Motorcycle Riders

[GeorgesGoons]

How many riders do we have in the NDL? What kind of bikes do you have? What would you recommend to someone that is about to learn how to ride. I'm looking at a Harley Davidson 883 Iron, but may get the 1200 Nightster instead. Both are in the Sportster line. I like the black Harleys and am probably looking to do switch out the front forks to accommodate a 200mm tire and put a 240mm on the rear. I love the old bobber look.

[dakshdar]

Been riding about 8 years. Started on a little Yamaha Maxim XJ550 (1982) to learn. Upgraded after 4 years to a brand-spankin new Yamaha RoadStar XV1700 Silverado (2004).

Probably about 50,000 miles riding over the last 8 years on some good long trips.

I would not recommend going for anything new or anything too big as a first bike. You will drop the bike in some stupid situation (in a parking lot, at a stop light, in a driveway) and with a new bike you'll break something stupid and expensive. Learn on a older used bike, smaller engine size (sub-1000) and get your experience before paying the big bucks (especially since some people never get comfortable riding, so making a big investment at the start isn't really a great idea).

[Weasel]

Short riding season here in Michigan which sucks. I sold Harleys a couple summers ago which got me into them, but couldnt afford the extra 7 grand for a logo. Anyway, like dak said, start with an older used bike for sure. If you like it, cool, get another one. I wouldnt advise getting an sporty as a first though, Ive seen too many guys trade it in within a yr to upgrade

[GeorgesGoons]

Short riding season here in Michigan which sucks. I sold Harleys a couple summers ago which got me into them, but couldnt afford the extra 7 grand for a logo. Anyway, like dak said, start with an older used bike for sure. If you like it, cool, get another one. I wouldnt advise getting an sporty as a first though, Ive seen too many guys trade it in within a yr to upgrade

Harley has a deal now that will buy your bike back at full MSRP one year later so you can upgrade from whatever model you bought. I figured a 883 sportster would be the way to go at first and then get my soft-tail.

[Weasel]

Is that a nationwide deal? My brother still sells in Ann Arbor and never mentioned anything like that

[footballkelly31]

I picked up my first bike last year, a CBR 600 (crotch rocket) I got it used and already had some straches. The dude dropped it getting off a trailer. I had never ridden before so figured it be a good starter. Like Dak said u'll likly drop it and do alittle damage, I dropped it at the first stop sign I came to ha ha. Since then I have gotten really comfortable with it and have to say I love taken it out. The little bastard is quick. If you have never ridden before I'd go with something that is used just to save some money and not be so worried about dropping it.

[GeorgesGoons]

Is that a nationwide deal? My brother still sells in Ann Arbor and never mentioned anything like that

I know its in Jacksonville, I gotta check to see if its in Savannah, GA

[Husker698]

Is that a nationwide deal? My brother still sells in Ann Arbor and never mentioned anything like that

I know its in Jacksonville, I gotta check to see if its in Savannah, GA

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Cont ... cale=en_US

It's only for the sportster.


I have a 2006 Kawasaki Nomad Vulcan. It's a 1600cc, I started with an 800 because I had never ridden before.

I agree with the others. Dont' go too big to start until youre comfortable. I would also suggest taking a SafeRider class. In Florida, you dont have to take the driving test if you pass the class. A lot of insurance companies give you a discount if you take it too.

[GeorgesGoons]

I have no choice but to take a riders course, otherwise I wouldnt be able to ride my bike on post. They have the beginners course for people that have never rode before and they provide the bike. Also, if I was to hurt myself the Army wouldnt pay for my hospital bill if I dont have all the protective equipment (helmet, gloves, boots and reflective vest of some sort).