Can you recommend a Harley for me?

Question

I'm 43, never been a motorcycle rider before. I'm going to do it right, and take a riding class. I've been looking at used Harleys, and I've gotten some conflicting advice. One person told me to look at Sportsters, saying they were manueverable and a good startet bike, others have said due to my size (6 feet tall, 220 pounds, athletic, in good shape) I should get a bigger bike and grow into it. I tend to think getting a bigger bike is best, and that I'll do fine after taking the class and stuff. I like the Dyna Glide, looks like a good size. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Excellent advice from Law138....Go to the Harley dealership like he suggested and sit on everything you can get your hands on.  I too am a beginner, female and I ride a 1200 Custom Sportster. It's plenty of bike. Hubby and I were going to look into an 883...and I just liked the feel of the 1200 custom and have no problems with it at all !!! I'm only 5 feet 6/12 inches tall and it's a comfortable bike. For your height and weight, try to see how the 1200 feels when you sit on it...My hubby is about the same height and weight and he has no problems handling the bike at all. With your weight and height, you can handle really any size bike they have. Just try them out and see what is more comfortable for you!! Good Luck and Happy Riding!!!!

Answer 2

Magz™ AMCNAS leader ..I though your answer was hilarious lol. But its co true lol

Answer 3

You will always get conflicting advice. Even after you settle on your own personal choice. Take the course, get a taste on one of thier bikes. Then, when you have a better idea of what YOU want, try them all on for size. There is merit in buying a used bike for the first, accidents happen, and more often to new riders. I know some people in the 6 foot range that ride Sportsters, it's what they like. I ride a Dyna, @ 5'9" & 135lb. At first it felt a little big, but I was already used to a smaller bike. It didn't take long to adjust to the difference.

Answer 4

get whatever you feel comfortable with, harley doesn't make a bike that is too powerful for a beginner, so no worries there...

Answer 5

Law's answer is the best look down...

Harleys are like freckles. Their ugly and everyone has them.

Answer 6

Sportster is too small for you to be comfortable. If you want a American made V twin cruiser check out Victory. Read the JD Powers ratings between them and Harley

Answer 7

get a sportster w forward controls(custom models) or add forward controls to a different model.  you will be able to stretch out a lot more.  you can always slap some higher rise handlebars on if you need to.  i would go with a sportster over a softail and dyna cuz the most an XL costs new is $10K.  not everyone has the money for a softail right away. you have to think logically.  this way you can make your mistakes on something cheaper

Answer 8

I am about the same size as you and I have a Sportster 883.  A lot of people will tell you that you'll outgrow it or whatever.  But what you gotta do is just eject all the junk that they put on one, lower the shocks, put in a low profile seat, trash the handle bars (Get drag bars or race bars) and you'll be all set.  It's up to you if you want to put in a different carb or air cleaner, but it's all doable.  Now, this is where this answer gets moot.  What do you intend to do with it?  Are you riding out with buddies on the weekend on a cross country, or just across town?  If it's the latter, then the sporty is a good choice.  I ride mine to work, to home, to the store, and then maybe an hour out into the country and then an hour back once or twice a week.  It's great for that.  But if it's plus two hundred miles trips, then I would go with the Dyna-Glide, like mentioned before.  The Dyna can take lots of bolt on c**p like a windshield and hard bags, engine guard, etc.  It's a slightly heavier bike with more engine, because getting passed by a double tractor truck on the interstate can be more thrill than you want at times.  That, or maybe a Street Bob, because it's got hangers on it.  If you're looking at the new crossbones, it's real similar, but pricey.  But whatever you do, DO NOT try and turn the sporty into a full dresser.

Answer 9

The Dyna Wide is a sharp bike, but I have to tell you almost everyone drops a bike a number of times while learning to ride.

I'd suggest a used 1200, you can ride it for a year, if you drop it , not tears shed.

After you've put some miles on it you can sell it for what you paid and get your Dyna with the confidence that comes with some experience.

BTW a 1200 with forwards will be comfortable enough, even at 6'.

Answer 10

Dear Bill,

I ride a Harley, but would never recommend any bike for anyone .

Do your homework, go to many dealerships, talk to whom ever, and aquire some data to suit yourself.

None of us here, could tell you what type of bike to purchase, and enjoy.Only YOU can prevent forest fires!

Answer 11

This kills me to say, but I somewhat agree with Magz on this one.  You will be able to handle the power of pretty much any Harley.  That being said, I agree with you.....as big a guy as you are, I don't think you need to start on a small bike just because you are a beginner.  You just need to honestly evaluate yourself when you take the MSF course.  You will probably be riding a 250cc bike during the course....if you struggle at all on it, a big bike probably aint for you right now.

Before you buy, get to ur local HD dealership and sit on everything they got.  Get a feel for what fits and feels comfortable to you.

I had the same kind of "thoughts" when I first started.  I'm 6'4"/220....started on a 1300cc bike.  I wanted bigger (and knew I could handle it) after I rode it around the block !!  Now I have a HD Road King and I love it.

Good luck...Ride safe.....Enjoy !!

Answer 12

Don't get the Sporty... get an fxst or the dyna... I have an '01 for sale if you are anywhere near NW georgia (1hr. S of Chattanooga on I75). Only 12,000 miles on it...well maintained... already set up for tall (was my son's who is 6'4"... rode little while in college) $8500.00. We'll paint it your choice- one color $600.00. E mail me thru avatar...

Answer 13

Don't buy a sportster, you will outgrow it in no time. I would go with either a softtail as a first bike, they are not that small and have a fairly low center of gravity so it would be easier to ride.

Answer 14

I hate to say it but you should buy a less expensive used j*p bike. Put the cheap insurance on it & pratice with it for a year or so. Cause to tell you the truth you will most likely have some type of accident in your learning stage's and HD part's can get expensive.  But, if you must have a HD look for a dyna or sporty. Remember there are 2 type's of rider's, those who have crashed & those who are gonna. (good luck)