Hi all new to this just a couple of questions !

[russ39]

Hi I'm getting back into bikes after a 22 year gap , my last bike was an RD 350 ypvs , my wife is going to buy a harley for my 40th which is next year, so I'm doing a bit of research ready for it ! Do the price of bikes really go up in the summer ? I fancy a 1200 sportster, i took one out last week from bridge in exeter and loved it but it was £6200 so a little out of my price range, I'm looking at older models but is there a real difference with the pre 2004 bikes without the rubber engine mounts , many thanks sorry about all waffle

Russ

[OrlandoMad]

Hi Russ, welcome to the forum and to Region 12

I bought my first Harley 18 months ago and it's been a blast ! and we have a fabulous club too. I've got a 2004 Sporty 1200cc with stage 1 and absolutely love it to bits. Have done 15,000 miles in the first year alone ! Definitely buy second hand and yes, you will find that prices rise in spring and summer. Harley's don't depreciate much either.
Best advice is to have some test rides and keep living the dream !

You ought to come along to some of the weekly meetings too . . you'll get loads of good advice from the friendliest crew ever . . . as long as you can put up with the odd bit of barracking from JJ.
We have meetings at Ide near Exeter and Liverton (nr Bovey) as well as meetings in Paignton, Lee Mill and north Devon. See the sticky note for dates etc.

All the best

[BaZa®]

Russ.............

If you want a larger audience/response on Q&A's on anything bike related ask in the General or Sportster sections.

Also a quick hello here will get a lot of welcomes from all around the country.

You are in a VERY good region with loads of good folk and lots of things going on.....

I have just copied part of your first post to the sporty section here.

[Andy_XLH]

Hi Russ

Go for it Sporty makes a great first Harley (usually leads to a bigger one when the bug realy bites). Have sent PM with local independant dealers in the Region 12 Area. Where abouts are you ?
You would be made welcome at any of our meets - alway plenty of advice from club members.

Andy

[Aardvark]

Hi Russ and Welcome i started with a Sporty now own a streetbob, great bunch a people in the area too

[Bonham_lives]

Welcome Russ. I also started on a sporty, guess most people do. If you want to carry a pillion a lot maybe worth looking at a dyna, but if you are mainly solo then a sporty is ideal to start with. Would go for rubber mount ones to avoid white fingers and be able to see in the mirrors. There are some in the classifieds on this site. Word of warning once you get the grin you will want something bigger. Look forward to seeing you on the road or at a meet. We have a meet at the Star in Liverton tonight or lunchtime meet at Prewley Moor nr Okehampton on Sunday (you dont have to be on a bike). You will be made very welcome.

[russ39]

Many thanks to you all for your helpful replys, it seems a friendly place round here!
Andy i'm in Teignmouth.

Cheers Russ

[Chris Six Acre]

Hi Russ

Like many others I also started off with a 1200 Sportster, back in 1996. My advice is "do it...you wont regret it".
Chris

[russ39]

Cheers Chris

Russ

[mac]

Russ go for the sporty i to started out on one and the wife just brought one. Might find bridge abit dear. a new one cost around £7000 new or Ryders might have a 2nd hand one or two. hope to meet you at a meet or at a Ride out. Have a good 40 TH. Dave (Mac)