Okay...Im 40yo 6ft' 200lbs..fairly athletic. I do not currently own a touring bike. I WILL be buying one soon..very soon! I have very little riding experience. I have the Harley Riding Course under my belt now. Concerned about my steadiness/ balancingat low speeds.
I love the Ultra Classic! but do you feel its best to start off with a lighter bike until you have road experience? Anyone out there start big?

 

My neighbor just bought an 883 Sportster. He was very afraid of it, but after a month of riding, he's gotten very comfortable. I have a SG, and he looks at it as being a huge beast. You might want to rent one first before you buy it.

 

You need to figure out a way to ride several models first bedore you jump into one for good. After you ride several then you will know which is best for you. My first Harley was a Sporty, then a Heritage, next a Fatboy, then a BIG Dog Chopper, and now a Road King Classic and by far the RKC is the best all around scooter.

 

Getcha *** a RKC! period! and be done with it.

 

Go to a dealer and sit on a few.

 

try renting different models first,and I'm confidentyou will end up with RKClassic because it gives you the best of all with good profiling looks and the touring ability that once you start riding you will want to do!

 

I'd find an open house with test rides, and try em all. I wish I would have, because I would have started out with a Road King, which I think is way easier to ride than most of the smaller bikes I've owned.

 

My rule has always been to start out with what you intend to ride. That cuts out all the trading up until you get to what you should have started with. Being 6' you should have no trouble with any of the touring bikes.

Ride Safe,

Mike

 

If you do go big, remember YOU are the one driving, don't let the bike take you for a ride.
Meaning, take it slow and you will be fine.

 

Once you ride an Ultra, you won't want to ride anything else. It has all the creature comforts you want in a touring bike and room to store your gear too. It has a great ride and you with your size shold not have any problems handling it. Good luck with whatever you choose.