QuestionI'm looking for that all important first motorcycle and am in need of a few recommendations. The bike I really want is a Harley-Davidson, but I am having a hard time justifying 10K for a first bike. I'd be using the bike for daily commuting and longer weekend pleasure rides when I can get away. I'd like to know what would be a good starter bike for someone who hasn't ridden anything other than a minibike over 20 years ago! I'm 38 years old, 6'1" tall and about 275lbs, so I need to make sure I have enough bike that I don't feel like a bear on a tricycle, but don't want to end up with something I don't feel I can control while I'm learning. (and did I mention I'm on a budget?) Basically I want a good starter bike to learn on before I move up to that much desired Harley. Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
AnswerJeff,
Thanks for the question.
You are right, $10K for a first bike is a lot of dough, and it will be especially painful to pay that much and then go out and crash your bike.
Hate to say it, but most beginning riders put their bike on the ground at least once in the first three months of riding.
With that in mind, I highly recommend you get a cheap used bike to learn on, and when you feel ready to get the HD, sell it and move up.
For your size, I suggest you find a used Japanese cruiser in the 800cc to 1200cc range, made in the last ten years. Most all of them are reliable, so pick what looks good to you. I suggest Honda Shadows, Kawasaki Intruders, Suzuki Vulcans, and Yamaha Virago's. All good bikes. If it's a bit beat up and cheap, all the better, just as long as it has a good engine (get it checked before buying) and that it fits you OK.
Cruisers in general are the best bikes to learn on since they are low to the ground, easy to steer and do not have hyperactive engines. Low, slow and easy to control. That's what works well for a beginner.
Don't get me wrong, an 800 - 1200cc bike is going to be plenty fast for highway use and so forth, with maybe even a little more go than a 1200 Sportster, but the engine performance will allow you to explore acceleration in a safer manner than some bigger bikes.
Since you're a big guy like me (I'm 40, 6-1 and 240), be sure to take your time and really sit on a lot of bikes, and put your feet on the pegs. It's hard to truly know what a bike is going to be like until it is out on the road for a few hours, but sitting and paying attention to foot/hand placement, how the seat feels and how heavy the bike feels can give you some idea of what to expect.
You may have been advised to take a rider class before you get your bike, and I do recommend it. If you do take the course, ask the instructors to give you a cruiser model, if they are available. Usually they are 125's or 250's, so you might feel like that bear in the circus, but the course will at least give you a good start on bike control, bike physics and basic operation. It takes a weekend but is well worth it. More info at www.msf-usa.org.
So take the class, get a used bike you can sell later, and when it's time to hit the road for real on your prized Harley, your chances of keeping it upright and unharmed will be much better.
Ride smart,
Bill Roberson
