How big is to big?!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
It's your height that matters most. I'd recommend the sitting on the softail Deluxe first, then try the Heritage see what you're comfortable with. They can be lowered, remember that.
Good luck with whatever you decide on, come back keep us posted.
EDIT: Your weight is less than most that ride two-up, a passenger.
Good luck with whatever you decide on, come back keep us posted.
EDIT: Your weight is less than most that ride two-up, a passenger.
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Oct 8, 2019 at 11:22 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 368
From: Panama City Beach, FL
I am 6'2" and 240 lbs. I never felt like a Harley was struggling to pull my weight, even when I ride with my wife (she is small, only 110lbs), combined weight of 350 lbs. My bigger issue always is leg room on a Harley!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 420
From: Santa Fe NM
As far as your weight goes, the Softail will handle you fine. Adjust the preload on the rear shock and have a blast!
Total weight with me and my wife is almost 400 lbs and the bike takes it no problem. You will be fine. Depending on your inseam, some Softails may need to be lowered for you. I'm 5'5" but have a 31" inseam so the softail seat height isn't an issue.
As Tampa Fatboy stated, your height, or length of your legs is the limiting factor in your choice of bike. Even then it may not be if you lower the bike and make it fit u. Good luck and let us know what u decide.
Total weight with me and my wife is almost 400 lbs and the bike takes it no problem. You will be fine. Depending on your inseam, some Softails may need to be lowered for you. I'm 5'5" but have a 31" inseam so the softail seat height isn't an issue.
As Tampa Fatboy stated, your height, or length of your legs is the limiting factor in your choice of bike. Even then it may not be if you lower the bike and make it fit u. Good luck and let us know what u decide.
Last edited by Bowhunter8607; Oct 8, 2019 at 12:22 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 1,013
From: Nunya.
Peace.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 614
Likes: 231
From: Hendeson, NV
Don't worry about power or proportion.
If you like forward pegs, you are a great candidate for a Fat Bob with the 114 M8 engine. I agree with another quote that the Softail frame, which lost 60 lbs in the latest version, makes the M8 engines perform even stronger on the lighter bike. If you find you want more power/torque, you can always go for a Stage 2 torque upgrade after you get past the 1k initial inspection/service.
I am about you height but 90 lbs lighter; so, I went with the mid control Low Rider with the M8 107 engine. Moves me with great low end torque and plenty of power; so, the 114 engine (particularly if you add a Stage 2 upgrade). My best guess is that the stock seat won't fit you or be comfortable. But. one of the after market seats like a Mustang or Saddlemen wide solo seats will work great for you. I chose the Mustang Wide Tripper, but many heavier riders I know really like the extra support provided by the combined foam/gel padding on the Saddlemen Renegade seat.
BTW: I turn 74 this month and quit worrying about what people think. Many suggest that I am too old to ride and being irresponsible. Forget how you look. If you like the way a bike performs and feels for you, that is all that counts. Good luck
I am about you height but 90 lbs lighter; so, I went with the mid control Low Rider with the M8 107 engine. Moves me with great low end torque and plenty of power; so, the 114 engine (particularly if you add a Stage 2 upgrade). My best guess is that the stock seat won't fit you or be comfortable. But. one of the after market seats like a Mustang or Saddlemen wide solo seats will work great for you. I chose the Mustang Wide Tripper, but many heavier riders I know really like the extra support provided by the combined foam/gel padding on the Saddlemen Renegade seat.
BTW: I turn 74 this month and quit worrying about what people think. Many suggest that I am too old to ride and being irresponsible. Forget how you look. If you like the way a bike performs and feels for you, that is all that counts. Good luck
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 241
Likes: 159
From: West Chester, PA
I'm 5'-6" also and I just picked up a Heritage, fits me just fine. I tried a Low Rider and it didn't fit nearly as good. I would have needed to extend the riser for the bars
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,837
Likes: 1,430
From: NJ
I'm 6' and even I have to have a pretty high leg swing to get onto a touring bike. Otherwise I end up kicking the saddle bags. The Salesman love it when I do that...lol. Granted I have a Sporty with no bags so I'm not in practice of mounting an 800lb hog.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 913
Likes: 322
From: St. Louis
i am 6 foot 270lb, i ride a breakout 114 like a bat outta hell. You should be fine. don't worry about the weight, adjust the seat for you inseam, and handle bar reach for your torso and you are good to go. It's a Harley, they are not exactly lightweight bikes to begin with.