What to Look For in Your First Motorcycle

Everybody remembers their first motorcycle. The feel of throwing your leg over the saddle, the excitement of opening the throttle, the rush of the wind on the highway…all on a trusty steed. Although you may eventually own “better” motorcycles, there’s no matching the sentimental value of the bike that started it all.

As the leading new and used Harley-Davidson dealer in the region, Republic Harley-Davidson has helped plenty of beginner riders buy a motorcycle for the first time. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot about what people should look for in their inaugural bike. After all, you don’t want the initial excitement to quickly wear off because the motorcycle is clunky or too hard to handle. In this guide, we’re sharing the things you should consider when buying your first motorcycle to get the ultimate thrill.

How, Where, and When Will You Be Riding?

For experienced riders, plenty of factors can go into buying a motorcycle, from the shape of the fairing to the features it offers. If you’re a newbie, though, the biggest thing you should consider is how you plan to use the bike. Follow these general tips to select the best type of beginner motorcycle style:

• Buy a smaller motorcycle like a Sportster or Softail if you’ll primarily be riding to work or on busy city streets. They get better gas mileage and are easier to maneuver through congested traffic.
• Opt for a bigger adventure motorcycle like the Pan America if you live in a rural area or like the idea of exploring off-road. They’re better at handling dirt, gravel, steep hills, and other rough roads you’re likely to encounter.
• Choose a touring bike like the Street Glide or Road Glide if it will mainly be for road trips and other extended rides. They’re more comfortable and have more places to store cargo.

New vs Used Motorcycles

We’re frequently asked whether a beginner should buy a new or used motorcycle for their first bike—and each option has its benefits. Used bikes cost less upfront, and you won’t feel as bad if you bang them up a little bit while learning the ropes. New motorcycles have a better warranty, are less likely to have hidden problems, and often have more advanced safety features.

We generally recommend buying a used or Certified Pre-Owned motorcycle to start. New riders are still sharpening their skills and sometimes are still figuring out what they want long-term. They can do so on a used bike without a huge price tag. However, if you have your heart set on a brand-new model, don't feel like you have to settle for a used bike to start. There are plenty of riders who bought their dream bike for their first bike and still ride it years later.

Our Beginner Motorcycle Buying Tips

Play It Safe on Power and Weight

It’s tempting to buy the biggest, baddest motorcycle you can find and make a splash. Generally, though, we think it’s better to start on something smaller. A small or midsize bike is easier to control and lets you master the correct riding techniques, preparing you for a larger and more powerful motorcycle later. They also cost less, which saves you money and makes it easier to resell the bike when you’re finally ready for the next step.

Look For Practical Add-Ons That Suit Your Needs

Plenty of optional features are available for motorcycles—but while they’re all cool in their own way, you probably don’t need or can’t afford all of them. Some of the best features for your first motorcycle are:

• An anti-lock braking system (ABS) to keep you in control when you must stop suddenly.
• Traction control to reduce slipping and sliding.
• Saddlebags, luggage racks, a compartment, or other on-bike storage options.
• A fairing or windscreen that keeps heavy wind, rain, and debris out of your face.
• LED headlights to improve visibility when riding at night.
• Hoop frame bars to keep the bike’s weight off you in case of a crash.

Check the Saddle Height and Shape.

You should be able to put both feet flat on the ground when you’re seated on a motorcycle, which gives you stability when stopped at traffic lights or sitting in rush hour traffic. Sport bikes typically have higher seats for leaning over the engine and into corners, making it harder to reach the ground. Off-road bikes also have higher seats, but their thinner shape somewhat offsets this in terms of reaching the ground. Cruisers and touring bikes have the lowest seats and more comfortable ergonomics overall.

The Best Motorcycle Models for Beginners

Even when you know what to look for, researching what motorcycle to buy can be an exhausting task. We’ve picked five Harley-Davidson motorcycles for beginners that we think are good bets. Each will appeal to new riders while giving them a taste of the unique Harley-Davidson experience.

#1 - Harley-Davidson Iron 883

This long-running cruiser was launched in 2009 and got its name from two things: the 883cc Evolution V-twin engine and its barebone “iron” design. While originally intended for DIY customizers, the stripped-down nature also makes the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 great for new riders. Its 54 hp is enough to provide a little zip—especially given the low 564 lb weight—and the short 59.6-inch wheelbase is excellent for maneuverability. One drawback is that it won’t have as many safety features as newer bikes.

#2 - Harley-Davidson Low Rider S

If you want a cruiser with a bit more muscle and verve, the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S may be more your speed. Its Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine has 103 hp, which is ideal for hilly terrain or opening up during a Sunday ride. Even with that added oomph, it still gets an estimated 47 MPG with a five-gallon tank, making it a solid economical choice for commuters. Features like ABS, traction control, and an LED headlight are standard in newer models, with other safety enhancements available.

#3 - Harley-Davidson Softail Standard

The Softail Standard is another easily customizable bike that acts as an entryway into the Harley-Davidson world. This bobber-style motorcycle treats you to 87 hp and a solid 110 lb-ft of torque from the well-known Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. A low seat height of 25.8 inches is excellent for shorter riders, and with the stiffer design, it’s highly responsive to your every move. You can adjust the rear mono-shock for more of a personalized feel.

#4 - Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T

The Sportster is one of the longest-running Harley-Davidson models, having debuted in 1957. With the Sportster SuperLow 1200T, you get the legendary cruiser wrapped in a beginner-friendly package. Its 68 hp Evolution engine has a little giddy-up while being manageable for inexperienced riders. It’s also a reliable machine that is considered an amazing bargain. This bike was produced from 2014 to 2021 before being replaced by the Sportster S, which has nearly double the horsepower and is not as beginner-friendly.

#5 - Harley-Davidson Nightster

If you’re still making up your mind about what type of rider you are, the Nightster lets you explore the possibilities. Designed as a Sportster for a new generation, it has Road, Rain, and Sport modes that adapt the bike to these conditions. The Revolution Max 975 engine delivers 90 hp and a remarkable fuel economy of 52 MPG. Modern safety enhancements include ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, and all-LED front and rear lighting—and if you’re looking to buy new, it’s one of the most affordable options from Harley-Davidson.

Find the Right Bike Here at Republic Harley-Davidson

In the end, choosing your first motorcycle comes down to what’s right for you. Above all, it should be a bike you’re comfortable on and excited to ride. You want the hundredth ride to be just as memorable as the first one. Visit Republic Harley-Davidson in Stafford, TX, to see our latest motorcycle inventory and take one for a test ride. We can also get you fully outfitted with quality riding gear and even offer classes to help new riders learn the ropes. We’re here to make sure the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle you own is one you’ll treasure.