First Time Buyer

[gbourzikas]

Hi! Wanted to solicit everyones feedback on this topic.

I am looking to purchase a new motorcycle. This will be the first bike i have ever purchased and wanted some direction from you. I am 6'2 245 lbs, 33 years old and in good shape. I just finished a custom motorcycle training class that was 10 hours of 1x1 training and recently got my license. Also, i spent some time on bikes growing up.

I plan on, once i get comfortable riding, having my girl ride on back, along with having her and i take a class on riding together too. I would like a bike to go around town but would like to go on smaller road trips (a couple hundred miles)

As for Bikes I am looking at, I don't really want to spend more than 15k and can buy new or used. I have been looking at the following bikes:

06/07 Harley Softail Deuce
06/07 Big Dog Mastiff
06/07 Big Dog Bulldog
07 Saxon Firestorm
07 American Ironhorse Outlaw
07 American Ironhorse Slammer

I like the pro street styling the best but i am open to a lot of things. I would like something reliable and would dab to fix small things (major work at the shop). I have even considered buying a Yamaha and having someone liked Wiked Custom Cycles helping me build t out. However, i am a new rider and maybe i should buy a cheap bike for the first year.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

G

 

[KnotSo]

I love my mastiff and have a HD and a Buell for sale.
I ride double and 700+ miles a day in comfort.

Welcome aboard and let us see pics of you both on the ZBig Dog when ya finally make the best choice.:flag:

AIH is out of business.

Great intro by the way:2thumbs:

 

[Eric]

welcome.. I'd say it depends on your riding skills.. the big dogs arnt hard to ride but do require a little maintaince... it helps to get a manual & learn how to do most stuff yourself.. I had never rode a chopper style bike eather when I got my dog.. always had HDs I had no problem with it.. made 1 left & 1 right turn & I was good to go.. each person may differ... I think each bike no matter what mfg rides alittle different than another,, good luck with your choice.. maybe go to a HD dealer & test ride some... then try a good bdm dealer

 

[hollywoodjohnny]

Can't go wrong with a Mastiff

you should think about doing an INTRO in the "Introduction" forum you will get alot more help that way :2thumbs:



Harley Rocker ?????

 

[gbourzikas]

I really like the Big Dogs. Do you know if there are years to avoid? Is an 07 better than an 06 for the bulldogs or mastiffs? What about the 08 mutts?

 

[Brew]

I agree, suggest you go to the nearest dealers and have a test ride. That would be the best way to decide which one fits your comfort and style. By the way, welcome from Washington State...

 

[Stick]

Personally I'd say a Mastiff, or Bulldog...No K-9 or Ridgeback until you get more expierence. The price is going to limit you to about a 4 to 5 years old bike with a few miles. Which means most of the bugs should have been worked out. Also means it may need new tires, which will set you back close to 800 bucks with labor for wide tire bikes...good luck, good riding, and keep the chrome side up:flag:

 

[OrangeSkullz]

...........get the H-D

 

[O-man]

You won't get the same looks on an H-D, but they do handle a little better than a Dog. (my :zz2cents

 

[Bmarchant]

...........get the H-D

BORING...ZZZzzzzz....... No offence, but its like O-man said...."You won't get the same looks on an H-D, but they do handle a little better than a Dog.

My 2003 chopper is a blast to ride, and I enjoy the way it handles.

As long as you realize its not a, put gas in the tank and ride it without tinkering with it bike, you'll be fine. Treat it like a hot rod (because it is) and enjoy it. Nothing will put a smile on your face like a Big Dog.

 

[1BADK9]

Welcome, This is what I did. I grew up on dirt bikes, three-wheelers and quads, then several years ago I started getting the itch for a street bike. I spent $400.00 on a old Suzuki GS1100. I didn't want to spend a lot to get into the sport to "test the waters" so to speak. I fixed it up a bit as I rode it (tires, stereo, seat cover) Well I promised myself that if I rode and enjoyed my cheap bike I would someday get a nice bike. I have ridden the ole "brown couch" for 5 years now and rewarded myself with a brand new 07 K9 Limited Editon last summer. I think an inexpensive learner bike is a smart way to learn the sport and make mistakes on. BEST of LUCK whatever you do!