Hey gents, I am in the market for my first HD... actually my first bike. I have a family friend who recommended a Sportster... and actually offered to sell me his 08 with 7K miles. Hes had the pipes changed out, Stage 1 kit, flash, new seat, and some chrome put on it. Since I am not overly knowledgeable about any of this stuff, I am curious as to hear thoughts on 2 things.

1. What would be a deal on this bike?

2. Would you all recommend starting with a Sportster and later get a bigger bike, or just start with a bigger bike (which is what I actually want).

Again, have never roe a bike period... Really like the Wide/Ultra Glide as well as the CVO Break Out... Not sure those are in my price range at this point though...

All thoughts and help are very appreciated!

 

1. You didn't say which Sportster (Custom, XL, Nightster, 1200/883). For a 2008 model with 1200cc engine should be between $5k - $5500. Maybe $4000 for 883. Mods don't count unless the engine was bored out or some other massive performance upgrade was done. Even then it wouldn't up the value that much.
2. Test-ride all of those bikes you mentioned, your friend's Sportster plus a few more in HD line-up with an open mind for the fact that stock shocks and seat generally suck but can be upgraded very easily. No one but you can tell what you will like between your legs.

 

If a bigger bike is what you want, get it. Big twins are more of a beginner bike any way.

 

So, when does a bike become "not a beginner bike"?

 

Take the motorcycle safety class then get the bike you want.

To rog48....Beginner bike? Really? I tend to differ. Most in this community are sportster loyalists/enthusiasts.

 

Doesn't make Sporties beginner bikes. I loved my Sporty, and going from that to my Dyna was more of a side-grade than an upgrade. But the Dyna's definitely easier to ride, due to the lower center of gravity.

 

Yes really.

"Most" will say a big twin is easier to ride than a sporty............which makes the big twins beginner bikes. Now the sporty is an entry level bike only because its cheaper but its more suited to experienced riders.

 

since you have never before ridden bike, first thing I would do is take a motorcycle riding course (often offered at the HD dealer and sometimes through the county you live in) ..then after completing the course you will have a good idea how 'competent' you feel on a motorcycle..either way I recommend you get something like a sportster or some other smaller size bike to 'really learn' how to ride on and gain experience with..sportsters are pretty good first bikes because they are light (making them easy to pick up) and nimble in the turns so that you don't find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the weight of a bigger bike..

 

Sound advise... this seems to be the info I get from almost everyone.

I have a very stupid "novice" question... can anyone tell me what the "CVO Breakout" is in terms of model of the bike, family its in, etc? Its really what I want but, I cant see to find many used ones and what I do see are pretty expensive.

I want to do more reading on them but again, I am not sure if the subforum here that says CVO Screaming Eagle is where I should be digging into or if its something else.

Anyway, all help to a rookie with little knowledge would be awesome!

Thx
B

 

CVO = Custom Vehicle Operations.
Each year, HD picks a few models from their line-up and makes factory "customs". They tend to cost a lot more than the standard version of the same bike. They have custom paint, lots of chrome, and more displacement.

A Breakout is a model of HD Softail that began production a couple years ago (I believe 2013.)

HD only made a CVO breakout for one year. I think 2014, but I'm not sure. During the same year, they also made a standard Breakout.