Beginner's advice : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

newbie-eh · 01-09-2013, 05:45 AM

hello, im new to motorcycles but have always been captivated by them and plan on getting one after i receive my full licence.

i was just wondering what a good begginers bike would be, not too expensive seeing as though im quite young, but a quality bike and one that would fit a 6 foot 6 rider like myself without too much customization if any.

cheers

boscoe · 01-09-2013, 09:15 AM

Used 1200cc Sportster or any metric cruiser

Road King Cole · 01-09-2013, 09:19 AM

Sorry, but I don't think sportsters are good first bikes as they seem top heavy and awkward.

I'll second the metric cruiser. Just get something cheap that you don't mind dropping and won't tie too much money up in case you don't like riding bikes.

rkc

Michael Psycle · 01-09-2013, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boscoe

Used 1200cc Sportster or any metric cruiser

I agree. The price of a used metric cruiser can be very little compared to the quality of the machinery. So find yourself a used metric cruiser and enjoy it for a year or so. You'll know better then what you want. And you will probably be able to sell the metric cruiser for close to what you paid for the bike.

Blacklinebrett · 01-09-2013, 09:38 AM

Riding a metric and riding a HD totally different. I wouldn't start with metric because it will suck and you prolly won't like it and you'll be done with motorcycles before you ever started . I love riding but if I had to ride one of them I wouldn't bother getting smacked in face with bugs n rained on. Get a used HD that's where to start

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webco2 · 01-09-2013, 09:40 AM

I hate to say it Michael my friend,

sire86 · 01-09-2013, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blacklinebrett

Riding a metric and riding a HD totally different. I wouldn't start with metric because it will suck and you prolly won't like it and you'll be done with motorcycles before you ever started . I love riding but if I had to ride one of them I wouldn't bother getting smacked in face with bugs n rained on. Get a used HD that's where to start

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Agreed, def used Harley, test ride couple different bikes in your price range then decide

cvaria · 01-09-2013, 11:02 AM

I'm astounded by the stuff people are saying.... xl 1200s and such. Do that if you want to die or get hurt.

Get an old honda shadow 500 or something from low powered from the 80's. It'll be cheap. It will teach you how to work on a bike. You can drop it and not feel (really) bad. You'll also be limited on speed... you can learn to turn and ride in traffic safely. Most motorcycle accidents are single vehicle incidents involving speed and or turning. Search YouTube for "crash mullholland". Its better, IMHO, to start out with a low power bike than end up under a parked car or laying on the side of the road.

I started out with a $900 old shadow. I had to restore it and learn to ride it at the same time. Twas a crash course in bikes. I moved up to an 883 after three months. I'm moving to an older fxr when I find one in good shape

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Road King Cole · 01-09-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvaria

I'm astounded by the stuff people are saying.... xl 1200s and such. Do that if you want to die or get hurt.

Get an old honda shadow 500 or something from low powered the 80's. It'll be cheap. It will teach you how to work on a bike. You can drop it and not feel (really) bad. You'll also be limited on speed... you can learn to turn and ride in traffic safely. Most motorcycle accidents are single vehicle incidents involving speed and or turning. Search YouTube for "crash mullholland". Its better, IMHO, to start out with a low power bike than end up under a parked car or laying on the side of the road.

I started out with a $900 old shadow. I had to restore it and learn to ride it at the same time. Twas a crash course in bikes. I moved up to an 883 after three months. I'm moving to an older fxr when I find one in good shape

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Good advise.

It also will be easier to get your license on this cheap bike.

Used harleys (even sporters) are not cheap.

There's nothing wrong starting out on a cheap metric.

rkc

<G Man> · 01-09-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbie-eh

hello, im new to motorcycles but have always been captivated by them and plan on getting one after i receive my full licence.

i was just wondering what a good begginers bike would be, not too expensive seeing as though im quite young, but a quality bike and one that would fit a 6 foot 6 rider like myself without too much customization if any.

cheers

Based on being a novice and looking to keep some money in your pocket, I would agree with the idea of starting metric and something in the 500cc - 750cc range. The basics of riding are no different from one brand to another. Style might be a consideration and comfort, based on your height, would be very important. Consider seat height, foot control locations, and comfort of arm position since these things can vary greatly between different bikes. As a beginner, you might easily overlook these factors thinking you will "get used to it".

Be very careful who you take advice from, stay in your own comfort zone and ride YOUR ride.

olddad64 · 01-09-2013, 11:25 AM

A tall guy like you could really enjoy a nice 750 Honda. I'm 6' 1"
and my first bike was a CB 350 and it was really small for me so I went with a 1977 Sportster in 1980. Then a 1995 Honda Shadow Ace 1100cc .. It was ok but I really like my 08 Dyna Super Glide for power, handling in the twisties and looks.

KEYBEAR · 01-09-2013, 11:34 AM

Do yourself a big favor sign up for the ABATE Motorcycle Safety Program .
Do this first before you buy a bike . The Course will teach you the basics and also
You will ride one of the ABATE bikes (a smaller bike) The class will get you started in the right direction . As for buying the first bike I agree buy a Metric in the 5/650 cc range . You need to learn the right way once and the Safety Program is the way to go . After you graduate all you need to do is get your new motorcycle license with no test .

gb1500 · 01-09-2013, 11:35 AM

get a metric big enough for mr. 6'12"... and one you dont have to enjoy working on if you never held a wrench in your hand....for me upgrading/modifying it is half the fun....then you can evolve into something interesting......hint! ...HD's

LOHAWG · 01-09-2013, 11:41 AM

I can't agree with the Sporty for a first bike for guy thats 6' 6". They're short coupled top heavy and high strung. Even a metric in the 500 to 750 range is going to be physically too small for someone that size and there are few optinons to custom fit older metrics now days. I'd start with an older soft tail or roadking. If it doesnt work out you can likely sell it for what you paid. Buying a motorcycle that doesnt fit is the quickest way to turn your initial impression into a bad experience. Just my opinion.

Rendell · 01-09-2013, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road King Cole

Sorry, but I don't think sportsters are good first bikes as they seem top heavy and awkward.

I'll second the metric cruiser. Just get something cheap that you don't mind dropping and won't tie too much money up in case you don't like riding bikes.

rkc

Great Advice...