Hi all, I'm 57, weekend rider, maybe 500 miles per month. Currently own a Vulcan S 650 set up for touring. Love the bike. I'm 5-11, 200 lbs., and not a fan of really heavy bikes. 600 lbs. is about as much as I want to deal with.

Question. I'm considering getting a Harley as a second bike. Thinking something in the neighborhood of 1200cc and ABS a must. Prefer buying used.

I've looked at both the Custom 1200 and the Fat Bob.

Any recommendations or advice?

Thanks in advance.

 

Here is some advice from a lifelong rider, the thing Harley does the best is make touring bikes. I would look at road kings or street glides and see which one you like better. Harleys can be modified any which way so I wouldnt worry about being 5'7" or 6'6". With the right harley, you might be way more than a weekend rider, lol!

 

 

 

Jet Peddler, don't let the weight get to you. I had the same concern as well. I'm 5'9" 205 lbs and went from a honda shadow 750, weight 500 to a 2013 RKC, weight 811. On the first test ride I took, I felt the weight when I tried to walk it back. After about the 5th ride, the weight was not an issue at all, I can walk it anyway I want. With you being 5'11", you'll have more leverage than I do so moving the bike shouldn't be a concern.

Test ride everything and happy hunting.

 

Thanks for the advice all.

If I was to stay with a lighter bike, would you steer me to any HD in particular?

 

I'm gradually turning into more that a weekend rider now. Also have two larger scooters for short trips, errands, etc.

 

Years ago I had a 1200 Sportster Custom. Went to a Fat Bob. Both were nice bikes. But wanted to start doing longer rides and trips. Now on my 2nd Road Glide and can't see myself ever having anything except a touring bike for the rest of my days.

As has been said, don't let the weight intimidate you, as soon as you are moving the total weight is no longer a factor. And parking and moving it around in your garage, etc. just takes a little practice.

Don't cheat yourself. Take a test ride on a Road King.

 

I would discount whatever you may weigh and be brutally honest with the question -"
What I am going to do with it"?
That is what you should be asking .

 

When it comes to HD's, as others have aptly stated, you've got to ride some to know. Demo Day is your friend. Many heavy HD Softails, for example, actually feel more stable and easy handling to riders than the lighter Sportsters do. This fact owing to their lower COG no doubt. Anyhow, don't fixate too much on the weight. With HD's, this can be misleading when it comes to judging handling ease.