Motorcycle (Harley) riders. Need advice.

Go sit on every type of motorcycle made, different types and ignore any cool factor or image you have in your head.

Take the courses mentioned. 

Buy a used bike to learn on, ride ride ride and then go buy what you want.

My brother took the course, passed the class abd got his MCL.

1st bike and a newborn baby all at same time...crazy? Maybe, but yore either living life or just waiting to die.

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Fireballsocal said:
Take an MSF street course. It's a great class in basic rider operation and safety and a small bike is provided. Usually yamaha xt250, honda crf250L type bikes though some classes have street oriented bikes. It's usually a 3 day course. Then, ride your neighborhood on your own bike practicing what you learned and getting seat time. I generally tell people that ideally, you want to start on a small and simple machine to get some hours on. A bagger isn't ideal but plenty of people have started on them so it can be done. 
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This is the best advice. I have been riding for 33 years on the street. Mostly to commute from OC to LA doing 50 miles a day. Also I have done a lot of fast canyon rides. 

One of the biggest things to remember is that you are completely invisible. I have looked drivers right in the eyes and they still come over on me. Also people will pull out on you at a cross street, because they won't see you. So whenever you approach one of those areas always assume they don't see you. I have been really fortunate... In 33 years I have only been down once when I hit oil making a right turn. Happened so fast that I couldn't do anything. Ended up high siding and hitting the ground in about two seconds. Also I had someone cross the carpool lane. Lucky I stayed up on that one. I put a nice dent  in their car and of course she said "I didn't see you"

Head on a swivel at all times.

 
SYBIZ said:
I got this Road King Classic a few years ago. I never took a class or got the proper license but found that just getting out and riding was the best way for me to learn and get comfortable. It didn't take me long to decide that it's not for me out here on the busy streets of San Diego. 2000 Road King Classic with about 20k miles. Anyone have an idea of what it's worth? I want to sell it. 

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If you want to sell it call me.

Mike 909.380.9066

 
Mac said:
I had a Ducati 1100 Hypermotard.  What traffic?  :lol:

That bike was so nimble and had so much power.  You could straight up lay it flat and drag the handle bars and it would still stick to the road.  
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been watching CHiP's huh... :lol:  

 
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I've been riding forever, my advice is ride with common sense, and never get into a situation that requires skill. Those that don't ride don't understand the fun riding provides, just like those who don't go to the desert don't understand those who do. If you are in fear of getting hurt, don't ride, it's not for everyone. 

And you really want a Road glide, not a Street Glide. Fairing on a Road glide is part of the bike (rigid mounted), where the fairing is part of the steering on a Street Glide. Once you ride in wind you'll understand why the rigid mounted fairing is better.

Here's a pic of Roxanne to put in the spank bank. 

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Turbo_Manx_Maniac said:
I've been riding forever, my advice is ride with common sense, and never get into a situation that requires skill. Those that don't ride don't understand the fun riding provides, just like those who don't go to the desert don't understand those who do. If you are in fear of getting hurt, don't ride, it's not for everyone. 

And you really want a Road glide, not a Street Glide. Fairing on a Road glide is part of the bike (rigid mounted), where the fairing is part of the steering on a Street Glide. Once you ride in wind you'll understand why the rigid mounted fairing is better.

Here's a pic of Roxanne to put in the spank bank. 

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Thanks for the comment.  I've read several reviews stating the same thing.  

TBH, it'll be a fair to awesome weather ride.  During the Summer, a daily 5-mile rider to the gym and back at 4am.

 
Definitely take a class, wear a helmet, and watch for idiots and animals! I imagine traffic is much lighter in Knoxville than here in phx!

a side note, coming from a moto/mtb background you may enjoy a better handling bike rather than a big wheel bagger, something like a newer low rider s or st, dyna, or a bagger setup right (performance bagger)

 
I have the same experience as many of the others (45 yrs of dirt bikes, crotch rockets, and now a cruiser), and I agree with all of the above (get a good helmet, take a class, etc.). Also, if you aren't already used to it, force yourself to learn to hit the front brake hard to enough to just about lock up the wheel. It's way more natural to stomp on the rear but you won't get anywhere near the stopping ability. And FWIW, I decided awhile back that I would rather risk a speeding ticket here in AZ and get the heck away from traffic wherever possible. Too many tailgaters and/or texters out there these days.

 
Get a dual sport to make sure you like riding on the street before investing in a Harley...some people hate it, some live it.  You can get a DRZ 400 (supermoto or dual sport) that will be easy for you to learn on, and easy to sell once you're ready for an upgrade - 4 to 5k ish.  I took the MSF course several years back - well worth it.  

I'm an outcast - picked up a Goldwing a few months back:
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Wow, the Goldwing sure has changed over the years.  Good looking bike. 

 
azyxzer said:
I have the same experience as many of the others (45 yrs of dirt bikes, crotch rockets, and now a cruiser), and I agree with all of the above (get a good helmet, take a class, etc.). Also, if you aren't already used to it, force yourself to learn to hit the front brake hard to enough to just about lock up the wheel. It's way more natural to stomp on the rear but you won't get anywhere near the stopping ability. And FWIW, I decided awhile back that I would rather risk a speeding ticket here in AZ and get the heck away from traffic wherever possible. Too many tailgaters and/or texters out there these days.
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Agreed! Get the hell away from all the cars and keep your eyes peeled at every intersection big or small! 

 
For the riding you described, I think a Dyna or Low Rider S is a better fit for you. Do like Crusty mentioned and go sit on all of the different bikes. I personally prefer my Street Glide vs the Road Glide. For where we ride it's a lot more fun. 

 
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