Good morning everyone!

I'm a brand new female rider and am looking to purchase my first bike next week when the 2018's come out. Looking at either a low rider or a softail slim. I'm 5'4". I like the seat height on the slim but the low rider seems to be less bulkier and easier to handle. Will mostly be city riding at first but will eventually do long distance and hilly driving when I get more experience. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Between the two, I'd pick the low rider. If you can, Ride both before you buy. And welcome to the forum.

 

In all honesty, this being your first bike, if you're a "new" rider...get something to train on & build skills before dumping tons of ca$h on your dream bike. I learned on a dirt bike (5-yrs-old) and eventually migrated onto the streets. Had a co-worker purchase a new Harley and, not that you will do this too, she dumped it 4-5 times in a year. Not what you want and she ended up selling the bike + quit riding in discouragement. Let your experience fare better...

 

Go to a dealership and see which one looks good, that fits you the best and buy it. Another way is if a dealership has a demo day and test ride every bike that you like and choose it that way. After all, it's your choice and I can't and won't tell you which one to get because everybody has their own preference on which one feels and looks the best to them and that they can afford. Good luck.

 

Sit on and ride both. My wife that is about your height liked the Slim more than the LR, but finally decided on a Lo.

 

My wife is a new rider. She ride last year on an 883 Superlow and realized she wanted a more comfortable bike. Good to see you are headed straight there. My wife is 5'2" so reaching the ground was her biggest issue with a big twin. She gravitated towards the Slim because of the low seat. She didn't like the masculine look of the slim though. She sat on all the bikes and finally decided on a Softail Deluxe. The seat height is less than an inch higher than the slim, but feels different due to the seat width. Her intention was to get a narrow seat, but after putting a few days in the saddle, she's happy with the stock seat. The softails are going to give you a much more plush ride. The low rider is going to sit higher than either. You should test ride several before buying.

 

do the one with less chrome!!! yes it pretty,but you have less ride time too! that is if you do daily up keep!

 

Generally the Slim, being a Softail, will have a lower center of gravity and be easier to handle. Both good bikes though; you won't go wrong with either. Be sure and take the MSF course.

 

I have a friend that's pretty tiny - she had a Low Rider and just couldn't get it to work for her. She bought Slim, and it's been easy going since then.

 

Thanks for all the quick replies! I did take the rider course through my local Harley dealer. Was looking to change to the reach seat on either model which would help with the height and width of the seat.