I am/was in a somewhat similar situation - 235lb, 6' 2". I had not ridden in 30 years but wanted to get back into it. I took the MSF and then went looking for bikes.

I test rode several different brands and models and ended up at a Harley dealer's test ride event. I rode or tried on 5 different bikes. The Sportster was, by far, the most fun to ride and the 1200 did not seem to be all that powerful (at least not carrying around my weight). It was relatively light and easy to handle - much more so than the twin cams. One of the other riders at the event said I needed to be on a bigger bike because I looked ridiculous on the Sportster. I didn't care. I had a huge smile on my face when I rode it - it was fun!

I suggest to you (and others who have commented) that it does not matter how you look on the bike. The only thing that matters is whether you feel comfortable on it and enjoy riding it.

I ended up buying a used Sportster a few months later and rode it for 3 years - put 6,500 miles on it. Then I decided I wanted something with better suspension and more wind protection so I bought an adventure bike.

I still like the Sportster and I thought it a good bike to learn on. I think you'll be fine with a 1200 as long as you take your time to learn (I spent quite a bit of time in parking lots practicing starting, stopping, turning and low speed maneuvers and on less traveled city streets just to build back confidence).

Welcome to the world of two wheels and happy riding!!!

 

Same height 175.

I bottom out my 03 xl1200c on some dips and it aint nice.

I would invest in Shocks legit, preferably ones you can throw on the sporty, and that future bike too.

But lose that weight. My man up in the Mitten went from 400 to "healthy" and is happy AF!
Best.

Sorce

 

I recommend a used Dyna for your first bike.

You might not feel the need to up grade which would be a win win.

If you do in the future desire a larger bike, I recommend staying away from the M8 oil sumper till such time they fix the issues they have been known to have.

 

You need AT LEAST a 1200.

 

I'm 5'7" 165lb ... and my 48 is pretty comfortable... although I feel my controls could be more forward. Seeing a pic of myself on the bike, we'll imo I think the bike looks a little small on me lol... and the 1200, is enough power... but it's not eye popping by any means. For me I could not see being your size and being on a bike this size. I have been looking at dyna lately... and imo I would start there minimum if I were you

 

Yes! This is so True!! Trust me I know first hand

 

 

I am about your size. Same weight but a couple of inches taller. I have a Sportster 1200.

Never seen myself riding a bike so I can't comment on how I look. I imagine I look pretty goofy. But that's because I look goofy all the time. Don't buy a bike for how you look while riding it - buy it for how you feel while riding it. This bike makes me happy. So I bought it.

The 1200 is not my first bike. Far from it. And it is far from my last as well. I do not think a 1200 is too much for a new rider, but I am long from the days that I was a new rider, so perhaps my opinion on that is irrelevant. I personally find the 883 under-powered for my size, and yes, I have ridden plenty of them. But then again, the 1200 is under-powered compared to the Hayabusa I had when I was 20, but I still ride the 1200 and love it.

After you get your motorcycle endorsement, you need to go to a Harley dealership and ask if they will let you test ride some bikes. That is the only way you will know what you really like.

Learning to ride, I don't think you will be comfortable on a larger touring bike. Plus, again, just my .02, but they are not as fun to ride. They are certainly more comfortable for long hauls, but it all depends on your intended usage. I wouldn't spend touring bike money on my first bike just to learn to ride on.

TL,DR?! Big guy to big guy: buy a used 1200, ride the **** out of it, and enjoy it. After a year, if you're ready to upgrade, then do it.

 

Just my 2 cents I’m 265 and 5/11 and will not trade in my 1200 custom. I don’t t go cross country furthest I’ve been is 300 mile one way and the bike was perfect.
I’m 80% city riding and the 1200 is perfect. Not knocking the 883 but go 1200 you wont be kicking yourself later. Best investment for me was new rear shocks and a mustang seat still working on getting the front shocks upgraded.

I started on Honda vlx 600 and a month later it was traded in for a vulcan 1500 that was nice but just lugging that beast in and out the garage it took up a lot of space with the bags and size of it. Then I found my 1200 and it’s perfect. Power, smaller in stature, but has
power and is fun to ride. I have a small set of bags and quick detachment windshield that I use when me and my buddy’s go out for long ride once every other month or so.

 

That right there. Get the bike that makes you want to ride. Get the bike that feels comfortable for the kind of riding that you want to do. Anyone that gives you crap for your choice can stuff it.