I mean, anyone can ride any bike, pretty much. Some of these guys talk about Sportys like they're circus bikes. They're not. They're full size bikes, of course. It's just that HD makes even bigger bikes, too.

You know if you like to ride stretched out or compact.

If you like to ride stretched out, then consider something that gives you more room to start with. You will probably want to customize your riding position no matter what bike you get.

Softails and Dynas give about the same amount of room--you can add crash bars and highway pegs and new bars to all of 'em. Touring bikes seem to allow for more customizing for legroom.

 

Thats way too tall for a sporty.

 

I wouldn't give much thought about how you look on a Sportster, I'd concentrate on how it feels.

 

I think any bike can be made to fit at any height

Have you sat on one or maybe test rode one to decide?

Only thing I would think of is being your size how long is that bike going to last you before you think it's too small

 

I'm 6'4" and my first Harley was a Dyna Wide Glide. I loved it and it fit me well. Already had forward controls and "apes". I put 20k on it and loved it.

 

I would look at a used V Star 1300 loads of power and you can get a forward control extension as long as 5". they sell really cheap as well. I had one until it got smashed along with me by some chic looking out the window.
For the money the V Star 1300 is a winner, it's liquid cooled and fuel injected. Dealers around here have brand new 2009's for $6999 with no miles on them.

 

I'm only 5' 8" & been riding a sporty almost 3 yrs. Don't get me wrong, it's a great bike and I love riding it but I felt like it was too small even for me a long time ago. If I can ever afford to I'll trade up just so I can stretch out a bit.

 

If you insist it has to be a Harley, I'd say look at the Road King..One of the guys I work with is 6'5" and that is what he rides. Other wise adventure bikes like the BMW 1200 GS, Suzuki V-strom 1000, Yamaha Tenere 1200 or the KTM 990 have more room on them.

 

I'm 5'10" and some days the sportster feels too small for me. Like it was made for someone 5'-5'6"

 

Exactly.