i need honest advice

[45Brit]

rust isn't an issue, nor is rapid engine wear on short journeys. It will be stolen long before either of those become a problem...

[devon.john]

there's another option a mt350 x army rotax engined harley no chrome 30 h,p so can be ridden on restricted licence and ideal to learn on a very cheap way of entering the
H.D ownership???

john

[banquo]

If you have a dream you should go with it, but I'll tell you some advice I was given when I was 16, and buying my first bike (a long time ago).

Do not buy anything precious, because you will fall off it, and the chances of doing so in your first year or so are considerably higher than when you have experienced real life riding for a while.

IMHO, a really expensive dream is now what you should aspire to for your first bike. If you're doing direct access, get yourself a dog to ride for the first year John's suggestion of the 350 army bike isn't a bad one, and there are loads of them come up on eBay. Let's you get used to spannering too.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by MORDUEMAN

Honest Advice

Move out of the Smoke, get a lifestyle change, grow a Goatee, get a beer belly, buy a Harley, get pissed at all the Rallies

You know it makes sense

spot on

[BaZa®]

Originally Posted by groovyfm

I am thinking very hard about getting a harley to commute to work.

A lot of people have told me to get a scooter or some other mincy machine but i really really want a harley.

I am keen for some expert advice - the more honest and detailed, the better.

further possibly relevant info:

I have a 6 week old baby.
I live in london and would need to ride about 4.5 miles to work.
I do not have a garage or off street parking (although i might be able to clear some space at the front of the house)
I have never ridden a bike before and don't have my bike license yet

Get a twist and go or better still get a Oyster card.

If you want a Harley Tee shirt get one from Warr's of Chelsea.

Originally Posted by groovyfm

this is helpful.

i do see a few harleys and triumphs parked up in the city and it just makes me envious.
i wouldn't feel safe on a push bike so definitely want something motorised.
i'm going to do an intensive DAS course so shouldn't have to go with L-plates.

maybe i could ride the long way to work to make sure the engine has time to warm up?

oh man, i basically saw this advice coming but just hoped everyonei would say 'no go for it, get the harley for your crappy little london commute'

So would you only EVER use it for you daily commute?

If so don't be so daft.

[Realbark]

Mate - the best advice i can give you is keep taking the tablets.

[patrick]

You wanna do it go for it mate, get yeself a sporty like this one in the link below, rubber mounted nearly as smooth as a riceburner or you could get a nice buell but you would probably kill yourself due to lack of experience. just make sure you do more miles than the joker thats sellin it, who cares if the engines knackerd after a few years from all the short runs - seems to me no more expensive than havin a rice burner and is a proper Harley - well
almost , they dont make em to last like they use too. Go for it! NOW!
PS - riding as a commuter in big cities everyday is very dangerous - but you are a big boy so you will have to take a chance like the rest of us.
pps - cages tend to get out of the way of Harleys = they hate scooters

2006 HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL 883 R SPORTSTER BLACK on eBay (end time 04-Oct-09 17:33:58 BST)

Originally Posted by groovyfm

this is helpful.

i do see a few harleys and triumphs parked up in the city and it just makes me envious.
i wouldn't feel safe on a push bike so definitely want something motorised.
i'm going to do an intensive DAS course so shouldn't have to go with L-plates.

maybe i could ride the long way to work to make sure the engine has time to warm up?

oh man, i basically saw this advice coming but just hoped everyonei would say 'no go for it, get the harley for your crappy little london commute'

[Simon_Y]

In my view commuting in the smoke on any two wheeled motorised vehicle would be a fast route to a 6’ pine box especially with no riding experience. A Direct access course gives you a license but not the road time required to deal with life on the black top. I'm sure neither your Mrs or kid would be keen on that idea, however, that said we all have to do our own risk assessment, as mentioned before doing a 4.5 mile commute on a Harley would be akin to taking a Hummer to the super market for a bunch of bananas. Getting insurance in most parts of London with no no claims and no garage will be nigh on impossible unless you want to pay through the nose and any toe rag with a decent set of bolt croppers and a transit van + a couple of mates will be able to whisk away your pride and joy before you have got time to get to your front door.

If you are still keen to commute on a bike if I was you I would get a jap commuter to earn your bones on and rack up the inevitable bike drops and falls before trading it in for something more in line with your heart's desire.

[Chris L]

Well they gave you the 'honest' advise you didnt wanna hear...but they are right, you live in London,no garage/undercover parking so your Harley will rust away before your eyes,especially if you do commute all year on it.as stated the insurance, if you can get it...I dread to think...the chances of it being nicked...99.9% I shoudnt wonder...no get a plastic scooter and move to the country, then buy your 'dream'...you know it makes sense...

[daddykemp]

I think by now you've got the gist of what's being said, so do yourself a favour get some experience first on a "plastic fantastic" point and squirt or a cheap chinese 125 harley wanna be, then when you've had a few bumps and scrapes and a few knicked bikes and the missus is till letting you ride then go for it and join up here and become a region 13 member heh heh heh?
Comprehendez??