Good option on the bike rental so you can get a better "feel" on the ride. Buy what makes you happy - good luck!

 

I'm 5'11" 190#. I have an Iron, which I find very comfortable. I put a Nightster handlebar and a Mustang seat on it which did help a bit, but even stock it was pretty comfortable.

 

I'm 5'11" and was 238lbs when I bought my Nightster. A sporty is what I've always wanted, and I almost didn't buy one because I thought I was going to be too big for it. It actually was a catalyst for motivating me to lose weight, and I've dropped 50lbs since, and my bike fits me perfectly. Plus, losing weight is a really great way to make your bike faster and handle better

 

Its all in what you are used to I recon- I have no issues with the mids, but to each his own.

 

I'm six two and range from 220/250 depending
On the year and season long inseam= move your forward pegs out a few inches. Find the bars that are the most comfortable for ya and roll. That's what riding is about, not how do ya think I look on this. Make it yours and ride isn't that why have have bikes? I find it odd that people ask other people's opinion on what they should buy or what color panties they should wear. And from what I can tell is we all have different ideas on what looks good.. My two cents

 

im 5'8", riding my wife's 88 1000 sporty feels like im on a little 70's enduro.. they just arnt made for big people

 

I'm 6`1" and 260 pounds. My 08 1200C fits me just fine. Sure I get funny looks from people on bigger bikes, but I don't see their looks when I'm ahead of them in the twisties.

 

What makes a Sportster a small bike? near 600lbs/900cc is not a small bike. It annoys me when folks refer to it as small. At 230 and 6'1 it gets up and Flys solo or with my wife on it and I ride an 883.

My bike with stock suspension is comfortable enough for me. No thanks on those 700-800lb near half freaking ton motorcycles.

 

I sat on one and it wasn't the bike that was uncomfortable, I just didn't like the ape hangers. 72 is a cool looking bike none the less. Sportsters are the coolest bikes that HD produces. Dynas are overpriced Sportsters in most aspects. Softails look like old slow cars.. Baggers are just that baggers. Nothing fast or sporty about them. It doesn't make them bad it just is what it is. If I had 20k to throw away i'd own a Road King too.

 

6'3" and 220. I have a XL1200, XR1200 and a Buell XB12XT.

I just get on and curl up and go. Not uncomfortable at all. Did 9,000 miles in 14 days on the Buell. Do 80 to 120 mile local rides on the XL and XR. I do plan on a 900 mile one day ride to Sturgis this year on the XL.

I'm 72 and have arthritis, so you youngster should be able to do it alright.

Love the 1200 EVO2 motors.

The Sportsters are middle weight bikes. A 250 Honda Rebel is a small bike. My son's first choice in a Sportster was the 883R. He's only 6'5" and 280. It was a 03. A old lady turned left in front of him in her new Buick. He was only bruised but the 883R was totaled.

It is not the size of the rider, it is the willingness to adapt. Every watch Jesse James ride on the bikes that he makes? The seat is lower than on a Sporty and the pegs are rear mounted. His heels almost touch his rump. and his back is curled forward. That is how a big guy can ride a smaller bike.