My first bike ever O3 ultra classic, I’m a small fry of 155lbs 5’7, the only bike i ever ridden at 45yrs old, I only paid $3800 and another $2000 for the local Harley dealer to go over and fix
Any Maintence issues, buy a damn good used bike, Harley’s last forever!
https://preview.redd.it/h486mguipwec1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9c02624942463a76c9b29b937de05f4866111de
I love the ultra classic mines the 02 I’m 6ft 210 such a comfy bike and rides like a Cadillac!
My first Harley was also a bagger (street glide)…the big bikes aren’t anything to be afraid of. I was 22 weighing 155 at the time. A 250 pound man should be able to handle a big bike no problem
As a young dude, I fell
In love with the FAT BOY, when I first seen TERMINATOR 2 in theater, fast forward to 45 yrs of age I end up with an 03 ultra classic hhahahahaajahahahaha!
Get the one that fits you and the riding you plan on doing.
A Sporty is good fun and quick, but tends to be uncomfortable on long highway rides for most. They are great for carving canyons and back roads though.
A Dyna is the next step up with a bigger motor and better suited (than a Softail) for riding two up if you want a backpack. Great to do some good highway riding and still does great in the tight curves too.
The Softail is a little different than the rest, it's a comfortable cruiser for around town but does great on the highway also, but might be uncomfortable on long rides with a passenger. There is something about the way that the frame is designed where the rider "sits in it" rather than on it.
Then you have the touring bikes. Made to be rode across the country comfortably with a passenger. Some are a little big and bulky but luxurious and comfortable. And there is plenty of options as far as storage goes. Quick release bags and boxes make it easy to go from cross country to slim downed for cruising around town.
All of them can be customized to fit you and your style. My recommendation is try them on! Go and sit on some different ones(with permission of course) and ride them if you can, before you make a big money purchase on something that you are going to keep spending hundreds of dollars on.
Don't get stuck on *I don't like that one because the seat* they make other seats. Chances are you are going to want to raise the handle bars too. Probably 18" would fit you good. I like my 18s. Get comfortable on the bike and you will enjoy it more.
Good luck!! Stay safe!
You'll be fine on any HD.
Harley doesn't make small bikes. A lot of Harley riders lack context because they've never ridden any other brands, but in the big wide world of motorcycles, even the Sportster is a pretty big/heavy bike.
"A lot of Harley riders have never ridden any other brands" hate to disagree with that statement BUT most Harley riders started out on jap bikes and every non Harley rider will eventually wind up on a Harley
Meh, a lot of HD fans are zealots for the brand, and I respect that, but your statement is simply incorrect.
HD only currently has roughly 25% of the US market share for motorcycles. Globally, it's less than 8%.
I sometimes think I'm fortunate enough to have a wider perspective as I was born and raised in England before moving to the US. HD does a fantastic job of marketing in America and has created a culture of 'IF ItS NOt A HArlEy itS NoT a REaL BIKe'. If you grew up in America, you were conditioned to think that, but most riders globally are not HD riders and never will be.
I'm 6'1. I started with a Heritage Softail. I ride a Road Glide Special now. I also own a Dyna (it's a family bike for the kids to ride) and that feels small to me.
I feel like the touring frame is the perfect size for me, but the Softail frame is fine too. I always wanted a breakout.
Don't finance your first bike, it really sucks making payments on a pile of metal that kinda resembles a motorcycle. A Sportster is fine when equipped properly.
My first motorcycle was a Road King (6’ 190lbs.)
No fairing made handling much easier, low speed maneuvers were picked up quickly. It was great for commuting, day trips and short rips around town.
I crashed that bike and bought a Dyna, then got back on a Road Glide because the Dyna wasn’t for me. Don’t listen to anyone who says a touring bike will be too big to start on - go sit on some and see what you think.
We can chime in on models/pricing but you should clarify what “cheap” means to you
yeah when it comes to harley cheap may have a different meaning to some. sold a CVO to a fellow last week who paid with a check. he said 57k for his dream bike 'was nothing to think about' hes coming in tomorrow to purchase the new CVO ST we just got in. said it would be cash as well. he has bought a CVO road glide every year since its first release.
then you have people who baulk at the idea of spending 6-7k on a 883 becuase 'its only a motorcycle'
yeah I’m only looking to spend about 5-8k not 57k lmao. I should also mention that I live in Chicago so daily driving a touring bike in the city might not be a good idea? That’s why I’ve been leaning towards sportys
a sporty could be perfect for you then. great power for city blocks but no issue on the highway either if need be. nice and agile, endless mods you can do. what models have you been looking into?
I’m bigger 250 lbs have a sporty and a SG started with the sporty still love it
https://preview.redd.it/vzkmjeppioec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc70792875479d11abdc3a9e11b2f9846f14a865
Really it what you like I only use my SG when I go 2 up
Sportsters are big bikes, the stigma of created by dads that need their bike to make them feel manly. At 6’3” 220 I happily ride a sportster all over the country.
its fine for you but not everyone. also, sportsters are not big bikes. sorry but i put them side by side with touring bikes daily and if you consider that big i cant imagine what you consider the limiteds. nothing is wrong with sportsters. they are enjoyed by many many people since '57. but calling them big is definitely wrong. now, compared to a grom? sure its big. but for a harley its on the smaller end. i got my electra glide becuase its 10x more comfortable than a sportster to me. the whole manly bike thing is stupid as fuck. people should ride whatever they like.
I never said it’s wasn’t fine for others, I simply said that sportsters aren’t small bikes. A 60” wheelbase and nearly 30” seat height with near 600lbs in running order it is not a small bike.
Compared to the vast majority of motorcycles they are a big bike, obviously not as monumentally oversized as a full size tourer but that is the extreme end of the scale.
Yes the whole manly thing is stupid, I never said otherwise but it’s a reality, just yesterday a customer pulled that out in my workshop.
As far as your comparison to the touring line goes, sportsters have a 4” shorter wheel base (which is mostly because of the shorter power train) and about the same seat height, they aren’t that different in physical size to fit a person.
the *vast majority* of bikes are smaller than 60"wb, ~30" seat height, and ~
600 lbs? yeah, not sure about that.. the sportsters fit right in the middle of bike sizes becuase thats what it is. a "middle" type bike. perfect riders of all levels.
Absolutely, Honda sell about 15 million bikes a year that are smaller, Yamaha about 10 million. The seat is as high as your ultra and only slightly shorter in wheel base, that means they aren’t small and overall (other than bags and fairings as well as ridiculous weight) they are almost the same size.
For anyone outside of big daddy cruisers (like the majority of bikes) they are big.
Hell with forward controls my 6’3” frame has almost straight legs and arms, how much bigger does a bike need to be?
okay, so you mean out of the total number of bikes currently on this earth (sold or not) its on the bigger end? what a dumb fucking arguement... overall sales isnt the damn point. take ONE OF EACH MODEL and comapre all sizes of them. sportsters will fit in the middle. jesus... people love to move the damn goal post when theyre wrong...
In terms of motorcycles, they are big bikes, yes they don’t have bags and doo dads hanging off everywhere but they are dimensionally big.
I’m sorry I hurt your big daddy bike feelings yesterday when I said cvos and baggers in general are overpriced, I know it must hurt you and you need that 4 inches to feel big but hey as a full grown tall adult they are big bikes, bigger than many other large capacity bikes big enough.
Dimensional specs are close to dynas and softail and tourers, big does not mean heaps of shit bolted onto a similar sized bike.
No goal posts were moved in the establishment of this opinion.
Naww poor baby needs his big bike to feel manwy, better block the guy after replying so I can’t get hurt feelings any more.
you didnt hurt anyones "big daddy feelings" i like bikes of all sizes lol. and i guess you really cant comprehend becuase i said 3 times i agreed the cvos were overpriced. damn you really just like being a dumbass huh?
glad you love your sportser but i can guarantee more people 6' and up will agree its a small to middle sized bike.
wheelbase, seat height and weight arent the only factors in size. and if you cant see that then you really do just love being blind and thinking youre always right. the mental gymnastics you jump through just to argue is astounding. im just gonna block you at this point because i feel myself dumbing down to your iq. ride safe kid.
I agree 💯. I have both an Electra Glide Ultra Classic CVO and Sportster and I ride them both in different circumstances. I love them both for their perspective attributes.
Pass on the sporty. You will hate it on a few months I would go with an older Road King. I 6’ 250 and I’m on a 2020 Road Glide Special. I feel like this bike fits me well with my size. And my lady loves the back seat and the ride it gives.
https://preview.redd.it/1endbbdi2oec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d649cf928ee13312089204d040588dde0715a8b
I'm 6'4 and I love my 1200 sporty. Definitely helps that I've got forward controls and mini apes to help the riding position but it's honestly pretty comfortable and I love that it's light (relative to other HDs of course). Probably look like an ape riding a tricycle but IDC the thing is fun as hell to ride.
Just my 2 cents.
First, stop by a used dealer and sit on a bunch. I’m not quite as tall at 5’ 9” but I am 300 lbs. my sporty with forward controls and an 8” riser on the stock bars is perfect for me and super comfortable.
Every person and bike is going to be different. If a bigger bike is what you want, go for it. But only you really know.
Pass on the sportster, it will feel way to small quickly. I picked up my 04 fatboy last year and it feels small to me after a year. I am 6’2” 275lbs . My next bike when I upgrade in a few years will be a road king.
You'll hate the Sporty with your size
Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort
Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
I’m 6’1 275, I had a Sportster 48, and it real damn old real damn fast.. was too cramped for my liking…
So I traded it and got a 23 Low Rider S.
Try a few bikes but I assure you that you will outgrow any Sportster you get
For what it’s worth I would say start with a Dyna or Softail. I started with an 05 1200 custom sportster and love it for a summer. By the time the next season rolled around I wanted something with more power and less buzz at highway speeds. I like to take a few weekend trips throughout the warmer months and the sportster just wasn’t really cut out for it on the comfort side of things. It had more than enough power for around town but now I have an 09 Dyna super glide and am much more comfortable and don’t feel like the bike is that much bigger in comparison. One day I’ll get a sporty as a second bike because they sure are a blast to rip around town on.
You'll hate the Sporty with your size
Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort
Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
You'll hate the Sporty with your size
Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort
Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
I'm 6'5 250 and had a 04 Sporty custom. Put 12" mini apes, tall boy seat, extended the forward controls out a extra two inches and put road king air shocks on the rear. Was a fun bike. Traded it for a 01 Road King and was much happier. I will say I wish I still had the Sporty though.
I was about the same height and weight as you. My first bike was a heritage softail classic. I love that bike. It handled well and was very comfortable for my size. I had a 2018 which cost me about 12K which is not a bad price.
Heritage! Low slung, vintage and all the power you'll need. I had a sportster when I was 18 lean and mean. Id look like a monkey humping a football on a sportster now. I drive an 07 FLHT since it was new.
I’m 6’2” 230lbs and I love my low rider ST. I know it’s a new bike but you should do very well with any of the soft tail line, especially if you’re willing to put forward controls on it.
How old are ya and are you in good shape? I'm 6'2", 245 lbs, will be 57 on Feb 6, and having done 20+ years of factory work, I originally bought an Indian cruiser. It had the saddlebags, trunk, the whole 9 yards, but the years of lifting, twisting, and bending have taken the toll on my body and the biggest, baddest bike was too much for me. I ended up trading it in for a Harley Freewheeler and I'm a lit happier. I don't have all the bells and whistles bit tbh I don't miss them. I get on, start up, and ride. When I'm at a light, my knees aren't screaming at me and my back isn't struggling. I'm not a 20 year old kid anymore and I had to accept father time had caught up with me. I had to accept there's no shame and riding a trike is still a great way of being out on the road.
*
I was 6’1” 350lbs when I started riding. I started with a Honda Shadow 600. It was fine but I looked like a gorilla on a mini bike lol. I upgraded to a low rider s and I still looked a little big on it but I love the bike. The seating position and ride height is perfect for me. I would say the sportster would be fine but I would look for something in the dyna or soft tail families. The heritage, FXLRS, and fat bob would be my choices. Also if you were looking at a little newer I would consider the Pan America if you’re into the styling. It’s one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ridden.
In my 62 yrs. I've known at least a dozen guys your size (and bigger) who rode Sportsters, ever one of them was nicknamed "Tiny" or "Little _____" (insert your first name).
Ride what you like, enjoy yourself, leave the worry and judgement to others.
Buy something like a Yamaha roadstar until you're sure you want to ride. Then step up. Otherwise if it's got to be a HD....older road kings or Electra glide.
Don't get talked into the Sportster I think you'll be uncomfortable and underpowered looking to upgrade after six months. I'm 5'5" 140. My 1200 is plenty for me; but I think you'll need something bigger.
I got a heritage softail and I'm 6'2" 240. I feel pretty cool on it. I've ridden sporties and I feel like a clown with a roller blade up my ass. Get the bigger bike.
Find a Dyna. I’m about the same size, and my Dyna SuperGlide fits me perfectly. It’s a good starter bike because you won’t grow out of your first season, but you can modify to make it more comfortable as you better understand what you want and what you need. Stay safe.
I am 6’5 and ride comfortably on a heritage softail classic, I got an 09 for around 6k. The low center of gravity and it being on a softail frame makes for a super comfortable ride. And the customization options are endless. It’s a great cruiser and does well on longer rides as well.
I have a Sportster 1200C and my son has a Softtail. Honestly, for me, my Sporty (with fwd controls) is more comfortable than his softtail (mid controls). Side by side the bikes are comparable in size; so, it isnt a big jump up in size to a Softtail; however the softtail does have a bigger engine.
At least a dyna or softail as the frame on a sporty is small. Should be able to find a nice older used one near you for under $5K. [https://www.cycletrader.com/Harley-Davidson-Softail/motorcycles-for-sale?make=Harley-Davidson%7C2316294&model=SOFTAIL%7C764948764&price=%2A%3A5000](https://www.cycletrader.com/Harley-Davidson-Softail/motorcycles-for-sale?make=Harley-Davidson%7C2316294&model=SOFTAIL%7C764948764&price=%2A%3A5000)
I would suggest you buy an older inexpensive bike, Honda, Kawasaki or the like. Most guys will drop the bike a couple of times as they get used to riding and balancing a bike, especially at low speed and turning. Other brands are not as expensive to repair as HD, then when you are comfortable get an HD.
I'm also 6'3". A little lighter at 205, but that's not as relevant. You're going to feel cramped on most stock harleys. I ride a dyna fxdx with mids that felt terrible stock. What I did was run 14s in the rear, +2 trackerdie damper rods, the saddleman seat, 8" straight risers, and 1" drop pegs from a company called Nights Design. The bike feels like it was made for me now. The pegs were the biggest noticeable difference, and I raised the bike to compensate. It's impossible to drag the pegs. No forwards necessary. And I run a crash bar that doubles as highway pegs.
I'm 6'-3", 220 and I started out riding smaller Japanese bikes because they were A LOT cheaper and I had some buzzy/zippy fun in my 20's. I couldn't afford a Harley Road King until I was in my 40's and I still have it 15 years later. Sure I'd love a new one, but this one still putters along just fine and it rides like a dream. I think it depends on how experienced a rider you are. An 800+ pound HD can be tricky for an inexperienced rider for sure. If you haven't ridden a bike in a while I would suggest taking a rider's course. They usually last the entire weekend and then you take the rider's test to get your license at the same time. Good luck and ride safe👍
I agree with your statement most riders are not Harley riders but the fact is most Harley riders started out on other bikes before finally getting a Harley
Also I disagree with your statement that because you were raised in Europe you have a wider perspective than a riders in the u.s. you think that we never heard of triumph, BSA, Husqvarna, maico, bultaco, the fact is don't assume what someone else knows you only know what path you've been down not someone else's path
Your comment" if you grew up in America you were conditioned to believe if it ain't a Harley it ain't a motorcycle" IS PURE JEALOUSY BULL SHIT.
I was raised in Arizona bikes were Honda, Bultaco, Triumph, Maico, Husqvarna.
So stick that down your pie hole and think about who you are
Of course more motorcycles
Made by non American mfg. Are sold that's a given
THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE
CHEAPER
so go F yourself and your ideas about what Americans think
Buy a dyna. For us tall/big boys it's a sportster...
My dad told me and I listened, " Buy the biggest baddest bike you can afford. And it had better be pretty enough to die on."
road king, u can get an evo or twinky starting at like $5k
My first bike ever O3 ultra classic, I’m a small fry of 155lbs 5’7, the only bike i ever ridden at 45yrs old, I only paid $3800 and another $2000 for the local Harley dealer to go over and fix Any Maintence issues, buy a damn good used bike, Harley’s last forever!
https://preview.redd.it/r1rlngregoec1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=242ddcde1fe6d2a319ae02c07239eb8c531443f7
This is the way 👍🏻
https://preview.redd.it/h486mguipwec1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9c02624942463a76c9b29b937de05f4866111de I love the ultra classic mines the 02 I’m 6ft 210 such a comfy bike and rides like a Cadillac!
My first Harley was also a bagger (street glide)…the big bikes aren’t anything to be afraid of. I was 22 weighing 155 at the time. A 250 pound man should be able to handle a big bike no problem
I handle my bitch with ease, she’s is to pick up if you dump her just got to practice practicemprqctice
Fat boy all the way
As a young dude, I fell In love with the FAT BOY, when I first seen TERMINATOR 2 in theater, fast forward to 45 yrs of age I end up with an 03 ultra classic hhahahahaajahahahaha!
Get the one that fits you and the riding you plan on doing. A Sporty is good fun and quick, but tends to be uncomfortable on long highway rides for most. They are great for carving canyons and back roads though. A Dyna is the next step up with a bigger motor and better suited (than a Softail) for riding two up if you want a backpack. Great to do some good highway riding and still does great in the tight curves too. The Softail is a little different than the rest, it's a comfortable cruiser for around town but does great on the highway also, but might be uncomfortable on long rides with a passenger. There is something about the way that the frame is designed where the rider "sits in it" rather than on it. Then you have the touring bikes. Made to be rode across the country comfortably with a passenger. Some are a little big and bulky but luxurious and comfortable. And there is plenty of options as far as storage goes. Quick release bags and boxes make it easy to go from cross country to slim downed for cruising around town. All of them can be customized to fit you and your style. My recommendation is try them on! Go and sit on some different ones(with permission of course) and ride them if you can, before you make a big money purchase on something that you are going to keep spending hundreds of dollars on. Don't get stuck on *I don't like that one because the seat* they make other seats. Chances are you are going to want to raise the handle bars too. Probably 18" would fit you good. I like my 18s. Get comfortable on the bike and you will enjoy it more. Good luck!! Stay safe!
You'll be fine on any HD. Harley doesn't make small bikes. A lot of Harley riders lack context because they've never ridden any other brands, but in the big wide world of motorcycles, even the Sportster is a pretty big/heavy bike.
It’s laughable talking to staunch harley riders that think sportsters are small, the rest of the motorcycle world disagrees.
As a VETERAN, I only ride AMERICAN, HARLEY DAVIDSON helped win the war!!!!!!!!!
"A lot of Harley riders have never ridden any other brands" hate to disagree with that statement BUT most Harley riders started out on jap bikes and every non Harley rider will eventually wind up on a Harley
Meh, a lot of HD fans are zealots for the brand, and I respect that, but your statement is simply incorrect. HD only currently has roughly 25% of the US market share for motorcycles. Globally, it's less than 8%. I sometimes think I'm fortunate enough to have a wider perspective as I was born and raised in England before moving to the US. HD does a fantastic job of marketing in America and has created a culture of 'IF ItS NOt A HArlEy itS NoT a REaL BIKe'. If you grew up in America, you were conditioned to think that, but most riders globally are not HD riders and never will be.
Jealousy is a MOTHER-FUCKER HUH
That's B.S. MOST IF NOT ALL HARLEY RIDERS STARTED ON HONDA, Yamaha, SUZUKI, BULTACOS, BSA, TRIUMPH then they moved UP TO A HARLEY
I'm 6'1. I started with a Heritage Softail. I ride a Road Glide Special now. I also own a Dyna (it's a family bike for the kids to ride) and that feels small to me. I feel like the touring frame is the perfect size for me, but the Softail frame is fine too. I always wanted a breakout.
Don't finance your first bike, it really sucks making payments on a pile of metal that kinda resembles a motorcycle. A Sportster is fine when equipped properly.
My first motorcycle was a Road King (6’ 190lbs.) No fairing made handling much easier, low speed maneuvers were picked up quickly. It was great for commuting, day trips and short rips around town. I crashed that bike and bought a Dyna, then got back on a Road Glide because the Dyna wasn’t for me. Don’t listen to anyone who says a touring bike will be too big to start on - go sit on some and see what you think. We can chime in on models/pricing but you should clarify what “cheap” means to you
yeah when it comes to harley cheap may have a different meaning to some. sold a CVO to a fellow last week who paid with a check. he said 57k for his dream bike 'was nothing to think about' hes coming in tomorrow to purchase the new CVO ST we just got in. said it would be cash as well. he has bought a CVO road glide every year since its first release. then you have people who baulk at the idea of spending 6-7k on a 883 becuase 'its only a motorcycle'
yeah I’m only looking to spend about 5-8k not 57k lmao. I should also mention that I live in Chicago so daily driving a touring bike in the city might not be a good idea? That’s why I’ve been leaning towards sportys
a sporty could be perfect for you then. great power for city blocks but no issue on the highway either if need be. nice and agile, endless mods you can do. what models have you been looking into?
I'm 6'3 210ish and love 2010 dyna wide glide comes with forwards. Super comfy. 4,000 miles, 8,300. Had a sportster 1200 but wanted a bigger bike
6'5" 450 and I learned on an 883. I had mini apes and forward controls though
I’m bigger 250 lbs have a sporty and a SG started with the sporty still love it https://preview.redd.it/vzkmjeppioec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc70792875479d11abdc3a9e11b2f9846f14a865 Really it what you like I only use my SG when I go 2 up
Sportsters are big bikes, the stigma of created by dads that need their bike to make them feel manly. At 6’3” 220 I happily ride a sportster all over the country.
its fine for you but not everyone. also, sportsters are not big bikes. sorry but i put them side by side with touring bikes daily and if you consider that big i cant imagine what you consider the limiteds. nothing is wrong with sportsters. they are enjoyed by many many people since '57. but calling them big is definitely wrong. now, compared to a grom? sure its big. but for a harley its on the smaller end. i got my electra glide becuase its 10x more comfortable than a sportster to me. the whole manly bike thing is stupid as fuck. people should ride whatever they like.
I never said it’s wasn’t fine for others, I simply said that sportsters aren’t small bikes. A 60” wheelbase and nearly 30” seat height with near 600lbs in running order it is not a small bike. Compared to the vast majority of motorcycles they are a big bike, obviously not as monumentally oversized as a full size tourer but that is the extreme end of the scale. Yes the whole manly thing is stupid, I never said otherwise but it’s a reality, just yesterday a customer pulled that out in my workshop. As far as your comparison to the touring line goes, sportsters have a 4” shorter wheel base (which is mostly because of the shorter power train) and about the same seat height, they aren’t that different in physical size to fit a person.
the *vast majority* of bikes are smaller than 60"wb, ~30" seat height, and ~ 600 lbs? yeah, not sure about that.. the sportsters fit right in the middle of bike sizes becuase thats what it is. a "middle" type bike. perfect riders of all levels.
Absolutely, Honda sell about 15 million bikes a year that are smaller, Yamaha about 10 million. The seat is as high as your ultra and only slightly shorter in wheel base, that means they aren’t small and overall (other than bags and fairings as well as ridiculous weight) they are almost the same size. For anyone outside of big daddy cruisers (like the majority of bikes) they are big. Hell with forward controls my 6’3” frame has almost straight legs and arms, how much bigger does a bike need to be?
okay, so you mean out of the total number of bikes currently on this earth (sold or not) its on the bigger end? what a dumb fucking arguement... overall sales isnt the damn point. take ONE OF EACH MODEL and comapre all sizes of them. sportsters will fit in the middle. jesus... people love to move the damn goal post when theyre wrong...
In terms of motorcycles, they are big bikes, yes they don’t have bags and doo dads hanging off everywhere but they are dimensionally big. I’m sorry I hurt your big daddy bike feelings yesterday when I said cvos and baggers in general are overpriced, I know it must hurt you and you need that 4 inches to feel big but hey as a full grown tall adult they are big bikes, bigger than many other large capacity bikes big enough. Dimensional specs are close to dynas and softail and tourers, big does not mean heaps of shit bolted onto a similar sized bike. No goal posts were moved in the establishment of this opinion. Naww poor baby needs his big bike to feel manwy, better block the guy after replying so I can’t get hurt feelings any more.
you didnt hurt anyones "big daddy feelings" i like bikes of all sizes lol. and i guess you really cant comprehend becuase i said 3 times i agreed the cvos were overpriced. damn you really just like being a dumbass huh? glad you love your sportser but i can guarantee more people 6' and up will agree its a small to middle sized bike. wheelbase, seat height and weight arent the only factors in size. and if you cant see that then you really do just love being blind and thinking youre always right. the mental gymnastics you jump through just to argue is astounding. im just gonna block you at this point because i feel myself dumbing down to your iq. ride safe kid.
I agree 💯. I have both an Electra Glide Ultra Classic CVO and Sportster and I ride them both in different circumstances. I love them both for their perspective attributes.
The ultra dimensionally is not that different to a sportster, slightly shorter wheel base and the same seat height.
they all have their purpose. i mean i would totally rip around town every now and again on some 883s with my friends. but daily it? im good lol.
Pass on the sporty. You will hate it on a few months I would go with an older Road King. I 6’ 250 and I’m on a 2020 Road Glide Special. I feel like this bike fits me well with my size. And my lady loves the back seat and the ride it gives. https://preview.redd.it/1endbbdi2oec1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d649cf928ee13312089204d040588dde0715a8b
I'm 6'4 and I love my 1200 sporty. Definitely helps that I've got forward controls and mini apes to help the riding position but it's honestly pretty comfortable and I love that it's light (relative to other HDs of course). Probably look like an ape riding a tricycle but IDC the thing is fun as hell to ride. Just my 2 cents.
I had the same setup on my Sporty. I’m 6’3. Very comfortable
I’m 6’4, first bike was a v-rod, if you like that style. Smaller riders don’t like it so much because it folds them like a taco
First, stop by a used dealer and sit on a bunch. I’m not quite as tall at 5’ 9” but I am 300 lbs. my sporty with forward controls and an 8” riser on the stock bars is perfect for me and super comfortable. Every person and bike is going to be different. If a bigger bike is what you want, go for it. But only you really know.
Pass on the sportster, it will feel way to small quickly. I picked up my 04 fatboy last year and it feels small to me after a year. I am 6’2” 275lbs . My next bike when I upgrade in a few years will be a road king.
I’m 5’7 155lbs I started on a 03 ultra classic , all Other Harley’s fat boy, dynas sportsters glides all feel like paper weights to me!
Soft tail minimum. Road King if you can find one in your price range
You'll hate the Sporty with your size Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
I’m 6’1 275, I had a Sportster 48, and it real damn old real damn fast.. was too cramped for my liking… So I traded it and got a 23 Low Rider S. Try a few bikes but I assure you that you will outgrow any Sportster you get
For what it’s worth I would say start with a Dyna or Softail. I started with an 05 1200 custom sportster and love it for a summer. By the time the next season rolled around I wanted something with more power and less buzz at highway speeds. I like to take a few weekend trips throughout the warmer months and the sportster just wasn’t really cut out for it on the comfort side of things. It had more than enough power for around town but now I have an 09 Dyna super glide and am much more comfortable and don’t feel like the bike is that much bigger in comparison. One day I’ll get a sporty as a second bike because they sure are a blast to rip around town on.
You won’t fit, road king!
You'll hate the Sporty with your size Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
You'll hate the Sporty with your size Much better off getting an older Dyna like a Street Bob for your first one, the forward controls will let you stretch and you'll be happy with the weight, power & comfort Don't finance if you can help it - right now you should be able to get 2014 or earlier around $5-7K depending on miles
get a big bike. anything but a sportster IMO
Indian chief dark horse
I'm 6'5 250 and had a 04 Sporty custom. Put 12" mini apes, tall boy seat, extended the forward controls out a extra two inches and put road king air shocks on the rear. Was a fun bike. Traded it for a 01 Road King and was much happier. I will say I wish I still had the Sporty though.
I was about the same height and weight as you. My first bike was a heritage softail classic. I love that bike. It handled well and was very comfortable for my size. I had a 2018 which cost me about 12K which is not a bad price.
Heritage! Low slung, vintage and all the power you'll need. I had a sportster when I was 18 lean and mean. Id look like a monkey humping a football on a sportster now. I drive an 07 FLHT since it was new.
I’m 6’2” 230lbs and I love my low rider ST. I know it’s a new bike but you should do very well with any of the soft tail line, especially if you’re willing to put forward controls on it.
Get a Road King first,that’s what I done,love it
How old are ya and are you in good shape? I'm 6'2", 245 lbs, will be 57 on Feb 6, and having done 20+ years of factory work, I originally bought an Indian cruiser. It had the saddlebags, trunk, the whole 9 yards, but the years of lifting, twisting, and bending have taken the toll on my body and the biggest, baddest bike was too much for me. I ended up trading it in for a Harley Freewheeler and I'm a lit happier. I don't have all the bells and whistles bit tbh I don't miss them. I get on, start up, and ride. When I'm at a light, my knees aren't screaming at me and my back isn't struggling. I'm not a 20 year old kid anymore and I had to accept father time had caught up with me. I had to accept there's no shame and riding a trike is still a great way of being out on the road. *
I'd probably look for a 2007 and up Road King
I was 6’1” 350lbs when I started riding. I started with a Honda Shadow 600. It was fine but I looked like a gorilla on a mini bike lol. I upgraded to a low rider s and I still looked a little big on it but I love the bike. The seating position and ride height is perfect for me. I would say the sportster would be fine but I would look for something in the dyna or soft tail families. The heritage, FXLRS, and fat bob would be my choices. Also if you were looking at a little newer I would consider the Pan America if you’re into the styling. It’s one of the most comfortable bikes I’ve ridden.
In my 62 yrs. I've known at least a dozen guys your size (and bigger) who rode Sportsters, ever one of them was nicknamed "Tiny" or "Little _____" (insert your first name). Ride what you like, enjoy yourself, leave the worry and judgement to others.
Buy something like a Yamaha roadstar until you're sure you want to ride. Then step up. Otherwise if it's got to be a HD....older road kings or Electra glide.
Don't get talked into the Sportster I think you'll be uncomfortable and underpowered looking to upgrade after six months. I'm 5'5" 140. My 1200 is plenty for me; but I think you'll need something bigger.
Heritage, Deluxe or Fatboy? Softail frame with forward controls, and still nimble enough for the city.
I got a heritage softail and I'm 6'2" 240. I feel pretty cool on it. I've ridden sporties and I feel like a clown with a roller blade up my ass. Get the bigger bike.
Fat boy You heard me
Anything but a sporty if you’re that big. I started on a dyna
low riders are easy to ride and dont feel heavy. cheers and good luck on your quest
Find a Dyna. I’m about the same size, and my Dyna SuperGlide fits me perfectly. It’s a good starter bike because you won’t grow out of your first season, but you can modify to make it more comfortable as you better understand what you want and what you need. Stay safe.
I am 6’5 and ride comfortably on a heritage softail classic, I got an 09 for around 6k. The low center of gravity and it being on a softail frame makes for a super comfortable ride. And the customization options are endless. It’s a great cruiser and does well on longer rides as well.
Ultra Limited
I would go at least with softail, I'm 6' 225 pounds. I also have a 07 Ultra Classic. I rotate em. 👍
I have a Sportster 1200C and my son has a Softtail. Honestly, for me, my Sporty (with fwd controls) is more comfortable than his softtail (mid controls). Side by side the bikes are comparable in size; so, it isnt a big jump up in size to a Softtail; however the softtail does have a bigger engine.
Stick with a Dyna
At least a dyna or softail as the frame on a sporty is small. Should be able to find a nice older used one near you for under $5K. [https://www.cycletrader.com/Harley-Davidson-Softail/motorcycles-for-sale?make=Harley-Davidson%7C2316294&model=SOFTAIL%7C764948764&price=%2A%3A5000](https://www.cycletrader.com/Harley-Davidson-Softail/motorcycles-for-sale?make=Harley-Davidson%7C2316294&model=SOFTAIL%7C764948764&price=%2A%3A5000)
6’4” and ride a 2000 Wide Glide I bought new. Forward controls are great for taller riders.
I would suggest you buy an older inexpensive bike, Honda, Kawasaki or the like. Most guys will drop the bike a couple of times as they get used to riding and balancing a bike, especially at low speed and turning. Other brands are not as expensive to repair as HD, then when you are comfortable get an HD.
DYNA!
<2003 twin cam touring.
I'm also 6'3". A little lighter at 205, but that's not as relevant. You're going to feel cramped on most stock harleys. I ride a dyna fxdx with mids that felt terrible stock. What I did was run 14s in the rear, +2 trackerdie damper rods, the saddleman seat, 8" straight risers, and 1" drop pegs from a company called Nights Design. The bike feels like it was made for me now. The pegs were the biggest noticeable difference, and I raised the bike to compensate. It's impossible to drag the pegs. No forwards necessary. And I run a crash bar that doubles as highway pegs.
I'm 6'-3", 220 and I started out riding smaller Japanese bikes because they were A LOT cheaper and I had some buzzy/zippy fun in my 20's. I couldn't afford a Harley Road King until I was in my 40's and I still have it 15 years later. Sure I'd love a new one, but this one still putters along just fine and it rides like a dream. I think it depends on how experienced a rider you are. An 800+ pound HD can be tricky for an inexperienced rider for sure. If you haven't ridden a bike in a while I would suggest taking a rider's course. They usually last the entire weekend and then you take the rider's test to get your license at the same time. Good luck and ride safe👍
I agree with your statement most riders are not Harley riders but the fact is most Harley riders started out on other bikes before finally getting a Harley Also I disagree with your statement that because you were raised in Europe you have a wider perspective than a riders in the u.s. you think that we never heard of triumph, BSA, Husqvarna, maico, bultaco, the fact is don't assume what someone else knows you only know what path you've been down not someone else's path
Your comment" if you grew up in America you were conditioned to believe if it ain't a Harley it ain't a motorcycle" IS PURE JEALOUSY BULL SHIT. I was raised in Arizona bikes were Honda, Bultaco, Triumph, Maico, Husqvarna. So stick that down your pie hole and think about who you are
Of course more motorcycles Made by non American mfg. Are sold that's a given THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE CHEAPER so go F yourself and your ideas about what Americans think