Hi Folks,


I like to get a Harley, but I have never owned a Harley and only briefly ridden a buddies sportster (883). I'm 58 years old and have ridden motorcycles on and off since the late 70s. I stand 5'9" and weigh 210 pounds. My inseam is 31" thereabouts. I like a bike to ride backroads and highways, but not so much city streets. What model Harley do you think would best fit me and my needs? Thx

 

You cant go wrong with a Road King. That being said go and visit the show room floor and sit on the different models. See what feels good to you and go from there. Do a test drive.

 

Can't go wrong with a Softail. Lowest seats.
But I agree with Gozzie, go sit on a few and see which one "speaks" to you.

 

With an inseam of 31" can I flat foot a Road King?

 

It might depend on if you want bells and whistles or not if you want some tunes and stuff look at the street glide. But s I always say when it comes to bikes you'll know it when you see it just don't buy too small you will grow out of it quickly. Good luck and let us know what you pick

 

IMHO, the two most versatile and practical bikes that H-D makes is the Road King and the Heritage Softail Classic. Both are considered "cruisers" and you can quickly remove the detachable windshield on these bikes if you wish.

The RK is a heavier bike and it feels more like a "touring" bike and it has a higher saddle height and it has a softer ride than the Heritage Softail Classic.

The Heritage Softail Classic is a true "cruiser" that feels much lighter than the RK. It has a much lower saddle height and it is much easier to move around when parking.

Another bike (discontinued now) that may fit your needs is the Switchback.
It's a "convertible" that has removable windshield and saddlebags and in size it's bigger than a Sportster but smaller than the Heritage or the Road King.

Ride all of them before making the plunge.

 

I'm sure you can. I ride with a police air seat and can flat foot it. It sits up quite a bit higher.

 

You can flat foot any model, some may need to be modified. I've got a 28" inseam and I'm flat footed on my street glide. Go to the dealer, see what's out there and grab a book of the models. You'll know the one when you see it

 

First.......how much $$$ do you want to spend? Figure that out, and it'll make your choice easier.

 

Go to a dealership sit on a few and decide for yourself you are the one who has to live with the bike not us