Sportster for "large" guy??
#21
05-31-2008, 01:29 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
I'm 6 ft 230 lbs and am very comfortable on my 1200N. I added forward controls and have the shock preload at the maximum setting. The suspension is the only gripe about my bike I have.
My next mod is going to be a set of Works Performance shocks and fork springs.
My next mod is going to be a set of Works Performance shocks and fork springs.
#22
05-31-2008, 01:43 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
ORIGINAL: StevenBVT
Now the big question. I am not a small guy... 6 feet tall and run about 240 pounds. Is a Sportster going to be too small for me? I'm not looking for a bike to cruise long distance... mostly commuting to work. I've heard that the mid controls might make the riding stance be a little cramped for someone my size and that I probably should go with forward controls. Also, I'm leaning toward the Nightster, so anyone my size with a Nightster out there??
Now the big question. I am not a small guy... 6 feet tall and run about 240 pounds. Is a Sportster going to be too small for me? I'm not looking for a bike to cruise long distance... mostly commuting to work. I've heard that the mid controls might make the riding stance be a little cramped for someone my size and that I probably should go with forward controls. Also, I'm leaning toward the Nightster, so anyone my size with a Nightster out there??
Do you see a recurring response here. All of us "Bigguns" are riding 1200 Roadsters. (I'm 5'11" - 270lbs)All the others just didn't work for my weight. And for what it's worth, I felt just as big on other Harley models as I do on the Roadster. I did eventually go to forward controls, by need and not by choice, but they work well.
-Andy
#23
05-31-2008, 02:54 PM
RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
Thanks everyone for your input. I have to say, I got a lot more helpful responses than I thought I would... a testament to the integrity of this forum, I guess.
If money were no object, I probably would go with a larger bike like the Fat Bob, but I think budget is going to limit me to a Sporty. Plus, the commute to work has some twisties, so it sounds like the Sporty would be more fun in that respect anyway. I pretty much figured I was going to have forward controls as when I had my metric all those years ago, I installed a highway bar with pegs.
I will definitely be "kicking the tires" and sitting on different bikes before buying.
Thanks all again...
If money were no object, I probably would go with a larger bike like the Fat Bob, but I think budget is going to limit me to a Sporty. Plus, the commute to work has some twisties, so it sounds like the Sporty would be more fun in that respect anyway. I pretty much figured I was going to have forward controls as when I had my metric all those years ago, I installed a highway bar with pegs.
I will definitely be "kicking the tires" and sitting on different bikes before buying.
Thanks all again...
#24
05-31-2008, 03:14 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
ORIGINAL: StevenBVT
Thanks everyone for your input. I have to say, I got a lot more helpful responses than I thought I would... a testament to the integrity of this forum, I guess.
If money were no object, I probably would go with a larger bike like the Fat Bob, but I think budget is going to limit me to a Sporty. Plus, the commute to work has some twisties, so it sounds like the Sporty would be more fun in that respect anyway. I pretty much figured I was going to have forward controls as when I had my metric all those years ago, I installed a highway bar with pegs.
I will definitely be "kicking the tires" and sitting on different bikes before buying.
Thanks all again...
Thanks everyone for your input. I have to say, I got a lot more helpful responses than I thought I would... a testament to the integrity of this forum, I guess.
If money were no object, I probably would go with a larger bike like the Fat Bob, but I think budget is going to limit me to a Sporty. Plus, the commute to work has some twisties, so it sounds like the Sporty would be more fun in that respect anyway. I pretty much figured I was going to have forward controls as when I had my metric all those years ago, I installed a highway bar with pegs.
I will definitely be "kicking the tires" and sitting on different bikes before buying.
Thanks all again...
#25
05-31-2008, 04:12 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
6-4 200lbs and I love my bike...I'd probably fit better on a bigger bike but none of them are near as fun as a sportster IMO... Get a bike with forward controls and put a highway bar or cruise pegs on it...You'll be fine man. Just adjust the preload on the rear shocks like others have said, I have mine on 3 all the time.
#26
05-31-2008, 05:55 PM
RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
I'm 6' 200lb my frist bike was a1978sportster I had more fun on that bike than any other thatI owned, but Iwas 18 at the time. Do yourself a favor and get a Dyna. My 2005 FXD is more comfortable and has much more power than a sportster, you will get use to it in no time andput foward controls on.
#27
05-31-2008, 06:19 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
I'm 6'1" 180 lbs. I had a sportster and sold it to buy a softail. Big mistake, I should have kept my sportster and also buy the softail. My sportster handle so much better going thru the mountain twisties where i live. It looked great, ran great, got good gas mileage, handled better, accelerated betterand stopped much better. I don't think you'll be sorry with a sportster. You'll get used to peoplecomments " why dont you get a real bike". Just say try to catch me.
#28
05-31-2008, 07:47 PM
RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
Man, there are some big dudes riding sportsters. I am 5' 9" at 185... ok 195. The Sportster is a great bike, don't get me wrong, but it really isn't known for being comfortable. I have an 06 1200R with mid controls, fun to ride short distance but I don't like to ride it more than a couple of hours. I also have a softail standard with forward controls and what a difference. Riding stance dictates comfort, with additional seat padding as well. I bought the sporty on an impulse only to find I needed something more, more for comfort and 2-up riding. Buy what you like, just be sure that it isn't something that is not comfortable and it will suite your needs.
#29
05-31-2008, 08:05 PM
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RE: Sportster for "large" guy??
I', 6'1 about 240 and after about 2700 miles on my Nightster I still like my mid controls, but I did add highway pegs so I can change positions on llong rides, but it in no way feels small or cramped to me. I am very comfortable even with my girl on the back.
