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Go take the MSF course first. Once you get the basics down, then go shopping. If you feel comfortable after the class then I wouldn't worry about getting a harley and dropping it. My wife took the course never having ridden at all and we got her a harley after graduation, no problems. I would not get the sportster, get a DYNA or Softail to learn on, to me they are easier to ride and you wont loose as much money if you trade up. Check craigslist for a deal this winter, best time to buy a bike......
I have heard quite a few stories like yours, where after the MSF class, the person bought a Harley first. I guess I have been too cautious. Thanks, I will look at the Dyna and Softails. At first I was thinking of a bigger bike, but then I read some horror stories about new riders dropping bikes. I didn't know what to make it of, so I thought that I maybe should start smaller. Thanks, your advice is valuable.
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Once you pass the MSF go test ride a few bikes. Make sure you check out the Dyna line as others have suggested. I am one that started riding a year and a half ago (after a 16 year lay off). I did buy a used Suzuki 800 for the reason that if I dropped it then I would not cry.
I have since bought a Dyna (Street Bob) and will say that it handles MUCH better than the little bike. It is much smoother on the highway and balances much better at parking lot speed. In fact, if I had to do it over I would have skipped the smaller bike and jumped right into the Dyna.
I think you'll find a softail such as a Heritage, or maybe the Deluxe, would be very easy for you to ride. The balance of the bike is much more important than the weight. But at your size, you shouldn't have any problem picking one up, should you drop it, once you learn the technique to doing so. You have to be comfortable on which ever bike you decide. So I'd suggest that you spend some time at a dealership and sit on as many different bikes as you can. After that, they're all pretty much the same as far as riding goes. And believe it or not, the bigger bikes in the HD line-up usually handle better than Sportsters do when going slow, such as in parking lots.
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Danny
Patriot Guard Rider #168007
OKPGR #876
I'm going to have to chime in too - my first bike was an 883 Low - I outgrew it in 6mo. I highly suggest going with a dyna - any model - even the superglide and put forward controls on it. A used dyna doesn't cost that much more but it is worth it. You get the bigger engine that you can live with for a while and the bike is still lightweight. You can add bags and other accessories if you want but you also get the bigger gas tank which is a plus if you ride with groups. As for an easy leaning bike - I felt that the sporty was very top heavy - I never really learned to 'lean' on that bike. I got on my vrod and really learned to lean but I have studied out the distribution of a Dyna and would imagine it is very similiar to my vrod in that the weight is more evenly distributed than the sporty.
About a week ago I asked pretty much the same question as you: since then I have visited three dealers and got the same advice from each, as well as from members of this forum. Take the course to get your 'sea legs,' then rent the bike you think you might like ... I was told that an hour demo is really not enough time.
16 months ago, I was where you are at. I wanted to ride but I could not decide what bike to buy. They only thing I knew was it was going to be a Harley! I took the ABATE class. The only thing that did was make me want a bike more. As I was looking at different Harley's, I talked to a guy who had been riding for awhile. He gave me a great piece of advice. Buy the bike you want. He said for a couple of thousand more you will want to put into a bike you might as well buy the bike you want. I am glad I did. I started looking at an 883. I ended up buying a 2008 ElectraGlide Classic. My first bike at age 55. I made up my mind I was going learn to ride and I did. I have never regretted since. I have ridden 23,000 miles. I am 6-1 and 270. I ride every day the weather is decent to ride. I avoid the rain. I had not ridden prior to getting this bike. I have a lot of ridin' to do to make up for all the time I have missed. If you can afford it, buy a bike that you want!
Last edited by Jim Gumbel; 10-14-2009 at 09:23 PM.
i would go and buy a new dyna super glide. at least you can learn on a bike that isnt 25k like a road king. get insurance before you leave the building. i have sold brand new bikes to people and the crash in the first 50ft and there insurance covers it. one bike was even totaled. and the insurance let him get a brand new one.
The 883 has an attractive price point but I think you will be wishing you would have gone Dyna or Softail...I always look at the Sportster as a chicks bike..that's just me
The 883 has an attractive price point but I think you will be wishing you would have gone Dyna or Softail...I always look at the Sportster as a chicks bike..that's just me
LMAO
my wife gets relly pissed when any one says a sportster is a chick bike.. her and all her girl frinds who have them. and her mom who has one. and the lady down the street who has one. and the woman rideing club that is 100% sportsters. all these people agree that it is not right to call it a chick bike. LOLOLOLOL how sexest of you.
I think you'll find a softail such as a Heritage, or maybe the Deluxe, would be very easy for you to ride. The balance of the bike is much more important than the weight.
+1, I would think a Softail Deluxe may be the easiest to ride Harley there is. You really need to take the MSF/Riders Edge class first. See how you do in the class. If you ace the class then maybe get a softail as a first bike. If you had any issues, get a smaller bike to practice on for a little while. Its easier to learn from mistakes on a light bike and then sell it for the bike of your dreams. Just remember its your first bike, not your last.
Also you might find that a Deluxe/Heritage makes a good touring bike
how sexest of you. 
