Giant man seeks....
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Stage III
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Giant man seeks....
In need of a Harley. Hey everyone, first time posting so thanks in advance for any advice I get.
Right. I've always rode cruisers - initially a Kawasaki VN1500 to a VStar 1100 due to money but I've always wanted a Harley since I was a kid, but was put off due to the advice of a fellow rider who said i"d be too tall.
I'm 6ft 8 with a 37 inch inseam and I'm about 200lbs. What I think/know:Aesthetically I'm in love with the Road King (2005 or there abouts), same with the Heritage classic (same approx age) but I hear the Road King is too big and bulky and only really suited for cruising and I hear the Heritage's lean angle is almost criminal. I've been pointed towards the Fatboy (same softail framr as the Heritage so surely it comes down to accessories and seat position?). Also, the Wide Glide but I wonder if with the size of me I'd just look ridiculous on one.
To sum up: I'm a very tall chap. Looking at the below bikes due mainly to my limb length. Any advice/tips/pointers would be hugely appreciated as right now, I just don't know if I'll ever be able to own one. Of course - forward controls, daddy long legs seat etc Ideally. Round town, local distances with a with a long ride, weekend out, once a month - more if possible.
All bikes 2005 ish.
Road King Classic
Wide Glide
Heritage Classic
Fatboy Thank you all!
Right. I've always rode cruisers - initially a Kawasaki VN1500 to a VStar 1100 due to money but I've always wanted a Harley since I was a kid, but was put off due to the advice of a fellow rider who said i"d be too tall.
I'm 6ft 8 with a 37 inch inseam and I'm about 200lbs. What I think/know:Aesthetically I'm in love with the Road King (2005 or there abouts), same with the Heritage classic (same approx age) but I hear the Road King is too big and bulky and only really suited for cruising and I hear the Heritage's lean angle is almost criminal. I've been pointed towards the Fatboy (same softail framr as the Heritage so surely it comes down to accessories and seat position?). Also, the Wide Glide but I wonder if with the size of me I'd just look ridiculous on one.
To sum up: I'm a very tall chap. Looking at the below bikes due mainly to my limb length. Any advice/tips/pointers would be hugely appreciated as right now, I just don't know if I'll ever be able to own one. Of course - forward controls, daddy long legs seat etc Ideally. Round town, local distances with a with a long ride, weekend out, once a month - more if possible.
All bikes 2005 ish.
Road King Classic
Wide Glide
Heritage Classic
Fatboy Thank you all!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Go to demo days and ride. Go to dealerships and simply ride some of the older bikes they've got.
Go to Indian and ride some of those.
If you're willing to deal with an older bike, go check out Victory's. Really big guys I knew loved them for their size.
Go to Indian and ride some of those.
If you're willing to deal with an older bike, go check out Victory's. Really big guys I knew loved them for their size.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
I have a Road King and a Heritage Classic; between the two, the best choice for you is the King. To say it is too big and bulky and only good for touring is nuts. Most of my riding is local, and it works just fine. You'll like the lean angle better and the seat height better for sure. I fear with the Heritage your knees might be on the ground. Hah.
If you find one you like, give it a test ride. I think you'll agree that for you, the RK wins.
If you find one you like, give it a test ride. I think you'll agree that for you, the RK wins.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
I'm not as tall (or thin!) as you OP, but at 6'3"/#235, I am considered tall and lanky to most.
I ride a 2007 Ultra, and with the right seat, foot peg location, and handlebars, I am quite comfortable on this frame.
My 2007 has the same frame as a 2005-ish Road King.
I'll offer the following advice for a rider who is taller than me; look at 2009+ models.
They changed the frame (front half) in 2008 (to gain a 6 gallon tank over the previous 5 gallon version), and again (rear half) in 2009 (to accommodate a larger swing arm).
The newer frame is longer by about 2-3" overall, which would be desirable IMO.
The newer models also have better brakes as standard.
I ride a 2007 Ultra, and with the right seat, foot peg location, and handlebars, I am quite comfortable on this frame.
My 2007 has the same frame as a 2005-ish Road King.
I'll offer the following advice for a rider who is taller than me; look at 2009+ models.
They changed the frame (front half) in 2008 (to gain a 6 gallon tank over the previous 5 gallon version), and again (rear half) in 2009 (to accommodate a larger swing arm).
The newer frame is longer by about 2-3" overall, which would be desirable IMO.
The newer models also have better brakes as standard.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 443
From: South Florida
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
I've owned both. Both are great bikes but I'm only 6 feet tall. The heritage may be tight for your size but if any bike can be make to fit, it's an hd touring frame bike. I bet the rk can and will work. The seat is key then the rest of the ergos....
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Supporter
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 914
Likes: 830
From: Texas
I'm around 6'4" with a 36 - 38 inseam. I have a Ultra Limited and a Wide Glide. I think the touring bikes handle better. I've ridden a few Road Kings and would be happy to trade the Wide Glide for one.
A tall guy needs an extended reach seat and the touring bikes are comfortable. The bad thing about Demo rides is the bikes all have stock seats and the handlebars are adjusted for normal people.
A tall guy needs an extended reach seat and the touring bikes are comfortable. The bad thing about Demo rides is the bikes all have stock seats and the handlebars are adjusted for normal people.
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I know where there is a 2010 road king with tall bars for 10,500. I'm familiar with the dealership and they ship nation wide.https://fourrivershd.com/inventory/7...-classic-black
