i need honest advice

[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

[the_monster]

twist and go scooter - harley's aren't really designed for short journeys.

[Father Jack]

Get your licence before you think about what bike you want. You can't ride a Harley on L plates.

[banquo]

+1.
Harley engines are air and oil cooled, and won't even warm up in 4 1/2 miles. That means you're doing most of your miles on a cold engine, which isn't good at all, resulting in heavier wear than normal. If you value your bike, you will spend a lot of time preventing the shiny bits from rusting in the winter (if you expect to use it then).
People do commute on their Harleys, and good luck to them, but if your journey is as short as that, you won't be doing yourself or the bike, any favours at all.
Buy your Harley, keep it for what it's meant for, and get a push bike for the commute, or a cheap scooter if your legs ain't up to cycling....

You used to be able to ride a restricted 883 on L-plates I think, but that option may be gone now? Somebody more in tune than me will know...

[Urrell]

+1 on that
Something plastic that will take the abuse of commuting in London with no garage.

And with a 125 you would be gaining confidence after taking CBT of course.

Using a Harley like that would be like shopping in a Hummer. You could do it but not very convenient and bloody expensive.

Later if still interested and cash in the bank a Harley is No1 pleasure riding.

[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'

[Maggar]

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

Perfect - get an Ultra Glide

[Swinny]

Originally Posted by Maggar

Perfect - get an Ultra Glide

Honest Advice?
Maybe you could get a trike then you could take the wife and kid aswell, oh and you could tow a caravan on your holidays........................................ .....on second thoughts, stick with the scooter and make sure its plastic so it wont rust outside, then save up for a garage ....... probably about £500k should do it in London, then you can consider buying your harley and using it for some better rides north out of the smog and upto Gods Country ....... thats Yorkshire in case you didnt know..........lol.
Good luck hunting!

[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

[gericom]

You gotta pass your test first, we`ve all got dreams, so crack on.... .