Im new to this forum, I have had several bikes over the years but i can finally afford to mive up to the one ive always wanted, a Harley, problem is i cant figure out which one. I have always liked bikes with plenty of "pick up" so the natural start was a Sportster but all kinds of Big Twin riders I know say i will hate it because its too small. Im 6'2" tall and about 205lbs and want some honest answers from people who have rode a sportster any help would be great.

 

A good place to start would be to visit your local Harley dealer.

Sit on some of the various models, and find out which modelfeels the most comfortable and gives you the 'fit' you are looking for.

 

Well I'd say first thing is... get off the couch and go to a dealer and throw a leg over a few bikes and see what feels right for you. If you feel comfortable on a sportie pick the model you like (C=laid back riding, R=agressive riding) and just buy it and start posting about your riding instead of your shopping

 

ha well the sportsters price is right, that's one plus. I'm 6'3" and around 210 and I don't think I look funny on it, mostly ride it 2 up also, handles it great. like ofg go on some test rides, remember that you can always change out that uncomfy stock seat though.

 

You have to answer those questions yourself...

What kind of riding are you going to do... not what you dream of doing, but what you're going to do 90 percent of the time...

Solo... two up... long haul... local...???

A lot of things to consider...

Your big twin friends could be right... then again they could be dead wrong...

All things considered a Dyna Wide Glide is not a bad middle of the road bike...

Especially with the 96 cu in motor...

If I were you... I'd take the time and money and rent a couple of different models you are considering and make a somewhat informed decision from that...

I ride a Sportster by choice... but they're times I wished I went another way... (not as young as I use to be) lol...

Good luck...


Charlie D.

 

thanks guys, next stop, back the the Harley shop.

 

I have an 05 1200 C and with the acception of the V-Rod, it is the hot rod of all Harleys. I love the bike. However, I ride solo and for what I want it is perfect for now. If I were to ride two up (passenger) I would want something bigger because (my opinion only) the Sportster is a little too small for two up riding on a regular basis.

As suggested, go to your dealer and become a pest. Set on them all and develop your own opinion. If it comes down to a couple and you still have difficulty deciding, rent one or two tohelp you make up your mind.

 

I beg to differ, the 1200R is quite a bit more"hot rod" than the 1200C will ever be.

 

They have the same engine and they have the same gear ratios. The rider would make alot more of a difference than the bikes would.

 

A good dealer who wants your business won't make you rent one. In the note above - the 1200R/C/L all have the same motor; it's styling and suspension that differ. The R has a couple more inches' ground clearance, but all can be modified. A DWG might be nice too, it depends on what you want to spend, and how much weight you are OK with.