1) I have not taken one, but will before I actually purchase anything. I know better than trying to do anything without taking that course, as it's a great source of information and teaching.Big Brain Bradley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:55 amHave you taken an MSF basic course? Ever ridden? what kind of riding do you plan to do? Dont forget to budget ~2k for good gear.Devilchrono wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 9:37 am I've been poking around bike sites and reading about various sportster style bikes as a first bike, if I could get the wife to agree to it, and I'm digging the HD Iron 883. Anyone have any thoughts on these? Also, yes I'm considering used first if at all possible, but haven't ruled out new either. https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/m ... n-883.html
Harleys.'....are expensive for what they are. The new honda rebel (300?) will be better in every way for a new rider, and cost half as much new.
2) Never on the street, always just dirt bikes and four wheelers; though it's been about 15 years since I've been on anything
3) It would mainly be a nice weather cruiser to/from work. Maybe the occasional weekend jaunt by myself.
4) I already know gear is gonna cost a pretty penny cause I'd be as safe as possible with it.
5) The Honda Rebel is something I've looked at too, though it seemed smaller than the Iron 883.
CorvetteWaxer wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:26 amBolded the points I would make here from this post.Big Brain Bradley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:55 am
Have you taken an MSF basic course? Ever ridden? what kind of riding do you plan to do? Dont forget to budget ~2k for good gear.
Harleys.'....are expensive for what they are. The new honda rebel (300?) will be better in every way for a new rider, and cost half as much new.
Harley's are expensive, but if you really want one, there's a 99% chance a Honda won't make you happy.
I personally would avoid a Sportster just because probably it won't be long before you want something different. The Sportsters only have a 5 speed transmission, so they kinda suck if you get on the freeway. Plus, how tall are you? Most of the Sportsters get small for guys in the 6 foot range.. Even at 5'11" I feel cramped on them. If you really want a Harley I would personally try to spend more (I know it is quite a bit more than the Iron) and get into a new Softail. The new 2018+ Softail bikes have the 107 cubic inch motor and a very nice new frame design that rides WAY, WAY, WAY better than the Sportster or a pre-2018 Softail.
If you haven't really ridden before, grab a used something or other that you won't care too much about to get some miles on, then buy the bike you really want in a year. You might not like riding as much as you think if you have little/no experience and this will save you some money.
I'm 6' tall, 235 LBS last time I stepped on a scale. Power is something I've considered, but so has size. I don't need to be able to reach triple digit speeds, I've outgrown that I think. But something that can keep up with traffic and I'll be comfortable on is important to me. I'll look into the softail bikes as well. Right now, this is all just a dream but I want to do it right if/when I can.
I've heard that and am aware that may be the case. The 1200 is a consideration because of that.Barnes93cb wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 12:40 pmDo not waste your money on an 883. The sportster will be a decent starter bike for most. And some stick on the bike.Devilchrono wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 9:37 am I've been poking around bike sites and reading about various sportster style bikes as a first bike, if I could get the wife to agree to it, and I'm digging the HD Iron 883. Anyone have any thoughts on these? Also, yes I'm considering used first if at all possible, but haven't ruled out new either. https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/m ... n-883.html
But the 883 is too small for regular use. I suggest getting a sportster 1200 if your heart is set on that bike. But honestly I would recommend going to a larger bike. Maybe a used dyna of some sort. There are so many options that you will be hard pressed to outgrow in 3 months. But I can assure you an 883 will get boring quick.
I'd only go new if I couldn't find something used that I like. I am well aware I'll lay it down at some point, I've ridden enough dirt in the past to know it's gonna happen. As weird as it sounds, my wife is more comfortable with the idea of me having a cruiser style bike than a sport bike, so that's why I'm looking at the sportster style more than anything else right now.4zilch wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 1:40 pmYou'll get no shortage of opinions around here on what is and isn't a good first bike.Big Brain Bradley wrote: ↑Mon Aug 27, 2018 10:55 am
Have you taken an MSF basic course? Ever ridden? what kind of riding do you plan to do? Dont forget to budget ~2k for good gear.
Harleys.'....are expensive for what they are. The new honda rebel (300?) will be better in every way for a new rider, and cost half as much new.
But to 's questions, have you ridden, what kind of riding do you want to do, what experience do you have with motorcycles? Budget for gear, absolutely, you could probably get by with $1000 pretty well.
If you're inexperienced, sign up for an MSF course. Go to dealers, sit on bikes, see what you like. I'd shy away from new bikes, go cheap and see if you're even going to like riding and upgrade from there. Buying a used $2000 ninja 250 that you can't resell a few months later for $2000 is a good way to go.
PS, you'll probably tip over at some point, so buying something pre-crashed isn't necessarily a bad thing starting out.
PPS, I followed none of my own advise starting out and lived to tell the tail.