Thanks! Both my parents have tried steering me away from the Sportster line, claiming they’re too top heavy (I know it is ultimately up to the rider and their preferences). Did you feel that way?
I don’t think it was a total weight issue, more that they said Sportsters carry most of their weight up top, making them a little trickier to ride. Might just be a “them” thing, but curious to see if others feel that way
Ah that’s fair. Let me say this, I bumped to an 883 Sportster as my second bike (because the piddly 250 I was on wasn’t cutting it 😂). Compared to my Dyna and other bikes I’ve ridden, my Sporty practically dances.
I wouldn’t say it feels like the weight is up top, it feels more like it’s centered pretty evenly. But it’s crazy nimble and the weight flows pretty well with the maneuvers. It was fantastic to learn and get comfortable on.
And welcome to riding, fellow Ohio rider!
That’s super helpful, I appreciate it! Also thanks for the warm welcome. This has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but was always too afraid. Excited to finally get into it!
I’m going to wholeheartedly agree with u/EveryDayASummit. I loved - and still miss my sporty - ‘13 Iron 883 - she was a peppy, lively bike. I could pull a full 180 in less than 2 parking spaces wide. Nimble and easy in a downtown area, yet comfy and solid on a long back road. My only complaint was she felt underpowered on the Highway. 30 to 60 she was a champ, but 65 to 75 was a letdown. Plus the lack of bags was a turning point for me too.
But, I never really took her on the interstate. Just a few times. The 40k miles that I put on her from ‘13 to ‘18 were mostly back country roads and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. If I owned a garage, I’d still have her.
She wasn’t a starter bike, but a bike I could easily afford, until I could afford more.
Also… welcome to riding. A pastime that can easily become a passion. We look forward to having you.
Absolutely! I’m taking the class mid-May, and am hoping to start practicing this summer. I’m so grateful for everyone in this group sharing their experiences and advice. Excited to be a part of such an incredible community, beyond just a supporter & passenger!
It’s true about the weight being up top but I don’t think it’s unmanageable, specifically the newer models are balanced better compared to the 90s and XL models.
Not really heavy enough to be worried about, you'll probably drop any first bike you have. I'm 6' 180lbs and I dropped my Honda Rebel 500 once which is way lighter. Had that for a month, moved onto a 1200 Sportster and I was fine at that point. Just make sure you don't mind dropping your first bike. Once you're up to speed the weight of the bike doesn't matter too much
I am not a sportster fan. But everyone is different.
Go to the dealership and sit on bikes. Get a feel for what you like.
Forward or Mid controls?
Handle bar style?
Seat type and position?
You need to find you. Then find you with in your budget.
The downside of a sportster for a beginner is that they’re too heavy and tall.
Id recommended looking at the newer line of softails they sit low which will be good for your height, they have plenty of power so you won’t out grow it either
The Softail Slim is hands down the easiest to ride Harley and you shouldn’t grow out of it. It has a lower center of gravity so it feels lighter than a sportster and is much easier to maneuver at slow speeds.
It also sits a little lower and should be quite comfortable at your height.
I agree with the soft tail slim. Bought mine new in 2012 and no intentions on changing. Started on a sportster which was a fine starter but it’s a rough ride. You have to sit on a few. You’ll know what feels good.
My wife decided on an 883 Sportster for her first bike. The damn thing is just fun. Keeps saying she will “upgrade” eventually but still rides the Sporty. Hell I ride it just for fun too. They’re great bikes
I'm 5'11 and my 1200 Sportster is still my favorite. My dad loved Sportsters, so I got one too. Been riding it for 25 years and it's the last bike I'd consider selling. The Pre-04 EVO Sportsters are considerably lighter than the rubber mount Sporties, right around 480 lbs for the 1200 Custom. The Sportster is incredibly well balanced, and easy to maneuver at low speeds. It makes them great beginner bikes and just great bikes in general. Evil Knievel jumped Sportsters... They're pretty bad ass bikes.
It's funny how people neglect to remember that Sportsters are the winningest flat track bike ever made, hold land speed records, pretty much own Hooligan racing, and are still raced in AMA. The XR1200 posts lap times about 6 seconds slower than the fastest Yamaha R6 in AMA. 🤷🏻♀️
My wife started on a Buell Blast. It’s a 500 single cylinder but she had never ridden before.
She rode it for about a season and stepped up to a Roadster 1200.
She’s about the same height as you and we had to put lower shocks on it so she could ride it as she couldn’t put both feet on the ground at stop lights.
Other than the height issue, the 1200 is a good bike to learn on. They’re much lighter than the twin cam and M8 bikes.
Female here. 5’6 around 135. I started on a 2012 dyna super glide and LOVED it. Now I ride a SGS but wish I’d have kept my super glide too. I liked it because I didn’t feel like I “grew out of it,” like I would have a sportster. I also wanted a little bigger gas tank so I could somewhat keep up with my husband on his touring and not have to constantly stop for gas. It was a good medium and I actually rode several long distance trips on it but fun to rip around town or commute to.
I am very anti sportster as a first bike. They’re not any easier to handle or keep up.
I saw where you said your parents said sportster is too heavy. To be frank, that is trivial. As long as you spend a lot of parking lot time learning the basics… it really doesn’t matter. Weight is not everything. Weight distribution IS. 800 pounds can feel much lighter than a top heavy 600 lbs
Thank you! My mom started on a Low Rider, hated it, and now rides a Road King. It really does sound like you have to find the bike that works for you, especially since since people seem to either love Sportsters or hate them. I was worried about getting something too light (like a Buell Blast or something similar) and needing to upgrade. I’d rather just find something that’ll work for 2+ years as I learn and improve. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Depends on you, as in YOU. Not me, parents, friends, dealership, YOU. Try out a couple, and you'll figure it out. Keep us posted. And welcome!!! It's always nice to meet a fellow woman rider.
If you like thin, light, and basic bikes, nothing (really nothing) will beat a sportster.
However Im 6'2 230lbs and I got a 883 sporty and after riding for a couple of months. I can easily upgrade to a bigger bike. I don't want too, but you can find comments on people who bought a sporty and sold it months later.
So, figure out what riding you want to do, If you like big bikes or thin bikes.
Any bike you sit on that feels right. You'll know it when you find it. I'd recommend going to a dealership and sitting on some bikes. At that point, you'll be able to decide if you want to buy from a dealer or private seller. I've seen plenty of women handle a full-size touring bike like a Road Glide or electraglide far superior to some dudes. Don't let the initial size/weight stop you in your search.
Sound advice, I appreciate it! I am lucky to have serval dealerships nearby, so I plan to plant it on at least a few, see what feels best. I won’t do super long rides, mostly back roads <30 miles or so, but still want to be comfy.
You'll know the right bike when it feels right. I like touring bikes because that's what I'm into, but others like small bikes. It's all personal preference. One thing I can recommend is I'd think about buying a used bike as the first instead of a brand new bike. There's a bit of a learning curve & God forbid you accidentally drop the bike having one that may already have a few scratches or marks is a lot easier on the psychie versus a brand spanking new mint condition bike.
Honestly, you need to go out and sit on a bunch of different bikes and see what you like best. Everybody and their brother is gonna recommend the sportster, but that might not be for you. I like my sporty because it rides very similar to a dirtbike, which is what I grew up on and raced for most of my life.
As an instructor, I encourage you to wait until you finish the class before purchasing a bike. You will learn a lot about yourself and motorcycles in the class that might help you to decide on what bike you want.
Oh, that’s definitely the plan! I am aiming to sit on some and get a starting point feel, take the class, then buy one. Hoping to be able to learn more about what I like/don’t like in the class.
If you plan on riding above 65 for any extended period of time, you might as well step to a big twin—probably one with a 6th gear. Twin cam softails are very low center of gravity and you tend to sit “in” the bike better than a Sporty or a Dyna. M8 softails are a little higher but perform very well and ride smooth.
I've known several ladies to start on Softails. Fat Boy's specifically. The low center of gravity is helpful to a new rider. Years ago my first bike was a sportster, and after riding it a few times my dad let me borrow his fat boy. I felt just as comfortable on it, if not more, and immediately started developing buyers remorse for the sportster.
Sit on everythinf... The bike picks you. The Kawasaki vulcan s has a great system for ride fitment from short to tall riders. Id say you can never go wrong with a honda shadow phantom as well. Bulletproof reliability tried and true. So very low maintenance. My gf agreed about the sportster being heavy for the size. Youll know which bike as soon as you sit on it tho! Good luck
I’m going to try a Sportster, but definitely thinking the same thing - a Softail might be a better option. The list is long, but I’m excited to find my fit! Thanks for the advice.
I'm 5'4", roughly 130lbs & in my second semester of life (lady rider). I ride a "20 Street Glide Special. I've been riding a while & the Road King is a great ride!
You will find a lower center of gravity, making it easier to manage during slow riding maneuvers & it'll drop into those curves like that's it's job! It's a great cruiser & comfy on longer rides.
Don't dismiss the value of your time as a "seat cover". You likely learned a great deal about riding As a passenger. Very wise of you to ride something that will deliver challenges as you develop proficiency.
I ride Road Kings for a long time & learned a great deal from riding them. Live a Road King! I'm riding my SGS for pure rider comforts reasons: music, easy to pack out, fun to ride & fast!
Thanks so much! My mom drives a Road King and claims it’s the best she’s ever ridden. Definitely looking into Street Glides. Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s so helpful.
You're not as short as me, and I've got the HD Softail Slim. My inseam is about 29-30 inches. It works great for me. Give that one a try. You could checkout the Softail Heritage. Comes with bags already
And if you go to my profile & look at recent posts you can see what I've done to mine thus far. I would definitely recommend at least getting an 18. Comes with some newer technology and if you decide you like the Slim more, definitely look for an FLSS. It comes with ABS and cruise control already enabled so all you would need is the left handlebar control module to activate it.
You could also check out a local dealership for events they have. Bike Week just ended and that's a great place to try a variety of bikes. Manufacturers like Harley, Indian, Honda, BMW and others bring bikes specifically to be test riden. If you're not in a rush to get one right away, I'd definitely wait until Biketoberfest or Sturgis.
I would definitely check out what Indian has to offer. They're balanced better than Harleys, and you tend to get more for your money. My only issue with them is they don't have as many aftermarket part options as Harleys do, so if you want something extra, it's likely you'll have to go custom.
I love a harley, but I know a lot of people that have traded theirs for an Indian. To be fair, folks have gone the other way too.
I just see what some of my buddies have with their Indians and the features are nicer for the same or less money. One thing thst got me is they have the adjustable windshield. On the fairing it's literally controlled like a car window. You can adjust the height rather than having to buy a whole new windshield like you would need to with any other bike.
Give them a try and tell us what you think!!
And before you settle on exactly what you wanna be paying, figure out what options you cannot go without. It's usually better to spend a bit more than to try and "add it later". That add it later shit got me spending way more than I would've, if I just would've spent more than what the base model was.
This is such a good point and absolutely something I would do — assume the smaller up-front payment is all, when I wind up paying so much more over time. Thanks so much.
Absolutely. It's why I bought up the tip about the FLSS. The difference was price and color, which was just stupid. The next model up had more and wouldn't have increased my payment by much.
A buddy of mine has one, but I was worried about how it sits relative to the gas tank. Wasn’t sure if I’d be sprawled over it. I’ll sit on one of those too, thanks!
Softail isn’t a bad choice. I have a fat bob softail and love it. Everyone will push you towards a sportster but learning on a dyna or softail will be the same thing and you won’t get tired of the bike or look for more performance wise for a while
I’ve been riding for a year. I’m 5’2” and absolutely love my Heritage. I would love a road king as our trips are on the long side (our last trip was from Clearwater to Key West) and I would love a little more comfort but I’m content with what I have right now.
https://preview.redd.it/ktowe6ns1uoa1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d2a97f4de3c43bb0e5713243942af428a469152
If you’re looking to stick with Harleys and not looking to go on long trips for a while I might suggest a sporty too. A nice used Dyna like the low rider is probably an even better choice. But if your just looking for a good, easy to handle, multipurpose beginner bike might I suggest a Honda rebel 650? It’s a great bike, very reliable, comfortable, and good enough power for a long time. Possibly be cheaper than a Dyna and more versatile than a Sporty. Plus it’s a Honda, if God forbid something bad we’re to happen to it, it won’t be as devastating as losing a Harley.
It doesn’t really matter what anybody else tells you. Get what is comfortable for you. Understand that you are going to drop it. Hell, I started riding pit bikes when I was six. I’m 43 now so not new at this and I dropped my Dyna a couple months ago in a parking lot. I put my foot down and my boot just slid on light gravel and sand. When you are going to drop it, just step off and let it fall. Trying to save it, you will wind up hurting yourself. If you happen to fall with your bike, get up, dust yourself off and get back on. You got this! Get your knees in the wind and enjoy the journey.
One other thing, since you’re short as am I, make sure you can reach the kickstand. My Dad and I are both 5’5” but he has longer legs than I do. We figured this out when I went to ride his Road King. I couldn’t reach the kick stand that he reaches easily. I had to lean over and pull it up with my hand. Not a big deal, just something to be aware of.
As a 5’4 woman, I bought a used Sportster as my very first bike towards the end of last season. It is pretty top heavy, but you can get used to it really quickly. The ride height and size of it feels great to me. I had never ridden a bike before, so I took several solid days around a parking lot just getting comfortable handling it - and a lot longer to feel comfortable turning corners and driving on the actual street (I was super nervous/overthinking it and panicking around traffic). If you’re taking the class, you’ll be in a lot better shape than I was lol!! I’m hoping to take one early this season.
My bike is an 883, but I would get a 1200 if I could go back in time. I rode my friend’s 1200 pretty soon after starting and can definitely tell I’m going to outgrow the 883 pretty quickly.
So excited for you, and good luck - you’ll be great with whatever bike you get!! :)
EDIT: I will say I was lucky enough to randomly meet part of the local lady riders group at a gas station one day, and I told them I really wanted to get my own bike and learn, and they all let me sit on their different bikes and gave me advice/their perspectives. Sitting on the Sportster really sold me on it, it just felt right like others have commented!!
I'm a lot taller than you but I'm 5ft10in, 130lb woman, I ride a Fat Boy 114, and it was technically my first bike. It has a full set of Bungking Crashbars with delrin sliders. Makes it easy to get it back up after a drop.
I'm not sure how a 5ft 6in tall gal would fit on the M8 Fat Boy but for me it's a wonderful bike.
I too am an Ohio Rider and I've owned all kinds of Bikes over the years and whatever you ride you get used to riding it. It doesn't matter what it is .
Get a bike that you like and feel comfortable sitting on. Plus you can always change controls and handle bars etc. to accommodate your needs. I ride a '07softail standard with 12" mini apes and love it.
Comfortable ride comfortable position.
I'm not a big fan of sportsters personally.
A Dyna or a softail would be a perfect bike for you.
I would say - either Sportster 1200 or Softail Slim. Both have a few pros in their favor, with few cons.
I know you have mentioned comments people have made about the sportster’s weight distribution. My advice is to go sit on one or test ride if possible before passing final judgement. Oftentimes, where one bike might work well for person A, it doesn’t for person B. And vice versa.
Any of the non-touring and maybe the sportster S. Stay away from the evo sportsters as they need another several thousands in upgrades to not ride like absolute ass. If you want to spend time on the highway, stay away from the sportster line IMO.
Harleys are a bit heavier but most of the weight goes away once you start rolling. Your competency as a rider will depend on how much slow speed training you do. Think of riding like martial arts, you are a perpetual student of this skill, never a master, always practicing.
That aside the Bobs are your best bang for your buck. I didnt say most attractive.
The Fat Bob gives you the most out of the box, and the Street Bob is fun to customize. However you cant go wrong with any of the stoft tails save for the heritage, the lean angle on that thing caps at like 25 degrees, thats not ok!
I strongly recommend that you ride them to see what you like, and as a first time rider I strongly recommend you buy used, but each his/her own.
Do not be afraid of any of these bikes. Their weight deserves respect but thats it. A Suzuki SV650, which is IMO the best beginner bike ever made is quicker and faster than anything HD currently has to offer, and that bike can be picked up used for $3k (HIGHLY RECOMMEND you start with one of those).
So the answer is, go out and ride them. If you want to travel on the highway, the sportster line is not the best route. Dont worry, there WILL be a bike that speaks to you, you should get that bike.
Its all very personal. Oh and if the dealer wont tell you the price of the bike from the get go, leave. Just walk out and go somewhere that will. Dealers are the worst thing about Harley Davidson.
Dont just sit, take them for a ride.
Oh, one more thing. Learn to counter steer. Most classes you dont get up fast enough to do it. Theyll tell you all about it, but you never do it. You NEED to learn it!!
You would not believe the number of experinced riders who still dont understand it. You can see them when driving, they do little S turns while in a turn. Please learn it and have it become second nature, it will save your life.
Thank you! I have actually heard that before - that’s it’s essential but the classes don’t do a great job teaching it. There’s some empty parking lots near me that I’ll be spending a lot of time in post-class.
New? Nightster is the entry-level, 600cc, low-slung, still has the Sportster lines.
Used? Any 883 Sportster, or if you want to: 1) wrench as much as ride, and b) get the old-school experience, get a 20th century Sportster, older the better.
As others have said, sportsters are great. If you want to start lighter you could check out some jap bikes. Honda shadow vlx600/750, yamaha vstar, suzuki boulevard 800, kawasaki vulcan 900 are all great bikes that will be more full size than a sportster but also weigh around the same. All these bike basically will sell for what you buy them for when you go to upgrade too.
Honestly 1200 sportster was one of the most fun bikes I’ve had. I’m only 5’7” and have a 114 street bob now but I will always love my sportster days.
Thanks! Both my parents have tried steering me away from the Sportster line, claiming they’re too top heavy (I know it is ultimately up to the rider and their preferences). Did you feel that way?
Sportsters are heavy (~600 lbs) but it’s not unmanageable. Even if you tip, it’s easy to get leverage and pick it back up.
I don’t think it was a total weight issue, more that they said Sportsters carry most of their weight up top, making them a little trickier to ride. Might just be a “them” thing, but curious to see if others feel that way
Ah that’s fair. Let me say this, I bumped to an 883 Sportster as my second bike (because the piddly 250 I was on wasn’t cutting it 😂). Compared to my Dyna and other bikes I’ve ridden, my Sporty practically dances. I wouldn’t say it feels like the weight is up top, it feels more like it’s centered pretty evenly. But it’s crazy nimble and the weight flows pretty well with the maneuvers. It was fantastic to learn and get comfortable on. And welcome to riding, fellow Ohio rider!
That’s super helpful, I appreciate it! Also thanks for the warm welcome. This has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but was always too afraid. Excited to finally get into it!
I’m going to wholeheartedly agree with u/EveryDayASummit. I loved - and still miss my sporty - ‘13 Iron 883 - she was a peppy, lively bike. I could pull a full 180 in less than 2 parking spaces wide. Nimble and easy in a downtown area, yet comfy and solid on a long back road. My only complaint was she felt underpowered on the Highway. 30 to 60 she was a champ, but 65 to 75 was a letdown. Plus the lack of bags was a turning point for me too. But, I never really took her on the interstate. Just a few times. The 40k miles that I put on her from ‘13 to ‘18 were mostly back country roads and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. If I owned a garage, I’d still have her. She wasn’t a starter bike, but a bike I could easily afford, until I could afford more. Also… welcome to riding. A pastime that can easily become a passion. We look forward to having you.
I really appreciate the warm welcome & you sharing your experience! I’m so excited to get started.
In 6 months you should share your awesome experiences. Remind us all why we first threw a leg over that fist saddle. Lol
Absolutely! I’m taking the class mid-May, and am hoping to start practicing this summer. I’m so grateful for everyone in this group sharing their experiences and advice. Excited to be a part of such an incredible community, beyond just a supporter & passenger!
It’s true about the weight being up top but I don’t think it’s unmanageable, specifically the newer models are balanced better compared to the 90s and XL models.
Super helpful, I appreciate it!
Not really heavy enough to be worried about, you'll probably drop any first bike you have. I'm 6' 180lbs and I dropped my Honda Rebel 500 once which is way lighter. Had that for a month, moved onto a 1200 Sportster and I was fine at that point. Just make sure you don't mind dropping your first bike. Once you're up to speed the weight of the bike doesn't matter too much
I am not a sportster fan. But everyone is different. Go to the dealership and sit on bikes. Get a feel for what you like. Forward or Mid controls? Handle bar style? Seat type and position? You need to find you. Then find you with in your budget.
You’ll be fine. They’re not that heavy. Easy to maneuver
The downside of a sportster for a beginner is that they’re too heavy and tall. Id recommended looking at the newer line of softails they sit low which will be good for your height, they have plenty of power so you won’t out grow it either
I actually was just reading that about Sportsters and was looking at Softails. Thanks!
The Softail Slim is hands down the easiest to ride Harley and you shouldn’t grow out of it. It has a lower center of gravity so it feels lighter than a sportster and is much easier to maneuver at slow speeds. It also sits a little lower and should be quite comfortable at your height.
That sounds perfect, I’ll absolutely try one out. Thank you!!
I agree with the soft tail slim. Bought mine new in 2012 and no intentions on changing. Started on a sportster which was a fine starter but it’s a rough ride. You have to sit on a few. You’ll know what feels good.
All the research h I’ve done says a sports get is a terrible first choice for some people has it has a high center of gravity.
My wife decided on an 883 Sportster for her first bike. The damn thing is just fun. Keeps saying she will “upgrade” eventually but still rides the Sporty. Hell I ride it just for fun too. They’re great bikes
I'm 5'11 and my 1200 Sportster is still my favorite. My dad loved Sportsters, so I got one too. Been riding it for 25 years and it's the last bike I'd consider selling. The Pre-04 EVO Sportsters are considerably lighter than the rubber mount Sporties, right around 480 lbs for the 1200 Custom. The Sportster is incredibly well balanced, and easy to maneuver at low speeds. It makes them great beginner bikes and just great bikes in general. Evil Knievel jumped Sportsters... They're pretty bad ass bikes.
Thanks! I’ll absolutely try one out and that’s awesome about Evil Knievel! I had no idea.
It's funny how people neglect to remember that Sportsters are the winningest flat track bike ever made, hold land speed records, pretty much own Hooligan racing, and are still raced in AMA. The XR1200 posts lap times about 6 seconds slower than the fastest Yamaha R6 in AMA. 🤷🏻♀️
My wife started on a Buell Blast. It’s a 500 single cylinder but she had never ridden before. She rode it for about a season and stepped up to a Roadster 1200. She’s about the same height as you and we had to put lower shocks on it so she could ride it as she couldn’t put both feet on the ground at stop lights. Other than the height issue, the 1200 is a good bike to learn on. They’re much lighter than the twin cam and M8 bikes.
Thank you! I believe the class uses Blasts or something similar in size. I’ll see how I like it then.
Female here. 5’6 around 135. I started on a 2012 dyna super glide and LOVED it. Now I ride a SGS but wish I’d have kept my super glide too. I liked it because I didn’t feel like I “grew out of it,” like I would have a sportster. I also wanted a little bigger gas tank so I could somewhat keep up with my husband on his touring and not have to constantly stop for gas. It was a good medium and I actually rode several long distance trips on it but fun to rip around town or commute to. I am very anti sportster as a first bike. They’re not any easier to handle or keep up.
I saw where you said your parents said sportster is too heavy. To be frank, that is trivial. As long as you spend a lot of parking lot time learning the basics… it really doesn’t matter. Weight is not everything. Weight distribution IS. 800 pounds can feel much lighter than a top heavy 600 lbs
Thank you! My mom started on a Low Rider, hated it, and now rides a Road King. It really does sound like you have to find the bike that works for you, especially since since people seem to either love Sportsters or hate them. I was worried about getting something too light (like a Buell Blast or something similar) and needing to upgrade. I’d rather just find something that’ll work for 2+ years as I learn and improve. Thanks for sharing your experience!!
Depends on you, as in YOU. Not me, parents, friends, dealership, YOU. Try out a couple, and you'll figure it out. Keep us posted. And welcome!!! It's always nice to meet a fellow woman rider.
Definitely not looking for “what to buy,” more “what to sit on” vs “what to avoid.” Appreciate the warm welcome!
Same philosophy. Walk around some boke dealerships and see what seems like you. Go from there.
If you like thin, light, and basic bikes, nothing (really nothing) will beat a sportster. However Im 6'2 230lbs and I got a 883 sporty and after riding for a couple of months. I can easily upgrade to a bigger bike. I don't want too, but you can find comments on people who bought a sporty and sold it months later. So, figure out what riding you want to do, If you like big bikes or thin bikes.
Something stripped down like sportster or a dyna or softail. I love my sportsters tho will always have them :)
Thanks!
Any bike you sit on that feels right. You'll know it when you find it. I'd recommend going to a dealership and sitting on some bikes. At that point, you'll be able to decide if you want to buy from a dealer or private seller. I've seen plenty of women handle a full-size touring bike like a Road Glide or electraglide far superior to some dudes. Don't let the initial size/weight stop you in your search.
Sound advice, I appreciate it! I am lucky to have serval dealerships nearby, so I plan to plant it on at least a few, see what feels best. I won’t do super long rides, mostly back roads <30 miles or so, but still want to be comfy.
You'll know the right bike when it feels right. I like touring bikes because that's what I'm into, but others like small bikes. It's all personal preference. One thing I can recommend is I'd think about buying a used bike as the first instead of a brand new bike. There's a bit of a learning curve & God forbid you accidentally drop the bike having one that may already have a few scratches or marks is a lot easier on the psychie versus a brand spanking new mint condition bike.
100% going the used route first!
Honestly, you need to go out and sit on a bunch of different bikes and see what you like best. Everybody and their brother is gonna recommend the sportster, but that might not be for you. I like my sporty because it rides very similar to a dirtbike, which is what I grew up on and raced for most of my life.
Yep! Already the plan, as stated in my post. I appreciate the comparison to a dirt bike! That makes a lot Of sense
As an instructor, I encourage you to wait until you finish the class before purchasing a bike. You will learn a lot about yourself and motorcycles in the class that might help you to decide on what bike you want.
Oh, that’s definitely the plan! I am aiming to sit on some and get a starting point feel, take the class, then buy one. Hoping to be able to learn more about what I like/don’t like in the class.
Start with a used Dyna. Plenty to grow with there.
If you plan on riding above 65 for any extended period of time, you might as well step to a big twin—probably one with a 6th gear. Twin cam softails are very low center of gravity and you tend to sit “in” the bike better than a Sporty or a Dyna. M8 softails are a little higher but perform very well and ride smooth.
That sounds perfect, thank you! I obviously still need to sit on some different options, but thinking I’d like more of an “in” vs “on”
I've known several ladies to start on Softails. Fat Boy's specifically. The low center of gravity is helpful to a new rider. Years ago my first bike was a sportster, and after riding it a few times my dad let me borrow his fat boy. I felt just as comfortable on it, if not more, and immediately started developing buyers remorse for the sportster.
That’s interesting! I didn’t expect something so big to be a good option, but I guess it ultimately depends on comfort and preferences. Thank you!!
Sit on everythinf... The bike picks you. The Kawasaki vulcan s has a great system for ride fitment from short to tall riders. Id say you can never go wrong with a honda shadow phantom as well. Bulletproof reliability tried and true. So very low maintenance. My gf agreed about the sportster being heavy for the size. Youll know which bike as soon as you sit on it tho! Good luck
Thank you so much! I plan to sit on anything and everything I can. Appreciate the tips!!
Lots of people recommend sportsters for chicks but honestly, they have a way higher center of gravity than a softail.
I’m going to try a Sportster, but definitely thinking the same thing - a Softail might be a better option. The list is long, but I’m excited to find my fit! Thanks for the advice.
I'm 5'4", roughly 130lbs & in my second semester of life (lady rider). I ride a "20 Street Glide Special. I've been riding a while & the Road King is a great ride! You will find a lower center of gravity, making it easier to manage during slow riding maneuvers & it'll drop into those curves like that's it's job! It's a great cruiser & comfy on longer rides. Don't dismiss the value of your time as a "seat cover". You likely learned a great deal about riding As a passenger. Very wise of you to ride something that will deliver challenges as you develop proficiency. I ride Road Kings for a long time & learned a great deal from riding them. Live a Road King! I'm riding my SGS for pure rider comforts reasons: music, easy to pack out, fun to ride & fast!
Thanks so much! My mom drives a Road King and claims it’s the best she’s ever ridden. Definitely looking into Street Glides. Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s so helpful.
You're not as short as me, and I've got the HD Softail Slim. My inseam is about 29-30 inches. It works great for me. Give that one a try. You could checkout the Softail Heritage. Comes with bags already
And if you go to my profile & look at recent posts you can see what I've done to mine thus far. I would definitely recommend at least getting an 18. Comes with some newer technology and if you decide you like the Slim more, definitely look for an FLSS. It comes with ABS and cruise control already enabled so all you would need is the left handlebar control module to activate it.
I’ve heard a few times the Softail Slim is a good option, mixed opinions on the Heritage. Thanks for sharing this!
You could also check out a local dealership for events they have. Bike Week just ended and that's a great place to try a variety of bikes. Manufacturers like Harley, Indian, Honda, BMW and others bring bikes specifically to be test riden. If you're not in a rush to get one right away, I'd definitely wait until Biketoberfest or Sturgis.
Great idea! I’ll probably start seriously shopping here in 2-3 months.
I would definitely check out what Indian has to offer. They're balanced better than Harleys, and you tend to get more for your money. My only issue with them is they don't have as many aftermarket part options as Harleys do, so if you want something extra, it's likely you'll have to go custom.
Fair enough! I was surprised no one suggested Indian
I love a harley, but I know a lot of people that have traded theirs for an Indian. To be fair, folks have gone the other way too. I just see what some of my buddies have with their Indians and the features are nicer for the same or less money. One thing thst got me is they have the adjustable windshield. On the fairing it's literally controlled like a car window. You can adjust the height rather than having to buy a whole new windshield like you would need to with any other bike. Give them a try and tell us what you think!!
And before you settle on exactly what you wanna be paying, figure out what options you cannot go without. It's usually better to spend a bit more than to try and "add it later". That add it later shit got me spending way more than I would've, if I just would've spent more than what the base model was.
This is such a good point and absolutely something I would do — assume the smaller up-front payment is all, when I wind up paying so much more over time. Thanks so much.
Absolutely. It's why I bought up the tip about the FLSS. The difference was price and color, which was just stupid. The next model up had more and wouldn't have increased my payment by much.
And last thing, shop around for loan pricing from different banks. Dealership financing is always more expensive.
I didn’t even think about this. Thank you!! I have a lot to learn, and am grateful for this subreddit answering so many questions.
No worries. Credit unions tend to offer better rates, same thing with local banks.
I just got a Nightster special, it’s very beginner friendly has has a lot of electronic features if that’s what you’re looking for.
A buddy of mine has one, but I was worried about how it sits relative to the gas tank. Wasn’t sure if I’d be sprawled over it. I’ll sit on one of those too, thanks!
I'm a 100lb 5'0" woman. I got my license last year and learned on a 2001 sporster 883
Dyna
I think I’m leaning toward the Street Bob or Softail Slim, but wanna try out those + others before deciding.
Softail isn’t a bad choice. I have a fat bob softail and love it. Everyone will push you towards a sportster but learning on a dyna or softail will be the same thing and you won’t get tired of the bike or look for more performance wise for a while
That’s exactly what I’m thinking. Going to try both, but based off this post + researching, seems the best route. Thanks for the advice!!
Do you have a price range of what you’re looking to spend? New, preowned?
Probably going to aim to stay under $5k, just so I’m not shattered if something happens (drop, nicks, etc).
Slim. Great first bike imo.
I’ve been riding for a year. I’m 5’2” and absolutely love my Heritage. I would love a road king as our trips are on the long side (our last trip was from Clearwater to Key West) and I would love a little more comfort but I’m content with what I have right now. https://preview.redd.it/ktowe6ns1uoa1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d2a97f4de3c43bb0e5713243942af428a469152
Looks great!! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Of course and welcome to the women riders club. I feel like a badass on it and so will you!!!
You are absolutely a badass!
Softail slim twin cam , wonderful, forgiving . Buy it once and love it for years .
Buy the bike you want and ride it. Dont waste money buying 1-2 different ones
This is 100% the goal! Appreciate the honesty!
If you’re looking to stick with Harleys and not looking to go on long trips for a while I might suggest a sporty too. A nice used Dyna like the low rider is probably an even better choice. But if your just looking for a good, easy to handle, multipurpose beginner bike might I suggest a Honda rebel 650? It’s a great bike, very reliable, comfortable, and good enough power for a long time. Possibly be cheaper than a Dyna and more versatile than a Sporty. Plus it’s a Honda, if God forbid something bad we’re to happen to it, it won’t be as devastating as losing a Harley.
Thanks so much!
It doesn’t really matter what anybody else tells you. Get what is comfortable for you. Understand that you are going to drop it. Hell, I started riding pit bikes when I was six. I’m 43 now so not new at this and I dropped my Dyna a couple months ago in a parking lot. I put my foot down and my boot just slid on light gravel and sand. When you are going to drop it, just step off and let it fall. Trying to save it, you will wind up hurting yourself. If you happen to fall with your bike, get up, dust yourself off and get back on. You got this! Get your knees in the wind and enjoy the journey.
Thanks so much!! I’m definitely going to go the used route so I can drop it and not be dropping a brand new bike.
One other thing, since you’re short as am I, make sure you can reach the kickstand. My Dad and I are both 5’5” but he has longer legs than I do. We figured this out when I went to ride his Road King. I couldn’t reach the kick stand that he reaches easily. I had to lean over and pull it up with my hand. Not a big deal, just something to be aware of.
Great tip, thank you! I might not have ever considered that.
Look at a Honda shadow 750. Low center of gravity.
As a 5’4 woman, I bought a used Sportster as my very first bike towards the end of last season. It is pretty top heavy, but you can get used to it really quickly. The ride height and size of it feels great to me. I had never ridden a bike before, so I took several solid days around a parking lot just getting comfortable handling it - and a lot longer to feel comfortable turning corners and driving on the actual street (I was super nervous/overthinking it and panicking around traffic). If you’re taking the class, you’ll be in a lot better shape than I was lol!! I’m hoping to take one early this season. My bike is an 883, but I would get a 1200 if I could go back in time. I rode my friend’s 1200 pretty soon after starting and can definitely tell I’m going to outgrow the 883 pretty quickly. So excited for you, and good luck - you’ll be great with whatever bike you get!! :) EDIT: I will say I was lucky enough to randomly meet part of the local lady riders group at a gas station one day, and I told them I really wanted to get my own bike and learn, and they all let me sit on their different bikes and gave me advice/their perspectives. Sitting on the Sportster really sold me on it, it just felt right like others have commented!!
Thank you so much! I’m excited to start feeling them, and see which one “calls” to me.
I'm a lot taller than you but I'm 5ft10in, 130lb woman, I ride a Fat Boy 114, and it was technically my first bike. It has a full set of Bungking Crashbars with delrin sliders. Makes it easy to get it back up after a drop. I'm not sure how a 5ft 6in tall gal would fit on the M8 Fat Boy but for me it's a wonderful bike.
I too am an Ohio Rider and I've owned all kinds of Bikes over the years and whatever you ride you get used to riding it. It doesn't matter what it is . Get a bike that you like and feel comfortable sitting on. Plus you can always change controls and handle bars etc. to accommodate your needs. I ride a '07softail standard with 12" mini apes and love it. Comfortable ride comfortable position. I'm not a big fan of sportsters personally. A Dyna or a softail would be a perfect bike for you.
I’m thinking you’re right. Plus I love the customization options with a Softail/Dyna. Thanks for sharing this!
Check out a Dyna
I would say - either Sportster 1200 or Softail Slim. Both have a few pros in their favor, with few cons. I know you have mentioned comments people have made about the sportster’s weight distribution. My advice is to go sit on one or test ride if possible before passing final judgement. Oftentimes, where one bike might work well for person A, it doesn’t for person B. And vice versa.
Absolutely, great point! Thanks for sharing this advice.
Any of the non-touring and maybe the sportster S. Stay away from the evo sportsters as they need another several thousands in upgrades to not ride like absolute ass. If you want to spend time on the highway, stay away from the sportster line IMO. Harleys are a bit heavier but most of the weight goes away once you start rolling. Your competency as a rider will depend on how much slow speed training you do. Think of riding like martial arts, you are a perpetual student of this skill, never a master, always practicing. That aside the Bobs are your best bang for your buck. I didnt say most attractive. The Fat Bob gives you the most out of the box, and the Street Bob is fun to customize. However you cant go wrong with any of the stoft tails save for the heritage, the lean angle on that thing caps at like 25 degrees, thats not ok! I strongly recommend that you ride them to see what you like, and as a first time rider I strongly recommend you buy used, but each his/her own. Do not be afraid of any of these bikes. Their weight deserves respect but thats it. A Suzuki SV650, which is IMO the best beginner bike ever made is quicker and faster than anything HD currently has to offer, and that bike can be picked up used for $3k (HIGHLY RECOMMEND you start with one of those). So the answer is, go out and ride them. If you want to travel on the highway, the sportster line is not the best route. Dont worry, there WILL be a bike that speaks to you, you should get that bike. Its all very personal. Oh and if the dealer wont tell you the price of the bike from the get go, leave. Just walk out and go somewhere that will. Dealers are the worst thing about Harley Davidson. Dont just sit, take them for a ride.
This is all great insight, thanks so much for taking the time!
Oh, one more thing. Learn to counter steer. Most classes you dont get up fast enough to do it. Theyll tell you all about it, but you never do it. You NEED to learn it!! You would not believe the number of experinced riders who still dont understand it. You can see them when driving, they do little S turns while in a turn. Please learn it and have it become second nature, it will save your life.
Thank you! I have actually heard that before - that’s it’s essential but the classes don’t do a great job teaching it. There’s some empty parking lots near me that I’ll be spending a lot of time in post-class.
Gen 2 Yamaha Vmax
Thanks! I’ll add that to my list to try.
New? Nightster is the entry-level, 600cc, low-slung, still has the Sportster lines. Used? Any 883 Sportster, or if you want to: 1) wrench as much as ride, and b) get the old-school experience, get a 20th century Sportster, older the better.
Sporty!
As others have said, sportsters are great. If you want to start lighter you could check out some jap bikes. Honda shadow vlx600/750, yamaha vstar, suzuki boulevard 800, kawasaki vulcan 900 are all great bikes that will be more full size than a sportster but also weigh around the same. All these bike basically will sell for what you buy them for when you go to upgrade too.
Softail Deluxe.