Fear stopped me for 2 days with my bike. I just started it up and revved it. First take off dropped it because I grabbed the front brake and lost balance. Bent the front brake lever i put the bike up and cussed all day how stupid I was thinking i was going to ride a motorcycle. I watched blockhead Beginner videos. Next morning at 7am I did everything he said and didn’t stop riding around until 10:30. Failure doesn’t stop you, FEAR does
Street Bob 114 was my first bike with no experience other than the MSF course. I’m 5’7 174 lbs. Have not had any problems and ride it every day. I think it’s a perfectly fine beginner bike
I’ve been thinking about getting my first bike for about a year and a half now. My mind is in love with street bob and I make plenty of money to get my self one. Do you have any regrets going with this bike? Any recommendations? Thanks man hope you’re enjoying it :)
@@YorelzI’ve been riding for a long time but I have and had many bikes , I can say this is a good beginner bike. It has such a big motor that you won’t get tired of it after you learn to ride it , it’s one FAST bike that’s controllable
I'm about the same size as the original comment. No experience bought an 883 and a year later I outgrew the bike and wanted more, just got a 2011 dyna street bob, its an amazing machine
6:10 adding on to being scared if getting on something with that much power. I’ve never ridden a “Motorcycle” per say but I do build and ride my own mini bikes. Anyway I started my moto journey on dirt bikes at about 12 years old with a ttr125 and then I started riding my sisters raptor 350 because the 125 was too slow. Then I sold the 125 and bought a predator500 with my own money at 14. The point is I was terrified taking that first ride on the 500 even though I got the 350 into 5th gear more times than I’d like to count but what helped me a lot was the people around me that have ridden the 500 before kept on telling me it has a ton of power and to go super soft on it because it’ll get me in the end if I’m not careful. So pretty much I just took it down the side of the road a little bit and got used to it just cruising and then I realized it’s not as scary or bad as everyone amped it up to be now almost 3 years later I’ve been hitting the limiter pinned 5th on the 500 and I can even cross about 50-60 feet of 4 foot deep water. In conclusion I think it’s all about the information you’re surrounded with/constantly reminded about, being aware of the power and slightly scared of it but not that you don’t want to ride at all and your comfortability with your skill level, for me if I had the opportunity to ride one of these bikes I’d go for it. But that’s just because of how long I’ve been riding and my skill levels with different amounts of power and torque (which is a whole different topic).
2014 duna street bob was my very first bike. Never rode a bike before it and it’s been a beautiful experience. I’m a big guy height wise so the height is just right for me. The power is great and the handling to me is amazing.
My first bike was a 2020 Indian Scout Sixty🤙🏽 I thought it was a great beginner bike. About six months later I traded it in for a 2020 Street Bob. From my experience with both those bikes, it was all about throttle control. The linear increase in power never had me worried that I would lose control of the bikes, but when I wanted to really hit it, neither bike felt like they lacked power.
At 6'3" 230 lbs, I look like a circus bear on a mini-bike when I sit on a Sportster (or anything smaller). I don't have experience on a larger bike (especially over 1,200cc), but the Street Bob is very stable and easy to ride. That's why I want a Dyna, with the strategy of getting lots of parking lot practice sessions and then easy going cruising on the back roads with a group. A 2015 costs around $7,500, with hard bags, 2-up backrest, and a windscreen. Ready to ride.
The 2021 Streetbob w/114 was a little top heavy and way overpowered for a newer rider. Ive been riding for nearly 45 years and have raced dirt and street and ridden dressers and crotch rockets, so Im speaking from my personal experience and observation. I watched someone do exceptionally well in riding course and rode great on a new iron 883. They figured the 2021 Streetbob was a good next step, a year later. The test ride was fine, so the trade was made. After riding the exact same course on daily routine, it was discovered the Streetbob was a bit cumbersome and had huge torque at normal riding. The nearly 150Lbs was also an unpleasant change for the rider. Im not saying its a bad bike. I think its an awesome bike. Its just something for some people to grow into or too much bike for some others. The rider in story, now has a well tuned XL1200L and it checks all the boxes.. Something that rings true to me, is the bike needs to be fit to the rider and not be intimidating. There are bikes with so many different styles and abilities, that there is a bike for everyone. Ride what best fits you and fits your needs. That way, there is less to keep your mind busy, and more time to watch out for all the cars coming at you..
I had no experience on a bike apart from beginner rider course. I ended up getting the Street Bob 114. I respect it and am very aware when riding. It wasn’t very smart, but I have no regrets. It comes down to being smart and not being an idiot. I’m 19 and I have to say I’m more mature when it comes to taking risks than most people slightly older than me. Just the position I’m in.
i think it all depends on your discipline. if you can understand the power the bike has and you arent going to get crazy with it. i think you could start on it. its the mindset
I recently picked up a '21 street bob fxbbs 114 as a first bike. Im 6'0 tall 200 lbs and ive got limited riding experience. I think as long as you are disciplined and defensive on the road you should be fine as long as you take your time, take it slow, take it easy and respect the bike. RSSV
YES!!! Defensive driving is a very important skill to learn regardless of skill level or bike size. That can literally be the difference between life or death. I was required to take a company Defensive driving course to be certified to drive a company vehicle at work. I initially thought it was kind of ridiculous, turned out to be one of the most informative things about driving I ever participated in. Everyday I find myself subconsciously practicing those lessons. Very good point and comment.
It's a great last bike. I bought one as my last bike as I waited to get old to buy one a Harley. I prefer sportier bikes, but this bike is fun in it's own right. I really like the design of it and I've always liked naked bikes. This bike is way more than a bar hopper (as it's often described). I rarely ride this bike less than a tank and often two. Most of the baggers I know ride less than I do (way less). This thing reminds me of a 1950's hot rod made in a junk yard.
Idk man, ever since the softail standard came out I can totally see it as a beginner bike. It is a great bike to grow with and at the price point there isn't a reason to get a sportster. Although, the 1250 is coming.🤷🏻
This is one bike I always recommend to beginners vs a Sportster. I always recommend a Softail, their nimble, and have low seat height, center of gravity, and are very balanced. I personally don't believe a Sportster is always a good beginners bike, JMO. When I started, everyone said start on a Sportster, which I did, a 1200, and I hated it. I'm 6'1 with a 34 1/2 inseam and arms that hang almost to my knees though, a Sportster did not fit me, I felt cramped and uncomfortable. Plus, a Sportster is top heavy and light, which makes it unstable in traffic and windshere. If you are already nervous due to lack of comfort, the last thing you want is for the bike to be getting pushed around by windshere. The Street Bob is heavy enough to be stable in traffic but also has a low center of gravity, but if you do not understand clutches, throttle response or the friction zone, yes that might not be a wise choice. At the same time, you will have to learn all the above to ride any bike safely, so maybe go for a Rebel or 500. Again, this is my opinion, in the end you have to be honest about your skill level, your stature, and strength, also what kind of riding you plan to do and quite honestly you fear level, that means a ton, if your scared go as small as possible, if you have little fear go wherever you dare and just take it slow. .. So as the gentlemen said, if you have never sit on a bike, your small in stature or both, maybe you should go with a 883 or 1200. I personally think the Bob, a Deluxe, or Heritage are good starters. A Deluxe is 600 lbs but it is low to the ground and well balanced and very easy to control. Heritage's sit a bit higher but have a rider friendly center of gravity and are also nimble and easy to control. I'm not completely disagreeing with the gentlemen by no means, he is own point about power and throttle response, but I'm just giving an opinion according to my experience.
I am getting ready to buy a bike next month. I have some riding xp. Had a 550 ktm when i was younger and a small 150 street bike. The ktm was a different animal. At 6ft tall sitting on it i was on my tippy toes but riding i was standing the vast majority of the time which made a huge diff in keeping balance and maneuvering plus i almost always kept it in 1st or second because it was my first bike and i was going over jumps. I got a small street bike right before the pandemic and was riding it around empty streets for months. It was different keeping my balance sitting 100% of the time but i ran the dmv course over and over and could have easily gotten my license if they had been open. Heres my question. I am looking at either a 2021 Sportster 48 or a 2014 flstfb103. Not scared so much of dropping or wrecking, im not dumb and will take it slow but one thing i am scared of is getting pulled over riding illegally with only a learners permit. The 48 has a shorter wheelbase, is slimmer. Idk if that would be easier to pass the test on or not?
I would hate to pay $12k for the 48 and can just see a year from now with years left to pay it off wishing i had bought the bigger bike. On the other hand the 48 is still 1200cc and bigger than a lot of sport bikes so idk?
@Ironjmoto Yeah I purchased a 2021 Iron 883 in March of 21. I loved the styling of the 883. Also, it was my very first bike. So I got it. Guys at the HD dealership said I'll be growing out of the 883 in a year. I was in full denial. Welp....9 months later and much bread spent on the 883 with mods I upgraded to the 2021 FXBBS. I agree this FXBBS may not be a good beginner bike, however I also agree that the rider has a major role in it. I consider myself a person who can adapt. But man, I was definitely afraid of the 883 within the first few months. I miss the 883 but wasnt fitting me. I wanted a bike that I fit and not the other way around.
Nope! You have to learn everything. A 350 is not an education on a Street Bob. The super easy transmission the long gears and easy power make it a FANTASTIC first bike. Go work your balls off shifting the little ones up and down 4 gears to go 50 miles an hour in stop and go traffic or cruising around (NOT FUN...ER). Just chilling with easy riding on the street bob is way better than the 883 or other smaller bikes. Don't be a wimp because your motorcycle is a fantastic motorcycle! It is super easy to ride and is a perfect bike to learn to ride on. AND it has a huge amount of speed and power. That is safety. That is what is required to participate on an expressway assertively and safely the way a motorcyclist should. People do not appreciate what Harley Davidson provides...the most rideable motorcycles. A Sportster is in no way easier to ride and way more top heavy. I mean you can physically see and feel it immediately. They are the most garage dropped motorcycles there is. Try to pass a dangerous driver or situation on the wrong bike. What are you going to do pull over?
I have the 2019 as my first and probably last bike. I do want to get some upgrades, I want to get a 5 gallon tank, upgraded seats, cruise control, highway pegs and bags. As far as not being a good beginner bike, anything smaller than the street Bob would be uncomfortable. I am 5’10” and at the time was around 300lbs. Even now, the street bob causes me cramps in my legs on long rides, which is the reason for wanting the highway pegs.
On my 18tj britdhau which is comming up soon I want a Harley. I wanted a sportster for the longest time but after looking at tjem more on person I am way to big for the bike. I have rode other bikes in the past like dirtbikes and a r6 but never for long periods of time expect my dirtbkke. I love the streetbob. But at the same time watching this video makes me reconsider the sportster. When I actually reach my 18 birthday In 4 months I'll go down to the local dealership and see what they say
Well, if you can't fit on a sportster but also has never ridden a motorcycle before, then what? Being 6'5, almost all the bikes I could fit on people say are too much for a beginner, so I don't really know what to do haha.
So as far as people size wise for someone like me who is 6'0 300lbs fairly big dude who would look kind of silly on an 883 because it is quite small yet I don't have my license yet and going to get it in November. I've always been told that starting on a soft tail would be a much better option for me.
Ok, I have limited xp riding. My first bike was a 550 ktm dirtbike. At 6’0 sitting on it i was on my tippy toes. Riding it thought not only was i staying pretty much in 1+2 gear i was also standing the majority of the time and that really helps keep my balance. My last bike was a small 150cc “street bike” and it was totally different having to sit 100% of the time. I got good enough with it i could have gotten my license if the dmv would have been open during the pandemic. My question is this, next month i am going to pick up a bike. I am looking at either a 2021 HD 48 or a 2014 HD flstfb103? Any thoughts? About 450cc, 200lb+ difference. The 48 is still more powerful than a lot of other bikes but i cant help but think i am going to be paying it off for years. I can see myself in a year wishing i had bought the bigger bike. Im sure i could get good at riding the fatboy softtail but it may take more practice and i am going to be riding illegally with just a learners permit because i know nobody with a motorcycle license. My concern is the flstfb is a larger bike to pass the course with but would you say theres really that much difference in the 2 bikes. Should i just go with the larger one
It depends upon the person.. your confidence level going into your first rides means a lot.. if you are scared… then maybe a smaller one.. if you are in the big city.. lol. No.. if you are in the country .. go for it
I think I could handle a street bob or dyna from the get go for first bike. I am 235 and a pinch over 6'. I would look absolutely ridiculous, and and be cramped on a sporty. My brother's first bike was a Rocker C after the Harley Riding Academy. He is just a little shorter than I. I think it depends on your stature just as much as skills.
Well said…had my first bike been 600+ lbs, 1800+ CCs and top speed over 120+…I would have been terrified :). Could it be? Sure but as you said so well not my 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice.
Been wanting to get a motorcycle and I love Harleys. Took a MSF and did everything on a Honda rebel which is about the same size wise as the 883. I felt super cramped on it and I have sat on some different 883s to see how they feel and it felt the same. Should I stick with the 883 even though I know I wo t be comfortable or go up to a dyna/softail?
Your video was extremely helpful brother! Looking at a 2010 Street Bob. I have a few hundred hours on the trails on my 400cc Honda 4 stroke and have drove my smaller brothers Honda Rebel 250 for almost 100 miles and felt that the bike was extremely to small im 6 2 and weigh 185 pounds. Having some seat time and lots of trail time whats your opinion on this bike. Any advice would be awesome brother ride safe!
Hey my name is Steven mosher and I'm looking at this 2014 Harley-Davidson Street Bob in Syracuse New York, and the one question I want to know is even though this this bike is a 103 I'm used to riding a 114 how many times do you have to refill your gas tank with it being under 5 gallons of gas I know you have to refill it more can you tell me how many times you have to refill it in a day thanks.
I mean it really depends on how long I’m riding and how hard I’m pushing the bike. I just fill up and ride when needed. Sure, It’s more frequent than someone with a larger tank, but it’s 5min at a gas station, a nice little break, and then back on the road 🤘
roadking, sport glide, touring frame bikes. Im not small either, bigger guys like us can appreciate the larger bikes. Plus its more badass looking, and the seat height is in the mid low 20's so you dont feel all weird on it. im like 6'2 270 ish
I think few people can start out on something this heavy and powerful. Make your bones on something lighter and cheaper. When you dump it it won't be as painful on you and your wallet.
This is certainly the bike I want it has always been one of my favorites. My dad owns a street glide and its a nice bike but damn its big and rides big too