I'm scheduled to take a PA motorcycle safety course in June to get my license. I've been trying to figure out what bike I want and am leaning with the 883 as I've always been a huge Harley fan and honestly, an 883 doesn't seem to be a huge jump from a Shadow which would have been what I went with. My question is this, I'm 6'6 and 200lbs so I am tall and skinny, will the forward controls open the bike up more for me in that I will be able to stretch out a little more? I have a feeling that with the mid controls that are standard, I will be a bit cramped. Looking for your opinions on what I might be able to do to open the bike up a bit.

 

At your height the forward controls would be more comfortable for you. Assuming all things equal - no health issues like back problems or hip flexibility limitations. You might even need to get a bigger bike to be honest. But if you really are set on Sportsters, I would test ride a 48 and then see if extended reach controls would even make a difference for you. You're probably a better fit on a softail or dyna street bob. But as most will say here - test ride for yourself and you'll know what suits you.

 

Only reason I'm looking at an 883 is because originally like I said I was looking at a Shadow, then a HD Street 750 but didn't want to get it and feel like I outgrew it within a few months but also didn't want to go overboard with something to powerful as I am a beginner so I figured an 883 was right in the middle. Would you recommend a Softtail or Dyna for beginner?

 

You can make any bike fit you. Out of the box, I reckon you'll be better off with forward controls, maybe a bit more so on a Softail or Dyna. As long as you respect the machine, the 883 wouldn't be too much power to learn on. My first bike was a 2006 XL1200C. That said, I likely would've learned faster and with fewer incidents on a lighter bike with a lower center of gravity. I actually find my Dyna easier to ride than my Sportster was, despite the increased bulk and weight. The lower CG is the reason, I believe.

My advice: Get a small, cheap, used bike, learn on that for a few months and a few thousand miles. If you get a metric like a Honda Shadow, you can probably sell it for about the same amount you paid for it originally. While you're learning on that, you'll figure out what you want in a larger bike, what kind of riding you do, that kind of thing. Who knows, you might even be happy with the one you learn on.

 

Check this site for ergonomics - http://cycle-ergo.com

I started on a Shadow 750 ACE before I got my XL1200C. The Sportster is top heavy compared to some other bikes. I didn't notice it too much moving from the ACE, buts its there.

Good luck!

 

It's relative to your size in this situation - the 883's power you will outgrow quick. My 1st bike ever, after I took the MSF course, was my current 1200 48. It was a bit more power for me to handle in the beginning but I got used to it in 3 weeks....made me respect the bike a LOT more.

If you were my height - 5'5, I would say 883 or 1200 would be fine. But at 6'6.....you will be able to handle both the dyna and softails just fine. I would go to the dealer this week and literally sit on each of the different ones to see what "fits" best. Don't worry about them having bigger engines, what's important is how you feel on the bike. Fit is SO important when you are first learning to ride.

If I were a bigger person - I'd have a Softail Breakout by now

 

I've gone backwards myself , from a 2009 Ultra Classic to my current model '48.
Your inseam and armspan can make a bunch of difference in the bikes fit for you.
I'm 5'6" with a 32" inseam and a 6' armspan (visualize that).
A buddy is 6'6" with a 32" inseam also.
The forward controls on my '48 aren't that far forward for me.
Some after market seats can move you back 2" which is quite a bit for the average rider.
If you have a long torso , forward bars won't fit you too bad , so it's all try and feel.
If you really feel like riding might be your thing , you might want to check out a Nightster or '48 while you're looking.
The 1200 engine and taller gearing makes for a slightly more relaxed ride at higher speeds , the bikes are all pretty close for weight and handling.
All the sportsters are fun to ride and easy to handle , that's why they're so popular for new riders and old buggers like me.
Mick

 

+ 1 to what Mick said.