I will own a Harley : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

kimpalmer · 11-16-2008, 08:04 PM

Well the day has come, I have finally retired and am finally living my dream, which is to own a Harley.

and I will own one soon. I must first find one I can handle because I am a female and not 21 ever again. I am healthy and cant wait to get on one, help me out with some idea of where to start.

Kim:

DueceDog · 11-16-2008, 08:29 PM

Not sure what your physical abilities are, but there are thousands of women out there riding every model of Harley there is. I work with a 44 year old woman who bought a Sportster last year. She just told me last week that she's going to move up to a 'bigger' bike next year. This past year a group of us toured Nova Scotia. One of the riders was a 51 year old woman on her new Sportster. While I believe she had the wrong model for her height, she did just fine. If she had bought a Nightster or a 'Low' model it would have been much easier for her as she's only about 5' 5" and has trouble balancing when standing still. She could also lower her current bike without too much trouble. (that's her in my avatar pic. The one in white.)

Start with the Motorcyle Safety Foundation beginners course. Typically a 2 1/2 day course on their bike. They use smaller bikes so that the riders aren't intimidated by a big bike. You'll need your learners permit to take the course, but if you successfully complete it you take the certificate to the DMV and get your license. At least that's how it works in my state.

Now, go for it. What are you waiting for?

IA Fatty · 11-16-2008, 08:55 PM

My sister-in-law bought her first bike this summer. A 1200 Sportster. She never drove her own before this year, and now you can't get her away from it. Ride safe.

MadCity · 11-16-2008, 09:39 PM

DueceDog's advice is sound (even if he spells Deuce kinda funny), particularly about starting out by taking the MSF course. If you're determined to go Harley, I think a Sportster is a good choice for a first bike. You can always get a bigger one later. Some suggest starting out with an inexpensive and smaller Japanese bike until you get some miles under your belt. A Sportster 883 Low or a Nightster might be a couple of models to look at. Or consider a used Sporty. Just my two cents.

nixdad · 11-16-2008, 09:42 PM

MSF course and then a Dyna Low Rider. My wife had one until she got her Sofatil Deluxe.

DueceDog · 11-16-2008, 09:44 PM

[quote=MadCity;1479217]DueceDog's advice is sound (even if he spells Deuce kinda funny), particularly about starting out by taking the MSF course.

I've been waiting for someone to pipe up about the spelling of my member name. LOL When I first joined this forum, someone had already taken the member name 'Deucedog'. I really wanted the name so I figured that I'd just make myself unique and change the spelling a bit. So there you are, goofy spelling explained.

DueceDog · 11-16-2008, 09:47 PM

I did a quick search for 'sportster low' on ebay. Here is the result.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/sportster-low_W0QQ

MadCity · 11-16-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DueceDog
I've been waiting for someone to pipe up about the spelling of my member name. LOL When I first joined this forum, someone had already taken the member name 'Deucedog'. I really wanted the name so I figured that I'd just make myself unique and change the spelling a bit. So there you are, goofy spelling explained.

Good explanation. Unique you are! You also gave good advice, IMO.

Prog Rocker · 11-17-2008, 05:06 PM

Welcome to the forum, Kim!

I concur with the others...the "Sporty" is light enough for a beginner to handle. You might want to consider modifications to lower the height of the bike if "vertically challenged" (under 5'6" or so) or just have short legs. A lower seat is usually the cheapest way to go...so go find one that is lower but is also going to be comforable for long rides.

Also, taking and completing the MSF course is, for me, so important that it should be mandatory for anyone to get a motorcycling license. Alas, it is not...at least yet...!

Cheers

jclark311 · 11-21-2008, 10:38 PM

Sportster, 883, great beginner bike, can be had used cheap. Most people buy them new, add lots of goodies, and sell them cheap. You are going to want the clutch cabble lubed real good, and adjusted loose, Sometimes an older clutch cable can be hard on a woman if it wasnt lubed all the time. Welcome to the group, and congratulations on your retirement.

hdwoman48 · 11-22-2008, 02:14 AM

I just don't understand why women always get steered toward Sportsters. My opinion is that they are top heavy, not balanced as well as the bigger bikes and actually too tall for many women. I went for the gusto and bought a Heritage Softail Classic 'cause it fit me better. A LOT better. And I love it.

Echo the advice regarding taking an MSF course. It teaches you the basics and you practice exercises that really help once you're on the road on your own. Congratulations on the decision to buy a bike!

Orange1200R · 11-22-2008, 07:47 AM

I would not a get sporty, it is harder to ride then most of the "bigger" slower models.

donovan51 · 11-24-2008, 10:59 AM

hi and welcome from the UK. go for it kim

Lefty · 11-24-2008, 11:17 AM

My first HD was an '04 sportster custom. I'm 5'8" and probably had a couple of inches to spare on standing flat footed. A low would get you an inch or so lower. I never have understood the "sportsters" are hard to ride line of thought. That wasn't true for me. It was a dream stability and balance wise for a "lighter" bike. You can't go wrong with a sporty and you can have fun demolishing the "big twins" away from stoplights.

Lefty

HDUltrarider · 11-24-2008, 11:40 AM

Welcome to the forum all good advise most defiantly starting out with the MFS... they only think I would do also is go spend some time at the dealer, sit on the models and see what you feel comfortable on.