Hey rpbrown, I assume you are referring to the bike and not you right?

 

When I got my first bike I got it used on the advice from a buddy who had been riding since high school.

He said, buy anything you can find for a decent price. Ride it for a year. Take your time to figure out what you like about it and what you don't. Then you can pick up the bike you want with the features you're really into and you won't ever regret the quick purchase.

I almost didn't listen to him, but I'll tell you now that I'm very thankful that I did. It taught me a lot about what I wanted, really wanted anyway. And one year and a few months after my original purchase I ended up with my first ride. I've traded up since then, but that is what kept me riding to be sure.

Good luck with what ever you decide and hopefully we'll see you on the road soon.

 

the first Harley I bought was a Fatboy Lo, after years of riding crotch rockets. I had always wanted a Fatboy, and when I saw the Lo I had to have it. Rode it for a year and loved every minute of it, until I got on a Road King. The Lo was a great ride, not at all too much for a beginner. I see you're from around New Orleans, also. I know HDNO used to rent a Lo, and also Bruno's in Slidell had one for a while. Take it for a spin and see if it fits you.

 

I know this is heresy on a Harley forum, but I would start on a mid sized metric like Kaw Vulcan 900, or one of the 750's. USED. Learn to ride, get proficient and if, no when, you drop it, it won't hurt so much. In the meantime you can be researching which HD will suit you. Having had my 2nd child hood or mid life crisis a long time ago, I like the touring platform because that's what I do, tour.

 

I don't think you'll have any problems with a softail. I had zero motorcycle experience when I signed up for the MSF course. Bought my Low Rider halfway through the course and just kept it slow and easy while I got used to it. I think most beginner mistakes happen in slow speed maneuvers, parking lots, u turns, intersections, maybe consider an engine guard while you're getting used to it. That way if you do drop it you might bend a hand lever or mirror, nothing major.

 

Thanks everyone, this is really encouraging advice! Keep it coming! I'm so excited at the thought of cruising, I'm driving my ole' lady nuts!! A few more car payments left and I'm all over it! I can't wait...I'll need some riding buddies and I'm set! Hell yeah!

 

As several have advised, easy does it to start. I started at 25 on a Honda 750. Good size to get the hang of things. If nothing else will suffice, and you start off on a larger Harley, just take it super easy, and don't get too upset when you drop it. I've heard there are 2 types of riders. Those that have dropped their rides, and those that will.
I personally would advise to start off on a used metric for about a year, and move on up as you feel confident.
For your stature, the bikes you have the "hard-on" for would fit, but may take a bit of experience to master.