Motorcycle Question

[txrhodes]

I agree with skipping the Sportster. I am 6'3" 275 lb., and my first bike was a 2007 Softail Night Train, which was way to small. I regret not buying the bike I ultimately wanted (Street Glide).

It seems like you either buy a bike and love it and will ride all the time, or you buy it, ride it off and on for a year or two and get rid of it. If I would have bought a bike that I was more comfortable on I probably would have loved riding all the time.

[SCORPION KING]

2004 Harley Davidson Heritage Classic 25K miles good condition. With many extras. $8500 Call 361-649 -2804 for more information.

[hoythitman]

I see lots of people saying skip the sportster, if I'm reading you right you have never driven a motorcycle on the street? If this is correct do not listen to the people telling you to get a 800lb bike with a ton of power for your first ride. You will likely hurt yourself. You are a smaller framed guy a sportster will be plenty for you as a first bike. I'm a big guy and I still enjoy a sportster out on a twisty road.

[randal]

i would personal look for 1,000 miles per year.. Lot of people put a lot more miles on them than that and a lot put less.. I would look for one already decked out because you will end up wanting EVERYTHING and it get EXPENSIVE! And I'd skip he sportster..

[muzzlebrake]

Nothing wrong with starting out on a sportster. I know some old school iron butt patch holders that won't ride anything else. These guys are not posers and wanna be's. They are old school bikers that don't even own a cage and they will put 20 to 30k on a bike each year rain or shine.
The next step up is a Dyna Glide, one of my favorite do everything bikes. After that the Road King models for handling and comfort. Softails with the B motors are at the bottom of my list. I don't like the high speed buzz through the chassis at highway speeds over 70-75mph. I do like the low center of gravity and are popular for the bar hoppers. Of course I am partial to the dressers and the all day comfort riding 75 to 80 +mph. You might want to go by a Harley store and test ride some different models. You may need to have the motorcycle license endorsement first.
A good used Dyna is the best value for the $$$ overall.

[BETTERLUCKYTHANGOOD]

Just remember you can get a sportster with the 883 or the 1200. Plenty of get-up-n-go for a smaller bike and first time rider.

[AdamTex]

Just remember you can get a sportster with the 883 or the 1200. Plenty of get-up-n-go for a smaller bike and first time rider.

This. My Sportster had the 1200, it was pretty dang fast, but I always felt like I was riding something too small for me, and I loved the look of a bigger bike. My dad on the other hand is about 300 pounds and he's had every size bike you can imagine. It's just preference.

I think with your size and being a first time owner, a Sportster is just fine.

[TX CHICKEN]

Unless you are dead set on a Harley I would recommend something like a Yamaha V-star since you can get a great looking slightly used bike for under $5k and sell it a year later for what you paid if you decide to upgrade....I have a Harley ST Fatboy and love it but i went through a few cheap bikes before going with the Harley.

[Hawkpuppy 1]

I'd skip the sportster and look at something in the Dyna family like the Street Bob

[Ron]

My first Harley was a Sportster and a good bike. I moved up pretty quick though, to a touring bike. I like longer rides and the vibration and RPM's at highway speeds on the Sportster get pretty hard on a fella.

[TXBIGCHIEF]

pm sent

[Berretta Man]

Dyna

[QUOTE=Hawkpuppy 1;11143928]I'd skip the sportster and look at something in the Dyna family like the Street Bob[/QUOTE

I totally agree with this. Especially if you really get into riding. Alot more comfortable bike. You can find one in your price range, it just might be older.

[coy-ote]

I ride for a living and have had Harleys and Honda goldwings, at work our dept bikes are gl1800 goldwings fast, quiet, speed. comfort, my last 5 personal bikes have been Harley's 1 roadking 4 electra glides I'm 6'3'' and 245ish and the Harley sits better for taller riders than does my work bike but the choice is yours I would look at that heritage with 25,000 miles on it , that's all the bike you'll ever need, we put anywhere from 25 to 35,000 mile a year on our work bike they are well maintained by the dealer you may also look at some dept trade in Harley roadkings or electra glides, some people say the bike have been abused I say not, we have to take them in to get serviced at the dealer most of us take pride in our rides just my 2 cents good luck

[be12hunt]

I think its a really good idea to start with a sportster. I'm about 6' and rode a Harley Nightster for a couple years and decided riding wasn't for me. Ended up selling it for more than what I had in it.

[hogheaven]

Think it was after 04 Harley put the Rubber mounts the sportster to lessen the engine vibration felt on the frame. I have an 03 heritage, my Pops has an 07 Sportster. Ive got 62,000 miles on the heritage.

4500-5500 will get you in to a used sportster easily.

Im 6'4" and 280ibs. That Sportster makes me feel like a gorilla on a circus bike. Probably look like it 2. Love My heritage. Its like driving a recliner down the road.

You'll quickly out grow the sportster, but its a great starter.