Best bike for new rider
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I'm 6'3", have ridden many small bikes and a few scooters, and none were "too small" for me. Forget the size of the bike for a moment and think about the weight he has to control and repair cost. Harley doesn't fit a beginner in those categories. Don't worry about what he looks like on it, worry about is he going to walk away from it after every ride. A lot depends on the boy's attitude and ability; some of us can and have started on Harleys with little problems, some tried a big bike first and got hurt and had expensive repair bills. I bought a Honda scooter a couple years ago that's more comfortable for my length than some big twin Harleys I've ridden, don't dismiss something smaller and cheaper to start with till he's tried it. Personally, I really think something that should be considered for a first bike is how much you're willing to lose on it if it doesn't work out and you want to sell it, or if gets wrecked. If he's buying it himself... you probably won't have much to say about it anyway. 
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
Find something that's easy to ride and cheap to get into in the event he doesn't like it or the bike takes a tumble. Early in the game it's all about building basic skills, Something like a Honda CB or other "standard" has the correct ergos and balance for new riders.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,615
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Check out the Superglides, one with mid controls for now and maybe install an engine guard (find pre-owned guard on e-bay). then once the confidence level comes up remove the guard (sell it) and install some forward controls. It is a blank canvas for mods and personalizing it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
These courses are really the ideal way to start and can be very cost effective when you consider the discount he may qualify for when it comes to purchasing insurance later.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 7
From: New England
Not to sound smart-assed bro but from this information I'd suggest his first street bike should be the one they provide him at his rider safety training course. You both will have a much better idea as to what will be a suitable purchase once he's completed the program.
These courses are really the ideal way to start and can be very cost effective when you consider the discount he may qualify for when it comes to purchasing insurance later.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
These courses are really the ideal way to start and can be very cost effective when you consider the discount he may qualify for when it comes to purchasing insurance later.
Best of luck with whatever you decide.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 7
From: New England
I'm 6'3", have ridden many small bikes and a few scooters, and none were "too small" for me. Forget the size of the bike for a moment and think about the weight he has to control and repair cost. Harley doesn't fit a beginner in those categories. Don't worry about what he looks like on it, worry about is he going to walk away from it after every ride. A lot depends on the boy's attitude and ability; some of us can and have started on Harleys with little problems, some tried a big bike first and got hurt and had expensive repair bills. I bought a Honda scooter a couple years ago that's more comfortable for my length than some big twin Harleys I've ridden, don't dismiss something smaller and cheaper to start with till he's tried it. Personally, I really think something that should be considered for a first bike is how much you're willing to lose on it if it doesn't work out and you want to sell it, or if gets wrecked. If he's buying it himself... you probably won't have much to say about it anyway.
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