New member here, I'm sure this has asked quite a few times but I wanted to seek some advice. I'm about 6' 1" 400lbs I've ridden a few times but am by far a beginner. I have always wanted to own a Harley but I doubt I'll ever be able to justify the cost of upgrading if I buy a cheap used bike (harley or metric) so this will be my first and probably last bike. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you.

 

The people here or anywhere can suggest a bike for you until the cows come home but all for nothing. Just get your motorcycle endorsement and test ride bikes. A big guy like you would however most likely be most comfortable on a touring bike. Best of luck!!!

 

yes probably go look around and see what appeals t you

as I told my own brother- motorcycling has a visual appeal and is a nice "idea" but not everyone takes to it or feels comfy.
there is a danger factor which can be an engaging concept as we are all tough guys...but if you don;t enjoy then why bother

my own wife has her license and we have a bunch of bikes- one day out of the blue she told me that she just doesn;t enjoy- too much work.
so she rarely rides anymore, I don;t push her to.

Welcome to the Forums

Mike

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF and the world of Harleys! Visit your local Harley dealer(s) and take a walk around. Even if you can't afford a new one just spend time looking and talking, to observe the various differences between models. It's a bit like therapy - if you do it a few times you'll get to better understand what's going on and start to see a way ahead.

 

Happened to me the same way. She thought it would be fun and it was for a while. Gravel in intersections and corners, cagers on phones furry and feathered things, what gear you're in etc... . She just said she enjoyed being on the back and not having to think about every little thing and so it ended.

That being said buying a used bike at a price point that you can re-sell it and not loose too much is what I would do. It is also why a lot of guys start on used metrics for a bit before making the huge investment (lol) in a harley.

 

First bike? A big twin is likely what you'd feel more comfortable with. Be advised that these bikes require a degree of skill when maneuvering at slow speed.

 

Heres the dilemma.. My .02 would say get a touring bike, an RK comes to mind. BUT IMHO its too much bike for a newbie.. Let us know how you make out and good luck with your search

 

Personally id buy a cheaper metric bike first. Get your feet wet on it and make sure riding is for you. If so then sell it for about what you paid for it and then go get the harley of choice and price range. I say this cause we all go down its not if its when. Metrics are cheaper to fix. Like your kids first started to drive. You dont put them in a brand new corvette you get them a 500 bang it around vehicle first. Once they get used to it then upgrade to something better.

Batman

 

Go for a cheaper Japanese cruiser. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki all make nice ones big enough to haul you around. I wouldn't go under 1000cc's though.

A lot cheaper to spend a couple of grand now on the chance that it ain't for you than spend upwards of 10,000 or more just to have a Harley.

Other alternative would be a used Sportster 1200. I've noticed the prices on those have been coming down lately. Be sure it's a factory 1200 though and not a "modded" 883. Lots of folks trying to pass those off with no documentation.

 

Given the facts you provided regarding your height and weight you may want to look at a Road king. No Bat Wing fairing and fairly low center of gravity make it one of the easier bikes to manage. A Heritage softail would be easier but if you go with the heritage you may want to have the shocks upgraded. A big caution with metric Cruisers is some of them are raked out more then Harleys and makes them harder to maneuver.