You can make em all fit !! depending on how much money you want to spend ! I bought the SG cuz I wanted the fairing and radio etc. It fits me good at 6'2" and 205 and 34" I and 37" reach. I have the tall boy bars and hwy pegs. Next mod is a tall boy seat. The heritage classic was the best fit for me right off the showroom floor though !!

 

Haha! Someone understands my financial position. No I've been carefully saving and budgeting - paying for everything in cash; the Dave Ramsey way. I'm keeping the truck for that exact reason as well. The bike will earn its keep on my gas bill in decent (Enough) weather and enjoyment.

 

I am 6'2" with a 34" inseam. Not quite 30 years ago I had an 883. Super fun but cramped. It was however, what I could afford at the time.

If I were that same not quite 30 year ago younger guy and could afford it I would go with the blackline. Fits me better than the other models mentioned and imo has the cool factor in spades.

Other opinions will vary of course but that is my story and I am sticking to it.

Go with your lust side, you are young enough to indulge it and learn what you want while doing it One of the beauties of a harley is that someone else will want it if you decide to sell it to get something else. **disclaimer: as long as you don't uglify it too much with personal taste **

 

I'm considerably taller than you, 6'5", 36+" inseam, and I will agree with all the other posters here that Harley doesn't really make bikes in stock form that fit taller riders comfortably. Their bigger bikes even feel more cramped to me, like someone said, the floorboards feel too far up and back and the bars too low, hitting my knees.

You should sit on and test ride everything they have in the store (once you get your motorcycle endorsement). You'll be surprised what feels comfortable, and even then, that might not be comfortable after 100 miles.

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to ride a Sportster 1200 with forward controls and the right seat. Even with my daddy long legs, I could ride a 1200 with forwards (which actually are less forward than what you'd find on a Dyna) comfortably around town. The issue you are going to have is that the bike might not be all day comfortable without serious modification, but if that's a don't care for you, then no worries.

Also, if you are wanting a Sportster, that implies to me that you want something lighter weight and more nimble handling, and I think even though a Heritage or something larger might fit you better, it might not meet what you're looking for in the spirit of the ride, so to speak.

In the non-Sportster bikes, I'd recommend a good pre-owned Dyna. And the Super Glide is the one I'd recommend. It's like a sized up, powered up Sportster, similar ergos, and they are usually less expensive in the used markets than the Wide Glides and Fat Bobs. They come with mid-controls, which you might be able to use with the right seat, or they can be upgraded to forwards and give you lots of room.

Me, I have a '08 Fat Bob, and having been tweaking ergos since I got it. I originally tried several different seats, then went with Kuryakyn 3" extensions for the forward controls, then went with a Tall Boy seat and back to the standard forward controls, then added 2" spacers to the stock bar risers. It's just about where I like it. I did a 4.5 hour ride a couple of weeks ago, and while not perfectly comfortable, I wasn't in pain when I finished either. The next thing I'd like to try is a seat with a backrest, that may be the missing piece. I have issues with my hip flexors and having something to lean back against would greatly increase comfort by allowing those to relax.

In non-Harley bikes, I find the "Adventure" style bikes supremely comfortable. They are tall, you sit upright but with your feet under you so your legs can take some of the weight off your butt, they have lots of suspension travel, and upright bars. I have a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and it is all day comfortable. And cheap.