In just a couple months I will be purchasing my first bike! I have done extensive research on the Iron 1200 and just a little on the Street Bob (107)

I’m 6’ 2” 220 pounds and I do plan on doing some decent long distance riding.

Don’t worry the week before I plan on purchasing my new baby I’m already enrolled in my MSF course at our Harley dealer in town.

I am very confident I will ride safe, not be timid, and I will respect the machine.

If it were you would you choose the Iron 1200 or a softail (street bob) knowing it was your beginner bike. All truth I know a lot of people trade in their Sportsters after only a short bit, but I do love the look and ability to truly make it your own. I want a Harley not some small beginner bike. I am a bigger dude and know I have the Harley fever!

Thanks!

 

6’ 2” 220

I think a Sportster might be a little cramped for your size. Consider a used bike like a Dyna.

 

Will you be riding 2-up at all? Will you be doing any road trips in the future or weekends camping or traveling on the bike? My first street bike was a Heritage Softail because I knew I was going to be riding 2-up a lot of the time with my wife. I looked at Sportsters too but realized that she would want bags and a comfy back seat and backrest. I didn’t get a Sportster until much later and it was a second bike. In fact, all 3 Sportsters I have owned were 2nd bikes. We like to do weekend or longer trips on the bike and have been all over the east and west. Even a local day ride might involve 200-300 miles. So, my recommendation is to be really honest about your riding goals and desires and start there. Sportsters are lots of fun but depending on your plans it might not be the optimum choice as an only bike. Test riding can also help you sort it out.

 

Rent a sportster for a day or two n then go buy the M8 softail

('13 sporty 6'1 200lbs rider)

 

I had a 2018 Street Bob and the M8 is very smooth. I voted to FXBB.