new rider
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Bergen County
new rider
Hello everyone. I am a new rider as far as cruisers so. I completed the MSF safety course last week with a Yamaha 250 without any issues. I am looking at bikes now. A friend swears by HD's and ONLY rides them. I went to go look at a 2002 Sportster 1200 Custom today. Beautiful bike in perfect condition. When sitting on the seat though I wasn't touching the ground as much as I would like. I am 5'7". I did have sneakers on instead of boots so not sure if that made a difference. I was wondering if anyone thinks I should look at a smaller CC bike but I don't know if any of them are lower then the Sportster. Thanks for any advice!
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Philadelphia, PA
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
Sportsters have a high center of gravity; if you can afford it, maybe you'ld be better off on a Softail. Plus; ANY Harley you choose can always be lowered very easily.
BTW your friend is right!
BTW your friend is right!
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 137
Likes: 132
From: Los Angeles
Welcome from SoCal and I definitely agree with what people have been saying so far. Look into the 883 or the 1200 and DEFINITELY sit on the bikes with boots. I'm 5' 8" so i'm not much taller than you. Haha. The boots do help you get grounded a bit better. The weight of the bike is a definite factor and you want to be able to plant your feet properly especially as a new rider to cruisers. I used to ride a Yamaha R6, so I definitely had to adjust to my foot placement and riding position when I got my Softail Slim. Have fun and good luck!
