Total noob in Columbus Ohio...
#1
Total noob in Columbus Ohio...
First post, I'll be browsing the forums for some time in anticipation of my first bike.
I am 36 years old, and I've always wanted a bike. Now that my daughter is a little older, and things are settling down, I am getting ready to take the plunge. I am going to take a beginner class in the Spring, and then look to get some sort of starter bike. The plan is to ride that next Summer, and then finally move into a Harley in the Fall or following Spring. I really like the Street Bob, but that could change as I learn more about the bikes, and as time goes on. Any and all advice is appreciated. I've never been on a bike in my life, so it's a little intimidating, but with practice I think I'll be good.
Anyway, that's my intro. Thanks for all of the helpful information posted on these forums. As far as forums go, this looks to be one of the less hostile, more informative. Thanks for that.
Andy
I am 36 years old, and I've always wanted a bike. Now that my daughter is a little older, and things are settling down, I am getting ready to take the plunge. I am going to take a beginner class in the Spring, and then look to get some sort of starter bike. The plan is to ride that next Summer, and then finally move into a Harley in the Fall or following Spring. I really like the Street Bob, but that could change as I learn more about the bikes, and as time goes on. Any and all advice is appreciated. I've never been on a bike in my life, so it's a little intimidating, but with practice I think I'll be good.
Anyway, that's my intro. Thanks for all of the helpful information posted on these forums. As far as forums go, this looks to be one of the less hostile, more informative. Thanks for that.
Andy
#3
Hey Andy --- Welcome, from your next-door neighbor, over here in N Central PA! My sister lives up in Delaware. Just rode my bike out to see them a few weeks ago.
Bear with me here ---- I went through the same thing a few years ago. I'm 53, and just started riding 5 yrs ago. My nephew used to have a Yamaha RoadStar. The day before my safety course, he told me to come out & he'll show me how to ride! (Also never been on a bike before!) That RoadStar was a little too big & intimidating for the 1st time, and I was a little scared of it. His friend has a Harley FatBoy, and it was much more manageable. It was kind of fun. Anyway, I ended up buying a Suzuki Intruder 800 (Kinda looks like a Harley Sportster) just to see if I'd like riding. I DID like riding, got some experience, and outgrew the Intruder in about 6 weeks. I've had a couple of different bikes before I bought my 1st Harley this past May --- an 09 Electra Glide Classic.
To make a long story short --- if you're looking to ride something to get some experience before you get the Harley, I'd go look for a Yamaha V Star 1100 with a Silverado Package. (Silverado is windshield, saddlebags, backrest, etc already on the bike.) You won't be as tired after a ride if you have a windshield, and you'll use the saddlebags alot more than you might think! The V Star is a great bike on which to learn. Very dependable & practically maintenance free also. You can get a good, reliable used one for less than 1/2 the price of a Harley. 20K miles on a 3 or 4 yr old V Star isn't too much, for that bike. Get some experience, get more confident with your riding, then you can go for the Harley like your plan, after you discover what you like or don't like, on a bike. V Star 1100 is just my opinion. Also, I like the cruisers and/or touring bikes for the miles that I ride. I, personally, don't like the bikes with the little "bicycle tire" on the front, but alot of guys do. I'd rather have the bigger front tire. When you're ready, you can test drive bikes before you buy.
I'll probably get blasted by a diehard Harley rider here, but knowing what I know now, that's how I'd do it. Hey, they all ride the same! This is all just my opinion. Somebody else will probably be able to add more, to help you out. Get some experience on the V Star without spending alot of money at first, then you can move up. There's just something about the Harley mystique, I realize. I really like mine. Sorry for the long & windy message. Hope it helps.
Bear with me here ---- I went through the same thing a few years ago. I'm 53, and just started riding 5 yrs ago. My nephew used to have a Yamaha RoadStar. The day before my safety course, he told me to come out & he'll show me how to ride! (Also never been on a bike before!) That RoadStar was a little too big & intimidating for the 1st time, and I was a little scared of it. His friend has a Harley FatBoy, and it was much more manageable. It was kind of fun. Anyway, I ended up buying a Suzuki Intruder 800 (Kinda looks like a Harley Sportster) just to see if I'd like riding. I DID like riding, got some experience, and outgrew the Intruder in about 6 weeks. I've had a couple of different bikes before I bought my 1st Harley this past May --- an 09 Electra Glide Classic.
To make a long story short --- if you're looking to ride something to get some experience before you get the Harley, I'd go look for a Yamaha V Star 1100 with a Silverado Package. (Silverado is windshield, saddlebags, backrest, etc already on the bike.) You won't be as tired after a ride if you have a windshield, and you'll use the saddlebags alot more than you might think! The V Star is a great bike on which to learn. Very dependable & practically maintenance free also. You can get a good, reliable used one for less than 1/2 the price of a Harley. 20K miles on a 3 or 4 yr old V Star isn't too much, for that bike. Get some experience, get more confident with your riding, then you can go for the Harley like your plan, after you discover what you like or don't like, on a bike. V Star 1100 is just my opinion. Also, I like the cruisers and/or touring bikes for the miles that I ride. I, personally, don't like the bikes with the little "bicycle tire" on the front, but alot of guys do. I'd rather have the bigger front tire. When you're ready, you can test drive bikes before you buy.
I'll probably get blasted by a diehard Harley rider here, but knowing what I know now, that's how I'd do it. Hey, they all ride the same! This is all just my opinion. Somebody else will probably be able to add more, to help you out. Get some experience on the V Star without spending alot of money at first, then you can move up. There's just something about the Harley mystique, I realize. I really like mine. Sorry for the long & windy message. Hope it helps.
#5
Thanks everybody for the welcome.
Geezr, I definitely appreciate your advice. I would probably be a lot more tempted to get the Harley straight away next year, except I want to wait til the following year when my cars are paid off. Also, in the event that I lay down a bike while learning, I'd prefer it be a beater, rather than my dream bike. I was planning on picking up a used bike locally, riding it until I felt good and comfortable, and then reselling it. Hopefully I wouldn't be out much in the end, and it allows me to ride something while I wait for the right time for me to buy the Harley.
Thanks again all.
Geezr, I definitely appreciate your advice. I would probably be a lot more tempted to get the Harley straight away next year, except I want to wait til the following year when my cars are paid off. Also, in the event that I lay down a bike while learning, I'd prefer it be a beater, rather than my dream bike. I was planning on picking up a used bike locally, riding it until I felt good and comfortable, and then reselling it. Hopefully I wouldn't be out much in the end, and it allows me to ride something while I wait for the right time for me to buy the Harley.
Thanks again all.
#7
A big welcome from New Mexico, what ever you decide to get make sure your happy with and don't out grow it in a month or so. Once you ride you'll know. Be safe..
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#10
If its a money thing..then yes buy a bike to learn on. I had a 650 metric years ago...helped me learn to ride. However, lots of riders here started on a HD! Do the safety course, & take your time! Oh yeah..Welcome from Canton ohio!