Harley davidson sportster good for a new rider?

Question

i have been considering this for a while and a sportster seemed like a good choice. i have always liked harleys and i have read in several books and they say that sportsters are a good way to start off. the only thing is, im 6'3. is that too tall? i'm not overweight or anything like that i just wondered if my height would be an issue. as far as experience goes, i have ridden my uncles goldwing with him a couple times. but that was only observing, i used to ride dirt bikes quite a bit. i know that there is quite a diffirence between dirt bikes and motorcycles. but at least its something. i'm also planning on taking the harley davidson riding safety course. so besides what i asked, and suggestions for a new rider?

Answer 1

A trifle heavy for a first timer. I would try something a little lighter before jumping into the deep end of the pool.

The Harley riders course is an excellent one, but your under no obligation to buy their machines as soon as you graduate.

But if you must absolutely have one I will certainly not stop you. They are a nice machine, aren't they?

Answer 2

i'm 6'1" and ride a sporty

you'll be fine, i hate mid controls though so imagine you will too.... fwd controls can be added to any sporty though so get the one that fits your budget and add them on if they aren't already there.... cost you like $200 bucks

a sporty is one of the most top heavy cruisers out there, so since you used to ride dirt bikes, it'll be your best choice as they are more top heavy than cruisers as well.... just don't expect stunts outta your new sporty like a dirt bike, lol

Answer 3

If you love HD and you are that tall I would not suggest you purchase a Sporster. YOu will be way too large for this option.Go ahead and purchase the larger models, one that is more appropriately fit for a man of your size. Remember, they are all overpwered to begin with. THe control is in hte hands of the rider. YOU have a bg bike between your legs then you control it with the throttle and brakes...BIg or small it is the same thing, The weight should not be a factor as that , for the most part only comes into play at very slow speeds/cornering etc. ONce up to speed it does not make much of aa difference  as far as being able to handle-control it.

You will not regret it if you make the intial purchase of a Sporster ( I hope it is the 1200 and not the 883) but I think you would be much more satisfied with an uptick model from HD. Go to the delaership ad sit on all of them Start out with the Wide Glide with forward controls. If you do, you will never look back at the sporter again unless a hot chick pulls up alongside of you sitting on one.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you finally choose

Answer 4

Just because you are a little bit tall, don't think that you will have trouble riding a bike.  Harley is a good choice but the resale on a sportster is a bit lower than a big bike.   Try visiting several dealers. They will work with you on priceing

and help you find the bike you feel comfortable sitting on.

Answer 5

If you're 6-3 then you'll want to have one with forward controls.  You'll be much more comfortable.  If your bike doesn't have forward controls, you can change them from the mid controls with a little work and some basic tools.

Answer 6

If you dont mind all the HOG riders saying, look at that fat guy on a girls bike.

You need a bigger machine, If you dont mind poor fuel mileage go for a Dyna-glide.

If you want better fuel mileage and it to last longer, and handle better , and be way cheaper by a ricer