I need suggestions for a good "starter" bike....help?

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blh0118

New member
I plan on getting a Harley by December this year, and it will be my first bike. I'm looking for used, since I know it'll probably get dropped at least once, and won't spend more than $8000. I'm a short girl, about 5'4'', weigh about 115-125, so I need something that will "fit"..... I REALLY want a Harley Davidson Sportster 883. Anyone have any suggestions for a good starter bike for me (hopefully keeping it in the Harley family), or any idea if the Sportster 883 would be too "big" for me (and I'm not talking about the power, that I can handle. Mainly the wieght/height issue, handling, etc.)... Thanks for the help/advice! :)
I've wanted a Harley my entire life, and am finally saving to get one. I mean, I'm small, but I'm strong for my size. My ex's Mom has a soft tail and her friend has a fatboy (both girls are only a little bigger than me, mainly in height). Oh, and I hate crotch rockets... :)
Yeah, I may as well be new to riding. I've only ridden a couple times, and did fine, really. But still basically new. :/
I may end up going with the Honda Rebel. Thank you for the suggestions! Oh, and are there any bikes I should definately stay clear from?
Yeah, after talking to my parents (both ex-bikers), they suggested I get something a little bigger than the rebel. It's only a 238, and the bike I rode before was a 400. So, I'm thinking maybe somewhere between a 400 and a 650 (though my dad keeps trying to convince me to get a 800 or 1200....he just wants to ride it haha). I need something that can really get out of its way, since I do plan on taking it on the freeway at least once a week, plus quick road trips to visit family a state away. I was suggested a Shadow? But I'm not so sure. The more I think about it, the more I really want a Sportster. :)
 
Get the 883 Sportster. You know you want one, and life's too short to waste a year on a bike you don't want just in case you drop it. The 883 is a great little bike, easy power delivery and not too big to be overwhelming.

When I said "great little bike" it's not meant to sound patronising. It's a great bike, and a manageable size.
 
get a honda rebel...if you get the older ones they are really cheap...i have one cuz i just started riding in april..they are light and can only go about 80..im also 145lbs...my little sister is 12 (about 100lbs) and she can hold it up..she is also only like 5'2"...a honda rebel is a good bike to start out with
 
the most important factor is whether your an experienced rider, or have never rode. sounds like you've never ridden before. This being said you want to make the smallest possible investment. The reason being most riders have their first accidents within the first year. It's a lot cheaper to drop a few hundred dollar bike than a few thousand dollar bike.

So I would go on craigs list get a small cruiser to practice on. Something in the 250 - 400cc range. I'm also a strong advocate of the MSF class if your new to riding. once you've gotten teh hang of it go out and buy your dream bike.
 
The Honda would probably be better to start out on. Once you feel confident go for the Harley. I had a Harley Sportster Sport 1200 and I'm a giant 5'1". I did have to have a lowering kit fitted but the weight of the bike was no problem. If you do buy second hand try to get a late model with EFI, mine had a carburettor and was reluctant to start during winter. You should consider new, Sportsters are comparitevly cheap and you get full factory backup. This also allows you to personalise the bike yourself (an accessory book about 2" thick is available ). The 1200 would probably be better value as the weight and price difference between it and the 883 is negligible. The 1200 is more powerful with similar weight and the resale is better. What ever you decide, just get out there and have some fun. Good Luck
 
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