I've been accused of having a mid life crisis because I want to buy a bike. Maybe I am. But I'm going to do it anyway. I want to go away on the weekends, so something that can carry a passenger  (if the missus eventially comes around to the idea) and some bags . I think the Road King is best for this? Would I be able to get my license using a tour bike? 

no

 

First bike a Harley? Mate, if you're not a Rider then seriously consider learning on something else. Good onya for wanting to chase a dream or goal or whatever but a Harley is not a good 'beginners' bike.

 

 

 and don't put your missus on the back, no matter what you end up getting.

 

Philthy

If he has never ridden he won't have any expectations on what a bike should be like...EG...handling,braking etc..So unlike most of us that jumped ont a harley expecting it to stop and handle like our previous bikes he won't know the difference and may be ok....Personally I wouldn't do it but each to there own....

 

 

Good points raised by Sparra.

 

 

 

 

If he wants a HD what about something smaller like a 883 or a 48! Smaller, but still a HD if that is is dream!!

What Half said..........................

When I got my P's a few years back, a couple of the blokes had Husky's and they absolutely blitzed the course because of their ability to maneuver around with minimal fuss.

Highly recommend getting a Harley, Road Kings are like the mobile homes of motorcycles (apologies if I offend anyone that owns one)..................big fucking bikes though!! If it is a first bike, get something smaller and if it aint a Sporty get a Dyna or something in that space.

I understood that when you were 30+ (NSW) you weren't required to do the x 3 years that the younger guys get stung with. Dont quote me, recommend checking your local RTA, but I think you can do the L's part, the P's part a few days later and wrap the whole thing up in weeks? Can be certain sorry mate!!

Well if he lives in the ACT there are quite a few Harleys that are Learner Legal.

http://www.rego.act.gov.au/assets/PDFs/Approved%20list%20for%20Learner%20and%20Novice%20Motorcycles.pdf

The advice from Isacc, Filthy and a couple of others is good advice.

I am sure by now you have found out what you have to do and how long it will take to obtain an open class motorcycle licence. I am also sure that 80% of motorcyclist would be only too willing to assist you with advice on how to ride / survive, and maintain your machine.

But keep the dream alive, if your fair dinkum you will get your Road King or simular,

I did.

 

Yeah, that story above. There comes a point (age?) where it's gotta be bad for ya health to balance a half ton Harley... here and now I see myself always having a bike so one day I'll need the three point stabilisers.

I reckon it'll be a sidecar combo for me. A snarly lookin' trike maybe , but I've always LOVED sidecars.

 

I'm 37 and have been riding bikes since I was 13.Own a Fireblade and a Softail,and still reckon I'd be shitting myself on a Road King    hehe

I started out riding trail bikes, falling off, getting back on, falling off again all the time gaining that experience we need. Progressed to smaller road bikes then to my Old "Pride & Joy" a brand new 1977 Kawazaki Z1000. I loved that bike. Still gaining experience. Came off it a couple time (pissed & being stupid). That was many years ago, sold it and was without a bike for a long time, then like many of us, dreaming of owning the ultimate, a Harley.

Well my dream came true a little over 12 months ago and I bought my Fatboy. Riding it after being so long away from bikes was like learning to ride again. I'm taking it easy, still learning. Sometimes I wonder did I do the right thing. I didn't take the missus on the back for quite a while.

But going out and buying a Harley as your 1st bike is a death wish. Learn to ride something smaller, and as someone earlier said, learn on road registered trail bike first. Take it out bush, fall off it, get back on, fall off it again.  A safe way to learn.

I had a mate who used to take his Z900 bush bashing where we used to take our trail bikes.....shit he could ride, but I tell ya, he learnt to ride by pushing the limits and he came off his bike many, many times.

Experience is knowing your limitations.

Experience is the key to riding for a long time. Start small with something you can handle then grow the bikes as you grow. I have had my licence for over twenty years and just bought my first HD this year. I did the last five on a big rice cruiser and now find that the Glide is superior. Remember live to ride, ride to live.

Thanks guys. The advice is really useful. Sounds like I might have to go for something smaller to start off with and work my way up to the road king. Still doing some research and weighing up the options. Really appreciate the feedback.