The short answer is: No. No it's not a bad idea to buy a Harley, no matter what age you are (IMHO of course).
Over the years working for FX Caprara Harley-Davidson (and other H-D Dealerships) I've heard the term "geezer glide" when younger generations refer to Harley motorcycles.
Or how they can't even think of owning a Harley because they're sssooo expensive.
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| Put yourself here.... |
Still, they stare at our bikes with that dreamy look in their eyes.
I tell them they can through a leg over and sit on the bike they're drooling over, and when they do, I hear "Oh, this is nice!"
Growing up in Northern California, Harley-Davidson motorcycles were everywhere. Relatives, friends and then co-workers all had them and I thought to myself that they must have been rich.
But once I graduated college I realized that all my "Harley Relations" had just made the feeling of being free (the feeling we all get from riding) a priority in their lives.
Let me see if I can elaborate on what it's like to ride:
When I'm riding my motorcycle, and it sounds cliche to say this, but I really am FREE...
I am at one with my universe and everything else (stress, troubles & worries) just melt away.
I am flying without having to grow wings.
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| We believe you can fly too.... |
I am alive with every fiber of my being.
So, how do you know if owning a Harley is your priority? Two questions to help you decide:
- First, there's the cold math of if you've got the money. But luckily you can often find "Previously Enjoyed" Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for under $10K. And sometimes dealers have "No Money Down, No Payments for 90 Days" finance deals (like this one).
- Then there's the emotional side: You should want to travel and have fun.
Ready to go on?
Now that you realize you want to live life on two wheels, there are some things to consider:
- Motorcycling is a sport that requires focus, mental dexterity and agility. If you're wanting to ride to impress others or race the other guy to the next stop light, then you're in it for the wrong reasons. As long as you keep your ego in check and understand how and where a motorcycle operates, you will lower the chance of being "young & dumb."
- The best way to get the "M" endorsement on your license is to take the Basic Riders Course through a MSF Certified School. You'll learn things you didn't even know you needed to know, you'll be better behind the wheel of your car, you'll lower your insurance rates, and (as long as you pass) you won't have to re-test at the DMV.
- Gear to Stay: Having the proper riding gear can make or break
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| Full Gear, not Fool's Gear |
you -literally. DOT Helmet, over-the-ankle boots, jeans and a nylon jacket are all highly recommended. If you don't have the gear already, factor this in on Step 1 above.
Next comes finding the right first bike.
If you know anyone who rides, you can ask them to help you..... as long as they're not a snob about it, you'll be fine.
And of course, there's always Google...
When it comes to your first love on two wheels, I suggest remembering:
- Size matters: you should be able to pick the bike up off its kick stand and sit comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are great in this regard because they can be made to fit you: change the seat and lowering the shocks can get you closer to the ground; or if you need to stretch out, extended controls and changing out the seat will allow that to happen.
- No PDQ about it: Motorcycles will give you the most bang for
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| V-Rod Muscle |
your buck performance wise- but your first bike doesn't necessarily need to have 125 hp right out of the box (like the V-Rod Muscle). Start with a Street 750 until you get a couple thousand miles under your belt, then upgrade. If your riding friends quip about how bored you're going to be with a smaller motor, ignore them. This is about you. (Remember what I said about ego?)
- Money is no object: So you've got Step 1 covered and wish to buy the bike of your dreams before that "M" is dry on your license. You do realize that your first bike is going to be dropped & stalled more times than you'll admit to anyone, right? Learn to ride first, decide the type of riding you prefer (long distance, around town, all the above), put those miles on, then get the bike of your reality.
- Feeling the Age: Your clothes -vintage. You frequent antique
shops and estate sales. And your friends frequently describe you as being an "old soul." So you might be thinking of going kickstart shovelhead for your first Harley. I implore you to think again. Yes, old school is great, but older motorcycles are prone to mechanical failure, parts are hard to find, and you're not a mechanic by trade. You want to be riding, not wrenching. Then see how much motorcycle technology has advanced in the past 10 years alone: electric start, fuel injection, ABS, rider aids are all there for a fun and safer ride than your grand-dad had. You'll want to get a modern, reliable bike from a trusted H-D Dealership.
So to recap: it is a great idea to own a Harley. Sure ownership comes with responsibility- you should be able to afford it and take care of your motorcycle with routine maintenance.
Just remember the rewards that also come along with Harley ownership are sssoooo worth every penny.
Among which are a life worth living,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
