For many years the Sportster was Harley's 'entry level' bike. Just recently they've come out with two smaller models as part of an attempt to attract more beginners.

Personally I think the Sportster is a little big to be starting on. But not that much. It's just one step above a 650. It's kind of a clunky bike, not the easiest to learn on. But they are pretty popular as first bikes, so who am I to say?

The 48 is all about style. It's not going to be as practical as a less radically styled bike. For instance, on long trips that tiny little gas tank is going to be a major pain in the patoot. (Not to mention that sporty little saddle.) OTOH you probably want it because of how pretty it is, and it sure is pretty. And you COULD learn to ride on a bike like that. It's just not ideal.

I've read magazine articles comparing the Sporster with other small cruisers from Japan, and the Harley comes off as the least comfortable, the least refined. They like the Honda Shadow a lot better, in fact one of Harley's new bikes this year is a water-cooled 750 just like the Shadow. (That might be a better first bike except you don't want to learn to ride on a brand-new bike!)

People who ride Harleys wouldn't want anything but a Harley. A person who rides a Honda might buy a Kawasaki next time, but a Harley rider didn't want a 'motorcycle', he wanted a Harley. I think that's what makes Sportsters so popular. They really aren't like the Japanese bikes. I wouldn't say they're better but they're different.

Having a motorcycle instead of a car is really inconvenient. It's no fun in the rain, and late at night it's a little scary, especially in the rain). And you can't carry big things. But the inconvenience might be worth the savings. In most of CA you can ride all year. It helps if you live with your family and you can borrow a car once in a while.

Since you are just slightly less than average height, I want to mention that you want to be able to sit on a bike with both feet flat on the ground. I don't think that will be a problem for you in any case, but it's something to think about. The only way to tell is to sit on the bike and see.

It's good that you're getting some training. Learning to ride is more dangerous than riding, and that's dangerous enough. A little training makes you safer. Just be careful. Ride like a grownup. Good luck!

May I suggest you put that bike in the shed for a year & buy a ninja 250 or 300 to learn on. If you cant change gears smoothly & competently yet you should not be ring a 600/4. You are just waiting to be spat off.
A smaller lighter bike has less engine braking, less extreme power output, is easier to pick up when you drop it & costs less to repair/walk away from & insure (also you're less likely to be doing 3 times the speed limit when you come off)

I'm 13 yrs old and 5'5 I ride a little ttr125 and it's to small and it's a trail bike. I like to ride tracks but can't on a trail bike because the suspension is soft. I've been riding for a year on it great learning bike but time for upgrade. What bike should I get 4stroke or 2stroke and what size ?

Listen man, im a 320lbs body builder, take it from me, get a 600 plus. (and the 600 or 600r is the same thing, just different trim) i ride a 2001 ninja zx6r (599cc) and i can do 130 (out of 160 top speed). Probably could go faster, but i choose not to. So you can keep up, dont stress it.

Source(s):

Experience bro.

You put your life in the hands of the man driving, and to some extent vise versa. Hold tight and lean WITH the driver and you'll be fine, so long as the man can drive.

Category A1 – minimum age 17

motorcycles up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW
tricycles with a power output not exceeding 15 kW.
Category A2 – minimum age 19

motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 35 kW.
Category A

unrestricted motorcycles with a power output over 35 kW (minimum age 24 under direct access, or 21 under progressive access)
tricycles with a power output over 15 kW (minimum age 21).
Progressive access is a process that allows a rider to take a higher-category practical test if they already have at least two years' experience on a lower-category motorcycle. For example, if you have held a category A2 licence for a minimum of two years, you can take the category A practical test at age 21. There is no requirement to take another theory test.

If you want to learn to ride motorcycles larger than 125 cc and with a power output over 11 kW, you MUST meet the minimum age requirements, satisfactorily complete a CBT course and be accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.

see attached: https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving

To obtain your full moped or motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and modules 1 and 2 practical tests on a two-wheeled motorcycle.