oh yeah get full coverage insurance then when u drop it u get $ my buddy dropped his fatboy when he was learning and didnt even have his m endorsement and they gave him almost what he paid for it
Any financial advisor will tell you it's not a great move to finance fun. The choice is yours though, but I'd consider getting a first bike that you won't get hurt on, financially speaking that is. If and when you decide this is what you want to do, make sure you treat it like a total loss. It's not an investment, it's an expenditure.
OTOH, I've done less than responsible things when I was young and survived.
My riding advice as an MSF coach would be to get a bike you don't care to drop. When you first start riding, you'll want to develop skills that will apply to your riding career in the future. This means low speed maneuvers in tight quarters that may result in a drop. It's not hard to ride a bike of any size in a straight line down the road, but riding in a straight line is rarely what gets a biker in trouble.
My financial recommendation as someone with a degree in finance would be to not finance a bike - especially your first one. Today's market is good for selling used bikes. Often, you can get about as much as you paid for a bike after a riding season. That means you can pick up a lighter weight, less powerful bike to learn on, list it, and get most of your money back. If you sell because riding isn't for you, you're out a few hundred bucks. If you sell to get another bike, you've got that to go towards your next one plus whatever else you've been able to save. This equation changes dramatically when you finance a bike. Interest charges, titling, and just the added hassle make this a lot more risky financially. If riding is something you fall in love with, financing becomes a little bit better of an idea, but cash purchase of toys is always a better option.
Last recommendation would be to put some drop protection on whatever bike you get. Engine guards/highway bars are inexpensive and can offer some decent protection for a low speed drop. These are readily available for dynas, so an older evo dyna with some drop guards might be the sweet spot for you.
Good luck and welcome to the obsession. :)
I bought a brand new 2007 Fatboy in January of 2008. (Edit I had never ridden and barely sat on any motorcycles before this). I Still have the bike. Ride it any and every chance I get. Yes I had mistakes, but it’s all part of what makes your bike yours. It’s not going to stay pristine and perfect unless you leave it in a garage with the door closed the entire time you own it. I agree with a previous comment about getting what you love if you can afford it. You don’t want to walk out to your rebel or shadow or whatever you get and say I like this bike but I wish I had that dyna I was looking at. Mistakes happen but if you ride YOUR bike and don’t try to run hard with people that have years more experience than you have, problems are left to a minimum. Good luck and keep us informed on what you decide to do.
For your first bike pay cash. If you end up really enjoying riding and want to upgrade later on go for it. But it would really suck to finance a bike for 15-16k and then find out you hate riding.
Buy a used dyna cash. Rates are high right now. I would say buy a sportster but at your size you’d feel it’s inadequate soon and you’d probably loose money selling it later to buy a dyna anyway. Buy a dyna, enjoy it a few years while the market corrects then get a newer one
Please don’t buy anything until you finish the class. You will probably learn things that will help you make the right decision. I would take it a step further and don’t even shop until you have finished the class.
If you want a Harley go with that, otherwise you will always wonder what you are missing. Dynas and Softails are easy to ride. I would get what you desire. There is nothing wrong with getting a older bike you can pay cash for, once you get the bugs worked out it will be reliable and serve you well.
My dad told me to get the biggest, baddest bike you can afford. And it had better be pretty enough to die on.
I financed a 2014 Dyna Lowrider and it did great things for my credit. It was nice to have a new bike under warranty. I still have it and I still love it.
Don't know why this is being downvoted. Steady job is key, as is living within your means. Normal people finance vehicles, be it car or moto. It's also a fantastic way to start building up credit, especially at age 24 -- you establish a history of meeting your financial obligations. Whereas with cash, it's like you never bought the vehicle, and your credit score is never bolstered.
It’s because everyone here seems to assume bikes are only “for fun.” If you ride daily it ceases to be a toy and instead becomes a reasonable purchase to finance (even if you can only ride daily 3/4 of the year). Lots of people have two cars, a normal car and a winter beater. Why not instead have a normal bike and a winter beater?
Odds are that you’re gonna beat on your first bike pretty well. High likelihood of dropping it too. Would you rather be making mistakes on something used and cheaper, or expensive and new?
Was in your shoes back in 2016 at the age of 25. Purchased a new dyna at a good APR and had a reasonable payment. Long story short if I could do it again I would find a used dyna that you can get cash.
Edit: we are also similiar in size once you start getting a few years under your belt you will want a bagger. Younger harley riders like to mod their shit. Different seat? Bar setup? LED lights? Suspension? Custom paint? Alot easier to afford these expenses without a payment.
I bet you can find a decent Dyna for $7k. I’d just do that over a metric bike. And at your height / size a Dyna would probably be more comfortable.
If you’re really nervous about dropping your bike out engine guards on it. I remember getting on my first Dyna being intimidated at how big it was but after a few times riding to/from work it felt great.
Pay cash if you can. Insurance rates on a financed bike will fuuuck you at your age. I was 26 with an 815 credit score, former military, and no history of accidents or tickets when I was shopping for a Softail Slim S. The loan payment on an $16k bike was lower than the insurance premium.
Yeah, but not everyone drops their first bike. In my situation, I got a loan but I only had 1000 dollars at the time. Bought a 4 grand bike from the dealership an pay 75$ a month. Can always pay the rest down later, I just was eager to ride
You're in the U.S. so let me say this for the HOG members in the back.
YOU SHOULDN'T FINANCE TOYS!!!
Get the older dyna. They're pretty durable.
It's not about handling the bigger bike, it's about developing the skills to react to bad situations before dealing with that much inertia and limited lean angle. You'll likely be fine regardless. Just know that the msf brc teaches you how to ride in a parking lot and adds some basic skills. Riding on the streets is a far different experience that you have to practice. Have fun!
Buy what you love it you can afford it. My first bike is a 2019 road king special. Financed it when I was unemployed but it's already paid off. You want to walk up to your bike like "OOOH FUCKYEAH" EVERY time.
Bought my first bike a 2014 road king with 5k miles for 15k in august. Financed it, and immediately put like 5-6k towards the principal. Less interest now over life if the loan. I spent more for a better used bike and knowing I won’t need to service it for a long time. Just normal maintenance.
It’s generally a bad idea to finance any motorcycle. Buy a cheaper used bike for cash and you get the added bonus of learning to do your own maintenance. My recommendation would be the best condition Evo big twin you can find.
First bike, just get a used sporty or a dyna/softail. Buy it with cash and make all of your mistakes on it. Then move up to something newer if you'd like
I used Harley Finance. It's really just Eaglemark, but tweaked a little for maximum profit and lower credit standards I'd imagine. You ***MUST*** check only the bottom line! You might end up paying 4k more than the price of the bike. I found a legit dealer and only got a small ganking on OTD payoff. But it's possible after the add-ons and fake fees, you could be paying a whole third over.
I bought my bike at 24 as well and was in almost the exact same scenario. Passed the msf and was hellbent on a dyna. Ended up paying cash for a 09 Shadow and loved it...dropped it.. lowsided it... and didn't ride as much as I had anticipated the first year. Now that I've developed some skills over a year and a half and saving more money for the bike I really want I will be upgrading sometime this year. I would recommend against financing a first bike but you just have to figure out what you value. Shadows are cool and just enough power to get you by until you really wanna make that step up. Not saying you shouldn't get a cheap dyna either. But as a first bike knowing accidents happen even in the garage I wouldn't go too new
I always recommend paying cash since you haven’t rode I’d probably recommend getting a smaller bike to get really used to riding but I didn’t so to each their own
but as far as dropping it there’s 2 types of riders those who have dropped their bike and those who have yet to
You'll definitely drop or lay down your first bike. Rare is the person who doesn't. But you could buy a cheap starter and ride it for a few years...never lay it down and then go buy your harley and lay that one down. Sometimes it's the conditions and environment that cause it. So I would say but the bike you want....if you can afford it. And just ride within your skills and don't get stupid while riding
I paid $2k for a ‘96 Yamaha VStar when I started learning. Rode that for a year while I learned my skills and made mistakes. Buy and learn on something for a year you don’t mind damaging.
As a new rider 24m who took the course and is now financing a 14k loan, do what you are financially comfortable with. I have no regrets because at least I know it’s in good shape when I am receiving it. I’ve heard horror stories of buying private. But also you can also get a great value buying private if you trust people and are willing to do out on a limb.
My first bike was 17 sportster 1200 xl. put 7k down and financed the rest an wouldnt change a thing. get what you really want or your just wasting money and time. you wont regret it as long as you know how to ride.
Get the bike you want, only if it won't break your bank. Try not to impulse buy.
If it's your first bike you might drop it. In that case get some crash bars to prevent the bike from getting damaged and breaking your heart.
I've dropped my first Harley a couple times turning in to my driveway (going to slow with clutch fully pulled in while turning) I didn't have crash bars, but luckily no damage besides a scuffed clutch lever and housing. I was able to let it down slowly, but it's hard keeping 600 pounds from falling over. My buckhorn handlebars prevented the tank from being dented or scratched and I'm very grateful for that!
Get the bike you want! Why waste money and get something you don’t want. I’m 5’2” woman and thought I could only handle a sportster but I bought a 2022 heritage softail. I’ve had it only a year and it has over 10,000 miles on it. We ride long rides so I need something bigger. Best. Decision. Ever.
For your first pay cash, don't finance it. Once you are comfortable, then look at upgrades. It usually takes a year or two to get comfortable handling a bigger bike. Then llok for your dream bike.
Sportsters are plenty fast... don't think they're not. They'll zip right on up to 100+ mph, and cruise at 80 all day long. They're hotrods. They are narrow and light, which makes them very quick handling.
If you want a Dyna, I'd buy a Dyna. You can get a very good used one for $4-5k. Harley Owners are historically some of the most meticulous with maintenance, so there's a great chance of finding a used bike every bit as good as a new one (or better).
The Dyna will be a lot better for a passenger than a Sportster. Sportsters have very narrow/short pillion seating. But both are good bikes.
I am 25 Years old, I just bought my first Motorcycle, I did my MSF Course in February, I bought a 2023 HD Sportster S for my first Bike I drive it to work daily, I have over 1k miles already, what do you wanna know?
I re-read your post, I ride Daily in South Florida, right now sportster with a Passenger is not all that fun, you want a bigger bike, I am 5’10” 190LBS and The bike ALMOST feels to small, but that pull from 5th-6th reminds me how small I actually am
A first bike should always be something easy to ride and no worries to drop
After riding a bit, you will realize what style of bike you will want next. Test different models, research, and treat yourself to that bike when you are ready.
I don't know how much you rode bicycles but that skill directly translates to motorcycles. If you're a ninja on a bicycle, the learning curve won't be huge.
My riding friends way of thinking was buy the bike size you want to ride and learn it. If you learn on a small bike, when you jump on a big bike you might think you got this, and find out you don't got it while hitting a corner at 75mph.
I dropped my bike on the highway bars at low speed - like 5 mph making a right turn in an empty neighborhood. I rubbed the curb and dropped it on day 2. Wasn't ready for the weight. It was a beast to roll off the bars and get it upright, but I learned.
Just go slow at the beginning, don't rush into a dangerous situation. Take a day or two on empty parking lots or neighborhoods. Find an empty mall or something and just drive slow, stop and start, learn that clutch real good. Once you are on streets with cars, they don't want to sit behind you while you stall, restart, rev it up, get halfway through the intersection and stall again. Empty areas are much more forgiving.
Bought a 02 sportster 1200 for 3,300 owned it for 2 years now I’m upgrading to a heritage. I wouldn’t go under 1200cc for your first bike a low rider or super glide is a good option if your a bigger guy that’s somewhat coordinated. I would never buy from a dealer for my first bike
Hey man you put this on a Harley community most people are going to say get a Harley. A Honda shadow isn’t a bad bet for a starter. I (6’2” 215lbs) liked mine but due to how the handle bars would hit my leg and cut my turn radius, I could barely go over 70mph, and looking for parts was a nightmare especially before I learned about Revzilla I didn’t want to keep it.
For your height and weight, dont bother with the smaller cruisers. You’ll outgrow it within a heartbeat as soon as you get comfortable twisting that throttle. My boy is similar physique to you and i got him to start with a LRS (financed). He’s glad that he did. The only advice i had for him, that i’d have for you; RESPECT the machine, respect the throttle, think of acceleration and deceleration as a dim light instead of abrupt on/off, leave your ego at home when you’re learning, and just dont be stupid.
I’d say get the Dyna since it’s one you actually desire, which means you’ll wanna ride it often, ultimately making u a better rider. Just know that getting a used ride may come with needed work. So either know how to wrench, or know someone who does. Luckily, Dyna nation has tons of support. Financing a ride isnt bad, but dont do it through the dealership as their interest rate is higher.
Get the used Dyna cash…. Fuck a bank note rates are probably high as shit to.
pay cash get the dyna u want i see nice evo dynas for $4k
oh yeah get full coverage insurance then when u drop it u get $ my buddy dropped his fatboy when he was learning and didnt even have his m endorsement and they gave him almost what he paid for it
Any financial advisor will tell you it's not a great move to finance fun. The choice is yours though, but I'd consider getting a first bike that you won't get hurt on, financially speaking that is. If and when you decide this is what you want to do, make sure you treat it like a total loss. It's not an investment, it's an expenditure. OTOH, I've done less than responsible things when I was young and survived.
My riding advice as an MSF coach would be to get a bike you don't care to drop. When you first start riding, you'll want to develop skills that will apply to your riding career in the future. This means low speed maneuvers in tight quarters that may result in a drop. It's not hard to ride a bike of any size in a straight line down the road, but riding in a straight line is rarely what gets a biker in trouble. My financial recommendation as someone with a degree in finance would be to not finance a bike - especially your first one. Today's market is good for selling used bikes. Often, you can get about as much as you paid for a bike after a riding season. That means you can pick up a lighter weight, less powerful bike to learn on, list it, and get most of your money back. If you sell because riding isn't for you, you're out a few hundred bucks. If you sell to get another bike, you've got that to go towards your next one plus whatever else you've been able to save. This equation changes dramatically when you finance a bike. Interest charges, titling, and just the added hassle make this a lot more risky financially. If riding is something you fall in love with, financing becomes a little bit better of an idea, but cash purchase of toys is always a better option. Last recommendation would be to put some drop protection on whatever bike you get. Engine guards/highway bars are inexpensive and can offer some decent protection for a low speed drop. These are readily available for dynas, so an older evo dyna with some drop guards might be the sweet spot for you. Good luck and welcome to the obsession. :)
If you finance, find a local credit union. Harley/Eaglemark do not provide good interest rates.
I bought a brand new 2007 Fatboy in January of 2008. (Edit I had never ridden and barely sat on any motorcycles before this). I Still have the bike. Ride it any and every chance I get. Yes I had mistakes, but it’s all part of what makes your bike yours. It’s not going to stay pristine and perfect unless you leave it in a garage with the door closed the entire time you own it. I agree with a previous comment about getting what you love if you can afford it. You don’t want to walk out to your rebel or shadow or whatever you get and say I like this bike but I wish I had that dyna I was looking at. Mistakes happen but if you ride YOUR bike and don’t try to run hard with people that have years more experience than you have, problems are left to a minimum. Good luck and keep us informed on what you decide to do.
Honda shadow 750 for your first bike. Can pick one up for $2k-$3k and sell it in 6 months for the same price once you outgrow it.
For your first bike pay cash. If you end up really enjoying riding and want to upgrade later on go for it. But it would really suck to finance a bike for 15-16k and then find out you hate riding.
To each their own but i would never pay over 4k for a first bike. Regardless of brand name.
Buy a used dyna cash. Rates are high right now. I would say buy a sportster but at your size you’d feel it’s inadequate soon and you’d probably loose money selling it later to buy a dyna anyway. Buy a dyna, enjoy it a few years while the market corrects then get a newer one
Please don’t buy anything until you finish the class. You will probably learn things that will help you make the right decision. I would take it a step further and don’t even shop until you have finished the class.
This! When I went through my class, one guy dropped out. He couldn't control the bike. So find out what you are capable of!
If you want a Harley go with that, otherwise you will always wonder what you are missing. Dynas and Softails are easy to ride. I would get what you desire. There is nothing wrong with getting a older bike you can pay cash for, once you get the bugs worked out it will be reliable and serve you well.
My dad told me to get the biggest, baddest bike you can afford. And it had better be pretty enough to die on. I financed a 2014 Dyna Lowrider and it did great things for my credit. It was nice to have a new bike under warranty. I still have it and I still love it.
It’s not a bad idea to finance the bike. Do you have a steady job and few other financial obligations? If so, you should be fine.
Don't know why this is being downvoted. Steady job is key, as is living within your means. Normal people finance vehicles, be it car or moto. It's also a fantastic way to start building up credit, especially at age 24 -- you establish a history of meeting your financial obligations. Whereas with cash, it's like you never bought the vehicle, and your credit score is never bolstered.
It’s because everyone here seems to assume bikes are only “for fun.” If you ride daily it ceases to be a toy and instead becomes a reasonable purchase to finance (even if you can only ride daily 3/4 of the year). Lots of people have two cars, a normal car and a winter beater. Why not instead have a normal bike and a winter beater?
Pay cash for a used dyna. You can find em cheap enough. Early evo or maybe one with an 88in tc. They’re out there.
Odds are that you’re gonna beat on your first bike pretty well. High likelihood of dropping it too. Would you rather be making mistakes on something used and cheaper, or expensive and new?
Was in your shoes back in 2016 at the age of 25. Purchased a new dyna at a good APR and had a reasonable payment. Long story short if I could do it again I would find a used dyna that you can get cash. Edit: we are also similiar in size once you start getting a few years under your belt you will want a bagger. Younger harley riders like to mod their shit. Different seat? Bar setup? LED lights? Suspension? Custom paint? Alot easier to afford these expenses without a payment.
I bet you can find a decent Dyna for $7k. I’d just do that over a metric bike. And at your height / size a Dyna would probably be more comfortable. If you’re really nervous about dropping your bike out engine guards on it. I remember getting on my first Dyna being intimidated at how big it was but after a few times riding to/from work it felt great.
Pay cash if you can. Insurance rates on a financed bike will fuuuck you at your age. I was 26 with an 815 credit score, former military, and no history of accidents or tickets when I was shopping for a Softail Slim S. The loan payment on an $16k bike was lower than the insurance premium.
Get a used dyna and pay cash.
get a cheap honda because you will mess up your first bike. then sell it and get something real pretty once u have more experience
This is the way. Buy something cheap. Use it buy something less cheap once you know how to ride. Don’t buy new. Try not to get a loan.
Yeah, but not everyone drops their first bike. In my situation, I got a loan but I only had 1000 dollars at the time. Bought a 4 grand bike from the dealership an pay 75$ a month. Can always pay the rest down later, I just was eager to ride
You're in the U.S. so let me say this for the HOG members in the back. YOU SHOULDN'T FINANCE TOYS!!! Get the older dyna. They're pretty durable. It's not about handling the bigger bike, it's about developing the skills to react to bad situations before dealing with that much inertia and limited lean angle. You'll likely be fine regardless. Just know that the msf brc teaches you how to ride in a parking lot and adds some basic skills. Riding on the streets is a far different experience that you have to practice. Have fun!
Buy what you love it you can afford it. My first bike is a 2019 road king special. Financed it when I was unemployed but it's already paid off. You want to walk up to your bike like "OOOH FUCKYEAH" EVERY time.
Any close calls dropping it? What is the most common way people drop their bike?
Oh yeah a few times, usually panic squeezing your front breaks. Slow speed is the most dangerous for dropping for sure.
Not looking through the turns! Bike goes where you look. Look at the ground in a slow speed turn; bike goes to the ground
Bought my first bike a 2014 road king with 5k miles for 15k in august. Financed it, and immediately put like 5-6k towards the principal. Less interest now over life if the loan. I spent more for a better used bike and knowing I won’t need to service it for a long time. Just normal maintenance.
If u collect debt as a hobby go all in!
It’s generally a bad idea to finance any motorcycle. Buy a cheaper used bike for cash and you get the added bonus of learning to do your own maintenance. My recommendation would be the best condition Evo big twin you can find.
First bike, just get a used sporty or a dyna/softail. Buy it with cash and make all of your mistakes on it. Then move up to something newer if you'd like
I used Harley Finance. It's really just Eaglemark, but tweaked a little for maximum profit and lower credit standards I'd imagine. You ***MUST*** check only the bottom line! You might end up paying 4k more than the price of the bike. I found a legit dealer and only got a small ganking on OTD payoff. But it's possible after the add-ons and fake fees, you could be paying a whole third over.
I bought my bike at 24 as well and was in almost the exact same scenario. Passed the msf and was hellbent on a dyna. Ended up paying cash for a 09 Shadow and loved it...dropped it.. lowsided it... and didn't ride as much as I had anticipated the first year. Now that I've developed some skills over a year and a half and saving more money for the bike I really want I will be upgrading sometime this year. I would recommend against financing a first bike but you just have to figure out what you value. Shadows are cool and just enough power to get you by until you really wanna make that step up. Not saying you shouldn't get a cheap dyna either. But as a first bike knowing accidents happen even in the garage I wouldn't go too new
You’re gonna drop your bike. Just don’t make a habit of it, and don’t be freaked out by that fact.
Get the older, cheaper bike. You don’t want to be scared to drop your bike or change the oil. They’re just toys don’t take em too seriously.
I always recommend paying cash since you haven’t rode I’d probably recommend getting a smaller bike to get really used to riding but I didn’t so to each their own but as far as dropping it there’s 2 types of riders those who have dropped their bike and those who have yet to
You'll definitely drop or lay down your first bike. Rare is the person who doesn't. But you could buy a cheap starter and ride it for a few years...never lay it down and then go buy your harley and lay that one down. Sometimes it's the conditions and environment that cause it. So I would say but the bike you want....if you can afford it. And just ride within your skills and don't get stupid while riding
Buy used. Never buy new from HD.
Get a used bike.
I paid $2k for a ‘96 Yamaha VStar when I started learning. Rode that for a year while I learned my skills and made mistakes. Buy and learn on something for a year you don’t mind damaging.
Yes
I depends on how much money you make. Are you able to afford more than monthly payments? And how much will you put down?
As a new rider 24m who took the course and is now financing a 14k loan, do what you are financially comfortable with. I have no regrets because at least I know it’s in good shape when I am receiving it. I’ve heard horror stories of buying private. But also you can also get a great value buying private if you trust people and are willing to do out on a limb.
My first bike was 17 sportster 1200 xl. put 7k down and financed the rest an wouldnt change a thing. get what you really want or your just wasting money and time. you wont regret it as long as you know how to ride.
Get the bike you want, only if it won't break your bank. Try not to impulse buy. If it's your first bike you might drop it. In that case get some crash bars to prevent the bike from getting damaged and breaking your heart. I've dropped my first Harley a couple times turning in to my driveway (going to slow with clutch fully pulled in while turning) I didn't have crash bars, but luckily no damage besides a scuffed clutch lever and housing. I was able to let it down slowly, but it's hard keeping 600 pounds from falling over. My buckhorn handlebars prevented the tank from being dented or scratched and I'm very grateful for that!
Short answer is yes. Tons of garage queens out there. Save the money and scoop up a 1200 Sportster or older Dyna.
Be a man! Do what you want, then face the consequences and take accountability.
Get the bike you want! Why waste money and get something you don’t want. I’m 5’2” woman and thought I could only handle a sportster but I bought a 2022 heritage softail. I’ve had it only a year and it has over 10,000 miles on it. We ride long rides so I need something bigger. Best. Decision. Ever.
For your first pay cash, don't finance it. Once you are comfortable, then look at upgrades. It usually takes a year or two to get comfortable handling a bigger bike. Then llok for your dream bike.
Sportsters are plenty fast... don't think they're not. They'll zip right on up to 100+ mph, and cruise at 80 all day long. They're hotrods. They are narrow and light, which makes them very quick handling. If you want a Dyna, I'd buy a Dyna. You can get a very good used one for $4-5k. Harley Owners are historically some of the most meticulous with maintenance, so there's a great chance of finding a used bike every bit as good as a new one (or better). The Dyna will be a lot better for a passenger than a Sportster. Sportsters have very narrow/short pillion seating. But both are good bikes.
I am 25 Years old, I just bought my first Motorcycle, I did my MSF Course in February, I bought a 2023 HD Sportster S for my first Bike I drive it to work daily, I have over 1k miles already, what do you wanna know? I re-read your post, I ride Daily in South Florida, right now sportster with a Passenger is not all that fun, you want a bigger bike, I am 5’10” 190LBS and The bike ALMOST feels to small, but that pull from 5th-6th reminds me how small I actually am
A first bike should always be something easy to ride and no worries to drop After riding a bit, you will realize what style of bike you will want next. Test different models, research, and treat yourself to that bike when you are ready.
I don't know how much you rode bicycles but that skill directly translates to motorcycles. If you're a ninja on a bicycle, the learning curve won't be huge. My riding friends way of thinking was buy the bike size you want to ride and learn it. If you learn on a small bike, when you jump on a big bike you might think you got this, and find out you don't got it while hitting a corner at 75mph. I dropped my bike on the highway bars at low speed - like 5 mph making a right turn in an empty neighborhood. I rubbed the curb and dropped it on day 2. Wasn't ready for the weight. It was a beast to roll off the bars and get it upright, but I learned. Just go slow at the beginning, don't rush into a dangerous situation. Take a day or two on empty parking lots or neighborhoods. Find an empty mall or something and just drive slow, stop and start, learn that clutch real good. Once you are on streets with cars, they don't want to sit behind you while you stall, restart, rev it up, get halfway through the intersection and stall again. Empty areas are much more forgiving.
Bought a 02 sportster 1200 for 3,300 owned it for 2 years now I’m upgrading to a heritage. I wouldn’t go under 1200cc for your first bike a low rider or super glide is a good option if your a bigger guy that’s somewhat coordinated. I would never buy from a dealer for my first bike
Don't finance....save until u can pay cash... buy the bike u want or you will always wish you had... then ride like hell...😁
Hey man you put this on a Harley community most people are going to say get a Harley. A Honda shadow isn’t a bad bet for a starter. I (6’2” 215lbs) liked mine but due to how the handle bars would hit my leg and cut my turn radius, I could barely go over 70mph, and looking for parts was a nightmare especially before I learned about Revzilla I didn’t want to keep it.
Of course it is. Harleys ain’t perfect nobody wants to be paying a 5 year like for a paper weight bike.
For your height and weight, dont bother with the smaller cruisers. You’ll outgrow it within a heartbeat as soon as you get comfortable twisting that throttle. My boy is similar physique to you and i got him to start with a LRS (financed). He’s glad that he did. The only advice i had for him, that i’d have for you; RESPECT the machine, respect the throttle, think of acceleration and deceleration as a dim light instead of abrupt on/off, leave your ego at home when you’re learning, and just dont be stupid. I’d say get the Dyna since it’s one you actually desire, which means you’ll wanna ride it often, ultimately making u a better rider. Just know that getting a used ride may come with needed work. So either know how to wrench, or know someone who does. Luckily, Dyna nation has tons of support. Financing a ride isnt bad, but dont do it through the dealership as their interest rate is higher.
If you want a used Harley, get a Dyna rather than the Sporty. I've always financed my Harleys.
Get the most Harley you can pay cash for. Then ride!