comes up, I gotta say go with a full size HD (any which one),, not a sporty..
The sporty is fun for turns I suppose but is not the sickle you want for long rides with saddlebags full of stuff and extra travel bags,,, and a sweety..
Ya don't have to get a full bagger for that,,,, just a Full-size..
And, I think the few sportys I've had the dis-pleasure to ride for moments at a time, had a higher center of grav.. Heavier on top..
Look in the classifieds and notice how many sportys are for sale compared to Full-size HD's.. That'll tell you something.. Lotsa guys get the sport first then try to sell it for a full-size and find it may not be that easy..
OK,, as always after I say this, I will now duck for cover,,,, In-comming...!!!
__________________ "Fill your hands you son of a bitch"
Rooster Cogburn
I would recommend taking the MSC and buying the Ride Like a Pro DVD. Great advice on improving your skills. The size of the bike does not matter when you learn the tecniques in the DVDs.
I'm 5'4 and weigh 140 lbs. My first bike was a Sporty a month later I bought a fatboy. I've also had a 2002 Road King and now a 2007 Softail Deluxe.
I'm 6' 3" and I fit my Sporty custom just fine. Any bike can be the right or wronng bike for yiu. Go take the MSF course and get your licnse, then go try a few and see what you like. I like the lighter weight, quickness, and nimblness of my Sporty. It's NOt a girls bike, as some will say, but it might not be the best bike for a newbie either. But a newbie on a 800# bagger can be a dangerouse thing, too.
Starting out 
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