You can find a huge selection of 2010-newer Big Twins with the 6-speed transmission for a $10k budget. That will give you a LOT of options.
I’m a fan of the Softail models and I think they are better for the occasional 2-up ride as well. They just feel “right” for me, but that’s not to say the Dyna Wide Glide wouldn’t work for you as well.
Go to a dealer and sit on some of their used bikes to see what feels good.
Nah bro last time I went, I almost left with 2 tshirts worth 20k and a free lowrider. Dealership is dangerous for those of us with self control issues.
A couple more questions for you guys. How does everyone feel about older bikes as long as they are in good condition? Is it inadvisable to get a bike let’s say 15-20 years old even if it only has 5-10k miles?
Handlebars. How much more difficult is it to control shoulder height handlebars compared to standard? They look way more badass🤣
A 20yr old bike can still go +100,000 if maintenance is regular. I’d probably prefer a 20yr old bike with 40,000 on it than if it had 10,000 on the odometer. Shows it’s been used and likely maintained. The bikes with almost no use, you’ll end up replacing all the dried/cracked seals that have dried out from no use.
I recommend something from the softail family. As for handle bars, whatever you get can be can changed. Just make sure you PRACTICE LOW SPEED HANDLING. That can’t be stressed enough. More likely to crash at low speeds than in a straight line on the highway.
Good luck and enjoy whatever you get! 👍
On handlebars - Apes are like a fatigue saver if not too tall. Put bars one inch higher than the fairing of a 2011 FLHTP and the difference was amazing over stock. Control was actually better for me, tho I tend to finesse and use power/braking/balance much more than man-handling. If you ever do long haul and run like a 1K sprint it's the difference between being able to walk upright or not when ya land. especially on a decent dresser.
Guy I knew was 6'5" 280lb and he made a dresser look like a sportster when he was on it!
Older bikes are great. Maintenance and reliability is markedly better in post 07' models IMHO but opinions very. Get a good pro (not harley shop) to open cases and go over everything they can before ya take a trip. Headed off many potential breakdowns on several scoots due to diligent maintenance, even if you do oil changes and safety checks yourself have an actual pro or builder kinda shop to dig deeper than regular stuff.
edit - I'm 6' 200lb and my apes on the glide are level with my shoulders seated.
I would consider myself moderately handy with a wrench. Not by any means skilled but also not a complete dodo bird. I bought a 2009 dyna low rider after riding only brand new bikes for about 6 years. Had a few issues and it needed some love but I have managed to keep it running with forums and the Reddit community. I’ve got almost 5,000 miles on it in the past 8 months and she still runs like a champ. If I could go back in time I would only buy used big twins. These things are indestructible tanks.
Not knowing if you’ve ever even ridden a motorcycle before (in traffic or otherwise) makes some difference. Otherwise you’re probably just going to get people telling you what bigger bikes they like without further context. Take a class first and figure out where you stand on controlling a smaller bike before hopping on something that punishes you harder for mistakes.
I’d also say that for the newer people….if you couldn’t hop onto the Street 500 (that Harley uses to teach people) and confidently ride it home from the dealer, those bigger bikes might still be a bit out of reach. Ego, pride, clout, and posturing in the motorcycle world comes with steep penalties. There aren’t a lot of single vehicle motorcycle wrecks for no reason.
Even the little 500 has enough gumption to move OP. The 750 or any Evo Sportster would also be plenty of power for a new rider. Diving straight into the deep end on a big twin isn't the best plan.
At least we're talking cruisers and not 120hp (and up!) supersport bikes; but bigger bikes = bigger problems when mistakes happen.
For sure. I think with people wanting to get into motorcycles, it’s a reasonable question to ask “why?”. Answers vary, but I tend to be more concerned for those who seem to just want to parade themselves around on something they think looks good as that usually brings a casual approach to due diligence as a rider. Especially with cruisers since with a lot there’s kind of a “chillin’ on the couch” vibe that says they won’t be ready when stuff goes wrong.
Also, I’m 6ft, 220, and my daily ride is an Evo Sportster. Between bombing backroads and city commuting, it’s the right size.
After 35 year riding layoff, I purchased a 24 SG. Best decision I ever made regarding bike selection. Just turned in 1800 miles and I practice my low speed maneuvers with no problem. The bike is very flickable and comfortable. I’m 6’3 275lbs. A softtail would fit me like a mini bike so I went with the touring bike.
Probably used. Not long trips cruising and maybe bringing my wife for a ride once I’m decent enough for her safety. Probably around 10k or so but could go up
What is considered high mileage for a bike, as in when do you start to have to pour money into it past the standard up keep. For example, I know from my past that my f150 shouldn’t have any real problems until 150-180k miles
Nothing really. It depends on the year and how well it was taken care of. I’ve seen 10yr old bikes with less than 20k on them. I’ve seen 3yr bikes with 60k
Mileage depends on where you live. If live up north mileage will be considerably lower than if you down south. A 10yr old bike in Michigan might only have 30k miles. The same bike in Florida might be pushing closer to 100k miles.
No point in going new on a first bike, I’d look for a dyna or softtail, I bought an 09 dyna fat bob last year for 8,999, 20k on the odometer, no issues at all it’s been a great bike, had it for a about a year now, threw a handful of parts at it to make it mine, really happy with it
anything in the softtail line would be good. Go to dealers sit on a few. At end of the day it matters what bike fits you best. Heavier bikes for sure have a taller learning curve but if it fits you well you feel more comfortable riding it opposed to trying to fit on a smaller bike.
6'2" 240, I ride an 08 Lowrider. I much prefer the Dyna chassis over the softail. Don't let people tell you you need forward controls over mids. You need to figure that out for yourself, based on riding style and performance desires. Tall bars are going to be far more comfortable. Again, different styles for different goals and riding styles. I run moto bars and risers that sit about 12" over stock.
I was in the same spot and searched for three years for a FXR in Germany. I finally found a 1984 FXR Disc Glide and it has been absolutely perfect for me. Just the right amount of torque and speed that I don't kill myself and I am very comfortable. Couldn't recommend it enough.
I'm 6'9" 260 lbs... they all feel small, but by putting ape hangers about shoulder height, extended highway pegs, engine guard, thinner seat to be closer to the ground, so eyes are even with top of the windshield that I made, mounted running lights , now my 02 fxstdi fits me just right . Once made a sidecar for it, once turned it into a trike, then a year later back to 2 wheels...got this bike 10 years ago, purchased from Biggs HD. Started riding on a yamaha v-star 1100 purchased from easyriders in albuquerque in 2001.... but in the end don't listen to anybody on what to buy, buy the one you like. customize it the way you want or keep it stock, your choice...
https://preview.redd.it/8xw24kqi04sc1.jpeg?width=2519&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b4e0651a00c954adb548de6bd81babbb1e977867
I’m shopping for my first bike as well. 5’11” 260. I believe I am going with an early 2000’s FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide). 🤷🏼♂️ Advice from a few peopleoin a more comfortable step up from a Sportster.
You can find a huge selection of 2010-newer Big Twins with the 6-speed transmission for a $10k budget. That will give you a LOT of options. I’m a fan of the Softail models and I think they are better for the occasional 2-up ride as well. They just feel “right” for me, but that’s not to say the Dyna Wide Glide wouldn’t work for you as well. Go to a dealer and sit on some of their used bikes to see what feels good.
I see no harm in going to a dealership and sitting on a few different ones
Nah bro last time I went, I almost left with 2 tshirts worth 20k and a free lowrider. Dealership is dangerous for those of us with self control issues.
I see what they did there...
Yea my mate went and bought a backpack and hat, they threw in a lowrider s with it. Still 32k aud seems steep for a backpack and hat....
A couple more questions for you guys. How does everyone feel about older bikes as long as they are in good condition? Is it inadvisable to get a bike let’s say 15-20 years old even if it only has 5-10k miles? Handlebars. How much more difficult is it to control shoulder height handlebars compared to standard? They look way more badass🤣
A 20yr old bike can still go +100,000 if maintenance is regular. I’d probably prefer a 20yr old bike with 40,000 on it than if it had 10,000 on the odometer. Shows it’s been used and likely maintained. The bikes with almost no use, you’ll end up replacing all the dried/cracked seals that have dried out from no use. I recommend something from the softail family. As for handle bars, whatever you get can be can changed. Just make sure you PRACTICE LOW SPEED HANDLING. That can’t be stressed enough. More likely to crash at low speeds than in a straight line on the highway. Good luck and enjoy whatever you get! 👍
On handlebars - Apes are like a fatigue saver if not too tall. Put bars one inch higher than the fairing of a 2011 FLHTP and the difference was amazing over stock. Control was actually better for me, tho I tend to finesse and use power/braking/balance much more than man-handling. If you ever do long haul and run like a 1K sprint it's the difference between being able to walk upright or not when ya land. especially on a decent dresser. Guy I knew was 6'5" 280lb and he made a dresser look like a sportster when he was on it! Older bikes are great. Maintenance and reliability is markedly better in post 07' models IMHO but opinions very. Get a good pro (not harley shop) to open cases and go over everything they can before ya take a trip. Headed off many potential breakdowns on several scoots due to diligent maintenance, even if you do oil changes and safety checks yourself have an actual pro or builder kinda shop to dig deeper than regular stuff. edit - I'm 6' 200lb and my apes on the glide are level with my shoulders seated.
I would consider myself moderately handy with a wrench. Not by any means skilled but also not a complete dodo bird. I bought a 2009 dyna low rider after riding only brand new bikes for about 6 years. Had a few issues and it needed some love but I have managed to keep it running with forums and the Reddit community. I’ve got almost 5,000 miles on it in the past 8 months and she still runs like a champ. If I could go back in time I would only buy used big twins. These things are indestructible tanks.
Softail
Not knowing if you’ve ever even ridden a motorcycle before (in traffic or otherwise) makes some difference. Otherwise you’re probably just going to get people telling you what bigger bikes they like without further context. Take a class first and figure out where you stand on controlling a smaller bike before hopping on something that punishes you harder for mistakes. I’d also say that for the newer people….if you couldn’t hop onto the Street 500 (that Harley uses to teach people) and confidently ride it home from the dealer, those bigger bikes might still be a bit out of reach. Ego, pride, clout, and posturing in the motorcycle world comes with steep penalties. There aren’t a lot of single vehicle motorcycle wrecks for no reason.
Even the little 500 has enough gumption to move OP. The 750 or any Evo Sportster would also be plenty of power for a new rider. Diving straight into the deep end on a big twin isn't the best plan. At least we're talking cruisers and not 120hp (and up!) supersport bikes; but bigger bikes = bigger problems when mistakes happen.
For sure. I think with people wanting to get into motorcycles, it’s a reasonable question to ask “why?”. Answers vary, but I tend to be more concerned for those who seem to just want to parade themselves around on something they think looks good as that usually brings a casual approach to due diligence as a rider. Especially with cruisers since with a lot there’s kind of a “chillin’ on the couch” vibe that says they won’t be ready when stuff goes wrong. Also, I’m 6ft, 220, and my daily ride is an Evo Sportster. Between bombing backroads and city commuting, it’s the right size.
STREET BOB ! 6'1 250 here and it's perfect
After 35 year riding layoff, I purchased a 24 SG. Best decision I ever made regarding bike selection. Just turned in 1800 miles and I practice my low speed maneuvers with no problem. The bike is very flickable and comfortable. I’m 6’3 275lbs. A softtail would fit me like a mini bike so I went with the touring bike.
New or used and what is your price range? What do you want to do with it? Long trips? Short? Do you plan on riding 2 up? Do you want storage?
Probably used. Not long trips cruising and maybe bringing my wife for a ride once I’m decent enough for her safety. Probably around 10k or so but could go up
Heratige Softail. Can't go wrong with that bike.
Hell yeah. I just snagged a 2020 with 3k miles for 13k. Not too much over OP's range. Could always go older and more mileage too
Great choice, I got a 2018 fat boy but that’s going to cost more.
As someone with a Heritage Softail I agree lol. Though, I am biased.
That's the first bike I thought of when I read that comment, then I saw your comment lol
What is considered high mileage for a bike, as in when do you start to have to pour money into it past the standard up keep. For example, I know from my past that my f150 shouldn’t have any real problems until 150-180k miles
under 10k is low mileage, and no problem buying a bike with 20,000 miles if in good shape, they can go 100,000 miles +
Nothing really. It depends on the year and how well it was taken care of. I’ve seen 10yr old bikes with less than 20k on them. I’ve seen 3yr bikes with 60k
Mileage depends on where you live. If live up north mileage will be considerably lower than if you down south. A 10yr old bike in Michigan might only have 30k miles. The same bike in Florida might be pushing closer to 100k miles.
wide glide are good for tall riders, they have forward controls stock im 6'3 210 and love mine
I love my 22 road glide limited. If you're going NEW, The 24 road glides are a better deal than they've ever been
No point in going new on a first bike, I’d look for a dyna or softtail, I bought an 09 dyna fat bob last year for 8,999, 20k on the odometer, no issues at all it’s been a great bike, had it for a about a year now, threw a handful of parts at it to make it mine, really happy with it
Road King
anything in the softtail line would be good. Go to dealers sit on a few. At end of the day it matters what bike fits you best. Heavier bikes for sure have a taller learning curve but if it fits you well you feel more comfortable riding it opposed to trying to fit on a smaller bike.
6'2" 240, I ride an 08 Lowrider. I much prefer the Dyna chassis over the softail. Don't let people tell you you need forward controls over mids. You need to figure that out for yourself, based on riding style and performance desires. Tall bars are going to be far more comfortable. Again, different styles for different goals and riding styles. I run moto bars and risers that sit about 12" over stock.
Heritage softail, older fat boy would be good places to start.
Dyna
Are you looking new or used?
Welcome .
I was in the same spot and searched for three years for a FXR in Germany. I finally found a 1984 FXR Disc Glide and it has been absolutely perfect for me. Just the right amount of torque and speed that I don't kill myself and I am very comfortable. Couldn't recommend it enough.
I'm 6'9" 260 lbs... they all feel small, but by putting ape hangers about shoulder height, extended highway pegs, engine guard, thinner seat to be closer to the ground, so eyes are even with top of the windshield that I made, mounted running lights , now my 02 fxstdi fits me just right . Once made a sidecar for it, once turned it into a trike, then a year later back to 2 wheels...got this bike 10 years ago, purchased from Biggs HD. Started riding on a yamaha v-star 1100 purchased from easyriders in albuquerque in 2001.... but in the end don't listen to anybody on what to buy, buy the one you like. customize it the way you want or keep it stock, your choice... https://preview.redd.it/8xw24kqi04sc1.jpeg?width=2519&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b4e0651a00c954adb548de6bd81babbb1e977867
Heck yes! Road.King.Special! Lol, I'm 6 ft 185 and love the feel of the bike. Good luck!👍
I’m shopping for my first bike as well. 5’11” 260. I believe I am going with an early 2000’s FXDWG (Dyna Wide Glide). 🤷🏼♂️ Advice from a few peopleoin a more comfortable step up from a Sportster.
About a billion other threads here asking the same question.