I'm 5'7", 30" inseam and weigh 205 (weight lifter). I was a volunteer bootcamp instructor for 6 years and now had major knee surgery. Dr. said knee will never be the same and to give up the heavy bike. I ride a 2011 Road Glide Custom with some engine work. I test rode a HD Switchback (100lbs lighter) and that bike produces the most engine heat ever and not sure if light enough? Do I leave HD and get like a BMW R1200RT or K1200S? or what??? I left HD once and came back because of group I ride with and the soul of HD - need help!

 

Doctors say all sorts of nonsense I wouldn't take too much stock in. My doctor 8 years ago told me I need to give up squatting and deadlifting heavy weights or I'll have surgery before I'm 30, I'm now 34 and just pulled a 570 lb deadlift, I'm also the only person in my family NOT to have back surgery.

It isn't like you're squatting the motorcycle, you're moving it to the standing position off the jiffy (not really much force or weight on the knees), and keeping it upright takes little to no strength at all, if it did all these fat old pears I see riding giant road sofas wouldn't be able to budge the things. I've seen guys back squat 500 lbs after knee surgery, I doubt riding a Harley is much of a task. IMO get a brace, see your PT, and ride on.

 

Had both knees reworked. I ran 12 1/2 miles every other day for yrs, beat the heck out both knees. Have a FLSTC, never had a problem holding the bike up or pushing off the jiffy stand. Keep it, unless you want to go to a different make.

 

I have a bad shoulder. I got to the point where I simply couldn't maneuver my Road King at slow speeds, in & out of garage etc. Every time I rode it I had a sore shoulder the next morning. Finally sold the Road King and bought a new Forty Eight. The light weight and low seat height are the answer for me. Backing the new scooter out of the garage is like backing out a bicycle. I have ridden more in the past two weeks on the Forty Eight than the previous six months on the Road King. Life is good!

 

There's always that 3rd wheel option!! Just saying!!

 

A Sporty just isn't an option for me, because I need a larger fuel tank and do ride my wife. I am not being a whimp, but they removed a lot of cartlidge from my knee. The surgery was a few months ago and still the knee is sore. I am limping, so not sure of future.

 

Which knee? Is a wrap or brace a possibility? Man, hopefully you find something that works for you. Only a few months, give it some more time also. We aren't as young as we once were! Good luck!

 

This is going to sound stupid, but here it is. If you park your harley with the front wheel straight or turned to the right, it is much easier to stand up. After that it is balanced. You might try this if you haven't already.

 

When I can no longer keep up a two wheeler, a trike will be in the garage

 

Trike?