which harley should i get?

Question

I'm a girl, 15 yrs old, I've loved harleys ALL OF MY LIFE!!! I remember being in SECOND grade and I did a project on them, but no one in my family has one, so we're wondering why. When I'm older, I'm going to buy a Harley. I also, of course, have to get my liscense and go through some saftey classes. But out of these two pictures, which one do you like better?

the back vrod?
http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/powersportsdlr/images/NewVehicles/2007_5_vrscaw_blackpearl.jpg

or the original silver vrod?
http://www.topfuel.it/news/luglio07/immagini/08_VRSCAWA_R2.jpg

part of me likes the black because thats a nice color, and its sharp. but another part of me likes the silver because its the original and it also looks really good. and the silver doesn't make the bike cost more, im not sure, but i don't think the black one costs any more than the silver, but im not sure.

which one do you like?

ok to the first poster, im a girl. and to the second one, the vrod has a liquid cooled engine, its the fastest, and strongest harley they have so far.

ok, who gave a thumbs-down to all the posts? that wasn't very nice...

ok i do have enough money right now to get one, probably a sportster, and it IS MY OWN MONEY, but i'm still going to save up some more.

and can i really be too little? i'm 15, 115lbs, very strong for a girl/my age. i can take anyone down, and everyone says i have that kind of attitude.

i KNOW I want a harley for my first bike. sorry i can't stand suzuki/sport bikes, only because whenever I see them, its the young 20 yr old guys that think their tough sh*t racing with no helmets. those bikes are really nice but not for me.

what other types of harleys would be good for a starter? i'll probably get a used one too.

i want something loud too. thats what i love about harleys!! the engine!!

Answer 1

First, go to a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class.
If you pass their exams, you can just pick up your license.

Second, I wouldn't start with a Harley but a lighter motorcycle (google "beginner motorcycles") for a year or so, unless you already have experience on two motorized wheels.

Third, re: the two Harleys, I like the silver better, because I usually like originals better, also if you live in a sunny place the black one gets hotter than the silver one.

Fourth: I would look around more before deciding which one. There are many motorcycle companies that make air cooled V-twins - Moto Guzzi, Ducati (girls look great on a Ducati), the japs (kawasaki, suzuki, honda), and others.
There are so many brands and models of motorcycles, you may find one of them even more attractive, comfortable or 'cool' than a Harley Davidson.

Answer 2

Harley's actually got a policy against building good first bikes - they prefer to make them big, heavy, but the sort of thing that's at the top of the line. A V-Rod is heavy enough and powerful enough that it's hard for a beginning rider to control. They want their bikes to all be the sort of thing people dream about. The only Harley product actually aimed at beginners is the Buell Blast, which isn't quite your style. A 883 Sportster is something you can use as a first bike if it's got to be from The Motor Company.

If you want similar style, but are willing to consider something slightly different, there are some Japanese bikes that look a lot like Harlyes but are easier to ride. Some options there that are beginner friendly include the Honda Shadow VLX, Yamaha V-Star 650, and Yamaha's V-Star / Virago 250. Remember, it's your first bike, not your last. If you make any beginner mistakes, it's better to dent up a used Honda than a new V-Rod.

Answer 3

First of all, Harley's are good, dependable bikes and I happen to ride Kawasakis. For a smaller, young woman a Sportster or better yet an 883 would be good. Lighter, easy to handle but still have lots of power and speed. I've ridden V-Rods enough to know several things. First of all, the foot pegs are too far forward for my liking, they're located more like highway pegs and make low speed manuvering more difficult than if further back. Without a windshield, the forward pegs put a lot of strain on your arms but with one I'm sure the pegs would probably feel right. Yes, the small tank and shorter range may be a problem if you're into long haul touring, otherwise don't worry about it. The engine is wonderfully smooth, very powerful and makes a for a bike that's fun to ride fast. With the exception of the awkward foot pegs, the handling is impeccible. The frame is rock solid and the bike tracks true in corners, no weaving, wobbling or wanting to run wide. I'd suggest that the Suzuki guy ride one before he goes making snide remarks.

Answer 4

the v-rod is a sharp looker, but that's the extent of it. out of all the bikes in the fleet, this 1 is the most gas thirsty; even a heavy ultra classic will get better mileage. the v-rod was harley's first water cooled bike, and the first models had a ridiculously small gas tank for as thirsty as this bike is and would have extremely short legs because of it.

my boss has 1 but doesnt ride it much because of the short range, but he does say it has alot of power, and wastes no time getting to speed, and has very good handling. he gets it out a couple weeks a month or so; he has 7 harley's in his 'stable'; an old '65 panhead, a softtail deuce, road king, softtail standard, v-rod, his latest aquisition is a firebolt. there's 1 bike i havent seen him ride to work yet tho. since u will be a new rider, this bike is just a bit too much for u to handle. u want this to be ur first, not ur last. u need something forgiving...and this 1 wont be to a certain extent.

all speed will do is get u in trouble. also, have u even tried to price insurance on a v-rod with a 16 yr old rider yet? i suggest u do so, i have a feeling u are gonna be in for some sticker shock. btw, if u get even a used bike, i have a feeling u will need a bank loan, and the bank will require full coverage insurance.....and i know for a fact at 16 u wont be able to afford it.

Answer 5

The black bike would be the best bike to own. They just sell faster when or if you ever end up selling. Which most people do. The V Rod is an outstanding bike, but they just don't hold there value as well as all the rest....Not sure why.

Just remember the V Rod has a higher center of gravity and is harder to up right for girls and guys, 678 lbs. is a lot of weight.

The best Harley for women is the Softail Classic, because the center of gravity is lower, it's so easy to up right and ride.
They are a smoother ride as well on long trips.

Unless you are only going to take rides less than 50 miles, the V Rod will get old real quick. Also if you did not know, the top which looks like a gas tank is not....The gas tank on the Vrod is plastic and is located under the seat. It also does not hold much gas. It was the only place harley could find to put the gas tank, because of the height of the engine.

These are just observations about this bike, I was very interested in buying the Vrod, until I saw how cheap they were selling in my area. Most of the sellers, are only keeping them for about 4000 miles, then they are tired of them.

Have fun if you do get one. I say buy one used, from some guy who's getting divorced and has to sell. Best way to get one cheap and still be a great bike.

Answer 6

I don't know if this is falling on deaf ears, but here it goes!

Don't get a Harley as a first bike! You are too young, and little for even an 883 Sportster (the smallest Harley there is).

Go for something 250cc for the first season, and then you will be up to getting a Sportster, if you prefer one.

I will tell you that "Heritage" is a synonym for "marketing hype". Make your choice by looking at the choices, not by having tunnel vision. There are many better bikes out there, at least in my opinion, but some will disagree! The only difference between black and silver is how hot it gets sitting in the sun.

Hope to see you out there, my sister!

Answer 7

Listen to lily, she talks the talk and walks the walk. Start with a used lighter bike put in 2-3 years then get the more powerfull bike. A vrod is a big heavy powerfull bike, not thats a bad thing but the higher center of gravity might be a bit much especially if your on the short side. But you go girl.

Answer 8

I purchased my first Harley in 1964 whilst I used to be 12 years historic. It used to be a a hundred sixty five and I suggestion it appeared rather cool with it is inflexible body and Sportster variety tank. I bought my first "large" Harley in 1971 after I bought again from 'Nam. It used to be a '60 mannequin Panhead and I chopped it. That's whilst my love affair with Harleys and my proffesion as a motorbike mechanic rather began. Since then I've owned a couple of dozen Harleys of close to each and every variety they made. Now I experience a 'seventy seven Shovelhead fatbob and I'm constructing a inflexible Shovelhead barhopper/chopper simply to play on. In my opinion the final "truly" Harley used to be the Shovelhead. The Evo, Twincam, Vrod motorcycles et al are extra like a Jap Twin than a Harley. I experience them since they provide me substantial pride and a visceral exitement that you just cannot get on another laptop. An historic British Twin comes near however another motorbike is like driving a toaster or a microwave. Sure, they are going to haul your butt round and probably cross truly rapid however so will a vehicle or a coach. Don't get me began on shopping a Harley to "have compatibility in" with a few percieved social organization, that's simply unhappy.

Answer 9

While you are convinced that you are able to handle the V-Rod, as a beginner, you are much more likely to drop it than you would after a few months of training, the costs of repair and replacement can be painful, it makes a great deal of sense to learn on a smaller, lighter bike then move up to your dream bike.

Personally I have always found the compromise in design that shrouds the liquid-cooling unsatisfactory and clearly driven by brand-conscious marketing types, it's either a liquid-cooled engine or it isn't, the radiator doesn't need to be hidden. Seen from the side it looks okay, seen from the front it is clumsy and heavy in appearance.

Answer 10

Why would you want a vrod anyway? I love my sportster 1200 and I am also a female. Mine is black, because that's what I like. Get whatever color that you like and be careful and always wear a helmet.

Answer 11

Black or silver? I say choose what you like best, but are you aware that harley offers custom paint for the v-rod? they have several alternate custom limited paint schemes to choose from. just a heads up, but check them out before deciding. they will cost a little extra, but you might come up with the ultimate bike of your dreams!