Anyone Own a Harley? Looking to buy one..

[rammstein]

Originally Posted by nostatic

if you go to check out a used one from Craigslist, make sure you actually show up.

But then where would we get a funny story from?

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by on-ramp

any suggestions? models, etc?
who owns one and let's see some pics.

I'm 5 10, 185 lbs and fit. the bike should not be too heavy..
while i'm at it, a few tattoos might be in my future.

just for the record, I've never owned a motorcycle and never
even ridden one, except maybe a moped...
Thanks in advance.

How about advertising for one on Craigs List?

Sure that loads of your friends will hold onto them for you to come by "some day" to buy one!

This could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Get on a Harley, ride around trying to look like a biker, then when the real bikers run into you somewhere they very well may teach you a very valuable lesson. Hope you survive...

[Chocaholic]

I've owned 2 Harleys in the past, but only after owning a number of smaller, lighter bikes, one of which was a 71 Triumph Tiger 650. I finally threw in the towel and sold my last Harley (93 Heritage Softail) after going on a few rides with other "enthusiasts" (HOG members). Lawyers with fake pony-tails, sales reps with clip on ear-rings, $1500 leather outfits and NO BUSINESS being on an 800 lb motorcycle in traffic. These guys were dangerous, arrogant, and too wrapped up in themselves and their costumes to seriously enjoy the sport. Just didn't want to be associated with that.

But like most things, the itch returns. I like the big, heavy feel and sound of an HD. I'm not a sport-bike guy, but rather, I enjoy a relaxing 40 mph putt through tree and farm-lined country roads. I'm looking for a nice late model Dyna Wide-Glide now. Unlike the Heritage, I want that rubber mounted drive-train, fuel injection, feet-forward riding position, and an easy reach up to the bars. That view over big tank-mounted guage as you roll on the throttle is working on me!

You've gotten great advice. Get yourself a cheaper small bike and learn to ride first. You won't regret it and you'll have more fun.

[Nader]

Harleys are basically the '57 Chevys of motorcycles. Nothing wrong with that if you're a genuine bike guy who's into the nostalgia, chrome, and leisured pace.

[nota]

buell blast

allmost a harley [ owned by HD ] for a starter bike
and cheap used ones allover for 1500 to 3k

then move up to a HD V-twin powered buell
as they both stop and turn

[kmhemi]

I have a 1200 Custom sportster. Its the fourth Harley I've had. The problem with Harleys is that you spend a ton of money customizing it to how you like it. I love my Harley and it attracts alot of attention anytime you take it out. I would not reccomend a 1200 for a first bike. an 883 Sportster might be a good choice. The new ones are fuel injected and have rubber motor mounts. They're smooth comapared to mine. I've got the solid motor mounts, carb and big cams with straight pipes. Take a look at the Nightster Sportster. I almost bought one a few months ago. It's a good looking bike.
I agree on the Buell as well. I just sold a 1200 Buell. If I buy another bike It will probably be a Dyna

[on-ramp]

Very good advice here. I'm quite serious about ownership. the first step however, as some pointed out, is to sign up for some instruction in order to get a license. in reference to tattoos, they are not required to own a Harley, correct?
that seems to be stereotype. i'll also be riding on quiet weaving country roads, and never in a major city. maybe the occasional 2-3 hr road trip but that's about it. mostly local joy-riding. i looked at several Suzukis, hondas, and Yamahas. the Harleys just have that nice look, sound, etc... it's the 911 of motorcycles.

Hugh, glad you're ok, man. that's really the downside to riding. It's fun but more dangerous to be on 2 wheels rather than on 4. you have to be defensive and anticipate every action by a driver who doesn't see you. It will always be on the back of my mind whether today is the today I fall and get brain damage.

[johnco]

I have a 80 Sportster sitting in the kitchen I haven't ridden in many years. even at 500lbs, it's like a moped to me. If you were closer, you'd be more than welcome to take it home with you for a few months. ever since bikes got so popular years ago, the ratio of posers riding bikes that can't even change the oil but wear all the funky leather and chains has grown too high for me to even take the thing out. badass bikers on the weekends, but suit wearers during the week.

[on-ramp]

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

How about advertising for one on Craigs List?

Sure that loads of your friends will hold onto them for you to come by "some day" to buy one!

This could be the best thing that ever happened to you. Get on a Harley, ride around trying to look like a biker, then when the real bikers run into you somewhere they very well may teach you a very valuable lesson. Hope you survive...

i'm beginning to think you have an On-Ramp fetish. every time I post, you just gotta chime in with your BS. you just can't resist, can you? nothing better to do with your day than to bug me?

[on-ramp]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-Harley-1980-Sportster-Custom-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ250151761935QQihZ015QQcategoryZ49 995QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

this looks like a very sweet Sporster from 1980. Is it true you don't need a title after 15 years? probably varies from state to state.

[on-ramp]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Davidson-Sportster-Sportster-1972-custom-built-sportster-Real-Nice-L-K_W0QQitemZ180146390589QQihZ008QQcategoryZ49995QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

love this one!

can you imagine? "I bought my first Harley from Killer41 on ebay"

[Joeaksa]

Like everyone else, we are just waiting for the punch line on the Craigs List thread.

Off Ramp, if you are going to start out learning how to ride a motorcycle at this age, the last thing you need is a Harley. Get something about 500cc's and a bit lighter weight, spend a year or two on it, then move up to a larger bike.

Just my 2c worth, but I have been riding motorcycles for 35+ years and over 300,000 miles. Seen far too many yuppies buy a Harley for their first bike and in less than 10 days they have had several accidents and sold it at a loss. Hopefully they are not conducting the sale from the hospital.

Joe

[on-ramp]

sorry to disappoint but there is no punch line. Joe, good advice. I may look at a few 800cc Harleys and see if they are still too heavy to handle, esp. for a first bike. If they are, then I'll opt for a 500cc like you said. any good tips after 35 years of riding?

[Joeaksa]

800 cc is a bit large, unless its a BMW. Nice thing about a BMW for new riders is that the entire engine weight is low, so a lot easier to balance. Motorcycles with vertical cylinders have a higher center of gravity, so are more difficult to hold up, corner and so on.

For a beginner I would stop at 5-600cc's max (unless its a 650-800 BMW) and ride it for a year at least. You need something light that is easy to handle until you get used to it, not a full sized bike that controls you more than vice versa. Try doing the low speed "cone" course on a 800cc bike, then do it again on a 500cc bike and you will notice a big difference, especially for a novice.

Never ride a bike without leather gloves, helmet and shoes that cover your ankles. You will do down eventually and buying gloves, helmet and shoes are a lot cheaper than skin grafts. Also I never ride without a jacket, leather or goretex in winter.

[Jeff Higgins]

You do realize, of course, that you will have to wear leathers to fit in properly with the H-D crowd. How do you feel about wrapping yourself up in a dead cow, that undoubtedly suffered at the hands of some cruel rancher, only to meet an even crueler death at the slaughterhouse?

[onewhippedpuppy]

A dumbass that can't ride a bike does not impress the ladies. Before we met, my wife went for a ride with a guy that had just gotten a motorcycle, he hit a patch of sand and put her on her back on the road. Needless to say he went home alone. When we met, she still had the scratches.

I'm no motorcycle rider, but starting small, and with some lessons, seems like good advice. Would you put a 14 year old with a learner's permit into a 911 Turbo?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

You do realize, of course, that you will have to wear leathers to fit in properly with the H-D crowd. How do you feel about wrapping yourself up in a dead cow, that undoubtedly suffered at the hands of some cruel rancher, only to meet an even crueler death at the slaughterhouse?

Ooooooh, well played Jeff!

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by cool_chick

I owned a 72 FLH (panhead) in a former life....
Engine is simple to work on...and quite the beaut to boot.....

The only way you had a '72HD with a panhead was if someone changed out the engine. A '72FLH was a shovelhead.

I've ridden bikes since I was 15. My first bike was a Honda 150 street/trail. My next bike was a Sportster. Rode nothing but HD for 20 years. Even was 1/2 owner in a custom harley shop. A Harley is actually a good bike to learn how to ride a motorcycle. The ideal bike is a Honda 250 rebel, but no guy wants to be caught dead on one. Get a 2-3 year old Sportster or Superglide. They have low seat height, low center of gravity and wide tires. Easy to learn on. Don't worry about the weight as the low center of gravity makes it seem lighter. I am 5'8" and 160 lbs and have never had problems with the weight.

I know longer ride a HD. Just no longer interested in that life style. I am into sport cruising and now ride a Honda VFR.

And take a motorcycle safety course!

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

If you insist on getting a harley as your first bike, why not pick up a standard 883 sportster (2005 or later). ....
A Fat Boy would be nice, but you need to get the business of learning to ride out the way first......

If you want to go that route...you can pick up a used 883 Sportster for a few grand (4-5), ride for a while (as you learn from your mistakes and decide what you REALLY want), and then sell it with virtually no depreciation. A used Harley is like a 911...they don't lose much value at this point in the game.

[FOG]

On-Ramp,

Good advice given. Look into the MSF class 1st. Lots of them supply the bikes. All major military installations have to offer the class, with a lot being contracted to dealerships out in town. If you have a major installation then call their base safety and inquire as to what they do for the class.

The MSF course isn’t sexy, high speed low drag but good basic training. Another advantage is that you will come in contact with motorcycle enthusiasts who want you to have a good time and not be turned off. The ones I am familiar with try and have instructor representation from both cruiser and sport bike worlds (not that there isn’t a lot of cross over).

On the protective equipment, don’t skimp! Think of when you go down the asphalt is essentially a grinder. The cute car driving gloves or flight gloves are not ones you would grab a grinder with. Cheap, heavy work gloves work. Research helmets. Off-road and street helmets are designed to protect against different things and are optimized for such. I still have my broken helmet but no broken grape. Safety boots, flight boots, etc. work as well as $150.00 ($400.00 if they have the HD logo) riding boots. I am very protective of my eyes and wear only Oakleys as they exceed both safety and optical standards.

Last bit of advice is be wary of someone who has to have Harley, or BWM or Ducatti. All make good bikes but you want someone with perspective.

S/F, FOG