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Sherry Long

Recent Posts

What to Expect from the Harley-Davidson New Rider Course

Posted by Sherry Long

May 4, 2026 11:00:00 AM

Dark motorbiker riding high power motorbike in nature with beautiful sunset light

TL;DR: The Harley-Davidson new rider course is your gateway to building real riding confidence, combining expert instruction with hands-on experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from your first class to life after you pass.

  • Learn how a Harley motorcycle class blends classroom basics with on-bike training for real-world skills
  • Understand what to expect in terms of schedule, structure, and how much motorcycle classes cost
  • Train on authentic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, even if you don’t own one yet
  • Build confidence through core skills like braking, turning, and road awareness
  • Discover what comes next, from licensing opportunities to joining the Harley-Davidson riding community

Every rider starts somewhere—and for many, that journey begins with the Harley-Davidson new rider course. It’s more than an introduction to riding; it’s your first real step into a lifestyle built on freedom, confidence, and the open road. Whether you’ve never touched a motorcycle or you’re ready to turn curiosity into capability, this is where it all comes together.

A Harley motorcycle class is designed to meet you where you are, breaking down the essentials into a format that’s approachable, hands-on, and built for real-world riding. From understanding the basics to building confidence on the bike, each moment is geared toward getting you comfortable in the saddle and ready for what’s ahead.

Of course, it’s natural to have questions before you start—like how much do motorcycle classes cost and what you actually get out of the riding experience. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect, so you can step in with clarity, confidence, and a clear path to the road ahead.

Your First Step Into the Harley-Davidson Riding Lifestyle

Stepping into the Harley-Davidson riding lifestyle is about more than learning to ride—it’s about answering the call to something bigger. It’s the rumble beneath you, the road ahead, and the mindset that comes with chasing freedom on two wheels. For many, it all begins with a Harley-Davidson new rider class, where that first spark turns into real, ride-ready confidence.

This is where the fundamentals meet the feeling. You’re not just learning motorcycle controls and techniques—you’re building the foundation for every mile that follows. It’s about understanding your machine, trusting your instincts, and embracing the responsibility that comes with the ride.

From day one, you’re part of a community that values independence, skill, and the open road. The lifestyle isn’t something you wait for—it starts the moment you decide to ride.

Classroom + Hands-On: How the Training Course is Structured

The Harley-Davidson riding journey is built on a structure designed to set you up for real-world confidence. A Harley motorcycle class blends focused classroom sessions with hands-on riding time, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll start by understanding the fundamentals, controls, safety principles, and rider awareness before applying those lessons on the bike.

For those wondering how long motorcycle classes are, most programs are designed to fit into a manageable schedule, often spread across a few days. It’s an immersive experience without being overwhelming, allowing you to absorb key skills at a steady, confident pace.

Naturally, motorcycle riders also ask how much motorcycle classes cost, and the value lies in the balance of expert instruction, hands-on experience, and real-world skill-building.

Each phase builds on the last, reinforcing what you’ve learned while introducing new challenges. It’s a step-by-step approach that turns uncertainty into capability, and curiosity into control, so when it’s time to ride on your own, you’re ready.

Young fair-haired brutal biker guy with a beard in sunglasses on a motorcycle in a field at sunset

Learn to Ride on a Harley-Davidson

There’s a difference between learning to ride—and learning to ride on a Harley-Davidson. From the first time you swing a leg over the seat in a Harley-Davidson new rider class, you’re not just practicing fundamentals—you’re experiencing the feel, balance, and power that define the brand. It’s a hands-on introduction to what makes a Harley unique, built for riders who want the real thing from day one.

A common question riders ask is: Do motorcycle classes provide motorcycles? With Southside Harley-Davidson, the answer is yes. You’ll train on genuine Harley-Davidson bikes, giving you the confidence to understand the machine you’ll eventually take out on the open road.

It’s about more than convenience—it’s about connection. Learning on a Harley builds familiarity, trust, and a sense of control that carries through every mile ahead.

Building Confidence, Skill, and Safety Awareness

Confidence on the road isn’t something you’re born with—it’s built, mile by mile, skill by skill. The Harley-Davidson new rider course is designed to develop that confidence from the ground up, blending technique with awareness so every rider feels in control from the start. It’s about more than just operating a motorcycle—it’s about understanding the environment around you.

You’ll learn how to read the road, anticipate movement, and react with precision. From smooth braking to controlled turns, each skill is reinforced through real-world scenarios that prepare you for what’s beyond the practice range.

Safety isn’t treated as a checklist—it becomes second nature. With every lesson, you sharpen your instincts and strengthen your connection to the bike. The result is a rider who doesn’t just move through the road, but owns it with confidence and control.

What Happens After You Pass

Passing the course is the moment everything starts to open up. You’ve put in the time, built the skills, and proven to yourself that you’re ready to ride. Now, the road ahead is yours to explore, backed by the confidence and control you earned along the way.

With your certification in hand, you may be eligible to move forward with licensing requirements, depending on your state. More importantly, you step into the Harley-Davidson riding community—where the learning never really stops, and every ride adds to your experience.

This is where the mindset shifts from student to rider. The basics are behind you, but the journey is just beginning. Whether it’s your first solo ride or your first long stretch of open road, you’re no longer wondering if you can—you know you can.

Start Your Ride with Confidence at Southside Harley-Davidson

It all comes back to taking that first step. The Harley-Davidson journey is built on moments like these, where curiosity turns into confidence and the unknown becomes something you’re ready to take on. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to push your limits further, the right foundation makes all the difference.

At Southside Harley-Davidson, that foundation is more than a course—it’s an entry point into a lifestyle defined by freedom, skill, and the open road. With the right guidance, the right machine, and the right mindset, there’s no limit to where your ride can take you next.

Learn more about our Harley-Davidson Riding Academy here.

Harley Davidson Sportster Models: Exploring the Different Trim Levels

Posted by Sherry Long

Aug 14, 2025 10:00:00 AM

The Harley Davidson Sportster has long been a favorite among riders who crave power, agility, and iconic American style. Over the decades, the Harley Davidson Sportster models have evolved, to offer a variety of trims, each with its own personality and purpose.

A motorcycle engine.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or brand-new to Harley Davidson motorcycles, understanding the key differences between Sportster trims can help you choose the model that matches your riding style best.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most notable Sportster models—past and present—highlighting performance specs, and take a closer look at features like seat height, fuel tank size, front fork design, and more.

The Legacy of the Sportster Line

Originally introduced in 1957, the Sportster lineup is one of the most enduring in Harley Davidson's history. Known for its stripped-down, look, responsive handling, and raw V-Twin power, it became the go-to choice for riders who wanted something both lean and fierce.

Over the years, the Sportster family has included various models, from the classic Iron 883 to the high-performance Nightster and Sportster S models. Many Sportster models have come and gone, but the spirit of the Sportster remains the same: compact, tough, and built to thrill.

Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883

One of the most iconic Harley Sportster models, the Iron 883 is a favorite for new riders and those who prefer its low stance and old-school feel. It’s powered by an air-cooled Evolution engine with fuel injection and rubber mounted for reduced vibration.

  • Engine: 883cc air-cooled V-Twin
  • Seat Height: 25.7 inches
  • Fuel Tank: 3.3 gallons
  • Sportster Weight: Around 564 lbs
  • Rear Shocks: Coil-over with preload adjustment
  • Front Fork: Traditional telescopic
  • Riding Position: Low and aggressive

The Iron 883 delivers simplicity and style, minus the lack advanced electronics and selectable ride modes. It’s pure Sportster DNA.

Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

The Iron 1200 adds more power and torque while keeping that vintage vibe.

  • Engine: 1202cc air-cooled Evolution engine
  • Harley Sportster 1200 Specs: 73 lb-ft torque at 3500 rpm
  • Seat Height: 25.7 inches
  • Fuel Tank: 3.3 gallons
  • Sportster Weight: 564 lbs
  • Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with preload adjust
  • Front Tire: 19 inches

The Iron 1200 gives you more muscle for highway riding while keeping the minimalist, throwback style intact.

Harley Davidson Forty-Eight

The Forty-Eight stands out for its “bulldog” stance, peanut fuel tank, and beefy front tire.

  • Engine: 1200cc Evolution
  • Fuel Tank: 2.1 gallons (peanut tank)
  • Seat Height: 26.2 inches
  • Front Fork: 49mm with cartridge damping
  • Sportster Weight: 556 lbs
  • Rear Wheel: 16 inches

It’s a head-turner with a slammed profile. The smaller fuel tank limits long rides, but the aesthetic makes up for it.

Harley Davidson Nightster

While the Sportster S often takes the spotlight, the Nightster carries the modern Sportster name forward in its own way. The Nightster blends Harley’s new technology with a design that nods back to the Sportster’s roots.

  • Engine: Revolution Max 975T, liquid-cooled
  • Horsepower: ~90 HP
  • Torque: 70+ lb-ft
  • Fuel Tank: 3.1 gal (fuel cell hidden under the seat for a classic look)
  • Seat Height: 27.8 in
  • Suspension: Dual rear shocks / SHOWA front fork
  • Electronics: Rider safety enhancements and selectable ride modes

The Nightster feels familiar for longtime Sportster fans but adds modern reliability, performance, and control. Importantly, Harley-Davidson currently produces only two Sportster models—the Nightster and the Sportster S—making them the torchbearers of this legendary lineup.

A row of motorcycles lined up.

Harley Davidson Sportster S

The Sportster S is a complete reimagining of what a Sportster can be. This modern machine is liquid-cooled, has advanced electronics, and big-time horsepower.

  • Engine: Revolution Max 1250T, liquid cooled
  • Sportster S Specs: 121 horsepower, 94 lb-ft of torque
  • Sportster S Horsepower: 121 HP
  • Selectable Ride Modes: Sport, Road, Rain, and Custom
  • Fuel Tank: 3.1 gallons
  • Seat Height: 28.9 inches
  • Rear Suspension: Linkage-mounted piggyback monoshock
  • Front Fork: Inverted 43mm SHOWA
  • Rider Safety Enhancements: Cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, and drag torque slip control
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth for phone calls, music, and navigation

If you want cutting-edge tech and wicked performance, the Sportster S is the top-tier choice. It’s a bike that looks just as aggressive as it rides.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a quick breakdown of key features across the popular Harley Davidson Sportster models:

Feature

Iron 883

Iron 1200

Forty-Eight

Nightster

Sportster S

Engine

883cc Air-Cooled

1202cc Air-Cooled

1202cc Air-Cooled

975cc Liquid-Cooled

1250cc Liquid Cooled

Horsepower

~50 HP

~60 HP

~60 HP

~90 HP

121 HP

Fuel Tank

3.3 gal

3.3 gal

2.1 gal

3.1 gal

3.1 gal

Seat Height

25.7 in

25.7 in

26.2 in

27.8 in

28.9 in

Suspension

Dual shocks

Dual shocks

Dual shocks

Dual Shocks

Adjustable Monoshock

Front Fork

Standard

Standard

49mm Cartridge

SHOWA

SHOWA Inverted

Tech

Basic

Basic

Basic

Ride Modes / Safety Enhancements

Selectable Ride Modes, ABS, Bluetooth

Choosing the Right Sportster for Your Style

Every rider has different goals. Here's how the models stack up by riding preference:

  • For beginners or casual city riding: Iron 883
  • For classic Harley feel with more muscle: Iron 1200
  • For short trips and bold styling: Forty-Eight
  • For modern performance with retro vibe: Nightster
  • For top-tier power and tech-loaded rides: Sportster S

The riding position and comfort will vary, too.

The Bottom Line

The Harley-Davidson Sportster family has always balanced heritage with innovation. Today, only the Nightster, Nightster S and Sportster S carry the name forward, but the legacy of the Iron and Forty-Eight still resonates with riders everywhere.

Whether you want old-school simplicity or cutting-edge performance, the Sportster lineup proves Harley-Davidson still knows how to build a bike that makes the road feel like freedom.

Ready to ride? Explore Indianapolis Southside Harley Davidson and throw a leg over the Harley Sportster that calls your name.

Browse our collection of Harley Davidson Motorcycles here.

How To Clean Your Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

Posted by Sherry Long

Apr 4, 2019 12:10:09 PM

motorcycle cleaning products

Icleaning productsndianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson offers lots of great tips, tricks, and advice for keeping your prized possession looking as shiny as the day you first rode it home.

What you need to clean your Harley Davidson:

  • Wash mitt
  • Microfiber detailing cloth
  • Softstrips
  • Soft detailing pad
  • Wheel & spoke brush
  • Softcloth
  • Soft drying towel
  • HOG Blaster motorcycle dryer


Essential Harley Davidson Cleaning
Products:

  • Wheel & tire cleaner
  • Sunwash concentrate
  • Bug remover
  • Harley Glaze polish & sealant
  • Harley Black
Prepare your motorcycle for a thorough wash

 

The Wash Process

1.      Cool Down

      • Don’t start cleaning until your motorcycle is cool to the touch.
      • Cold water can damage a hot bike.


2.    
Pre-Wash

      • Rinse your bike with clean water from the bottom up.
      • Do you have the proper cleaning and detailing supplies on hand?

 

3.      Wheels & Tires

      • Rinse your wheels and tires, making sure to wet all surfaces with clean water.
      • Spray on wheel & tire cleaner andwait one minute.How to properly wash your Harley-Davidson motorcycle
      • Clean the wheels with your soft detailing pad or your wheel & spoke brush.
      • Rinse well.

 
4.   
The Wash

      • Use two clean buckets; one for cleaning and one for rinsing.
      • Pour Sunwash concentrate into one bucket and fill with water.
      • Fill your second bucket with just clean water.
      • Soak your wash mitt in the bucket with Sunwash solution.
      • Wash all bike surfaces; start at the top and work your way down.
      • Use Harley’s bug remover to easily clean away those caked-on insects.
      • Rinse all bike surfaces; start at the bottom and work your way up.harley davidson cleaning products
      • Finish with a final top down rinse.

How to properly wash your Harley-Davidson motorcycle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

drying resized 600

 


5.     
Drying the Motorcycle

      • Use your soft drying towel on all bike surfaces.
      • For faster, more effectivedrying, use the HOG Blaster motorcycle dryer.
      • Dampen your towel in the bucket of clean water, and wring out any excess water.
      • Wipe across the entire bike surface.
      • Wring out the towel often and continue wiping until your bike is completely dry.

 

How to properly polish your Harley-Davidson motorcycle

 

 6.      Polish & Seal

        • Remember that a well-maintained Harley repels dust, dirt, bugs, and dirty water.
        • Use Harley Glaze polish & sealant with your softcloth ormicrofiber detailing cloth and follow the bottle instructions.
        • A softcloth is an absolute must for buffing your bike.


7.     
Add Harley Black to Tires

 

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are incredible machines that give you many years of riding pleasure. Also, they’re valuable investments that are worth caring for properly. Proper Harley Davidson care will increase your riding pleasure and, ultimately, help retain your bike’s value. Want to protect your bike for the long run? Check out these special protective products exclusively from H-D: 

Harley Glaze poly sealant
Windshield water repellant
Leather protectant
Harley Preserve bare aluminum protectant wipes

harley davidson cleaning tips

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How to properly wash your Harley-Davidson motorcycle | A workshop at Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson

Topics: Maintaining Your Bike, harley davidson


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