New Rider Question
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Stage II
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New Rider Question
I have recently started riding and never owned a bike. My uncle owns a heritage softail thats he's selling and when he heard I was looking for a bike, asked that I come look at it. I have seen it before and it is mint.
My question: Is this too much of a bike for a new rider? I recently rode a 883 iron because wanted to start small and liked it. But I couldn't convince myself to buy it because I know I would outgrow it quick. I am 6'1 220 and the bike felt small. Would going to the heritage be reckless?
I know bikes fit everyone different, but I am just looking for overall opinions.
Thanks
My question: Is this too much of a bike for a new rider? I recently rode a 883 iron because wanted to start small and liked it. But I couldn't convince myself to buy it because I know I would outgrow it quick. I am 6'1 220 and the bike felt small. Would going to the heritage be reckless?
I know bikes fit everyone different, but I am just looking for overall opinions.
Thanks
Last edited by Jm15; Oct 23, 2010 at 09:31 PM.
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Stage I
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I have recently started riding and never owned a bike. My uncle owns a heritage softail thats he's selling and when he heard I was looking for a bike, asked that I come look at it (I'm assuming a special family price). I have seen it before and it is mint.
My question: Is this too much of a bike for a new rider? I recently rode a 883 iron because wanted to start small and liked it. But I couldn't convince myself to buy it because I know I would outgrow it quick. I am 6'1 220 and the bike felt small. Would going to the heritage be reckless?
I know bikes fit everyone different, but I am just looking for overall opinions.
Thanks
My question: Is this too much of a bike for a new rider? I recently rode a 883 iron because wanted to start small and liked it. But I couldn't convince myself to buy it because I know I would outgrow it quick. I am 6'1 220 and the bike felt small. Would going to the heritage be reckless?
I know bikes fit everyone different, but I am just looking for overall opinions.
Thanks
I'm a new rider as well and went straight with a 2008 Heritage Softail Classic (FLSTC). Perfect size and fit and I a bit lighter than you - 6' 165 lbs.
Go for it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Gastonia, NC
The Heritage is probably easier to handle that the '883' you were on. But, I'd highly recommend any new rider to take a short riding course. They help a lot. Check with some of the local colleges, they are less expensive than any bike dealership.
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I can't put my finger on exactly why, but the Softail family in general just has a "right" feeling to it as far as comfort is concerned, in that the seat height, pegs/floor boards, bars, etc., are all in the ballpark or close for an average sized individual. Maybe it's that "you sit IN rather than ON it" thing.
At 5'10" I have never been comfortable on a Sportster, even sitting on one in a showroom. I hear that the 1200 Lows are different feeling, but I haven't tried.
At your size, I think the Heritage feel will be close to perfect, with only minor changes if any required. My FatBoy fits me like a glove, except that the bars are about an inch or so too far away from absolutely perfect. I'm dealing with that rather than springing for even more $$.
At 5'10" I have never been comfortable on a Sportster, even sitting on one in a showroom. I hear that the 1200 Lows are different feeling, but I haven't tried.
At your size, I think the Heritage feel will be close to perfect, with only minor changes if any required. My FatBoy fits me like a glove, except that the bars are about an inch or so too far away from absolutely perfect. I'm dealing with that rather than springing for even more $$.
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2010
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Thanks for the quick replys. I'm glad that you guys seem to be in favor, but I know I have to make the final decision. I am going to seriously consider it and take it for a ride tomorrow.
I did take the riding course at local community college. It was a great learning experience. I'll probably take the intermediate course to next spring.
I did take the riding course at local community college. It was a great learning experience. I'll probably take the intermediate course to next spring.
