Jack brings up a great suggestion in the motorcycle safety course. As many of the posts have pointed out, everyone comes to motorcycling with different abilities. Assuming that your friend is like most of us, an average human being, it might take some getting used to when riding the Ultra. I returned to motorcycling about 20 years ago with a mid weight Kawasaki. I then "graduated" to the Ultra. The biggest issue? The shear weight of the machine. It takes some getting used to. Took me about 500 miles before I felt comfortable and about 1500 more before I felt "at home" on the bike. Electra Glides are amazingly agile bikes for their size. But, it does take practice. After about 10000 miles on my 'Glide, I still "practice" u turns and the like whenever I get the opportunity. It keeps your skills sharp, and IMO makes you feel more at home on the bike. That being said, my Ultra is a bike that I would never sell.....I love it that much....