Looking for a bike

BYL · 07-25-2008, 11:33 AM

Hi fellas.
I figured this a good place to post a question.
I'm looking into getting a motorcycle. I've always wanted one and figured now is as good of a time as any. Not because of gas prices, but I've always had a nostalgic feeling towards bikes and as a satruday/sunday driver, there's nothing better. I use to ride a dirt bike when I was younger, way younger... and haven't been on one for 14 years, but looking to get back on. I'm not really into sports bikes, and from reading the posts many members here are owners of same. I'm more into the cruiser bike. So here's my question: I was looking to get a Harley Davidson Sportster. Its a good bike for beginners and its not very tall, seat height is 25-27 inches off the ground and me not being blessed with great height (5'7"), the bikes seems to be perfect for me. In addition, I'm not really looking to spend a lot of money on a first bike, I would hate to drop a 10K bike. Nevertheless, perhaps you fellas have any suggestions about any other bikes that are similar in size and type to the HD Sportster. Plus, do you guys think that its worth taking a motorcycle learning course before I get the licensee or just get the bike and take it easy practicing/learning on my own?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance.
Bryan.

onebadfyvo · 07-25-2008, 12:04 PM

It's always a great idea to take a motorcycle safety course, and I would highly recommend it.

seZy350 · 07-25-2008, 12:07 PM

not being on a bike for 14 yrs, i say you take that course.

zcaveman69 · 07-25-2008, 12:53 PM

The MSF if for nothing else will give a discount for insurance. Also, if you're 100% stuck on getting a harley, get the 1200cc and not the 883, my neighbor has both, one is his and other is his wife's, he says the 883 is a "girls harley", so just an fyi.

If you're not stuck on the whole "harley life" thing, I'd attempt to steer you in the direction of a metric cruiser, less cash, much more dependable, better all the way around really, good luck

nickZ33 · 07-25-2008, 12:54 PM

i grew up on bikes (since i was 5) and when i was 16 i bought my first bike and i still took the course. just do it, u might learn something

JasonZ-YA · 07-25-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadfyvo

It's always a great idea to take a motorcycle safety course, and I would highly recommend it.

+10000...

its not about just waking up on a sat and sun and driving around cones to learn the bike...a good course instructor will cover evasive manuevers and strategy while on the road.....

that course has honestly saved me 3 times on the road, by people cutting me off, pulling out in front of me, etc..

-j

BYL · 07-28-2008, 08:56 AM

Thanks Guys. I Really Appreciate The Info!!!
Safe Riding To You All!!

buzzdsm · 07-28-2008, 10:14 AM

IMO, the sportster is a terrible first bike. They are really top heavy.

cart213 · 07-28-2008, 12:09 PM

A guy at my work has a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 that he loves. He originally wanted a Harley, but he said the guys at the dealership were a$$holes and wouldn't work with him.

07-25-2008, 11:33 AM	#1
BYL Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 116 iTrader: (0)	Looking for a bike Hi fellas. I figured this a good place to post a question. I'm looking into getting a motorcycle. I've always wanted one and figured now is as good of a time as any. Not because of gas prices, but I've always had a nostalgic feeling towards bikes and as a satruday/sunday driver, there's nothing better. I use to ride a dirt bike when I was younger, way younger... and haven't been on one for 14 years, but looking to get back on. I'm not really into sports bikes, and from reading the posts many members here are owners of same. I'm more into the cruiser bike. So here's my question: I was looking to get a Harley Davidson Sportster. Its a good bike for beginners and its not very tall, seat height is 25-27 inches off the ground and me not being blessed with great height (5'7"), the bikes seems to be perfect for me. In addition, I'm not really looking to spend a lot of money on a first bike, I would hate to drop a 10K bike. Nevertheless, perhaps you fellas have any suggestions about any other bikes that are similar in size and type to the HD Sportster. Plus, do you guys think that its worth taking a motorcycle learning course before I get the licensee or just get the bike and take it easy practicing/learning on my own? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance. Bryan.

07-25-2008, 12:04 PM	#2
onebadfyvo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: SF Bay Area, Ca Posts: 1,390 iTrader: (1)	It's always a great idea to take a motorcycle safety course, and I would highly recommend it. __________________ DILLIGAF?

07-25-2008, 12:07 PM	#3
seZy350 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: phoenix Posts: 253 iTrader: (0)	not being on a bike for 14 yrs, i say you take that course. __________________ injen motordyne intense ams titek jic rota tein nismo

07-25-2008, 12:53 PM	#4
zcaveman69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: StL Posts: 180 iTrader: (0)	The MSF if for nothing else will give a discount for insurance. Also, if you're 100% stuck on getting a harley, get the 1200cc and not the 883, my neighbor has both, one is his and other is his wife's, he says the 883 is a "girls harley", so just an fyi. If you're not stuck on the whole "harley life" thing, I'd attempt to steer you in the direction of a metric cruiser, less cash, much more dependable, better all the way around really, good luck

07-25-2008, 12:54 PM	#5
nickZ33 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: orlando Posts: 686 iTrader: (7)	i grew up on bikes (since i was 5) and when i was 16 i bought my first bike and i still took the course. just do it, u might learn something

07-28-2008, 08:56 AM	#7
BYL Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 116 iTrader: (0)	Thanks Guys. I Really Appreciate The Info!!! Safe Riding To You All!!

07-28-2008, 10:14 AM	#8
buzzdsm Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 1,471 iTrader: (0)	IMO, the sportster is a terrible first bike. They are really top heavy.

07-28-2008, 12:09 PM	#9
cart213 Professional Join Date: May 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 1,539 iTrader: (0)	A guy at my work has a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 that he loves. He originally wanted a Harley, but he said the guys at the dealership were a$$holes and wouldn't work with him.