First Bike (Beyond "Motor-Driven Cycle")

[SuperH]

So... I've officially gotten my motorcycle endorsement, so I can now say I am going to break the 150cc barrier once and for all. I've waited 25 years for this (I've wanted a Harley since I was 4).

But... I don't know if I'm ready for a Harley. I feel ready, but I feel like it goes against everything I've ever learned about "graduating" up bikes. This is where you all can help.

There are two bikes that I am interested in - one is my "dream" bike. It's a 2008 Harley Sportster XL1200L (1200 Low). Please, no "girls bike" comments.
I'm not a big person. The Low Sporty fits me perfectly.

The Sportster XL1200L is used with 1400 miles on it.

But, the realist/traditionalist in me says that I should start with something smaller, like a 250. In that scenario, I would be getting a Suzuki TU250x. As the resale value is high on the 250, I could sell it in a year or two and "graduate" once I feel more comfortable.

I have no doubts about my maneuverability; I just have reservations about re-adapting to the road. I have been "out of practice" for ten years. However, to get my "M" endorsement, I have successfully completed the MSF Basic RiderCourse.

That said... in my scenario, would you advise me to:
1. Forgo the Harley for now, and stick with the 250
2. Get the Harley and skip the 250
3. Do something completely different
4. Drive the Camaro; you're a 29 year old kid and you don't need anymore toys. Listen to your mother, and drive cars and scooters for the rest of your life. (Comedic fourth option... Please don't pick this one! )

[gorgeous-ss]

I say go for the one you want

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4

[TonyNo]

Can you get one with airbags and an ejector seat?

[FreakyFastFreddie]

If you have confidence in your maneuverability with the Harley, I'd say get the Harley and don't waste your money on a 250. I went 20 years from ridding and purchased a 1100cc cruiser. I rode it for 3 years, then bought a Yamaha FJR with 150hp...scary fast. Now I have a big fat Harley bagger. If you had no problems in your MSF course, you'll do fine on the Sportster. Just take it easy for awhile until you get comfortable with it.

[SuperH]

The one I want is the Harley. I just am not sure I am ready for it.

Can you get one with airbags and an ejector seat?

Ejector seat comes standard. It's automatic.

Actually, yes, you can get bikes with airbags. Honda Gold Wings have them.

If you have confidence in your maneuverability with the Harley, I'd say get the Harley and don't waste your money on a 250. I went 20 years from ridding and purchased a 1100cc cruiser. I rode it for 3 years, then bought a Yamaha FJR with 150hp...scary fast. Now I have a big fat Harley bagger. If you had no problems in your MSF course, you'll do fine on the Sportster. Just take it easy for awhile until you get comfortable with it.

I had no problems whatsoever. I started riding my scooter when I was 14. The problem is, it's been since I was 18 that I've actually ridden it around.

[LadiesMan217]

I'm 28 and I have a 2009 Sportster 883C, and I really enjoy it. It was my first bike ever, and I am really happy with my purchase. I have had it three years and it really a great ride. Shoot me a message and we can talk more of you want. And no Sportsters are not girl bikes, next to the V-Rod they are the fastest bikes Harley makes. They have great power to weight ratios.

[SuperH]

I'm 28 and I have a 2009 Sportster 883C, and I really enjoy it. It was my first bike ever, and I am really happy with my purchase. I have had it three years and it really a great ride. Shoot me a message and we can talk more of you want. And no Sportsters are not girl bikes, next to the V-Rod they are the fastest bikes Harley makes. They have great power to weight ratios.

The "girls bike" thing I've heard from a lot of Harley riders about the "Low" models, not the Sportsters. It's silly, but I can see why. It's the "short bike".

[senoner]

If you didn't struggle and felt pretty comfortable in the MSF course then I say go for the Harley you want. You have to be able to know your limits and ride within them. Just take it easy at first and learn the bike and how it handles. Once you get comfortable and confident on it then you will be fine. I was looking to get a 1000cc sportsbike as my first bike and would have bought one had I not came across a great deal on a 600. Everyone was against it and suggested a 250 as my first but I was fine and now I'm riding a liter after 2 years on the 600.

[SYCK SS]

Go big or go home. My first bike I owned and rode was a 03 cbr600rr... yes I know its not a.cruiser but I never road a bike before the one I first bought. Sometimes you just gotta take that leap into something.

I have owned 4 total bikes since then. Cruisers and sport bikes alike.

You will get comfortable and Learn quickly. Just take your time.

sent from my galaxy s3. that would explain the errors.

[Toasty]

I wouldn't want the single cylinder 250u anyway. Those sportster 883's seem nice. Though as i say this, i just watched my dad buy a 73 Suzuki GT185 hah.

[SuperH]

I wouldn't want the single cylinder 250u anyway. Those sportster 883's seem nice. Though as i say this, i just watched my dad buy a 73 Suzuki GT185 hah.

Hey! That's a nice bike.

I like the single cylinder engines because they're simple.

I'm still thinking...

[Toasty]

Hey! That's a nice bike.

I like the single cylinder engines because they're simple.

I'm still thinking...

They're usually not as smooth though.

Yeah my dad is now on his second one of that model (he's got his 74 that he bought new, its got 40K miles, and needs some TLC)

[chasman]

I have over 200k on bikes, if you like working and tinkering on a bike , go get the Harley. I have never owned one but some of my riding buddies have had them.
after taking a few trips to the east and west coast all of them sold the Harley and went with a Honda ( witch has more American made parts on it than a Harley), or a Yamaha. all of these i'm talking about are the full dressers.
the 883 or 1200 Harleys vibrate a lot , so it just depends on your type of riding.

[SuperH]

I live in Orange County, California now. I got a Ninja 300. It's a blast.

[WarWolfX0]

My brother has a 2011 250r, I had to wake it up with a jet kit.
It had bogging issues from dead stop. (It was carburetor-ed)
I have a FRZ600R (it has electric gremlins)
Hows the power on the new 300?

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