I was wanting to get some input from some experienced riders on the fatboy lo and if its a good starter bike. I'm 5'10 170lbs and I've taken the MSF riding course and during the winter months, I'm seeing some really nice deals out there and the Fatboy Lo has really caught my eye.

 

HD's in general have pretty predictable throttle response and are very stable... i would go for it.

i mention the throttle because i am a previous sport bike rider and in that case a high CC motorcycle is a bad idea for a begginer, if you youre not used to the throtlle response you have to be very delicate or you're prone to run into something and or hurt yourself potentially very seriously.

i think the LO is a good choice because is gentle enough to go easy on her but you wont be looking for a higher CI bike in 6 months... (which happens to a lot of people!)

look at the nighster i've heard they are pretty good too and they are less pricy than a LO

 

the best way to go about it IMO is to find a huge parking lot and practice slow turns and emergency breaking... dropping and/or over accellerating a heavy bike on slow turns is pretty common with begginers.

Enjoy riding man! and keep rubber side down!

 

Good choice, it's a sweet handling bike. As previously stated, practice your low speed turns and such. Go for it!

 

Get it. Ride it around on less traveled roads and slow speed in parking lots until you're comfortable with it.

 

Unless you are can't walk and chew gum at the same time you'll be fine. Like everyone has said, watch out in the parking lots and low speeds. The upside is the bike will be much more stable out on the interstate, in windy conditions, around big trucks, etc than on a smaller bike. Have fun and watchout for the folks on their phones.

 

My wife is 5'1". She had never ridden a motorcycle and I told her it was time. She took the course as you did. Her first bike....a 2007 Heritage Softail. 6 speeds, 96" motor, 700+lbs.

Too much bike? Only if you think so.

My point: Do it, ride it, love it.

 

I agree with all the previous posts. I started out on a Honda Shadow 750 and was unhappy even before I made it to the MSF class. I bought my Fat Bob before I had my license, so I couldn't test ride. Never regreted it and I felt much more at ease riding the bigger bike even as a beginner.

 

i took my msf back in july and in aug i bought a 2011 fatboy lo its an amazing first bike

 

You'll love it!