XR1200 for my wife??
#11
10-10-2011, 05:35 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Dunno what kinda deal you got in mind, but you can get a used SuperGlide for 6-7 grand around here--easier to ride, and not such violent acceleration. And at 6', she'll like that better.
#12
10-10-2011, 05:36 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
She'll like the XR1200. It has a low center of gravity although it is heavy like all HD's. Suggest installing some tip over protection in the form of frame sliders though if she is just starting out. It's going to get dropped on it's side a few times and it's easier to pay for frame sliders now than it is for the repair of a dented and scratched tank.
IMO if it is a first bike bike buy a scratched up Ninja 650, Yamaha FZ6R, Suzuki Gladius or something similar. They are not a sport bikes but sport tour bikes with a fairing for wind protection and a comfortable upright touring position. You can get a decent used one for $3000 and sell it a year latter at almost the cost you paid for it. Any first bike is going to get dropped on it's side a few times. In the lighter Kawi the DOHC twin 650 motor feels just as powerful as the 1200cc VTwin in my XR1200 and produces a similar amount of HP.
http://cycle-ergo.com/
IMO if it is a first bike bike buy a scratched up Ninja 650, Yamaha FZ6R, Suzuki Gladius or something similar. They are not a sport bikes but sport tour bikes with a fairing for wind protection and a comfortable upright touring position. You can get a decent used one for $3000 and sell it a year latter at almost the cost you paid for it. Any first bike is going to get dropped on it's side a few times. In the lighter Kawi the DOHC twin 650 motor feels just as powerful as the 1200cc VTwin in my XR1200 and produces a similar amount of HP.
http://cycle-ergo.com/
Last edited by fat_tony; 10-11-2011 at 10:56 AM.
#14
10-10-2011, 06:50 PM
I'm paying so I'm picking it. I'll enjoy the bike too but it serves a dual purpose. She can learn how to ride around town and I can rip around on it when she's not using it.
I can get the bike for just under $6k. That's a hard deal to pass up and it has low mileage.
I was considering getting an old import but I hate buying something twice. Usually ends up costing me a lot more money. As I said earlier, the XR will be my toy once she gets a tourer.
I can get the bike for just under $6k. That's a hard deal to pass up and it has low mileage.
I was considering getting an old import but I hate buying something twice. Usually ends up costing me a lot more money. As I said earlier, the XR will be my toy once she gets a tourer.
#15
10-10-2011, 06:57 PM
+1 Need to see what she looks like before any advice on whether to trade her for a HD or not is given!!_
#16
10-10-2011, 08:03 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I'm paying so I'm picking it. I'll enjoy the bike too but it serves a dual purpose. She can learn how to ride around town and I can rip around on it when she's not using it.
I can get the bike for just under $6k. That's a hard deal to pass up and it has low mileage.
I was considering getting an old import but I hate buying something twice. Usually ends up costing me a lot more money. As I said earlier, the XR will be my toy once she gets a tourer.
I can get the bike for just under $6k. That's a hard deal to pass up and it has low mileage.
I was considering getting an old import but I hate buying something twice. Usually ends up costing me a lot more money. As I said earlier, the XR will be my toy once she gets a tourer.
there have been more than a few threads where the husband/boyfriend was determined to get the sig other to learn to ride, insisted on a sporty, and it ended up sitting unused in the garage. but hey, at least you'll still get your 'toy', right?
#17
10-10-2011, 08:04 PM
Wait until after she takes her MSF course, and then let her test out the xr1200. She will be able to tell you if she can handle it or not.....
#19
10-10-2011, 08:58 PM
Road Master
well, just be prepared for her to get frustrated and give up then. a sportster, any sportster, is not a good choice for a first bike. can they be? sure. just like a ratchet can be used as a hammer. is it the best choice? no.
there have been more than a few threads where the husband/boyfriend was determined to get the sig other to learn to ride, insisted on a sporty, and it ended up sitting unused in the garage. but hey, at least you'll still get your 'toy', right?
there have been more than a few threads where the husband/boyfriend was determined to get the sig other to learn to ride, insisted on a sporty, and it ended up sitting unused in the garage. but hey, at least you'll still get your 'toy', right?
mavrick