Nothing wrong with the question you posted here and nothing that needed to be searched. Some people have a standard "welcome" message that they cut and paste in the new members section. Carry on brotha, and welcome to the forum

 

Welcome & congrats on the new bike

Rick From San Diego / TJ Mexico
1992 flhtc
2002 V-Rod
soon to join the 260 club
Brembo Calipers front & rear
AW wheels
Metzelers
V-mods

 

My personal opinion is to definitely take the beginners course...then buy a cheap used metric cruiser and see if riding is actually something you want to do...I have seen way too many people take up riding late in life and get hurt soon after...I am 51 and been riding for 42 of those years,off and on...a good friend of mine,late 40s,talks occasionally about getting his first bike...I always discourage him...just my honest opinion...good luck whatever you decide..

 

+1 Boo

Welcome from Central Mass. and enjoy the Forums. Start with something a little bigger for your size like a Dyna.

 

I started riding a little over 2 years ago. My first purchase was an XL1200...big mistake. I now have a 2000 FXD I bought with LOTS of extras, 15k miles for $6500.00. You NEED to get beyond the Sportster family and into a Dyna or Softtail.

 

I agree with this poster. Get an inexpensive cruiser type bike and learn on it until you feel comfortable and then in the mean while do some research on what kind of harley or whatever other bike you might want once you have a few miles under your belt. You probably won't be comfy on a sportster. I had one about 10 years ago and it was fun but not comfortable for me on longer rides. You may find it a bit small for you. I did for me.

Good luck and be safe-

 

883 way too small. After you take the course, go find a dealer that will let you test ride different bikes. For starters, I'd try a heritage and a road king.

 

Glad to see I'm not the only one with this question. At 52, 6'0", and 180 lbs, I've been wondering the same thing. I didn't want to get more bike than I could safely handle. I was going to go with an 883 Low (after the class, of course, which I've already signed up for), but now I'm starting to question that. Glad to see all the opinions on this subject. Let us know what you decide. Will be interesting to see.

Jim Stanford
Carrollton, Texas

 

Welcome and have fun

 

I also think the 883 is too small. It's got plenty of power. But, for my first Harley, I bought a 1200. I think you'll like the larger bikes much better and they'll probably be much easier for you to handle, too. Have fun in the rider's course and watch out for the other guy!