Howdy!

I’m new to the forum and new to riding. I’m in the midst of the MSF course at my local dealership and I’ve been having a great time with it. I’m looking to purchase my first bike soon but I’m not 100% sure what I want yet.

I’m a big guy, 6’4 at 230 pounds so the Street 500’s we’ve been learning on are definitely not ideal. The bars are too low for me and the mid controls have been causing my legs to cramp up a little bit after the extended riding sessions.

After having talked to numerous people, I’ve been getting numerous recommendations (of course) on what to start out on and I’m fully committed to buying a used bike for my first. I plan on continuing to practice in parking lots and my neighborhood often with the exercises from the MSF before I start riding regularly on public roads. My old man wants to help me purchase my first bike, so even though it may not be my daily sometime down the road, I don’t plan on selling it ever.

Before the MSF, I’d never ridden a motorcycle so on one hand I think that starting small on something like a Sportster would be good to continue building my skills and comfort level. It wouldn’t be too hard to whip around a parking lot as I continue to practice but at my stature, I feel like I might run into similar issues as I’m having with the Street 500’s. I know I can change my bike to have front controls and higher bars, which I’d likely need to do with a Sportster to get it feeling right and a lot of people have also been saying that I’ll likely want to step up to something more powerful pretty quickly. On top of that, I know that a big guy like me on a small bike would probably look kind of silly, but that’s a very, very minor part of this.

On the other hand, a few very experienced riders that I trust have been saying that I should look for a Dyna, Street Bob, or something similar. The theory is that since I’m bigger, I won’t have an issue outgrowing it physically or mechanically, since everyone says that you eventually want more power. I feel like if I can learn how to comfortably maneuver and ride a larger bike, I’d be a better rider but I think the learning curve might be a bit slower this way.

If anyone has any thoughts, advice, etc, please just let me know.
Cheers

 

6’4 on a Sporty, gonna be cramped.
HD not going anywhere. For some they’re ok for first bike, others it’s best to start on something else then pick one up in a year or 2. It’s different for everyone.

I would not limit yourself to a HD for your first bike.

 

It may be your best bet to pick up a 2nd hand metric, they can be had for a good price and are good machines. Then you can find out if you really love motorcycling or it is just another hobby that will pass in a year. If you find that you really love riding then you can go ahead and but the bike of your dreams.

 

I'm a smaller guy, but before I went to the MSF course I got an 81 Kawasaki KZ650, reacquainted myself with riding. Been years since I rode. 6 months later i Upgraded to a 2006 Honda Sabre 1100, fantastic bike! Big enough, handled great, good power. Had that for a a little over a year, then came across a deal on my now current 2006 Harley Road King Classic. Definitely a bit heavier than the Honda but it is not a good starter bike. Honestly the Honda Sabre would be a good starting cruiser bike if that's what you're looking for, and can be had at reasonable prices. They are reliable as well. Once you feel comfortable riding for awhile, then the Harleys are plentiful out there! Just my 2 cents from experience

 

Before you get started, plant a money tree.

 

You will get many different answers. IMO, it depends on your physical ability and temperament. I’ve seen people start on Harley touring bikes with no problem, take it slow for the first few months and then get comfortable with riding a big bike. I’ve seen others start on inexpensive metric bikes and then few months later get a Harley.
Many new riders get into motorcycling for the wrong reason (image, lifestyle etc) and first good scare, give it up or just grow bored with the whole thing. If you’re not sure about what kind of rising you’re going to do or even if it’s a long time thing for you, go the inexpensive route and let the whole process work itself out in the first six months or so.

 

I would ask the instructor for an opinion. He's been watching you ride.
Normally I would say to find a used Dyna Switch Back with ABS
Based on your size, I would recommend a 2014 or newer Road King with ABS.
You'll want to get a seat that moves you back such as a Mustang Super Touring
I just strongly recommend you get a bike with ABS

 

Hi EF, GOOD to have you with us mate.

Normally, upon joining people introduce themselves HERE in the "Welcome Area Only". No worries.

I'll pop in my "Welcome" to you below and what I often share with new riders, an article about "Survival Thinking" hopefully you will find useful.

So...........WELCOME to HDF!

 

Welcome, I support the suggestion of buying a less expensive used metric to learn on and also to learn street stratagies as well as practicing ridng skills.

 

You've had a lot of good advice here. Read and think!! As someone said, why are you riding? Ego? Long interest? Weekend rides to restaurant/bar? Road Trips? You have friends who ride?
I strongly recommend a smaller cheaper bike for first bike. If you drop, you won't feel so bad as dropping your expensive Harley! Get ride time in....practice is good, but so is riding. Ride in less populated areas and get totally familiar with your bike. Be prepared to keep your head on a swivel....be aware of your surroundings. Other people could give a **** if you're there or not.
Good luck on your decision. Make sure you are happy and comfortable on your choices. You are the only one you have to please. Doesn't matter what your friends say. Keep us posted and don't be a stranger.
And as a new member, my welcome spiel:


Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Good Luck!!