I got my better half opinion...and she said she would not want to start on a RK. I would suggest a sporty or similar, to see if she likes riding her own. I have had 2 friends who bought new Harleys one bought a Street Bob, the other Wide Glide. 1st year rode quite a bit, 2nd year less, 3rd year, sold their bikes. I have been riding for 37 years and just got a 2011 RKC after trading in my 08 Fat Bob. I notice a big weight difference and handling... something for her to consider..

 

+1 on being careful with a Road King as first bike for anyone, man or woman. Start out on a Dyna and then move up.

 

I would be more worried about her skill level than her physical size. My wife is 5' 3" and started on a sporty (after taking the MSF). She moved up to a Fatboy and has even ridden my Street Glide. I think your GF will be able to handle the road king eventually, but I'm not exactly sure it's the bike she needs to learn on.

Shakey

 

Take the MSF class, my wife did,decided riding wasn't for her, happy being a passenger. I agree RK a lotta bike for 1st timer my opinion better starting on something smaller. My buddies wife rode 450 Rebel for a yr. till she got used to being in different traffic situations, group riding etc.she now rides Softtail Deluxe. The class gets u started but there's nothing like real world experience.

 

I know several females friends that have RKs and none of them is thier first and only bike. Most started with Sportys or Dynas. I just got my wife to drive mine and she's licensed and a bike owner. Its a big, heavy, expensive bike to make a mistake on. But then again, this is a free country...

 

hay i say go for it as long as you get crash bars and bag bar. i can tell you from personal experience they will lessen any damage to you and the bike. i dropped my 05 rk can not tell unless you feel the bottom of the crash bars and really who looks there. it is a bit heavy but if she can lift it i say go for it

 

My 5-foot-2, 112-pound lady rides a CVO Springer and a Deluxe. She also rides my RK, but finds it daunting due to the seat height. I'd recommend lowering, but that actually compromises the RK's ride.
Deluxe or Heritage may be better.

 

Couple of things,
1) I have never heard of starting on the bike you want to ride, I don't know anyone who has done that. Not saying it doesn't happen, but every rider I know has started on a smaller, cheaper bike and moved up from there.
2) The fact that she is convinced that she can ride a bike that she just sat on that didn't even fit her, without ever riding any bike before, shows she has no concept of what it take to ride a bike.
3) It's good she's in shape, but strength has nothing to do with handling a motorcycle. It's about technique not strength. Very few men can pick up a 750 lb bike, but with proper technique a 100 lb girl can. Same with riding, brute strength means nothing.

Her opinion may change after the class. My fiance took it last season and was shocked at how complicated it is to ride a bike, she has ridden on my bike for year, just had no idea what I was doing while she was enjoying the scenery.

Have her take the class and see if she is still convince that she can start on a King. If she is, rent one, you take it off the lot, bring her to a big parking lot with no one around and let her give it a try. If at the end of the day both her and you are convinced she can start with a King than get the one she wants. If not start with something a little smaller and a lot cheaper and go from there.

Plenty of women ride tours, I just don't think very many started with them.

Just my opinion, as always I could be wrong.

PS: I like your taste in bikes

 

 

Know that she will more than likely need more mods then just the reach seat. Lowering and almost certainly new bars. The RK stock bars are notoriously challenging for shorter folks. I ride an 2011 FLHR after being off bikes for 20 years--lots of parking lot work has got my confidence up...but it is a lot of bike.