Many years ago I rode Motorcross bikes but now at 40, I'm thinking of getting a harley. I like the touring bikes (roadking or street glide), but is that too big a bike for just starting out? I like buying stuff new, but also wondering if I should buy a small used bike first and then upgrade to a touring bike. Any advice is appreciated.

 

Maybe try renting those two bikes and see how they feel for you. I would have a hard time buying a bike I didn't want just because it will be my first bike.

 

If i was you i would buy a V-star or a Shadow 1100 ...they are cheap and you can ride a year and practice first....This way you can drop it and not kick yourself ...Then buy you a nice touring bike next year...Hell i had been riding for 15 years and went from a new Sportster to a new Electrea Glide Classic and it was a big change....dropped it too...

 

I would buy a medium sized used bike first and then upgrade to a touring bike.
The riding habits you learned in motorcross will return quicker on the lighter machine. You can have fun on it for a month & probably resell it without financial loss or damage to a more precious motorcycle.

 

Assuming by your two initial choices, that your riding style would involve some short day trips, an occasional long ride, with daily commutes and around town rides with your significant other mixed in...

Either of those would do nicely. Windshields and saddlebags can also be added to the other models in the HD line-up. Don't discount the WideGlide, FatBoy, Deluxe and Heritage models as very capable and comfortable alternatives.

As stated, take several for test rides. I'd agree that finding a medium sized bike like a Honda Shadow or the Yamaha Star lineup would be a great place to start. Ride for the summer and get a good deal on your dream bike in the fall when prices may be more competitive. Find the one that really speaks to you; you'll know the minute you settle into the saddle. Good luck.

 

This is probably heresy to say on a HD forum, but I would recommend getting a good used smaller bike in the 6-700cc range to learn on again and get comfortable. If it falls over you won't have a heart attack because it's scratched. Yamaha's 650 V-star, Kawasaki Vulcan 750 or 900, Honda Shadow 600, all good reliable bikes to have. Other than a small Suzuki dirt bike for the kids, don't have any experience in that line.

Renting the various HD models after you are comfortable and competant again is also a good idea. You may like an appearance, but not the ride.

Take the MSF course.

My $.02

 

I'm 53 now and the last time I rode I was like 23. Last year I went out and bought a 2010 Street glide and now have over 6,000 miles on it. I did take the States motorcycle riders safety course around 2008 and had the bike delivered (weather) in April and the first day it cleared up, threw a leg over it and rode it about 5 miles (and 5 minutes later was on the back roads logging some miles), the ear to ear smile and feeling has not lessened one bit from that "first" ride. Buy the bike that you want, take your time getting used to it, it's like riding a bicycle you never forget... just new skills that need to be developed.

 

buy and bike that is exciting to you. study them, look at them, sit on them, and then get the one that "scratches the itch". Go slow in learning to ride a "bigger" bike. take it easy and take your time in gaining the experience. the more you ride the better you get. again, "scratch the itch"

 

Rent them.

 

go for it! study, sit on and rent the one you think you want.... if it's the one - BUY IT. don't *****-foot around wasting a couple of years riding POS metrics - moving up to the bike of your dreams. take the MSF course, and get it.

no time like the present to start building a future.