Thinking about buying a Harley-Davison V-Rod Muscle

[Cigary43]

Would you guys suggest staying away from Harley as a first bike?

If you have a good knowledge of Harleys and how to work on them I'd say go for it as they hold their value far better than most bikes. Conversely, if you are just a regular guy who does your own light maintenance and not really into the nutts and bolts then I'd go with Honda as I have had these bikes for over 40 years and they run and run and run. Mine is 8 years old and runs like brand new with just minor things like oil, tires, battery and stuff I do on my own. I have friends who I ride with who have Harleys who for one reason or another miss half the rides because they are "working" on them. I bought mine to ride not to work on. For those how are Harley owners, please no tomatos or rock as I like Harley bikes,,,just can't afford them and the maintenance.

 

[Volusianator]

Here's my commuter ... Suk C109R (VLR1800). The Corbin bags were EXTRA.

Love that bike, love the Beetle bags!

 

[sportsmedjosh]

I've replaced control arms, bushings, belts, etc. on cars.

 

[threebean]

Are we talking first bike ever, or first bike after a long break? If it's the former, then I'd recommend a good used rice burner (honda, yamaha, etc), in the 750 cc range. Not too heavy or expensive to repair if you have a minor mishap.

Nothing wrong with Harley's, you do get the name cache, just thinking practical. Of course, you have to be happy with the bike, and if you're dreamin' about an HD, then that's what you ought to get, just not a big one for a first bike.

 

[sportsmedjosh]

First bike ever, my roommate has a scooter with no brakes, actually it has braked but no brake handles you have to pull the cord manually.

 

[dartfrog]

If this is your first bike you should put aside emotions and the coolness factor and get 600 or 750cc, hell even a 250 Ninja is a great starter bike. Then get enrolled in a MSF course.
I say this not only because you do not want to bin a bike that will run in excess of $10k but mainly to keep you alive. A bike can be replaced not you.
You need to gather street smarts a respect for the mental connection between brain and throttle and most important a 6th sense to stay alive out there.
Then look for some good gear, full face helmet, gloves, boots and a decent armored textile jacket, vented for the summer and zip in liner for cool and wet days.
Most important too, wear it all the time (ATGATT). It will save your ass and skin. Sweat cleans up easier then blood.
Hate to preach but I've been doing this for a long time and lost friends and also seen those get up and walk away because of the gear they were wearing.

Good luck and ride safe.

 

[smokem94]

Would you guys suggest staying away from Harley as a first bike?

My first bike is a Harley....2009 Custom Street Glide with 110 motor, Dyna tuned Screaming Eagle. I'm glad I didn't start off slower, smaller, etc.!!! Pics are on my profile.

 

[sportsmedjosh]

I talked to my gf's dad yesterday at a family gathering about bikes for a while he suggested I stayed away from something super small. I decided to post pone my bike purchase for another couple of months for me to do some more research and might wait until it starts getting warmer.

 

[Cigary43]

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2009_Motorcycles/2009_Motorcycles.jsp#/model/xl883c

This one might be up your alley as cost is pretty good, overall weight is easy to handle and you get the looks and sound of Harley. This bike isn't too small and will give you what you want and once you are comfortable with it and have the confidence for a bigger bike you can either trade it in or sell it and still get a good price.