Progressive is who USAA threw me to for my 1982 Suzuki (USAA no longer does new bike policies). I didn't notice how expensive they are until I added the 2010 HD and a 2009 BMW (bought both within a week - long story). HOLY ****. I went to another company and with all three bikes it was eight HUNDRED dollars a year cheaper! Same coverage, same everything.

If you are a new rider, that old bike might make it harder to build your confidence IMHO. When you are rolling down the Interstate at 75 on a 30 year old bike (obviously unless it is something you restored), something in the back of your mind says.........

You can get some pretty solid 'brand new' bikes in that range these days. I just went through this. No way I am riding that 1982 Suzuki 100 miles a day (my commute) and ZERO chance I am letting my RKC build up those kind of miles (it is my 'baby'). So, for 7K(ish) I got a brand new G 650 GS, and I can take that bad boy off road as well. However, while shopping at a lower range I found a lot of new commuter bikes in the 3-4K range.

 

Remember I didn't say this

 

Decent Christmas present, you're giving yourself !!! Peshally if you are 'new'. Right foot first, then left.

Get your $$ in a row, and start watching Craigslist, for your area, or the nearest large metropolitan area. Up here, that's Mpls/StPaul.
Be READY to move.
EVO Sporty, with low miles, and the 1200 kit, $3000 - $4000, NICE rides, roll thru prob'ly monthly up here. But when it hits CL, it is usually snapped up, qwikly.
The reason I posted 1200 kit, many ins. cos., use 900 as the cut off. Bigger than that, more ins. premiums. Buy an 883, they go by the serial #. Or buy an 883, ride it a year, then put a 1200 kit in it.

The peeps who posted Sporty's are girl scoots, or NOT for trippin', well, let's jus' say, sqwatt !!

Likewise, nothing wrong with a non-Harley, for the first ride, or any ADDITIONAL rides, you want to add to the 'stable'. Pardon me, but didn't he post he wanted to RIDE ???? IF it has 2 wheels, a motor, propels itself down the road, HE'S RIDING. Not riding a Harley, but riding, jus' the same.

Shy away from the oldt Ironhead Sportys, UNLESS you are a wrench turner, or a SERIOUS want to be, wrencher. IF by chance, you ARE a wrencher, and know your way around a grudge, then look for an older shovelhead FX series, IF you like 'nimble'. IF you want roadability, then an FLH.
BUT 'judging' by your OP, stick with an EVO, or newer. ('84)

 

I wouldnt buy a 1970 era harley unless its a second bike /project it will put you of the brand.
My first harley is my 08 fatboy modern up to date drivable this is no tractor.

 

+1 on buying a metric to learn on then upgrade. I personally started on a DR650 , took the MSF course, rode the DR for 2 years then bought my Harley. For me starting on the dr was great because I did drop it a time or two and I was not worried about the damage because it was a 2500 dollar bike. Definitely take a riders safety course, I learned a lot and it made me a better rider. Be Safe and have fun.

 

If a h-d is a must and if it is good for you. Go find yourself a nice clean 883 and ride it for a year or two with the goal of moving up when the funds become more available. The sporty you buy will have already lost all of its value and you will be able to sell it without losing your butt. This is just about the same path i chose back in 97 when i started riding. Here i am 4 bikes later and life is good and just about debt free. Be smart and dont get yourself in too deep to fast! Good luck