New Harley owner - any suggestions welcome

[TomGolden]

Howdy all,



After thinking "someday... " for the last 20 years, I finally broke down and took the big plunge. Last Friday I went to the local Harley dealer with a buddy, and I picked out a shniy new 2004 Sportster 1200 Custom in black & blue paint.



This is my first ever motorcycle, and I have never ridden before. My buddy is going to teach me how to ride (he has a 2001 Fat Boy), and help teach me about the bike. I have a [full face] helmet and a nylon H-D riding jacket with elbow and shoulder "armor", as well as a pair of light weight gloves. I am going to use a couple pair of my hunting boots for now, may get some actual riding boots later this summer.



I naturally didn't bring it home stock, it is having some minor carburetor work done, as well as high flow air cleaner, new pipes and braided stainless steel brake/throttle/clutch cables being installed, so I will bring it home sometime around April 1st.



Anyway, other than bragging a little I would appreciate any little pieces of advice that you more experienced folks might feel like passing my way. I don't care what brand you ride, I'd appreciate any general riding tips, clothing tips, what sort of tools/parts/things to carry with the bike, and of course anything specific to Harleys and Sportys in general.



I will put up some pictures in my readers rigs section when I get the beast home.



Thanks all.



Tom - Happy Hog Owner

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'd highly recommend attending some kind of MSF rider training course. They have a structured way of teaching you the survival skills you WILL need. Riding a bike is all about defensive riding skills. Predicting what the vehicles around you are about to do, ALWAYS having an escape route pre-planned, etc. They have a structured way of teaching you that stuff. I have well over 100,000 miles riding on the street and I used to road race bikes and I personally would not teach a friend or family member to ride. I just don't have a set course to teach all the skills necessary and would be afraid I'd miss something - JMHO. As far as gear I won't get on a bike unless I am wearing at a minimum a full face helmet, leather riding jacket with armor, full riding gloves (I use kevlar gloves) and boots that go over the ankle.



Pics of my baby - http://my.voyager.net/stevest/zrxpics . 11 days until I can ride (my spine surgeon gave me the ok to ride April 1 ) and it can't get hear soon enough!!

 

[GFritsch]

Do yourself a huge favor and take a motorcyle safety course. I know it takes some sucking up of pride, but it could save your life. Some insurance companies give a break too.



Enjoy your bike!!!!







2002 Road King Classic

 

[XJSuperman]

I 3rd the motor cycle safety course. My wife and I both took it here in FLorida about 3 years ago. . and it was terrific. Neither one of us had ever ridden (driven) a motorcycle. . and now we both ride several times a week. . to work and for fun.



ANyone who can and will help you will have different styles and such and I think that;s a good idea too... helps you get ideas and then get your own riding habits down. BUT for a 1st timer... the course is still the best bet.

I just rode a friends (1st timer himself) 1200 sportster home for him last week... nice bikes!!





mine 1700 yamaha roadstar

hers 650 yamaha v-star

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

Definitely take the Motorcycle Safety Course. Then, enjoy the ride. The 1200 Custom is a nice bike. After they get done tweaking it for you, it will be a really fun ride. You might want to consider an aftermarket seat for it, though. The stock ones hurt after about an hour of riding.



Jim

 

[fkovalski]

Might I suggest joining your local ABATE chapter. Not only do they fight for your freedom to choose, but they also keep an eye on government entities who want to limit your ability to BOMB your bike. They are "new rider" friendly open to all makes and models. A lot of info can be had through them. Contacts can also be made as to local safety courses that others have recommended. Ride Free, Ride Safe.



Frank J Kovalski

ABATE district 14

Summit Co. CO



"Let Those Who Ride Decide"

 

[catoiler]

Biggest thing to rember,WATCH OUT FOR STUPID PEOPLE IN CARS!!They don't always see bikes.

 

[Moterhead]

I'll jump in here and add my voice to the masses telling you to take the MSF class. Or, better yet, take the Rider's Edge class offered by most large Harley dealers. Rider's Edge is taugt a lot like the MSF classes, but MUCHO smaller class size. Like 3 or 4 students per instructor. And they use new Buell Blasts. In some areas, the MSF class bikes are just crap!!! Worn out dual sport bikes that were donated. I've been riding since 1958 and won't teach anyone, including my new wife how to ride. Knowing how to ride and knowing how to teach riding are two ENTIRELY different skills. If you want to stay friends with your friend, DON'T let him try to teach you how to ride!



Someone mentioned joining ABATE. Do that if you like, but FYI, ABATE is a PAC. In most areas, their sole subject of interest is fighting helmet laws. JOIBO. BTW, I'm a member. (Pro ABATE guys, feel free to flame away, but I won't be responding to them. ) I suggest joining your local HOG chapter as well as AMA. Yeah, you can be dues poor, but all are great orgs with specific interests. As far as modding your bike, I suggest looking at lots of bikes like your own before starting to spend money. We've all seen bikes that were just a hodge podge. A little of this and a little of that. The key to making a bike look good is to pick a theme and follow it.

 

[Jeff Clark]

If you have a wife or girlfriend (or both) that you plan on having ride with you, have her take the class as well. Even if she has no intentions of driving herself, only riding, the class will help her be a better passenger.

 

[JSmith]

PLEASE, take the Motorcycle Safety Course, please.

 

[Rman]

seat time means a lot. I don't road ride much but do desert race and moto, and just plain old sand dunin on my dirtbikes. I may give a couple pointers around the fire, but never try to teach anyone anything, seat time is what teaches you. As for riding on the road, i do enough stupid stuff off road, i'd get myself killed on the highways.



I'm with everyone else on the classes, formal instruction when a beginner is crucial. Still, nothing teaches you like seat time, get ridin, be safe and have fun!

 

[RustyJC]

I've been riding 48 of my 56 years, but I've been off bikes for a few years. Believe me, I would seriously consider taking a refresher course myself just to get the right mindset if/when I get the Yoshimura-equipped CB750K1 in the garage restored or buy another bike.



Rusty

 

[TomGolden]

Thanks all. My neighbor also suggested the MSF safety course. I just signed up for the course for early May. I finished all the paperwork up yesterday, looks like I will get to bring him home on or close to April 1st. Since my birthday is April 4th, that will be a sweet birthday present

 

[NVR FNSH]

Glad to hear your taking the MSF course. Hopefully they'll provide a bike since you wouldn't want to drop yours.



It wouldn't be cool on a H-D but I have an Aerostitch 1pc suit and it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.



Keep the pipes to a reasonable noise level and you'll make lots of non-riders happy. I'm not a believer in loud pipes saves lives.



Brian

 

[outlawram]

i agree with the course. And always look out for the other guy! The punks in their ricers changing lanes without looking are a real pain in the ass. The best experience will be getting out on the highway and take a nice ride and get the feel for the corners.

I ride a 2002 screamin eagle roadking. purple with silver flames.

Buddy rides 1200 custom and after a cam and different carb, and pipes he can almost catch me, so you will be more than happy with that for your first bike.