I have yet to take the motorcycle safety class, but am not expecting any problem passing. My age is 50, my only previous experience was riding on a Honda 90 about 30 years ago. At a motorcycle show a couple of months ago, the Harley representative told me that she had started on the Fat Boy and found it well balanced, a good way to go for a new person. Do you as experienced riders feel this is true, or would I be better off starting with a less powerful metric bike and get a feel for things before "graduating" to a Harley? Thanks in advance for your advice, I appreciate it.

I should mention: I am 5'11", about 250 lbs.

 

I have the new fatboy lo, I started out on a 250cc rebel, took the safety class and worked my way up to a hd xl883 low, rode that for 6 months, then went to my new lo, I'm only 5'1" and I love it! Good luck with whatever you choose,welcome from wisconsin!!

 

I would rather see you get the Fatboy and grow into it. A lot of people buy Sportsters and then outgrown it in a few months. If it doesn't workout, I think that you could sell the fatboy much easier than a smaller bike. I say GO FOR IT !!!

 

+1 what v2in said

 

Thanks for your advice. Many have advised me to try out a smaller bike at first. But the Harley people told me this was unnecessary. I sat on the bike at the motorcycle show and loved it. I also liked the Victory. I also sat on Suzuki and Kawasaki, which I understand are fine bikes. But to me the ergonomics felt a little better with both the Harley and the Victory, so I've been wondering what the best way to go will be. Thanks again.

 

Several people have advised me along the same lines. I am surprised you were able to progress so quickly. Being only 5'1" and being able to ride a Harley is impressive. Thanks for your advice!

 

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Thanks for the input.

 

Get the fat boy. You'll be fine. No point in wasting all that money on starter bikes.
A guy I work with never rode a bike in his life. Walked into the dealership and bought a road king. Took the safty course and has not had one problem.

 

+1 what v2in said

also, ride the bikes provided with the safety class. And most have the ability to take the drivers test at the same time or completion and are just over the cc limit. That way during the class you don't have to worry about tipping over your brand new bike. I've seen it many times and also watched a guy lay down his brand new hog while at the dmv taking his driving test.

Then after the class and you have your license, take what you have learned during the class and go to a school parking lot and practice what you've learned with less pressure.

 

Thanks, wasting money was one of the concerns in the back of my mind. Appreciate your input.