My First Bike?

[bkess84]

I'm in the military and soon I will be transfering to San Deigo. I have rode a motorcycle maybe a couple of times. I am just wondering what kind of used harley I should look at for my first bike? Also I am also wondering if anyone has any information on riding classes in San Deigo or the Southern Califorina area? Thanks for any help!

[Bad Husky]

Sporty 883R I am getting one myself :)

[07xL-L]

When you get there you should take the MSF class on base you will need that class to get you base sticker, I have taken it two times one in Ga and the other one in SC . And it was free here in SC.
Susan

[BeyondThePaintInc]

Fat Boy!!!!!
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h229/beyondthepaint/btpbikeNEW.jpg
Seriously, get the one you like, and you feel comfortable on. All the Harleys are good bikes.

[PorkChop]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

[AlexJones]

You might want to check out the dealerships in your area (San Diego) by going to PowerSportsGateway.com. They have a Visual Map that great and they list over 5000 dealerships in their database most including the dealers contact info such as phone, email, fax, website. If you go to some of the dealership's website they will talk about riding classes.:p

[chromeyellow]

When I was in the same situation, I got a 883 Sportster. And I've had it for 7 years now. Although I'd recommend 1200. I upgraded mine after the first year. And a motorcycle safety class is a great idea. You'll learn a lot and get cheaper insurance too.

[Tarkmesiter]

I love the paint color on the Fat Boy

[Uesque]

If you're interested in the big twins, I'd say go with a Dyna or FXR. The Dyna will be newer, but the FXR will handle and ride better. Either would be the most manageable of the bigger HD's.

[bsporty]

Thank you for your service to our country!
Definately get what you like.Read up on each bike as much as you can.
The 883R sounds like a great idea though!

[Sharky1948]

I'm looking for a first bike too. Just ran into a couple of Sporty owners on the road. One had an 883 (the woman) and her male friend had a 1200. They both advised to go for the 1200, saying that I would quickly want the extra oomph. The other (I think good) advice I got is that the R is a better choice if you're going to have a pillion, since the C and L bottom out with the extra load.

Have fun!

And, thanks for doing what you're doing!

[BeyondThePaintInc]

I love the paint color on the Fat Boy

That FatBoy is for sale, you could be looking at that beauty in your garage in no time at all. First $9995. can ride it home (it only has 9900 miles on it) Brand new Dunlops and fresh oil.

[BH121869]

I'm looking for a first bike too. Just ran into a couple of Sporty owners on the road. One had an 883 (the woman) and her male friend had a 1200. They both advised to go for the 1200, saying that I would quickly want the extra oomph. The other (I think good) advice I got is that the R is a better choice if you're going to have a pillion, since the C and L bottom out with the extra load.

Have fun!

And, thanks for doing what you're doing!

The first bike should be one to learn on and not what you eventually want. I recomend a used older Honda to learn on and drop a few times and not a better $$ bike. Believe me you will drop it learning to ride and that is OK. We learn from our mistakes. If you've never layed one down you don't know your limits. After a year go buy what you want. If you go for the Sportster the R has advantages like a tach to set the RPM for one thing and better brakes, as dual up front but I thought the shocks were the same.
The 1200 seems to have a better resale value around here but the 883 is a good one too as i've had two. With the 1200 you won't hear, thats a girls bike as often. The 07 and 08 have some advantages to them and are cheap. I get sick of hearing that Harleys are expensive. Try to repair a four cylinder Honda and you'll switch to a Harley. I did. You get what you pay for. You can buy pretty good cheaper bikes, but you'll get a pretty good cheap bike too.

[RyanPitch]

When you get there you should take the MSF class
Yes.

[Uesque]

A guy I used to work with had an 883 that had been upgraded to 1200cc's. He won more races because everyone thought it was the 883. It's a fairly inexpensive change.

[SgtRob]

Get a new Sportster. Good first bike. Take the MSF class. Good new rider knowledge. RIDE!!!! I was at Camp Pendleton 1976-1980. Excellent riding where you are!!! Good luck, and safe riding. See you on the road...........