So, My dad wants a Harley Davidson, we figured a sportster would be best since it would be his first motorcycle ever, but which sportster or overall motorcycle under $12,000 is the best for a newbie. He has never ridden a motorcycle, so we need some ideas on the best size and style for him. he is a cool dude, loves choppers the most and is about to be 40 years old, any suggestions!
2006-11-05 09:44:11 · 10 answers · asked by gotflames93 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
First, if he's never ridden before, sign him up for a motorcycle training course for the first part of his gift. This is the most important thing someone can do who has never ridden before. The second part of his gift can be the bike. The 1200 Sportster will be the best Harley for less than $12,000.00. The Dyna line is a nicer bike, more comfort, power, etc. My first Harley, a Dyna Super Glide, was perfect. However I had been riding for a number of years and my budget was greater than $12,000.00. Unless you're willing to go over $15,000.00, the Sportster is the only Harley in your price range. I assume you're considering a new bike. If you were to consider a used bike you could find a Dyna in your price range.
2006-11-05 13:13:24 · answer #1 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are set on buying a sportster get the 1200 custom .The 883 is same physical size and weight but way low on power. The 1200 is the much better choice. Sportsers are entry level bikes,they are not comfortable for long rides,but are still very fun.I would maybe consider something in the dyna class its the next step up he will have a much better bike. SuperGlide or lowrider
2006-11-05 20:00:07 · answer #2 · answered by HD FXDL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i my self would go for the 883 and than get a big bore1200 kit. the 883 turned to a 1200 produces a lot more horse than a stock 1200. and it can be done for less than 12,000 dollors.
sportsters are a very well built bike and have carried many hard core bikers many miles. and thay do make bages and windshields for sportsters if he wants to do some distance traveling. and if he likes choppers he can get some lower rear shocks, and a lower profile seat, and a set of dragbars and it will look as cool as anything.
i my self would look for a good used dyna or softtail (those are harley types of bikes) and you might find a good one in your price range.
as for him being a new rider tell him to get on and go. evel kanivel never took lessons and this nice guy image that new bikers are transmiting make me sick.
2006-11-06 02:45:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The death rate among new riders in their forties is very high. I would strongly suggest taking a rider course before buying the motorcycle. Beware of buying a bike with too much power for a beginner.
Good luck!
PS - An 883 can easily be modified into a 1200.
2006-11-05 20:06:59 · answer #4 · answered by FastFred Ruddock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tyson R is right about one thing, the Sporster is the most popular Harley sold. However, it's about the only one that's under 12,000. Softails can run around 15,000 and up. Go to this site
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/rentals_and_tours/hdrentals_selector.jsp?locale=en_US and find the dealer closes to you. If this is his first bike I would get the 883 or 1200 which are the low end Sporsters bikes. They're easy to ride but your father will need some training first.
2006-11-05 17:56:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say the 1200 if you have to buy a new one. If not you can find a HD Softail Standard, which has a better seat height and rides smoother. The are 14,500. new, but they are available cheaper on Craiglist and Ebay, Cycle Trader Magazine. I found mine with only 500 miles on it. Paid less tax also and got free extras with the bike.
2006-11-06 01:54:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sportster is one the the most common but hardest to ride.Thay have a sharp rake angel to them....Meaning they have the front tire close to the frame @ an odd angel,thus causing them to be hard to control and accident prone when turning sharply.Take him to the dealership or some one of his size and see if he is comfortable on it.What about another soft tail?
2006-11-05 17:49:26 · answer #7 · answered by Tyson R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.you should listen to Biker Bob , he gives good advice,you should think about going with one of the Dyna models,even if it is a used one your dad would not mind.He would have a great bike with no reason to upgrade later.Don't listen to feralpaul,he has no idea what he is talking about.Harleys are very reliable and the best bike ever made.Don't make your dad ride jap crap he might disown you.;good luck and tell Dad..Happy Birthday
I got a new Harley for my 16 th birthday....31 years ago.and still have it.
2006-11-06 01:45:22 · answer #8 · answered by bill b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harley Davidson is only good for the farm, use the motor as a water pump that's it. Actually even then they are hardley reliable. If you don't want to pay to much Honda make a cruiser 750cc i think that's shaft driven (no need to lubricate the chain)
2006-11-05 18:21:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I hope you buy him a 20 year old 350 to practice on. And drop a few times before he gets the hang of it.
2006-11-05 17:59:22 · answer #10 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋