petite female
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,784
Likes: 57
From: In The Corn, Illinois
You might want something inexpensive to start out on so that you don't get as upset if you drop it. I fell straight over one time on a country road on my Sporty while making a U-turn and then had to wait for my friend to stop laughing to help me pick it up.
Don't let anyone talk you into a Sportster either, unless that is what you really want. My Sporty seems awkward and top heavy compared to my FXDWG.
When you do shop for a Harley and are going to the dealerships to sit on bikes, check out the Softail Deluxe. They always seem to be set up for someone shorter than me (I'm 5'6") . I know several girls that are about your height that have one and they really like that bike.
Personally, I'm a Dyna girl so check those out too.
Have fun bike shopping and let us know what you come up with.
Don't let anyone talk you into a Sportster either, unless that is what you really want. My Sporty seems awkward and top heavy compared to my FXDWG.
When you do shop for a Harley and are going to the dealerships to sit on bikes, check out the Softail Deluxe. They always seem to be set up for someone shorter than me (I'm 5'6") . I know several girls that are about your height that have one and they really like that bike.
Personally, I'm a Dyna girl so check those out too.
Have fun bike shopping and let us know what you come up with.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
From: western PA
[
I would highly suggest any 500-750cc cruiser bike for the new rider or smaller framed individual to ride. Metrics are great, reliable, cheap and cheap to own, lower maintenance, but the down sides are not near the aftermarket support for customization, and IMO while the build quality is there the attention to detail and finished look is pretty bland and boring. I think the metric cruisers are geared a little bit towards cheap transportation more so than enjoyment like Harley's are.[/QUOTE]
^^^^This^^^^ Very well explained. My first bike was a 1995 Shadow 1100. Great bike and handled very good. The 500-750cc range is a great starting point and offers a great looking, full size platform that would be enjoyable to ride. As others have said, sit on as many different bikes as possible and you will know what fits you best. Good luck and have fun looking.
I would highly suggest any 500-750cc cruiser bike for the new rider or smaller framed individual to ride. Metrics are great, reliable, cheap and cheap to own, lower maintenance, but the down sides are not near the aftermarket support for customization, and IMO while the build quality is there the attention to detail and finished look is pretty bland and boring. I think the metric cruisers are geared a little bit towards cheap transportation more so than enjoyment like Harley's are.[/QUOTE]
^^^^This^^^^ Very well explained. My first bike was a 1995 Shadow 1100. Great bike and handled very good. The 500-750cc range is a great starting point and offers a great looking, full size platform that would be enjoyable to ride. As others have said, sit on as many different bikes as possible and you will know what fits you best. Good luck and have fun looking.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 116
From: Raleigh, NC
I bought a 2007 Vulcan 500 for $800. It had been sitting for 4 years. Book value on the bike is $2200.00. If I drop the bike...it will still be worth the $1000 I have into it. Heck, I bet I could part it out and still get my $1000 back.
I'm almost ready to move up into a new bike (just started a radio show, so I'm watching the finances), but I'll be moving up to a Dyna Switchback come summer.
One of the women that I took the course with bought a Softail Slim before taking the class. After the class, she told me that every time she rode the bike, it was overshadowed by the thought "don't drop it - $18,000, don't drop it - $18,000".
I'm almost ready to move up into a new bike (just started a radio show, so I'm watching the finances), but I'll be moving up to a Dyna Switchback come summer.
One of the women that I took the course with bought a Softail Slim before taking the class. After the class, she told me that every time she rode the bike, it was overshadowed by the thought "don't drop it - $18,000, don't drop it - $18,000".
So? Price is just one more reason not to drop it, what's wrong with that? The more reasons, the better!
Banned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: LA
OK ... that's unfair. 140's normal these days, unless you are Asian. I am afraid the next question will be, "will this motorcycle make my *** look big?"
If so, my vote would be for a Yamaha V-Star making it look smallest (big seat).
I learnt on a 50cc, then a 250cc ... both had enough power for me to scare myself stupid at time and almost kill myself. And we're easier to pick up.
You need time to develop new muscles and work your way up. I'd say a 250cc cruiser is just fine if you have shorter legs and good for around town or back roads for one season.
Definitely start Japanese.
Actually, what is most important is to pick a bike according to who is your best local dealer/mechanic.
(If Moe turns out to be a Honda 600 riding gay dude trolling Harley sites, there's going to be a load of embarrassed drunks on this topic. Again.)
Last edited by Dun Roamin; Jan 8, 2015 at 07:15 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: NW Wisconsin
My wife ( 5'5", 140lbs, never rode before) bought a 1200 sporty last spring and after 2000 miles ( 4 months) upgraded to a Deluxe after riding my Heritage.( I upgraded to a Road King)
As others have said the Sporty is top heavy, but she had no problem handling it. The ride ( comfort) is really not road friendly as one would like.
IMO, 1st buy a 500-700 metric or a street Harley, then go to the dealer and try a Deluxe or ............
And, as my Wife did, The Motorcycle Safety Course is a MUST!
As others have said the Sporty is top heavy, but she had no problem handling it. The ride ( comfort) is really not road friendly as one would like.
IMO, 1st buy a 500-700 metric or a street Harley, then go to the dealer and try a Deluxe or ............
And, as my Wife did, The Motorcycle Safety Course is a MUST!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,817
Likes: 116
From: Raleigh, NC
Jeez.....young lady, get what you want to get and enjoy life!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 2,487
From: CYHZ
Honestly, I would start with something inexpensive, about 500cc and metric.
It's your first bike and life happens. Get some experience under your belt and then buy a Harley.
I'll also say that after riding a Sportster for two weeks, I'm really glad I didn't choose that as my first bike.
It's your first bike and life happens. Get some experience under your belt and then buy a Harley.
I'll also say that after riding a Sportster for two weeks, I'm really glad I didn't choose that as my first bike.
This.....My wife started on a 250 Rebel and is moving up to a 650 Yamaha this year. Give her a year on that and then its probably a Softail slim.
