Which Harley Davison would you recommend?

Question

So next year I'm dead set in getting a Harley Davidson motorcycle. First of all I'm gonna say in a small guy 5 foot 7 inches tall at 140 lbs. how I'm getting the motorcycle is a story of it's own. Long story short I'm deploying and in Kuwait they offer special financing, discount pricing and 0 sales tax. All your bike are here in the states and gets shipping and help at your local dealership. So I've been going to the Harley dealership on some weekends and got a few in mind. I've narrowed it down to the dyna wide glide and the softail slim. The weights about the same, seat height and price. I've also been eyeballing the fatboy lo but even tho I like the seat height, I think it may be a little more bike for me. I've looked at the sportsters and like them but I find myself wanting a little bigger and better. I'll probably gain weight while I'm overseas I know last time all I has to do is workout. I came back at 173 lbs. I'm thinking when I come back the weight if these bikes won't be iffy to me anymore. But still wanting to know other Harley riders options on a bike such as the ones I listed and which would be better for me.

Fester Frump · Accepted Answer

All the HDs (other than sportster and v-rod) have the same engine. The differences between the bikes are primarily cosmetic. Therefore if you think you can handle one softail you can handle them all. Both the slim and fat boy are softails. The problem with a fat boy is the solid wheel. In a stiff cross wind that wheel can be an issue.

My only comment is that the touring bikes are what most hard core HD riders ride. Suggest looking at the Street Glide. The panniers are a very nice accessory to have, as is the fairing.

My only comment is that the touring bikes are what most hard core HD riders ride.  Suggest looking at the Street Glide.  The panniers are a very nice accessory to have, as is the fairing.

Firecracker . · Answer

I agree with Ryde On - a Dyna would suit.
I remember the Softail coming out at the height of the "retro" movement......
hidden suspension to make it look old. While I haven't ridden any, I constantly see kits to make them "handle better".
At 5'9" and 130lb, I ride a Dyna.
While I've changed the minor things that peeved me, there's still one thing I don't understand - who would rubber mount an engine/transmission and the attatch the swingarm to that instead of the frame?
Oh, well - it seems to work, I don't notice it trying to tweak out.

I have personally sat on the Street 500 and had it up to 60mph on the rolling stand during Bike Week in Laconia. Don't waste your time. Lousy shift linkage, wires hanging out, poor finish, too small a radiator, and really disappointing. I'd buy another Yamaha first.

Anonymous · Answer

your used to MX and a 600CC sportbike. HD isnt anywhere near anything like either of those. I think I would look at a 750 CC Harley Davidson Street. Ride THAT for a year and Then maybe move up to an air cooled common crank pin big twin. Or KEEP the 750 Street and modify it.

WRG · Answer

Hit the dealership and test fit. I'd look specifically at the the new Dyna Low Rider.

Anonymous · Answer

I like the Dyna , less tail flex with the dual shocks. Hate the Fat Boy .

BTW , do you know how to ride ? I ask because a 650 pound , $12,000.00 motorcycle is not your best trainer or first bike .

? · Answer

Harleys are more fashion accessory than motorcycle.  Just get the one you think is prettiest.

HGK · Answer

softail slim.

suzonka · Answer

The model Fat Boy  is  a low rider

doug b · Answer

any bike but a HD .but if you must at your size get the 1200 sportster

Which Harley Davison would you recommend?

9 Answers