I have been wanting to buy a Harley for years, even tried buying other toys like 4 wheelers, and hobby trucks etc. I still love my Grizzly 700 but sold my 87 Chevy 350 Stepside.

My questions are:

At 45, am I too old to start riding a road bike, I have had 3 and 4 wheelers most of my life, but the only 2 wheel bike I have been on in years is my mountain bike.

If I buy a HD, I want the 09 Softail Custom, do I start right off with that or buy a smaller bike to get used to. The only drawback would be I am a big guy and a smaller bike may not be the same.

Would appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

Take an MSF course and buy the softail. Yer never too old.

 

Go Fer It!! Take one out for a test ride!!

 

I started riding at 41 and had only been a passenger prior to that. NEVER too old to start having the best time of your life . I had never even driven a standard car. Go for it and you'll never regret it.

 

First things first...YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO DO ANY DAMN THING YOU WANT. Now lollygaggin and go buy a Softail LOL...Take the safety classes and practice...you can pobably pickup a Volusia 800, shadow 750 or a nice Sportster for not too much.... i bought a 01 Shadow 600 for my wife for $2000...go for it ...quit thinking about it and sign up or the classes....My wife never rode in her life, took the class and now rides fine...You will see when you ride that you made the right choice.
By the way my wife was 52

 

So, you're only 45 and think you're too old?

 

I agree, never to old and take a Motorcycle Safety Course. Go for it!!

 

The average age for a Harley owner is 47, you should fit right in. The Rider's Edge course from HD is easy. It maybe a bit more expensive than the local Tech College ... but it's Harley.

 

You have to be kidding, 45 too old!!!! I started at 58 on an Ultra Classic and 30,000 miles later have no regrets. Wife and I make at least 2 long trips each year and hope do be able to do it many more. As for size, I was in the same position. After talking to a bunch of new riders who were already looking to trade up, I decided to go with what I wanted for the long haul. Another good decision. My vote is to get what you want just take it easy until you feel comfortable.

 

Age is not the issue, there is a recent posting about a Harley rider who is 100 years old...
Find your bike
Fall in love with your bike
And ride your bike
You will become young again...