First Motorcycles - What's the best, worst, and why do people keep saying Sportster???

[@patricksmith1642]

I love it bro. Everybody thinks your rich because you have nice things. No man it’s called work and patience.

[@iammike1196]

I mean he's rich in relation to my financial status haha

[@onlyhereonce7290]

It's taking risks. And working harder and smarter then anyone else. Which I feel he does. Period.

[@HairyMTB]

He must be rich to afford a barber to keep his hair always cut so neat and very very short 🤪 Sometimes lazy people overlook the fact that you have to work your ass off to get the things in life that make you happy, keep the great content coming please Mr Monkey

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Thanks a ton. I really appreciate it. I had a legit conversation with a younger dude the other day and he started to imply that he was a bit jealous. I had to remind him that I was more than a decade older than he was and with time comes experience, a higher income, etc. Sometimes it just takes time!

[@neildewitt2869]

We all start out equal. Life choices make you rich or poor! If you are lucky and get discovered by the right boss you make more money at a job than the guy that didn't get discovered and is a bag boy at Walmart. It's all about choices and luck!

[@kellistevens6370]

The best first bike is one that fits you and that you feel comfortable riding. There is no such thing as the perfect first bike. It varies from person to person. For some it might be a Honda Rebel 300. For others it very well may be the Sportster. I know one rider who chose a Heritage Classic as her first bike. The right one is the one you are going to ride.

[@whiskeythrottle9772]

My MSF instructor here ended our time together by telling everyone we were "now fully qualified to ride a motorcycle....at 10mph in a closed parking lot" and strongly suggested we practice heavily before actually going on the road. I of course immediately rode to work on Monday...cause...good decisions right?

[@jessesdomain444]

Some dudes ride to the msf course

[@stevenbonnesen5988]

My first motorcycle was a 1964 Honda cl250 the first week I had it I blew the engine..bought a engine from a 305 Superhawk built for drag racing it's transmission was locked up so not knowing anything about tearing down or building either engine and without the aid of a motor manual...I tore it down and rebuilt that 305 putting the 250 gears in the 305...now I had a motorcycle that would lift the front wheel with a twist of the throttle...my next bike was fitting as it was a 62 XLCH Sportster that was capable of pegging the old fun meter with 11 second quarters...I even had a 1950 125 Hummer flat tracker...I bought for 20 dollars and it ran to my surprise it hung up on my Dad's shop wall for many years...I also bought out a motorcycle parts store and a motorcycle salvage that purchase brought me a shit ton of British and Japanese motorcycles...I was all into bikes at 5 rode my first flat tracker at 11 or 12... been on 2 ever since....I'm 68 now... As for the hater's fuck'em they most likely don't ride and if they do fuck'em...

[@scottorr5758]

My first bike was a 1988 Yamaha Virago 750 and I thought that was the coolest bike ever! There really is no such thing as a bad first bike. The best bike ever is the one you ride on a regular basis...

[@Blaze_556]

My first bike years ago was a 82 virago 750. Man that thing was fun. I wish I would have kept it

[@scottshimon4327]

You hit the nail on the head. Always knew I wanted a Harley but didn't have any experience. Bought an 04 Shadow 1100, I would rather drop a $3000 bike than a far more expensive Harley. I also knew it may be possible that I just hated riding a motorcycle and it would end up sitting in the garage. Rode that for a few months. Bought a 10 Ultra. Wife started riding the Shadow then bought herself an 06 Heritage. Traded my Ultra for a New Street Glide. Wife didn't believe me when I told her she wouldn't like her Heritage, 88 ci and 5 speed Trans. So shortly she traded it for a New Street Glide since she turned into a speed demon and wants to pass everything on the road. (I wish we would have kept the Heritage just for cruising around town) then I traded for a CVO Street Glide. We started cheap and worked our way up and now we absolutely love riding what we have and hit the road as much as possible. Keep up the good work, love your videos, usually learn something every time I watch.

[@scottymann9778]

Love the first bike “debate”. I used to be a bike salesman and I’ve had this discussion with lots of customers. The best first bike, in my opinion, is the one you can afford that you will get out and ride. For me, it was a 1980 CB750 Custom. Agree with the “should be one you can drop”.

[@rollinggordo9945]

Everyone told me to start with a small bike as my first one. I ended up locking eyes on a Fat Boy Lo and took her home. She was way heavier than expected, but I got comfortable after a few around the block trips and she's still my go to.

[@georgestlouisii106]

Im 44, having surgery on my left hand soon from a injury at work. Been doing research on the bike I want to ride after my hands repaired! Love your videos and channel! I'm listening to your words religiously, thanks for all your great stuff in your videos!!!

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Right on. Good luck with the surgery!

[@HairyMTB]

I just bought a Fat Bob 08 last month with next to no mileage as a first bike since owning a bike at school last about 26 years ago and she has been surprisingly easy to ride, and definitely a good fun ride. Funny how you can be in a parking lot, see a car in the distance make a u turn and come round to chat to you about your bike, and then proceed to show pics of their Fat Bob's 🤣. I did a short 250km ride last weekend and on the return leg I stopped to pick up a small detachable screen. It is amazing how much this reduces buffeting at highway speeds! The decision of the 08 model was based on the fact that the bike is in good condition with low mileage,and as you said if it gets dropped while I am"finding my biking legs" then it won't be as bad as if it was a new bike. I know my next bike will be an HD again, but it may just be a road King....that though is a worry for a few years down the road though, for now the Fat Bob needs riding 👍

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

You or C👀L GOD bless Love from Mississippi

[@ralphsmiley3817]

Yuup, I started on a Sportster. Rode 500 miles one day and the next day I got a Heritage. Good bike. 3 months later I got the Street Glide Special. You're right I should have just went straight to the Street Glide, I love that bike, I won't ride anything else. It does everything I want. 7,000 miles in 1 month last summer.

[@itsadryheat2187]

Road dirt bikes and 3-wheelers for the first half of my life. Took some time off, found a career that I couldn't afford to fall off my bike and not show up for work. I just retired at 63 and met a guy selling a 2014 Harley 72 (sportster 1200v) in show room cond with 1500 miles. Hard candy silver paint, 21' front wheel, this thing turns heads and it's a blast to ride, handles well and since putting on a stage 1 and a tune, its pretty fast. The bonus of it all is I'm having just about as much fun modding it as I am riding it. Maybe a geezer glide is in the future if I start to get the hankering for long rides, but for now this bike makes me smile.

[@theimpromptupodcast2832]

I just got my license yesterday. My dad has been riding for over 20 years and I’m excited to get on the road with him with my shadow 1100.

[@mrzaroc4149]

Nothin like the first time.

[@joezednick3197]

Great trouble free, fun motorcycle,,,,enjoy!

[@mordicus420]

A Shadow can last you a lifetime Ride safe dude 🤘

[@fxrmike5145]

My 17 yo boy has a chopped out shadow 1100. He had a little training on a 250 rebel and is ready to go. He's taking motorcycle training class in a couple weeks.

[@genelung8914]

The best comment you made was "the best beginner bike, is the bike you ride'. I have friends who have bought a bike that they didn't like riding so they never rode. Thankfully I have not been in a situation owning a bike I didn't like riding.

[@Senior-Busa-Rider]

Different strokes for different folks ,it’s all about the ride. My first ride a 37 Indian scout I paid 50 bucks for ! 🦅🇺🇸🦅🏍 it’s ALL ABOUT The Ride

[@rasheedph4920]

Cam’d out 1200 sportster is such a fun ride !! Still have mine

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

Sportster is the first bike I rode in ‘72. A ton of aftermarket and still have a good resale value. What you have is what you have earned. Can’t disagree with that it’s how it works.

[@michaelpatterson9897]

Got my license at 60 years old. Rented a variety of Harley’s for a year then bought my first bike. 2018 Street Glide Special and have put 22K miles on it. Perfect bike for this old guy.

[@vikingsfan2572]

You give me hope!!! Thank you!!!

[@RobertJones-ix2hu]

That’s a cool way to figure out what you want. The one you think looks the coolest may not be the best for your riding style. I started on a 2011 Nightster. Was a good bike but didn’t suit my needs. So, 6 months later I bought my 06 SG and sold the nightster... now I’m in the same boat again after demoing a road glide couple months ago lol

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

What I first bought my cm185 TwinStar when I was 15 years old the dealer pointed to Highway 41 and said there's 41 there's your bike you'll figure it out and I did I taught myself how to fly to but I don't really recommend that to everybody I made mistakes and I learn from them today's bikes with so many features and controls and safety features they start out with no knowledge but then they don't learn because the bike takes care of their stupid mistakes they don't learn finesse in Breaking they don't learn throttle control and God help them if they stop on their brakes and the ABS has decided to quit pretty soon bikes will be like the little motorcycle thing outside the supermarket that you put a dime in it and you just sat on it and didn't do anything

[@shannonbowers3233]

My first bike was a Kawasaki Ninja 650r. I loved that bike because it fit me well and it's what I wanted at the time.

[@tecra3toshiba149]

Great Subject - My first ride was a 250 Honda - 82 or so. My brother's bike. Once I had the License - I asked my Dad if I could borrow his 70 Tiger 650 - A twin. I rode it for 4 months - till the output shaft dropped 2 teeth. I tore down the machine - got parts - rebuilt it and parked it. I just checked today - bike still sits in the garage - 42 yrs after I first drove it. 2200 miles. Dad put 200 on it. I did 2000. We have snow. My next pair - were beaters. A 73 Honda 350 - and a Suzuki GT 380 Tripple - 2 stroke. Tripple was fast - and a heavy 2 inch chrome drag bar. I learned to drag the bar - on the pavement - as I held the smallest circles around the corner. A 9000 redline gave it a quick pull-out from the corner. The only thing it never passed was a gas station. 22 mpg. 5 gallon tank. The third time I pushed it to a gas station - I put a ForSale sign on it. Paid $50 and a flat of beer for the pair - got $400 for the GT. Great summer! Cheers!

[@anthonyr587]

I got the Low Rider S as my first bike a few weeks back. Lots of people were saying " that's too much bike wtf man, start on something smaller, especially as you are off a 250cc MSF bike",etc, I nearly listened and would have regretted it, 250 miles on it so far. I love every bit of it and totally respect it. It handles like a dream, lots of grunt and very good stopping power too. Why would you start on something smaller if you want something bigger as the end goal? I took to a parking lot and practiced low speed maneuvers, gained confidence and I am doing perfectly fine on it. Throttle/clutch control is the most important thing because it has so much power it will straighten you up fast in a turn if you aren't used to it. The fundamentals are the same on any bike, if you are scared to lean it you'll suck, if you don't have smooth inputs you'll suck, if you grab the front break on a low speed turn you'll fall,etc I am well aware I am still a noob, hence I don't try and drop a knee round a 25mph turn at 50mph, its a long learning curve, but as long as you are conservative, situationally aware and stick to the fundamentals you should get the bike you want. I am glad I didn't get a sportster because I love this bike, I would be riding it 100 miles a day if it wasn't 100 degree heat here in Austin, it sucks.

[@dragonbass1976]

First bike ever (at 40 - never ridden before) was an 08 Fat Bob... Second bike ever (just purchased 3 weeks ago - at 45) 2015 Street Glide Special.

[@Henry.58]

Great bike my 14 is the smoothest riding Bike I've ever rode,Plan on putting Legend shocks and Stage 2 on it this Winter and it should be good to go. Hopefully I will stop spending after that,

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Agreed. Something that fits, is cheap, reliable and safe

[@jimstafslien168]

Interesting comments. My "first" bike was a Montgomery Ward mini bike back in the early 70's. 5 horse with a jack shaft. LOL! Several bikes since then. Currently own a 2015 SGS. My wife and I absolutely love it.

[@mattTHEEgreat]

Just got my first bike. 07 Honda VTX 1300. So far I'm loving it. All the classes in my area are full till next year. I'm taking the "get on and hope not to die" approach

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

JUST DON'T DIE. Q VTX 1300 actually is a great first bike. Good size and comfortable but shocking easy to ride.

[@andymalanga]

Great vid. I could listen to these talks all day. Thanks.

[@jugekauhi3144]

I got a 2022 Street Glide special for my first bike. I worked so hard and saved up to get her and she's awesome! I wanna add the 131 screaming eagle to her next! Love your channel my man. Getting money is what happens when you work hard

[@fredgrebner526]

I bought a brand new ‘21 Harley Davidson Slim as a first bike and I couldn’t be happier. Will be ready for a bagger after this is payed off. Just ride smart and within your ability. It’s not hard. 👍🏼✌🏼🇺🇸

[@RyDawg1904]

My first street bike was brand new Honda 2003 CBR 600RR. Had it for 2 years and put 17k on it then first kid comes and sold it. Now I have a 13 RG and I love it.

[@andrewipp426]

I wanted to thank you for your channel and content, you are a natural on camera speaker, and have some really funny anecdotes like you’ve been a professionally trained entertainer! You really give practical no nonsense and direct advice, it is really good to hear from someone who’s had a lifetime of experience with bikes. I rode about 25 years took safety courses, and have done many “150 mile burger runs”, from age 17, into my 40’s when I had a very close call in Brooklyn NYC a car ran a red light and panic sold my bike (cast iron 1000 sportster) Haven’t been on a bike for years now I’m 64 and I was just given the opportunity the other day to ride a Heritage Softail felt real good to be riding again, it was comfortable rolling under throttle and am hooked again, although the muscle memory for riding was there I found it a little heavy to maneuver in neutral and walking it into a space ....I would really consider getting another bike again but I am wondering if the rest of low speed coordination and physical capabilities will return as well the more I ride, just trying to get a little feedback am I being foolish to start on another bike again...any input would be appreciated, thanks keep doing what you do!

[@michaeldemarillac9992]

I am a return rider. Started at 14 dirt bikes, small 250cc cruiser then 650 cruiser. 30 years later back into it, bought a xvs1100 bobber, love it.

[@bcole1134]

5 years ago I bought my first bike, a 2009 Shadow Aero 750. Rode it for about 10k miles in that time (northwest Indiana weather sucks half the year). Couple weeks ago sold it to a buddy, and went and bought a new 2020 Indian Roadmaster Darkhorse. Love it. Can't wait to get some real miles on it.

[@harley103-15]

Started on dirt bikes at 12 then my first street bike was 1973 Suzuki GT 380 and loved that thing. Now it’s a 2015 Street Glide Special. Many more in between.

[@chasradcliffe1045]

Loved the GT 380

[@harley103-15]

@@chasradcliffe1045 They sure had a distinct sound didn’t they! Wish I still had it.

[@chasradcliffe1045]

@@harley103-15 They did have a great sound. Pretty quick too for the day. They just looked great to. Got a big smile on my face thinking about that bike👍

[@BBuxRides]

Just bought my first bike…. An ‘01 ultra classic. Havin a blast!

[@rrm80916]

Well said my good man. I bought a 2020 Low Rider S and you are right... buy the bagger cause it's what you're gonna do eventually anyway. So that's it, no more buying things to make it a wannabe bagger. Just gonna send it on a Road Glide or possibly a Challenger...

[@facionbruno]

Haters are going to hate I enjoy your channel Joker, I feel you your a hard worker and do you!🙏🇵🇷🥊

[@lavonnethompson5109]

I took the class after i had been riding for over two years on my own. Started on an 883 then my hubbys 08 wideglide on to my 15 wideglide. I now have a 21 Heritage and love it. Did MSF class up here no Harley class where i live. Was a very good experince and learned alot in 2 days. I think it depends on the instructors.

[@barter321]

Agreed...I started with a Honda Shadow 750, cheap to buy and run, light weight, easy to ride. Easy to resell to the next guy/girl looking to buy a starter bike.

[@nocount4339]

I bought my first bike about 3 years ago. An 03 Yamaha roadstar 1600. I grew up around bikes and rode many throughout the years but this was my first registered street bike. Looking back now I am so glad I went with it because it's now bagged out with apes but still has plenty of power to keep me happy. I will NEVER sell it. But I also recently picked up an 09 dyna street Bob that has been wrecked and I'm putting that back together for my around town stripped down springer. Like firearms, one bike is never enough!

[@thomasryan3358]

My first bike was a 1973 Honda 350 in Pensacola FL in the Navy

[@wsgman100]

My first bike 24 years ago was a honda nighthawk. Never rode in almost 20 years, 4 years ago I bought a 2007 kawasaki vulcan 2000. You are right I dropped it a few times. Next bike will be a Harley bagger. So far the fixed fairing on that cvo is my favorite.

[@libertyroads7342]

I agree with ya. My first bike was an 84 Honda VT500. It was cheap and I dropped it a lot, especially since I lived about 2 miles from the nearest paved road at the time. But that's part of the learning experience. Then I've slowly upgraded to bigger bikes each time and now I'm looking for a new Road Glide, Street Glide, or Electra Glide as my next bike. Like you were saying, it's better to start on something temporary that isn't going to upset you too much if it gets scratched or dented.

[@ElwoodBCT]

First off, I greatly enjoy the videos. Been learning a lot. I just acquired an 02 Road King. This was after a 11 year hiatus of not riding (economics). I had a few '70s and '80s Jap Cruisers in the past, mostly 750s. This video tied in with another video you posted about pack riding. It inspired me to reach out to the ride coordinator that I'm going on next week. Excellent cause that I support. But I reached out as I'm still shakey trying to get my sea legs back. I requested the route to run at my own pace not in the pack. I didn't want to be a hazard to the other riders. They sent me the full route an hour later, and we're very accommodating. Don't get me wrong, it's coming back to me. But I just wanted to say thanks for your videos. Had I not come across them, I might have pushed myself further beyond my current comfort level on the "new to me" bike before I was ready. Just wanted to say thanks.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

You did it the right way.

[@hdbikerdave5835]

My first bike was an Electra-Glide Ultra. Wish I still had it actually. Good discussion P.M.!

[@wfopete8434]

I found your channel a couple weeks ago and I'm glad I did. I find you funny, informative and entertaining. I'm not new to riding motorcycles, I have been riding for 45 years. I really enjoy your videos keep up the good work!

[@moarch08]

First bike was a KX450. Then first Harley was a 1200C & traded it in 3 months/5600 miles later for new 09 FatBob. Had that bike for 9 yrs. Then traded for a 10 Ultra Limited; had it for a year & then bought new 18 RGS. Love this bike so much. Love your channel; I’m from STL as well. I’m sure we’ve been to some of the same local hangouts in the area. Would enjoy meeting you in person. Great content & very informative. Just starting to DYI things on my current bike. Your channel gives me confidence that it’s possible to do things.

[@southernstyle067]

I started on an Honda XL 70 when I was like 12. To dirt bikes, sportster, wide glide, chopper, BMW to a geezer glide. Never been to a rider course. I would suggest it for new riders now also. I would say the Heritage or Fatboy. An older used one so when you dropp it, you won't be so pissed. 😆

[@daviddewolf1982]

First bike, goldwing 1500 traded it for an Intruder 1500. Started riding at 38. Love it.

[@hammarashi]

Couldn’t agree more. 30 years later, I have learned a lot more about myself and the way I like to ride. Starting with a sport bike and then going to a muscle cruiser that was modified to travel long-er distances (but not truly being comfortable) to now a couch on 2 wheels. Trying to adapt a bike to the way you want to ride is an exercise in futility. The problem is, as a new rider, you do not fully understand what your end goal is. If you can swing it, having multiple style bikes is the best way, but trying to have one bike for ALL. Types of riding will not cut it. As you get older, you will see what your primary type of riding is, and if you do have more than one bike, you will see that one bike gets ridden more and the other (s) start to collect dust.

[@jameslesperance4296]

Great comments I started on a mini bike Taco 22, then 125, 250, 400, 750, electra glide pre AMF, gold wing, Street glide!!

[@erichubbard5601]

Good recommendations.Good first bike is cheap, safe(ish), and you’ll ride it. My first street bike was a Yamaha Virago. Rode it everywhere. Had a few different after that.Lusted after a road glide until I sat on one. Didn’t like my view so bought a Streetglide and Love it.

[@Dilip122S]

Love your channel. You're definitely real.....and by the way, you ARE rich: you have Mrs Monkey, your family and motorcycles that you love to ride. I bought my first bike when I was 14. It was a Puch Maxi moped, and I paid for it by working weekends as a laundry porter in a local hotel. Next came a Yamaha FS1E, my first fully legal bike. When I was 17, I bought a 1969 Triumph Trophy, and it came in tea-crates, boxes. I built it, I rode it, I loved it. It was what I could afford. These days, I have a 1977 BMW R100, which I've made into a bit of a cafe racer. I love that too. Yeah, I'd love to own a Harley CVO, but I've got a thousand cc twin that I built myself, in a nice-handling frame. And a family whom I love, so I guess I'm rich. :-) "The extravagance in which my surplus emotion expressed itself lay on the road. So long as roads were tarred blue and straight; not hedged; and empty and dry, so long I was rich." TE Lawrence, talking about his Brough Superior. :-)

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Very good perspective, thanks.

[@matthawkins1287]

first bike was a 04 v-star 650 that was laid down and rebuilt by the guy i bought it from. i rode the piss outta that bike and it was a great first bike for exactly what you said. didn't care about dropping it or scratching it which builds confidence in your riding. from there i got my first harley in 2011, a dyna super glide custom that i sold after 5 years when my youngest was born. Now that the kids are a bit older and getting self sufficient enough i finally bought my dream bike, a 2020 Road Glide in tahitian teal.

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

I Like the Road Glide the best You or C👀L GOD bless. Love from Mississippi

[@bryntholt]

23 years old, grew up around bikes. Raced motocross (dirt bikes) from 3 years old to about 19. At 21 I got into the street bike side of things, knew I wanted to go with a Harley. Ended up getting an 08 road king classic for my first bike. Yesterday I traded it in and got a 13 Electra glide ultra limited with 6k miles on it. Definitely can’t wait to take the lady on some rides and see how she handles over some long distance rides. I got bored of my road king after about the first year and just wanted more

[@youtoons]

I agree with this. My first bike was a 750 shadow. The bike I still own and ride. The same 750 shadow. I’ve had little beaters and junkers before but the one I learned on as a young adult 18/19 is the same one I still ride daily at 31

[@albertstabelli5869]

Your right on the money. What you said about the first bike, is almost exactly what I did. And I wouldn't change a thing about the past. I learned and grew up on Honda and Harley's. Now that I'm 56 years old, I own a 2020 street glide as my rider. And own a 2001 sportster to ride to work. P.S. I love the story about the hole shot/ wheelie on the Honda! Been there, done that! Keep doing what you do and being funny. ✌

[@charles5636]

Took my MSF course at a Harley Davidson shop in 2018, at age 46 1st time ever on a motorcycle, and bought a Vulcan S 650 as my 1st bike, traded it in the next spring on a 2019 Sport Glide. In my MSF class I did the wrong thing at the wrong time and the street 500 tossed my 6'2" 300 pound ass off and jumped on me. Honestly I am happy it happened since it knocked the fear of ..if I crash I will die.. out of me. Yes I needed to replace my helmet, and the broken nose healed over time, and I was not able to finish the MSF course for another week as it did mess with my head for a couple days. Any time I hear someone say they want to start riding I always tell them to take a course and learn how to ride and if you actually want to ride, before spending how ever much on a motorcycle.

[@dn1546]

the best advice I've heard in a while...I'm currently doing the $1200 honda thing ('95 Shadow 600) and it's only been 1 season and I'm bored already. a new bike is not priority but when the time comes I'm hoping for a sweet FXR or FXDL!

[@thomasfedrich9116]

I just got my cycle endorsement a month ago and a week later I bought my first bike. I picked a 2017 Yamaha scr950. I love the way it looks and I was comfortable when I first got on it. It has enough power to scare my new rider ass so I take it easy but I'm not gonna get tired of it anytime soon. Maybe that's not how to pick a bike but it worked for me.

[@vikingsfan2572]

My first bike was a Honda 450... Rode that brown special for 2 riding seasons... Now at 55 I don't have a bike but yearn for one daily...

[@bigj200016]

Definitely can relate. I started on a 10 year old Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Great started bike. Looked a ton like a Sportster other than having a parallel twin. Rode that for about six months then upgraded to a SportGlide that I’ve had since. I’ve looked at trading that in, but just can’t do it. I just paid her off and added an AB tourpack to it. Now if I can just get the damn latch to stay closed when I’m riding. I put a good amount of miles on it, being a yankee that has about an 8 month season to ride in the Chicago area. I travel on it, and have done week to 10 day trips logging a decent amount of miles. I’ve tried SS1000 twice and it was Mother Nature both times that made be tap out at about 800-900 miles. I’ve done 1500 in 39 hours, only missing the BB1500 because of waiting on a storm to pass before rolling out.

[@revjamaro]

I agree with you, first bike should be used. That'll help learn how to ride and work on your bike. Then you get what you can afford once you get a good grip of the basics

[@crazyeyez1502]

Ok. Now I feel offended.... lol. My first (and only) bike was a brand new 09 883c. And 32k miles later, i still have it and ride it daily to work (weather permitting). Never wrecked, only dropped a couple times (just scrapes)

[@SportyRider]

Similar but not new. Few drops, minor scratches thanks to aftermarket engine guard. 22k in first 3 years. Got bike at 18k. 2005 XL 1200c. Contemplating the next bike now. I think the road king is the right one for me. Street glide would be nicer, don't have the radio now and I like the flexibility of the RK

[@davidlbilke]

65 Harley sprint. 250 thumper that vibrated every nut and bolt off of it.

[@johnchilds6471]

Same bike for me, those damn Italian Harlys sure could take a beating. You must be as old as me!!

[@kainsasseville2096]

I just wrapped up my first year back in November. I have a suzuki marauder vz800. I loved it.

[@davehuber6296]

I totally agree with your decision on your first bike but I would add .... make sure you fit the bike , really don't want a bike that is to big or that your feet don't touch the ground

[@LilSteen]

20 years old, First bike was my 2020 Softail Standard, hopped on it and learned as I went! 8k down, couple moments that required the seat to be removed from my a** but no incidents🤘🏻 Knock on wood🪵

[@henrizapora2172]

I think someone is jealous of what you earned yourself!!! Personally i think you are rich in personality. Love your videos

[@barrykw68]

Grew up on 5 different honda dirt bike including a 82 CR480 . Then never touched one for 30yrs last year buddy convinced me to get a Harley. So I got a 883 low. Had it a month traded it in on a 16 dyna switchback nice bike put 5000 miles on it before winter hit. Then bought 17 street glide awesome bike and gave already put 5000 miles on.

[@johngonzales8224]

Thats a good opinion. I personally tell people to take the class. but for a first bike I tell them to try something they can handle and not care about if when you drop it or total it.

[@danavranich1999]

I made the mistake of purchasing a Softail Slim after nor riding for 20 years. 1 year later bought a Electra Glide Standard and never looked back. Love the channel.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Good stuff!

[@michaelfilbert8873]

My wife’s first bike is a new 2020 883 iron. She feel in love with it. We went to a parking lot and that’s what she learned how to ride. It’s been a year. And now she wants a slim. It does change from person to person. Buy what you want and ride.

[@gunshipgray4295]

I agree…..the Heritage classic for sure….relatively comfortable neutral ride with a lot of bang for the buck…..

[@seamorflops213]

I play poker and ride a GoldWing. I was referred to this channel from my friends who are K-POP Stans. I was told there'd be free stuff for the coolest 1% of the folks who are are. I'm most definitely part of that 1%. I stan how fleek this is. Everyone else can just yeet themselves into the sun.

[@sargemarine5450]

Great topic TJ! Even managed to change my mind on a few things. Just happens to be a topic I love to sit, drink, and talk about.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

Great topic over a bourbon or 17!

[@Elmswood]

I just bought my first bike a week ago. An '81 yamaha xs650 that's been chopped down into a bobber. It doesn't run yet, its painted with house paint, the wiring catches fire if you jump it and it's all red wires, the carbs piss fuel, and it has no lights. It's a complete POS and I absolutely love it. I just see it as an opportunity to have an intimate knowledge of every piece of the machine I'll be riding.

[@dblizz68]

Love the comments on classes. I learned alot from my class. I was in my 30's before I got a license (from taking the class). Had been riding for around 15yrs at the time.

[@Sly_Glide]

7:25 thats the truth brother and a great piece of advice....

[@rlc412]

That’s why you’re so relatable. Middle class af

[@mnbikeradventures]

I took Harley's Learns to Ride course and I agree with what you are saying, I felt could ride a motorcycle after completing the course. I have since taken an intermediate MSF course and feel I have not learned anything more from that course. I have learned more watching Ride Like A Pro videos than I did from the latest MSF course I took.

[@paulieboscobyrne7548]

Another great video greetings from Ireland, really enjoy your videos I find them very funny and informational

[@hanginwithhodge]

Honda 350CB for $300 back in the early 90s and dropped it multiple times. Next was an 86 KZ1000 for several years and now an 07 Stratoliner that we love.

[@joshford8774]

Ive had one bike, had it for 5 years, was a 1986 Kawasaki 454 ltd, 450 cc great starter bike, good pick up, topped out at like 100 which is plenty fast enough, great first bike

[@rondemary8403]

Started out on a Kawasaki Enduro 250 then moved up to a 93 Yamaha virago.. my current bike is a 15 wide glide which I bought new. Love the two wheel life!!!

[@MotoDealer]

My buddies first bike was a 2019 streetbob and he dropped a few times But he still loves it

[@xc_4x4]

My first bike was a 2020 Vulcan 900, I dropped it my 2nd weekend but it was minimal damage so I wasn't too pissed about it. Whats Important tho is not letting it spook you and get back on that thang!

[@pelosishammer]

I’ve had 5 bikes. 2008 Honda VTX1300R (new), 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 (used), 2010 Harley-Davidson Super Glide (used), 2014 Street Glide (new) and a 2021 Low Rider S (new and still have) I’ve traveled a lot around Canada. In heavy traffic. At high speeds. I’ve never dropped a bike. Came close once when I was trying to park my bike at work and my foot slipped in some sand that happened to be on the pavement where I was parking. I managed to pull it back to upright without it touching the ground and got the kickstand down.

[@scruffy4647]

Classes are a good idea. There's some good riding classes out there, just got to hunt them down. You want to do the deep dive, understand motorcycle geometry. Rake, trail, offset, wheel diameter and how it affects your turning, leaning, braking, accelerating. The more you understand motorcycles, the better rider you'll be.

[@bodieb316]

I think the experience Mrs. Monkey got on the Wideglide, made her comfortable ridding the bigger bike. My first bike was a 2008 Fat Bob, now I ride a Road King. I don't ride many long distance rides, but if I need to ride to Reno for Street Vibrations (4hrs), the Road King works perfect. Great stuff Monkey, see you in the next video 🤘😎🤘

[@ellomred7713]

I took the Harley class, because the dmv wouldn’t accept my German A (motorcycle) license. Came back from my vacation at home, riding my BMW R1200GS through the Black Forrest, took the class and the HD class was a joke (my personal feeling), compared to my motorcycle class from Germany 🇩🇪. Really good advise on the first bike, love 💕 it!

[@charlesstatkus]

I converted a 36 passenger Cheve school buss into a camper. After a few years I put an ad to trade it for a motorcycle. A kid came by with what i called a "ring, ding, ding". A biker came by and told the kid to get lost stating "he don't want that!" I hopped on the back and we went to his garage. Once I seen the 650 BSA I could not get rid of the camper quick enough. Rode the 650 BSA for 10 years in the Chicagoland area. Yes, my first motorcycle and I dropped it numerous times off road and on the streets. My first Harley was a 2014 Sportster XL1200T 50 years after I sold the BSA. I now have a 2019 FXLR and love it!

[@georgeerhard1949]

I would say that every class (Harley or not) are primers, they show you the right skills to develop, and then you're on your own to practice those skills so that they become reflexes. "A beginner practices until he gets it right; a master practices until he cannot get it wrong." So a class that has you practicing longer, boosting your confidence in the skills you need, is better than one that just covers things once, tests you at the end, and hands you a cert for the DMV. I agree that an older, scratched up used bike is a good starter bike. It should be something that A) doesn't need to be fixed so much that it's a hassle to ride, B) something not so powerful that noobie mistakes don't exact a huge cost, and C) something fun and enjoyable. That said, you should be able to sell a 'starter' bike for nearly as much as you paid for it (no new bike depreciation!) if you didn't thrash it up. So "growing into" your dream bike isn't necessarily a bad thing. If I'd started on my dream bike ('08 Triumph Sprint 1050 ST), I'd have killed myself on it OR I'd have developed "scared of the bike" riding habits. My old XS750 Yamaha was a great starter bike, it was a mule, a "get it out of my garage" deal, and I learned to wrench on bikes as well as ride bikes because that three-headed b*tch from Hell needed wrenching quite a lot. I love my Thunderbird, but beginner rider me would have said "newp" cos it's a 700lb bike that can get out of its own way real quickly.

[@americanbreed5116]

I started out on a mini bike with a 3.5 HP. B & S engine and a go cart,back somewhere around 1971,been on many bikes an other things sense..

[@gruntsjh]

Your great dude. I started off with a suzuki boulevard m50 and just bought a HD street glide. Love it.

[@deweygilley8627]

im 70 my first was a 1959 650 bsa chopped wish i still had it now riding ultra classic trike

[@homegrownson]

Agree First Bike a Beater you can drop break and WORK ON so can Learn, and Truthfully The Mandatory Rider certification makes riding safer and Many Experienced Old Timers would do Well to refresh their Skills with Advanced Riders Course and be Surprised What they Don't Know

[@michaelwillett1727]

Almost forced myself into a sportster cuz it would be easier to start on. Stuck with what I wanted and got a 13 fat bob and couldn’t be happier

[@joeydistefano9497]

It really depends on your experience, age, height and weight. Also your budget. I learned how to ride on a home made mini-bike made out of a frame welded at school and a snowmobile engine with a bike brake for stopping power. When I joined the USAF at 17, I bought a GSX-600 Katana. It was a perfect beginner bike. Light-weight, sporty, comfortable and weighed 450lbs. I graduated to a GSXR-750 and my current ride is a 2021 Street Glide Special. I think a Ninja-650 would be a good first bike. Anything in the 100hp and 500lbs or less category is a good size to learn on. Your first bike should be something light that you can develop your skills on before moving up to a heavier model. As Mr Monkey says, you ARE GOING TO DROP YOUR FIRST ONE AT LEAST 2-3 Times! Get something you can pick up without help! Also, buy frame sliders ( sport bike ) or other guards to protect the fairing and of course your leg if it tips over while you are on it.

[@melhicks6932]

I agree, buy what you can ride well and safely, and put miles on it.

[@saint_dyna3488]

My first bike, and still the only one I have, is. 2015 Dyna StreetBob. Speaking in the Harley course, I took it. I loved it. After the first day on the range, I went home and was able to ride my bike. I’d recommend that course to anyone.

[@LetsShave61]

I went with a new rebel 300. I did the ols school thing tho, I decided I wanted a bike, I jumped on it and started riding lol. I had a little experience on dirt bikes. I looked for years at videos like yours until I could afford it and that rebel always jumped out at me. So far about 750 miles, mostly just work and back. Planning on going to the hills to see Mount Rushmore eventually. I haven't dropped it but I did have an old lady drive into while it was parked at work. Didn't have 300 miles on it yet, hadn't changed her oil for the first time yet and it got smashed into. No major damage thankfully. Bend both brake levers. I replaced the front break lever but the rear break lever bent out a little but not beyond the peg. So it was kind of a happy accident because I like where the rear break ended up so now I just call it a custom rebel lol.

[@ProfessionalMonkey]

That accident “customized it.” I’m glad you’re liking your bike and building experience!!!! Welcome aboard!

[@ozzynmyrtle]

My first bike was an old Suzuki 50 with recoil starter... wish i still had it be cool to hang on the wall in the shop