I just got a 2003 night train last month as my first bike. It's also the first bike I have ever ridden. It was a very easy bike to learn on. I would definitely say go for the deluxe. You wont regret it. Also, if you ever go to sell it, It will probably be worth close to what you paid for it. My uncle who has ridden since he was a kid told me that I would be better off learning on a softail as opposed to a sportster.

 

I'd take the MSF course first. The things you learn in this course will well prepare you for riding and or let you know if riding is right for you.

I think you will find the softail to be a good fit. Like someone else here said "You sit in the bike", the softails handle great and have a low center of gravity. IMO a real nice all around bike.

Why waste money on something you don't really want and then trade up? When I started riding I took the MSF course and asked several of the instructors what would be a good bike to start on. The general response was to get what you want because if you can ride a small bike you can ride a large one as the technique is the same large or small, but to be sure to get a bike that fits you and you feel comfortable on. I think you picked out a good bike in the 2005 deluxe and if that is what you want, go for it.

 

Take the course. Then demo ride as many bikes as you can. Rent a few for a day if you got the money and want to.


Buy the one that fits you the best. Buy the one that your most comfortable on and handling. Buy the one that feels right, not the one that looks right or is priced right.



And don't listen to all the bullshit either. Look at my sig pic. That is my first bike and Harley. I never rode anything, not even a dirtbike, prior to that.

 

I suggest buying a used bike, any brand, and learn how to ride it first. The MSF course is a good place to start for training with instructors. Spend some time in the parking lot doing drills. Ride Like A Pro by Motorman can get you up and riding in no time. Once you have your riding skills down trade the used bike in and buy the Softail or whatever Harley tickles your fancy. Safety first, which means keeping the bike you paid for and yourself out of harms way. Keep the rubber side down.

 

 

Well, as a current softail rider, I have nothing but great things to say about sportsters. I had an 883, and it was very maneuverable, fun to ride, quick around town, light, a real kick in the pants to ride. But, I didn't put it out on the highway much, and never for more than 10 miles or so. I changed it up primarily to have something a bit bigger for the wife on the back.

So, take your time, get what you want after a bit of experience, if possible.

 

These people that tell you you're a chump or whatever for buying a Sportster..what are they riding? My first bike was a 1992 XLH 883 Hugger.. and I rode with a bunch of guys on sportbikes, but when it came down to it, more girls were checking out my harley than their rice burners. A sportster is a great bike to learn on..they're light (about 475lbs or so), they corner well, they have incredible speed for their size engines (lets remember, Sportsters were created to compete against Triumphs and such in motorcycle races).. They're not awesome for 500 mile rides, but for you to get a feel on the road and recognize how to protect yourself in traffic..not to mention for the price tag..you can't go wrong.

 

My OL loved to pass touring bikes being hauled to Sturgis on her sporty!

 

GET WHAT YOU WANT! A Deluxe will not seem big after a couple hundred miles (I promise).

 

Thanks to each and everyone of you who replied to my post. Alot of sound advice for sure. I appreciate the honesty and understanding. I am generally a pretty adventerous type of guy. This is the first time that I have ever hesitated on a purchase like this. Ive owned boats, cars, ATV's, RC airplanes and never ever was nervous before. So this is a first. I guess turning 40 this year means that Im either a little smarter or just getting old. LOL. Here is a picture just so everyone can see my potentially first Harley. Thanks again all.