When I was a kid my dad got me a bike. He rode, my brothers rode, and even one of his wives rode. It was a fun time in my life. I didn't carry on that tradition with my first two kids. They are both grown now and I have never encouraged either of them to get or ride a motorcycle. I was worried they would act like a fool like I did and not be as lucky. Well my oldest son told me the other day his wife gave him the ok to buy a bike. I ask him why he wants a bike, he said he wants to tour the country on one.

I ask him what kind of bike he wants and he said a Harley Davidson. Again, I didn't encourage him one way or the other. I was pondering what would be the ideal bike to start on. I'm not going to try to influence him one way or the other, unless he ask. My main advice will be "don't buy new", don't pay asking price, and "don't get all thier add-on BS".

Is there any advice you guys would recommend? He will be taking the riders safety course.

What ever it is that you're looking for...don't skimp or over pay for things you don't need. The Ultra is right now the best bang for your buck touring bike. Limited is over kill but nice if you can afford it. The Eglide classic is missing a few ammenities in my opinion.

There are plenty of low miliage Ultra's.

I think a touring model would match what he is wanting to do, but I don't think he wants to pay the new price they want charge for the newer model touring models.

Yeah used Ultra's all over the place and for cheap money compared to new in my opinion. Should try to get one after '09 for the frame change but even if you don't its no big deal. I paid peanuts for my used '01 and '98. '99's have that twin cam tolerance issue to look out for, I don't care what people say, that was a recall year.

After he gets a little seat time I would take him to the dealer and let him test drive as many bikes as they will let him. Once he finds the model that he like go out and fine a good used one and save. Good luck to your son I hope he enjoys motorcycling.

Thanks guys I appreciate it.

Keep us posted on the outcome...craigs list and other motorcycle forums have extensive used bikes section. Texas must have juts a boat load of reasonably priced used bikes.

My son bought his first bike last year I told him to take his time, look around, buy used and don't get a sportster.
He ran to the dealer like his pants where on fire and got a sportster, It's a nice bike ( 1200 custom ) but now he wishes he would have listend to his dumb old man.
Now he wants to trade it in for a wide glide and we all know who's going to come out ahead on that deal.
I don't dislike sportsters there just not much good for riding 2up and his woman likes to ride. I hope your son finds a bike he can be happy with.

There's plenty of used Roadkings and FL anything.
My suggestion would be to get one with the 6 gallon tanks and 6 speed trans.
My RK is easy to ride and super comfy 1 or 2 up. Its a great bike to get started on. Not much to distract the rider... I have a short attention span -

I think an EVO Road King would be cool for him. I agree that the 6 speed & 6 Gal's would be better, but the prices are above his budget. Personally, I would like to get a 90's model Road King one day.