So I am just getting into riding, taking my motorcycle traing course in a couple weeks and will get my license from the class. So im now in the process of getting a motorcycle.
I am a 6' 2 guy, I weigh 185-190 lbs, I was checking out the harley website and liked the looks of the roadsters especially the nightster model.

They are about within my price range, but im not sure if they would be to small for me or not.

Ive been told that if I buy a roadster I'll want to get something better soon, so I should just go out and buy something like a Honda Rebel, or a kawasaki vulcan 500 and screw around on them and then when im a more skilled rider go for the larger more expensive harleys that will fit me better.
But these other bikes are only 250-500CC and cost anywhere from 3-5K and dont look to be any bigger than a roadster that would cost me 7-10k. So im not sure what to do, any bike I buy in my price range is gonna look like a toy under me it seems like, so I may as well go for one with some power and keep it a while.

I know I will need to get forward controls if I get a roadster, Im just not sure. On the one hand a smaller cheaper bike makes since to learn on, but on the other I have my heart set on a harley.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

I'm 6'1" 170 lbs. and I have a 883c that I ride with little comfort complaint's.

 

One thing I justthought of is if its possible to add some kind of a higher seat to the bike that would give me a few more inches of leg room.

As im new to motorcycles and am learning more as I research bikes im not sure if thats possible.

 

Thats great news.
Are you riding it with the stock foor pedals, or did you get the front controls put on it?

 

Came stock with forward control's.

 

You can do many things to stretch you out a bit, forward controls, a seat to move you back and up, change handlebars. If it's your first bike, I'm from the group that says buy used. Nothing like a rebel, way to small. I would say anything between a 750 to a 1200. If you know you love Harleys than get an 850 or a 1200 (Customs are a bit longer)but buy a nice used one and put a lot of miles on it.Keep in mind that nomatter what you buy, you will want something else as time. It may be a new Sportster orit may be something bigger.
Congratulations, it will be an exciting time for ya.

 

Sportsters are wonderful bikes. Had mine for about 3 years until I decided it was time for the real deal. A big twin. Loved the Sporty but was limited to riding in town only. It was just not made for hiway cruising. I'm 5'9 and the Sporty was just too small for me. Wanted to be able to take wifey along but was just too cramped. Now I have a big Sportster. You can buy a Sportster very reasonable and ride the hell out of it and still not lose too much $$. But I guarentee you will always want something bigger. Good luck with your decision.

[IMG]local://upfiles/28284/F0200BEEBC1747D4A3677DB0FC2844EA.jpg[/IMG]

 

Alot of people think they will always want something bigger till some day they find a reason to ride a smaller bike and suddenly realize: "Damn, that was fun. I forgot what riding just a plain motorcycle was like!!!!"

My last Harley was an 01 Heritage Classic and my present Harley is a 1200 C. I've owned the Sportster longer than I owned the Heritage and I plan on keeping it for a long time.

 

Just like Whaap said. After 15 years on Dynas and baggers I'm having a blast on a "real motorcycle", my new 1200 Custom. Feelin the road, the wind and the torgue for a change.

Doug

 

Im 6'1' and fit my sportster just fine,I dont feel to big to ride it maybe I might look a little big riding it but no one has ever told me that.Well whatever.A sportster is a great bike and you could allways go bigger and it holds its value better than a rice burner.

[IMG]local://upfiles/23996/0C1E3D33CFC1466D80C6BCB3AC9C724C.jpg[/IMG]