Alright let me tell you how I bought my first Sportster S Touring motorcycle. Barely knew squat about bikes when I started this madness last month.
The Wake-Up Call
Watched some YouTube video where this dude was tearing up mountain roads on a Sportster S Touring. Got totally hooked. Next morning I showed my wife the video expecting her to roll her eyes – she actually nodded! Said we could use it for weekend trips. That green light started everything.
Internet Rabbit Hole Phase
Googled “Sportster S Touring first buy” like an idiot. Found:
- Confusing specs – Torque numbers and suspension terms making zero sense
- Wild price ranges – Like $20k for new but $5k listings that screamed “scam”
- Forum wars – Arguments about seat height versus inseam measurements
Realized forums gave more headaches than answers. Decided I needed real human help.
Dealership Safari
Visited three Harley dealers this past Tuesday:
- First place had a salesman wearing more jewelry than my aunt. Kept saying “bro” while pointing at chrome parts.
- Second spot was dead empty except for one employee scrolling TikTok.
- Third dealer actually had a Sportster S Touring on the floor. Finally!
Took pictures of the bike like a tourist. Saleswoman noticed my awkward stalking and walked over.
The Critical Sit Test
Told her straight up: “Never owned a bike. Is this death trap right for beginners?” She laughed and actually gave real advice:
- Plant both feet – When seated, my boots needed flat ground contact
- Reach check – Could I grab handlebars without leaning forward?
- Weight test – Tried pushing it upright. Felt like moving a sleeping cow
Survived all three tests. Started seriously considering it.
Financial Horror Show
Asked about the price tag. Saleswoman wrote numbers on paper:
- Base price – Okay fine
- Freight charge – Wait they charge for delivering the bike?
- Dealer prep – $500 for “unboxing” apparently
- Taxes – Made my eyes water
Total added nearly $3k over sticker. Almost walked out right there.
The Haggle Moment
Remembered my uncle saying dealerships pad fees. Pointed at “dealer prep” charge: “You seriously charging me to take plastic off seats?” Saleswoman paused then knocked $300 off. Weirdly felt like winning the lottery.
Final Stupid Questions
Asked every paranoid newbie thing I could:
- How many miles till first oil change? (500-1000)
- Storage tips for winter? (Fuel stabilizer + battery tender)
- Can my license cover this? (Basic motorcycle permit works)
Signed papers after she answered. Drove home in my car terrified I just bought a two-wheeled mortgage.
First Week Owning This Beast
Got delivery yesterday. Rode around my neighborhood at 15mph feeling like a grandpa. Still figuring out:
- Where to put my damn coffee cup
- Why turn signals don’t auto-cancel
- How to explain extra garage space to my lawnmower
But pulling into my driveway after sunset? Worth every cent and every dumb question.
