Jbaker...checked out you sig pic gallery. Great talent! Love your sig... very nice!!!

 

Beginner's bike size all boils down to confidence imo. If you are confident and believe in your ability to handle a big bike I wouldn't waste my money on something small. Go for what you want but realize the power and weight you'll be straddling. Take it easy for a while and get a feel for the bike. On the other hand if you are a little nervous to begin with... no shame in that... maybe a smaller lighter bike is better for starters. Just my take...no warranties or money back offers! Whatever you decide enjoy the ride!

 

Learning to ride on a fatboy might be the single most stupid thing I haveever read on this forum.I don't care what 2 day course you take, there is a lot to be said for real world practicalriding experience. The idea of a 700 pound 1450cc starter makes me cringe. I guess I'm old school but you'll appreciate and make better use of what a big twin can do when you come up the ranks properly.

 

True, you'll appreciate the power after outgrowing a smaller scoot.

 

I just went through this. I rode a Sportster for about 10 years (before kids). I made my self a promise that once my youngest was in high school, I would ride again. I purchased a used sportster early this spring and put about 4000 miles on it this summer after taking a safety course. I just traded it in on an '07 Heritage Classic. This would have been too much bike without getting my reflexes back.

Good luck - Darrell

 

I hadnt ridden for 20 years, but I have many miles under my belt. Metric bikes. My last ride wasa 900 Kawasaki, so its not like I was on small dirt bikes. I just bought an 05 Fatboy and couldnt be happier. Its just like riding a bike, you dont forget.Dont get me wrong, it worked for ME. If your not comfortable on it, go with something smaller and lighter to get the feel back. You dont want to drop it.

 

My theory is that if you would ask that question then it probably is. A large component of how well you would gel with the bike is psychological so if you think it might be too much then initially it probably would be... but having said that and depending on your general ability to adapt to new machinery you may surprise yourself but generally what I am saying is that if you would ask this question, then your confidence level may not be as high as one would like it to be so as not to be distracted by that fact when you should be concentrating on riding and nothing else...

DeanO

 

Start with a bike that suits a new rider... you'll be much better off in the long run. Nothing replaces time in the saddle and builds confidence better. Can bet your instructor woulld tell you the same.....

 

Go Fat or Go home. [sm=icon_rock.gif]

Seriously- take the course, buy the fatty. You'll be fine; if the idea of it makes you pucker- take the course-rent a sporty-rent a fatty-decide. When I got back in after 10 years off some 15 years ago I started back on a Honda 600 VLX, decent bike, big mistake.

Sporties are awesome bikes, but the fatty is the best I've ever owned. It's my 4th HD and the best yet.

 

Get the bike! I had not ridden anything but dirt as a teen and then after 21 years of no riding at all... bought an 07 Fatty in May. I just got on and started riding. Take it easy. Take your time. Have fun.

BTW... I just put pipes on. V&H Big Shots Staggered. Sounds awesome.