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Submitted by: Bridgett

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I think this is a tough question to answer. Each person is different. I took the MSF first, and had fun on the smaller bikes they have in the class. I wasn't really convinced riding my own was for me, so I didn't want to spend a fortune on a bike only to find out I wanted to stay on the back of my hubby's bike. AND to make matters worse, I am a Harley lover. All my bike gear was Harley gear...How could I ride anything else? LOL. I found a GREAT deal on a like new 883 Sportster, pd #3,500. Had 1,200 miles. It fit me like a glove. I have had it less than a year and just bought another Sportster, a 1200L. I wanted more power and so yes, I did end up just like the salesman told me, "you will want a bigger bike within a yr". But that's ok, someone can buy my Betty (that's her name, my new bike is Grace), look really cool! (she is pretty) have a great time! and won't cost an arm and a leg. An 883 I think is a great size motor, the bike sits very low (it is a standard XL with solo seat) and I had no problem taking off my first day in the parking lot. You can get 883's all day long on Craigslist, and I think Harley's hold their value better than most. Sit on different bikes, if you can, ride some different size ones and you will just know what's right for you.

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Submitted by: Michelle

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I started my very first ride with a Harley 1200 in a parking lot and gradually went on the rode. Learning on the bike bike was not easy. Especially in slow riding. ie parking lots. I stopped and dropped a few times. When I took my safety course they put me on a Rebel 250 and I felt pretty confident with that. But when I rode my Harley again, it felt better that anything. I thought about getting the Rebel for a learning thing and sell my Harley but I test rode one and it was like a toy. I couldn't keep up on the highway. I still have my Harley and glad I kept it.

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Submitted by: Cathy G

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Hi Karla, Do you ride cruisers or street bikes? I ride a street bike (Ducati Monster 695) so my advice might not transfer perfectly for a cruiser. However, let me tell you my experiences as a beginner. I had just learned to ride and I bought a Ninja 250. I did outgrow it within a year, although it was a great commuter bike and could easily get me around (even the freeways). I am a smaller person (115 lbs) and that could have been a factor. I am still very glad that I started with a 250cc because of a few times where I DEFINITELY would have ended up in the ditch if I had a larger engine size. I was still getting used to the "friction zone" and I was making a left turn out of a driveway. I used way too much throttle and came close to going in the ditch but didn't. I remember driving on and thinking, boy am I glad my bike is small. Also, smaller engine sizes means more shifting up and down, which equates to more experience in using the friction zone and getting good throttle control. But, if you can't afford to switch to another bike, I would start off with a 650cc as a good compromise. Spend time in parking lots getting used to your throttle and friction zone, though. Another thing you can do is find a cheap smaller bike that is used and if you take really good care of it, you may be able to resell with little money loss- you'd then be in a decent position to get yourself a bigger bike. Please post again and let us know what you ended up purchasing! Cathy

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Submitted by: Bonnie

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I started on a HD 883 Sportster, it was small enough for a beginner, yet peppy enough to keep up with the big boys. Then after a year and a half and 10,000 miles later, I graduated to a HD Dyna Super Glide. I loved the bigger engine, the comfy seat and I put over 20,000 miles on it. After 2 years on that, I am now cruisin' on my Dream Bike, a 2009 HD Road King! Ladies..Im a big girl and this is definitely a big girls bike. It's a heavy bike and where I live, it's windy all the time, so it handles well in gusty and sustained winds. Cruisin' thru sweeping curves is effortless. So I highly recommend starting off small and graduating up as your experience and confidence builds. Ride Safe!

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