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I would suggest you get yourself a bike that you are comfortable with. It doesn't have to be fast or sporty, learn the nuances of riding first, it could save your life. Understand the concept of situational awareness, just because your riding on a road doesn't mean others will see you. Target fixation is probably the number one issue with novice riders, and it can get you killed. It doesn't matter if your ride a HD or a Moped, please learn the dynamics of riding and always ride at YOUR own skill level. Just because your bike can do 150 mph doesn't mean you have to ride it that fast.
I'e been riding for 45 years, and "knock on wood" I've never put my bike down, it doesn't mean that I won't, it just means I haven't yet. I've rode many different bikes, and one thing that all have in common is 2 wheels and that means the all handle about the same, the only difference if the speed. I currently ride a Gold Wing, a 950 pound bike, and every time I get on it, I know I'm invisible to some drivers and I ride with that in mind.
Almost everybody I know who rides eventually gets a Harley. The may ride Japanese bikes for 20 years but eventually they all want a Harley.
If you buy a Harley and don't like it you will usually get your money back. The same cannot be said for the Japanese bikes.
What you don't want to buy as your first bike is one of those "crotch rocket/organ donor" bikes.
You pay a lot less for a *** bike then a Harley, Indian ect. You will not get your money back on a Harley if you buy it new or pay current value. If you get a great deal and buy one under value you may get your money back. I got a good deal on a 2005 dyna back in 2009 for 8k. Put the cam gears on it to fix the tensioner problem, along with some bags and Lindy linbar. I think I could get maybe around 5k out of it now if that. If I would have bought a Yamaha Vstar I could have picked up a used on with low miles for around 3k and could sell if today for around 1900. A lot less of a loss. But I also think a Harley does have the wow factor much more than any bike besides an Indian.
OP: Get whatever make you want and don't be concerned with other people's opinions.
Most people recommend a 250 for a first bike. I started out riding a year ago. I got a 750 Vulcan and I'm still happy with it in terms of power and performance. I don't think a 750 would be too much for a beginner as long as you take it slow and safe until you build some confidence and experience.
+1 I also started on a 750 Vulcan. Heavy and fast enough to put the right kind of fear and appreciation into ya but not really heavy or fast enough that you can't conquer it. Driveshaft driven liquid cooled low maintenance equivalent to a 300 hp car like a stock mustang gt, small block chevys or trans am. fantastic bike easy to find, plenty of used parts the bike or parts are of realistic costs and if you drop it, its heavy enough that you wont be happy about dropping it but can pick it up alone!\
Just kidding! Enjoy the ride and drive defensively!
Last edited by ralphfr; 07-12-2017 at 08:28 AM..
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