petite female
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
Like some of the above said, get a cheap jap bike to learn on. Wife (5-3, 1?? lbs) bought a Sportster. After falling over and bruising her ribs several times she sold it and got a Virago 250. She can't take it on the highway too much but she loves it around town. Got it for under $1500.
Good luck and hope you find what makes you happy!
Good luck and hope you find what makes you happy!
You're height is kinda irrelevant, I'm 5'5" but with long legs and I can flat foot all the bikes including all the baggers. A Slim or Fatboy Low are too low for me.
Like others said, take the MSF course first if you've never ridden, but if you're already experienced go sit on a bunch of Harleys, rent a couple and see what you like best.
Like others said, take the MSF course first if you've never ridden, but if you're already experienced go sit on a bunch of Harleys, rent a couple and see what you like best.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 5,149
From: Robbm sucks
If dead set on HD, go to a dealer.. start with a Street 500/750 and see how it feels. They are the lightest of the HD lineup. Go from there.
A lot of people will say try a Sportster, it's a beginner bike, which is hogwash imo. Beginner Harley maybe due to price and barebone setup. It's a heavy bike for the size, tipping the scale towards 600 pounds with a full tank.
Best case scenario imo would be to buy a used 250/500 metric. You can get them very cheap and if you drop it (everyone does at some point) you're not denting a 8000K+ bike. I think you will gain confidence faster on a lighter nimble bike, and you will learn the mechanics and good riding habits with greater ease. Keep it for a year or two then move up.
Also if you get a cheaper bike, if you find out riding isn't for you, you have less invested. HD is going anywhere soon.
A lot of people will say try a Sportster, it's a beginner bike, which is hogwash imo. Beginner Harley maybe due to price and barebone setup. It's a heavy bike for the size, tipping the scale towards 600 pounds with a full tank.
Best case scenario imo would be to buy a used 250/500 metric. You can get them very cheap and if you drop it (everyone does at some point) you're not denting a 8000K+ bike. I think you will gain confidence faster on a lighter nimble bike, and you will learn the mechanics and good riding habits with greater ease. Keep it for a year or two then move up.
Also if you get a cheaper bike, if you find out riding isn't for you, you have less invested. HD is going anywhere soon.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 940
Likes: 3
Did the same with my wife, there were lots of bikes low enough, the Heritage Deluxe she was able to flat-foot (with her normal boots on) and reach all the controls easily.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 0
From: U.S.A.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 724
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From: Florida
