So, I wanna drive a Harley! Second opinion requested :)

Forum Sponsor
bigpurplehippo said:
I'm probably going to start off with a used sport bike. Then move on to a used cruiser.
Click to expand...

Nononononono! :)

Forget about some arbitrary bike types and categories. Start with a bike that feels good and has good ergonomics. You should be sitting on it in a natural position and the controls should be easily accessible. In other words, no feet forward or back, knees at 90 degrees, back upright, handlebar right at your reach (neither too wide nor too narrow, too low or too high). You should be able to reach the pavement with your feet enough to easily maneuver the bike on the parking lot, both forward and reverse.

Many bikes will satisfy the above requirements to an acceptable extent. Most of them would fall roughly into the "standard" category. None would be classified as sport bikes or cruisers.
 
Vlad said:
....no feet forward or back, knees at 90 degrees, back upright, handlebar right at your reach (neither too wide nor too narrow, too low or too high).
Click to expand...

This is all personal preference, personally I find the sport riding stance most comfortable. I have sat a rode bikes with my "knees at 90 degrees" and didn't feel comfortable or stable.

So to the OP sit on a ride as many bikes as you can. Go to the bike shows, look on kijiji for the bikes you think you want and sit on them and test ride them if they allow.

Cheers,
Geoff
 
You should also take into consideration your height and weight when looking for a bike to learn on. Having a bike that you can man handle is definately an asset when learning. It allows you to really concentrate on improving your riding skills without worrying about much else.

I started on a 125 then went to a 250 and now a 500. This over the course of 14 months. I ride now my 500 which itself is a good starter but i kept my 250 and still ride it too. The 250 is still fun, i will no less fun riding my 250 compared to my 500. It is physically small for me and for that reason alone i might sell it. But i love it too much :)

Point is dont rush, ride a small light bike first and move up. A harley is an expensive toy to repair. And you will have fun with any bike. The harleys are always there and will be waiting for you for when you are ready.
 
bigpurplehippo said:
Great posts! Haha, okay, my end point is to ride a cruiser. I think I need to do more thinking in terms of the type of motorcycle I should start with, etc. I'm probably going to start off with a used sport bike. Then move on to a used cruiser. See how that feels.

I was planning to study today, but decided to go to down to Doc's instead. Doc was a really nice guy! Some of his advice was a bit horrible though. We tried on Jackets, for example. I'm a 46. He gave me a 44 and a 48 to try on, because they were on sale, and said both of them fit me well. That was really not the case. However, I felt the need to buy stuff, and so I did.

I purchased 1) a leather jacket - $300, 2) a 3/4 helmet - $140, 3) simple leather gloves - $30. I figure that this was a decent starting point. Like, I'm just a beginner and have lots of time to figure these things out later on. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Premature ejaculation. Why buy anything now that you won't use for a year, while you're still in the middle of figuring everything out?

If you can't control your impulses your bike will kill you, bottom line. This is why insurance companies hate young guys. What bike or gear you buy is way, way less important than your state of mind before you ride.
 
rib said:
I bought a 2010 iron 883

Put 3G's in extras at dealer.. Air filter, full exhaust, power commander, suspension.


Sold it after 2 months.

Looks amazing, but rode like crap. That 883cc motor just isn't powerfull enough... comparible to a 250. If you are dead set on a blacked out sportster, at least go for the nights tee (1200cc)

If I was to buy a harley again, would have to be a v-rod or a dyna

I paid about 100/mo for insurance thru state farm.

There is a blacked out version of the Honda shadow that's a decent alternative?
Click to expand...


Honda Shadow Phantom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdSZeqtgU8k
Honda-Shadow-Phantom-3.jpg
 
gjones4487 said:
This is all personal preference, personally I find the sport riding stance most comfortable.
Click to expand...

That is correct, but applies after you learn how to ride. You need to acquire that preference with experience, not base it what you think you look cool on.

Bikes that force you to apply your entire upper body weight on the handlebars and lift your knees up to your chest are not good beginner bikes. Neither are those that put your feet far forward and force you to pull on the handlebars. You want to be able to feel what the bike is doing and control it without being in an unnatural position and applying any unnecessary pressure on your body, the bike or it's controls. I can't stress enough how much having your arms relaxed at all times improves the learning experience.

The more the bike "disappears under you" the faster you will learn. Anything awkward and unnatural that you have to spend your concentration and/or energy on slows down the learning process and can lead to acquiring some very bad habits.
 
bigpurplehippo said:
Great posts! Haha, okay, my end point is to ride a cruiser. I think I need to do more thinking in terms of the type of motorcycle I should start with, etc. I'm probably going to start off with a used sport bike. Then move on to a used cruiser. See how that feels.
Click to expand...

http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?26387-The-Beginner-Bike-List

That is a list from another motorcycle forum that caters to newbies. Check it out for ideas, and also hit up some motorcycle shops and sit on everything you can to get an idea of what feels comfortable. Cycleworld Superstore in Scarborough has a HUGE used bike collection that you can peruse, I just don't necessarily recommend buying from them.

I was planning to study today, but decided to go to down to Doc's instead. Doc was a really nice guy! Some of his advice was a bit horrible though. We tried on Jackets, for example. I'm a 46. He gave me a 44 and a 48 to try on, because they were on sale, and said both of them fit me well. That was really not the case. However, I felt the need to buy stuff, and so I did.

I purchased 1) a leather jacket - $300, 2) a 3/4 helmet - $140, 3) simple leather gloves - $30. I figure that this was a decent starting point. Like, I'm just a beginner and have lots of time to figure these things out later on. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

So, you're pretty well set in terms of having the right gear to do the motorcycle course. Is that your next step?
 
bigpurplehippo said:
Great posts! Haha, okay, my end point is to ride a cruiser. I think I need to do more thinking in terms of the type of motorcycle I should start with, etc. I'm probably going to start off with a used sport bike. Then move on to a used cruiser. See how that feels.

I was planning to study today, but decided to go to down to Doc's instead. Doc was a really nice guy! Some of his advice was a bit horrible though. We tried on Jackets, for example. I'm a 46. He gave me a 44 and a 48 to try on, because they were on sale, and said both of them fit me well. That was really not the case. However, I felt the need to buy stuff, and so I did.

I purchased 1) a leather jacket - $300, 2) a 3/4 helmet - $140, 3) simple leather gloves - $30. I figure that this was a decent starting point. Like, I'm just a beginner and have lots of time to figure these things out later on. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...


Check out the various motorcycle training course requirements. Gloves have to cover the wrist. You'll also need boots that cover the ankle but, check with the school to make sure. That should be good enough to get things started. With RTI for example, there was a number of different bikes to try and see what is comfortable. That may help steer you towards something that fits you when considering your first bike.

Only you can determine if it's wise to go out and buy your dream bike right off the bat. But what looks like your dream, may not ride like a dream. I'm a pro Harley guy but, they are heavy. And they also require a little more effort to ride smoothly. The clutch is heavy. The brakes take deliberate effort. They are not for everyone. You may find after riding a Sportster that a Shadow or other make are much easier to ride. Or at least feel that way. And perception can be a reality when it comes to riding a motorcycle.

My experience with a carbed, solid mount engine Sportster is very good. I love it. Forward controls, heated grips, drag bars. Nice sound but, not too obnoxious. Lots of chrome. Handles most roads with relative grace and composure. Some may find it a bit harsh of a ride. I consistantly get 200 km of range before switching to reserve from a 12.5 L tank. When I fuel up, it's roughly 10 litres or less so, I'm getting 5L/100 km fuel economy on a regular basis. That is about perfect timing to get off and stretch, get some fuel and you'll be ready to ride again. I've got different accessories depending on what suits my fancy. Solo seat for running around town. I've got a two up seat with a gel pad for longer trips. Saddle bags, seat bag, windshield for longer trips. It's easy to check and change out the oil and overall, just check things over. You can find plenty of independant shops that can work on them if you need help too.
 
Last edited:
Short stop - Yeah! I want to do the written test in the next few weeks or so. Then, I want to do riding school sometime next month. Thanks for that link! It is really helpful.

I think if there is one thing I learned from this forum so far is that I don't really know much about motorcycles, haha. Lanny - That Phantom looks gorgeous! I just got the feeling of seeing a hotter girl right after committing to a girlfriend lol. Fastar1 - I agree, I think what I just said indicates that I still have lots of growing up to do. Especially in terms of riding, because I really don't know anything. Again, short stop, I think that Cycleworld is going to help, since perusing is better than buying an unsatisfactory product.

cbccanada - that story is great! I think, especially motorcycles, there are lots of gender stereotypes going on. Like I was checking out the Harley Superlow. Then I found out that they were marketing it specifically for girls, and that sorta turned me off. But I guess riding is personal. I was actually thinking of starting with a smaller bike now, maybe 250 or something like that. It'll be okay, just gotta have the mentality to tell other people to f off when if they judge. I still got the rest of my life to know how to ride. Then, maybe I'll know what Vlad, Geoff, and nakkers are talking about! Haha. I think you guys are great. But your words are really difficult. I have not even sat on a motorcycle before.

Like, the reason why I am on this site right now, is because I was around Bloor/Bay two weeks ago, just minding my business, when I saw a Harley. Stunning (nakkers, like the bike on your sig). This girl, like early 20s. Wearing a leather jacket and a half helmet. Flip flops. Fully geared with saddle bags and everything! I dunno. I might be superficial... wait no, I am superficial. But the moment was spiritual! (the fact that the girl was hot probably helped :p). Anyways, I find myself getting half a grand worth of equipment two weeks later, preparing to spend another half grand on driving school, and talking to you fine people. I don't really mind it at all.

I said the Iron 883 as a way of getting some conversation going in this forum. But first I need to get that written test down first, lol. Then Driving school. I might even wait a year for my insurance to be lowered, is that right? My first bike might even be a 250cc or something like that, after I test a couple out. Then I'll see what like. After that, I'll come back to this forum and reread Vlad's posts ;), undoubtedly they'll make more sense by then. Thanks a lot guys!
 
The colleges usually have cruisers to teach on. I know humber uses virago 250's (at least when I was there last).

Check out Learning Curves, they have classes in the beaches, which is accessible by the TTC.

As for gloves from Docs, are they the ones that are fastened with a very small velcro strap?
Those things will get ripped off of your hands if you ever slide... Just a thought.

Good luck! Getting into motorcycles can be daunting but after a point the best thing you can do is just start riding!!!

Take a safety course, pick the brains of all the instructors, and then go from there. I know your excited but you don't need to over think everything. Just sign up for a course and go from there.

And yes I am biased because I am a motorcycle instructor. Take it for what you will.

my 2 cents.
 
cbcanada said:
You should also take into consideration your height and weight when looking for a bike to learn on. Having a bike that you can man handle is definately an asset when learning. It allows you to really concentrate on improving your riding skills without worrying about much else.

I started on a 125 then went to a 250 and now a 500. This over the course of 14 months. I ride now my 500 which itself is a good starter but i kept my 250 and still ride it too. The 250 is still fun, i will no less fun riding my 250 compared to my 500. It is physically small for me and for that reason alone i might sell it. But i love it too much :)

Point is dont rush, ride a small light bike first and move up. A harley is an expensive toy to repair. And you will have fun with any bike. The harleys are always there and will be waiting for you for when you are ready.
Click to expand...


I would say they are on par with anything else in the market now. It was the case sometime ago but, from a maintenance perspective and most things mechanical, clutch, cables, spark plugs, etc. Just about the same. Same with dealership experience. If you look around for an independant shop, you can find it's comparable to anything else as well. HDs are pretty simple machines to work on and don't require any more or less maintenance.


RetroGrouch said:
People who say the Sportster is a girl's bike ride ghey yuppy Softails.
Click to expand...

True dat.


537736_10150967293511346_656441345_12247240_1572655065_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
Honestly i was in the same boat, wanted a 1200 sportster....ended up with a 2011 ninja 250. Hands down one of the most versatile all rounders. powerful enough for highways, great in the city, and tons of fun in the twisties. ask yourself why you want a cruiser, for alot of people i'll recommend forget the image and persona that sons of anarchy make you wanna be. and ride for the sake of riding.

that being said, the day i turn 25 i'm buying a wide glide.
 
Why are any of you guys actually trying to help this guy? He's clearly made up his mind and is just looking for validation of his decision. He's not listening to any reasonable advice and he's just going to do whatever it is he wants to do.

So let him make his mistakes. Trying to give solid, reasonable advice to someone who has never ridden before is like trying to describe sex to a virgin. They THINK they understand, they SWEAR they get it, but they won't until they actually do the deed.
 
My 2 cents ;)

Leather = HOT, I prefer body armour as it's breathable and better protection, nothing more distracting (think safety) than overheating.
Hlalf vs. full helmet. My buddy has his jaw wired and is eating through a straw because he switched from half to full...
Gloves: I have a scar on my middle left knuckle from before I wore them... Stung like hell, two stitches to close, almost killed myself trying to get off the 401 express with a useless left hand.

ymmv. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom