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Jun 4, 2020 | 07:12 PM

#11

nobodyknowsme

Banned

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 17,008

Likes: 14,675

From: in a cave at the foothills

Another vote for the Softail. They can have the lowest seat height.

Jun 4, 2020 | 07:20 PM

#12

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 9,332

Likes: 3,873

From: Upstate New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobodyknowsme

Another vote for the Softail. They can have the lowest seat height.

I’ve owned both Sportsters and Softails. The Sportster is often promoted here as a “beginner” bike, but it’s not. It has a higher center of gravity and quicker steering. I personally find the Softail series, with their lower seat height and lower center of gravity, to be easier to ride, despite their greater weight.

Jun 4, 2020 | 09:21 PM

#13

Dseago1969

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2020

Posts: 856

Likes: 373

From: Duke City, NM

Try looking at a Soft tail Slim or if the Sportster is at a dealer, ask them about testing with a narrower seat. Street Bobs are a little over an inch lower and Triumph Bonneville Bobbers are in between the two. Get a bike you are comfortable with. It took me a while to feel good on my Road King and I still don’t like U turns because of the weight, but that’s on me for not practicing more clutch control.

A parked bike isn’t any fun.

Jun 5, 2020 | 07:58 AM

#14

AbqDave

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 309

Likes: 186

Quote:

Originally Posted by indiandave

It’s important to be able to flat foot your bike. You can always change the seat to one that puts you firmer on the ground. And congratulations on passing your MSF Course.

Not really. It's important to be able to work the kickstand, if you can't do that, the bike's too tall. Shoot if I had to flat foot I'd still be riding a Big Wheel

OP, we are the same size. Tallest bike I've owned was a VFR, 32" seat height, could barely tippie toe in my Carolina Loggers (check em out, thick sole and heel helps). It was a little irritating so I resolved to spend as little time as possible shoving it around the parking lot

Harley doesn't make a bike you can't ride.

Sportster isn't a terrible first bike. Has a nice linear throttle but GO EASY ON IT, really easy to break the rear loose when you first take off from the stop sign, especially if it's cold or there's debris on the road. Center of gravity is kinda high which will make it feel a little awkward, just focus on your balance, keep your eyes straight ahead, follow the procedures they taught you. You'll get used to it quickly.

Might want to think about putting some crash bars on there. Those things have a way of coming in handy.

Jun 6, 2020 | 12:14 AM

#15

preacherbo

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 101

Likes: 11

From: Joplin, MO

Love my Harley, but most are pretty big bikes. If you are new to MCs then MAYBE you might what a middleweight bike (500-900cc) for a year while you get your biker legs under you. Just a thought. After you have a feel for the road you can always upgrade to a big road bike.

Jun 6, 2020 | 12:55 AM

#16

23Seven

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 2,385

Likes: 1,442

From: Brentwood

Start with a ULTRA Limited... Make sure it has been upgraded to at least a 124” motor.

Seriously though an older 500-700cc metric cruiser would be a great place to start.

Learn, get comfortable and then get whatever Harley you like best.