Advice on Harley riding - which is best for entry level riding ?

Question

On holiday this year I want to experience something different and am thinking of hiring a Harley for a couple of days. I'll be in Florida and might put the wife on the back and go for a couple of days max - total journey no more than 300-400 miles. However, I have no experience of this kind of bike. I haven't ridden a bike for about 15 years, which was a lower powered standard road bike. What I need is advice on (a) how tough they are to ride and (b) which machine I should choose for ease of riding given the option. Any advice for what sort of bike to go for, and what to expect with a Harley would be greatly welcome.....

Answer 1

The answer is the same as last month,

sporty to start.

Answer 2

A Harley does what any bike does, just slower and less well. You can be scraping the floorboards/pegs on a Harley on the smallest of corners. It weighs a LOT.

Rent a Japanese cruiser, it will preform better, and will be easier on you.

Answer 3

the sportster is the smallest and lightest model, so probably best for you this time around.

they are all easy enough to ride, but for a smaller guy like me the bigger ones can be bloody heavy when not in motion.

and the sidestand on them will freak you out at first.. but it does work!

Answer 4

If you haven't ridden a bike for 15 years, I'd be very, very reluctant to start again with a passenger on the back.  I was a reentry rider as well, getting a bike again at age 30 after riding a lot when I was 12-18, and then only sporadically for the next 12 years.  I purposely stayed away from giving passengers rides for the first thousand miles or so.

If you're dead-set on renting a bike, you won't get into too much trouble on a rental harley.  They won't be too radical in their power delivery, although they'll tend to be heavier than you might expect, as in 700-800 lbs.  You won't notice at all while underway, though bikes that heavy can become a handful at low speed.

I really encourage you and your wife to wear appropriate gear, too, and hydrate.  If I were riding in Florida anytime between now and September, I'd make it a priority to bring a camelbak (hydration bladder) with me, and to use it a lot.  

Good luck, and ride safe.

Answer 5

I read somewhere that half of all buyers of new Harleys are newbies, or coming back to biking after many years (raising kids, no doubt).  I couldn't believe that newbies would want such a big, heavy bike.

But then a friend of mine was interested in getting a Harley so, on my recommendation, we rented one for a day.  She wanted the top of the line, a Heritage Softail.  But she wasn't sure she'd even be able to handle it!

It was the sweetest, easiest bike to ride!  I am not a cruiser person, but ten minutes on the beast taught me all I needed to know about the Harley style of riding.  It is laid-back, non aggressive, relaxed.  The bike was a cinch to handle in the city despite its 700 lb weight and intimidating bulk!  Just SITTING on the bike is a little scary, but the minute you pull away from the curb you get a big silly grin on your face!

The engine is big (1500cc, I think, which sounds outrageous!) but it is not a particularly -fast- bike.  It will cruise all day at 70-80 mph, and at that speed it's like sitting in a reclining chair in your living room.  The low seat makes it easy to get on and off, easy to back up, easy to park.  I was amazed!  ANYONE could ride this thing!

So anyway if you have a MC license, I wouldn't worry.  A Dyna or a Softail, either one should be well within your capabilities.  The Softail is bigger and probably more comfortable for two-up.

Answer 6

Sportster is too small for two long distance

Dyna glide or softtail would be better

Harleys are slow, have poor brakes and dont handle well at low speeds.

Once you get on the highway, they work fine.

I

Answer 7

I went back to biking after a long period away back in the early 90's and before that I was on a Norton so that should tell you something.

I Returned with a 1500 Goldwing and it was a bit scary and I have had another 2 since. In 2004 I changed to a Harley Roadking and couldn't believe how much easier it was then the Wings.  I now have an Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic Electraglide and that is easier still

Now like many before me have said why not hire one for a day or two here to get the feel of it and if you would be comfortable to take the wife on the back.  Either brass it out and tell the dealer that you ARE used to heavy bikes or tell them that it's been a while and see if they will give you a sportster 1200 or so for a couple of hours before going up to the big twins.  Try convincing them that you are interested in getting one.  They might be a bit more helpful if a sale looks possible

The only advice I will give is that the big twins are heavy when stationary and slow moving but fine when up and on the road so be aware of the physical weight

I have loved all my heavier bikes but the Ultra is something else and I ride it much more confidently than anything else I have owned

Good luck with the hire and the holiday and I do hope the wife enjoys it as well.  Wish I could get mine to even try going on the back but alas NO !!

Either way what ever you decide please take it very easy and keep safe above all

Answer 8

Sir,   did you listen to yourself when you said you only ridden a lower powered standard bike and haven't rode in the last 15 years yet you want to rent out a Harley, put the wife on the back and go for a 400 mile journey with a bike you have no experience on?

Before you do anything, if you absolutey are set on riding a Harley, rent out a HD Sportster 883 for a day to refresh your skills before you attempt to do any trips anyhwere with your wife.  The Sportster is as about as entry level as you can get with a Harley, but they are somewhat top heavy.

Is your motorcycle license even still valid since you haven't rode for 15 years  or does it automatically renew every year?

Answer 9

I live in central florida near dismey

stormy hill harley have the best rental rates for a harley , stay away from orlando harley they are a rip off for the turist ! any other questions about florida e mail me ....... sid

Answer 10

Why don't you arrange a test ride,with your local Harley dealer?