I'm a fair new rider - 3 years ago at age 50. Currently own 883 sportster but find it to be top heavy and not very stable. Looking at the Fat Boy or possibly a Low rider. Any thoughts from the Fat Boy riders? Oh, forgot to say that I am a 5'6" woman.

 

Yes try any of the softtails, particularly the Deluxe sounds like a good fit for you. Very stable and seat is at least as low as your sporty.

 

"Ditto" on the Deluxe. I have owned or rode everything out there and my Deluxe is by far the best out of the bunch, IMHO!! I would not pick any bike out there over my Deluxe, unless it was a new Deluxe with all the goodies I now have on this Deluxe! I think out of most of the posts I have read that are from Women, they seem to like, prefer or have a Deluxe themselves. Am I wrong on that point? It's not like I kept score or anything but thats what it seemed like to me.

 

If you are looking at new check out the Blackline. I love mine. The seat is the lowest of the Softail line, and it feels like you are sitting in the bike.

 

I am 5'8 female and ride a Fat Boy Lo. The bike is easy to handle and I easily flat foot. The bike is definitely heavier than a Sportster, about 150 lbs. more. But the center of gravity is low. So if you have no problems rolling it around, it is really a comfortable ride. I love my bike. If any dealers in your area do demo days, it would be worth trying them out and seeing which works best for you. You may want to go over to the Queens of the Road forum and ask the same question (if you have not already)

 

Rent em both!! Great advice.

 

Don't discount the Slimline.

 

FB is a good choice, try the dyna too. The FXDL for a woman be be my thoughts. Easy to maneuver and balanced.

 

If it were me i would stick to the softail line esp Fatboy Lo, Deluxe, Slim... They have a Low center of gravity and really low seat height! I went with the Lo myself cause i love sitting down Low on my bike and it is very comfy and the floor boards are awsome!

 

Look at the Deluxe hard and heavy. At 5'6" you want to stay away from any big twin with forward controls. You will not be able to reach the controls without a reach seat and reduced reach controls, which will add to the cost. The Deluxe comes set up for shorter riders with it's pulled back bars and 1" lower rear suspension. The stock seat will also put you closer forward. The convenience of floorboards is another plus. The Deluxe will ride like a Cadillac compared to any Dyna. I personally did not like the stock Deluxe seat because it felt to wide and pushed me to far forward and caused discomfort to the backside of my legs. I swapped it out for a Lepera Bare Bones and have never looked back at the stock seat. With most all Softails you will feel like you are sitting more down into the bike.