Hello from Louisville - Harley Forum

jwgreg · #1 10-09-2009, 12:51 AM

I am planning on getting my first bike next spring. Right now, I'm doing all the research I can. I haven't ridden in 30 years so the first step will be to take the BRC. This is something I have always wanted to do and I always knew my first bike would be a Harley. The real question is which one. Hopefully the kind folks in this forum can help point me in the right direction.

JWGREG

grampadac · #2 10-09-2009, 03:40 AM

Welcome jwgreg. I was in your category and I chose a sportster. Only because I always wanted one and the price was right. After two years on the sporty, I'm looking to go bigger like a Dyna Fat Bob or Custom. You'll get a lot of good info on this site so hang on and the guys will get to you.

P.S. Don't tell sporty I'm looking at other bikes.

evoKENevo · #3 10-09-2009, 09:20 AM

Welcome aboard, Greg...glad to have you join us. Give us a better idea of the kind of riding etc you're into and the guys can offer up the pros & cons of different Harley models to help you make your choice...gladly

Buzz Kanter · #4 10-09-2009, 09:43 PM

Welcome to the American Iron magazine Harley forum family and good luck with your new Harley - whatever model you choose.

It's a good idea to take a refresher rider course if you have not been on a bike in a while.

unclepsycho · #5 10-10-2009, 01:42 AM

Welcome aboard, brom california!

Maybe try a rental for a weekend? cheeper than buying the wrong bike. Just a thought
Good luck, be sure to stick around and tell us about your adventure in buying, and then pictures.

jwgreg · #6 10-10-2009, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the feedback!
I plan on doing just local riding and short day trips. Budget is an issue so a $20,000 tricked out soft-tail is probably not gonna happen. It needs to be a bit of a low rider since I'm 5'9" with a 30" inseam.
The Basic Rider Course is offered here on a regular basis so I plan on taking that before any purchase is made. I want to make sure that I am comfortable doing this and that I still enjoy it as much as I did when I was a teenager.

JG

Buzz Kanter · #7 10-10-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwgreg

Thanks for the feedback!
I plan on doing just local riding and short day trips. Budget is an issue so a $20,000 tricked out soft-tail is probably not gonna happen. It needs to be a bit of a low rider since I'm 5'9" with a 30" inseam.
The Basic Rider Course is offered here on a regular basis so I plan on taking that before any purchase is made. I want to make sure that I am comfortable doing this and that I still enjoy it as much as I did when I was a teenager.

JG

I usually advice people NOT to buy their dream bike as a first machine as there is a steep learning curve for new riders. I'd recommend buying something stock - new or used - you think you will like and riding it long enough to figure out what you really do and don't like and expect in a motorcycle. Then, after some time and at least a few thousand miles, you can either modify our stock Harley or trade it in for what you really want.

I know this sounds like odd advice but I am amazed by how many people buy the "bike of the dreams" only to find out they really don't like and want what they thought and realized they spent a fortune on the wrong style of bike or accessories.

ppanbiker · #8 10-18-2009, 07:55 AM

HI
Am just back biking after a long time out of the saddle , got XL1200 Custom and shes a dream , lots of mods and extras and still lots to add that personel touch .
goog luck with the test , and ride free ad safe.

Haulen Ass · #9 11-18-2009, 09:11 AM

Welcome to the forum. A great first bike at a good price would be the Nightster... in my opinion. Hope you get a bike soon.

wideglidebill · #10 11-18-2009, 08:39 PM

wish i was 5' 9"

welcome the the funny farm! i mean forum.

wideglidebill