Hogs for beginners

[TerryB]

I will be getting my first bike soon, probably a GN250. Within a year or so I would love to own a Harley 1200 Sportster. My question is am I being too ambitious? Is a 1200cc Harley too much of a progression from a 250cc Suzuki. I am not even sure how different a 1200 would feel let alone being on a bike that is a lot heavier.

If you are about to ask me why a Harley, its because of the look and sound of them. They are also great to sit on (in the showroom)

[nodrog:Me]

I will be getting my first bike soon, probably a GN250. Within a year or so I would love to own a Harley 1200 Sportster. My question is am I being too ambitious? Is a 1200cc Harley too much of a progression from a 250cc Suzuki. I am not even sure how different a 1200 would feel let alone being on a bike that is a lot heavier.

If you are about to ask me why a Harley, its because of the look and sound of them. They are also great to sit on (in the showroom)

keep the GN, you will be disapointed with the drop in horsepower when you upgrade to the sporty.

[skelstar]

Welcome to KB... there have been far bigger leaps in performance than the one from GN-1200 Sportster. Forget the stick you get from anti-GN250/Harley people and good luck!

[Headbanger]

Ask yourself if your ready when the time comes, then decide.

I'd say go for it, But I have been rising since I was 7 so it was no big deal for me, Just jump on and hang on.

As a bonus, You can ignore tossers on Jap bikes out on the road, Infuriates them.

[jrandom]

Nothing wrong with Sporties and HDs in general, if that's what floats your boat then go for it.

And, yes, by reputation, an 883 or 1200 is not a particularly powerful or unforgiving machine to ride. It'd be an easy upgrade from a learner 250.

Still, don't form too many preconceptions. Do your time on your learner bike and then get as much saddle time as you can in as many different bikes as possible before you plonk down your cash on your first 'proper' motorcycle. You might be surprised at where your tastes end up leading you.

[EJK]

Harleys are great!

In wikihow, theres a page of "How to ride a Harley" (not related to any skills or anything). It won't help you maybe... lol

[scumdog]

Go for the 1200 - very agricultural and simple to ride and enough torque below 3,000rpm to rip the skin off'n a rhino.

Just check that the one you want is not some clapped-out 883 fitted with a 1200 kit, they tend not to stay together as a good running low-ish km 1200 or 883 that was 1200 kitted early in its life.

[HenryDorsetCase]

keep the GN, you will be disapointed with the drop in horsepower when you upgrade to the sporty.

LOL.... that actually was funny....

[1200custom]

I will be getting my first bike soon, probably a GN250. Within a year or so I would love to own a Harley 1200 Sportster. My question is am I being too ambitious? Is a 1200cc Harley too much of a progression from a 250cc Suzuki. I am not even sure how different a 1200 would feel let alone being on a bike that is a lot heavier.

If you are about to ask me why a Harley, its because of the look and sound of them. They are also great to sit on (in the showroom)

hi, i went from a gv250 hyosung to a HD 05 1200 custom, got use to it real fast, the only majors that i had to get use to was the weight (about a 100kg diff) and the lower revs.

go for it, you wont be dissapointed

[outlawtorn]

most people make a big jump from a 250 to a 800+ sized engine (except for some sportiy bike types), it won't be a problem for you, you'll enjoy the extra HP and will soon gain enough confidence on a bigger bike, all in good time......welcome to KB

[Toaster]

Well, if the bikes look etc makes you smile, and if the bike fits you well physically and feels comfortable for you, then go for it.

I expect to see you at the cruiser rides!!

[TerryB]

Thanks everyone for your pearls of wisdom. I can't wait to get started. I started out on a Vespa. I loved it, so time to move up to a real bike. I'm 34 and 5'8". I felt the other Harleys were a bit big for me. Can't wait to join the cruises as well.

[HTFU]

Once you have ridden for a year you will probably change your mind anyway. Will be interesting to see what you are riding a year from now, once purchase cost, petrol prices and women are all taken into account.

Power of the bike won't be a problem from my vast experience unless you are a nutter with straight line speed. Until then enjoy that GN .

[Tank]

As someone said above - do your time on the GN250 - it gives you time to research, and pour over website reviews.

I was in the EXACT same spot no long ago - GN250 looking for the 1200. I read a lot of the reviews from the US - and in the end I ended up buying a Suzuki M50 (I love it BTW). 6 months ago I would have never thought I would end up there.

As you are looking for a cruiser - most of them are fairly easy to get used to and in fact even tho' my bike is a lot bigger I actually find it considerably easier to ride.

Take your time - read lots and dont listen to fanbois and HD haters - just go with what floats 'your' boat.

[PuppetMaster]

Go for the 1200 - very agricultural and simple to ride and enough torque below 3,000rpm to rip the skin off'n a rhino.

Im going to hijack the thread.
I havent ridden a sportster. But i would give serious thought to owning one, given that I cant convince the missus on spending 20k+ for a fatboy.
But I have concerns.
What about important stuff like lane-splitting on a Sporty ?
The width wouldnt be an issue, but would the power, or lack of, compared to a 600+ jappa ?
( I should probably goand have a ride on one)