I'm looking to buy my first bike and I like the Sportster 1200, but they look pretty small. I'm 6'4 with long legs and arms and I was wondering if the sportster would be a comfortable ride or if it would be too small.
If there are any other tall people out there that own or have riden a sportster please give me any input you can.
I'm planning to go to a dealership and take a test ride, but until then I could use any info I can get
Thanks
2007-03-05 15:23:37 · 9 answers · asked by ratfink206 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Yes you are. I am 5'5 and I thought the Sportster was too small for me. I did not like how cramped up I felt with the control directly beneath me. Buy a bigger bike with forward controls.
2007-03-06 08:44:37 · answer #1 · answered by blb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for a Dyna Superglide - more comortable and sized right for you and not much more $$ - Also good for a longer ride than the sportster. I'm 6'3" and tried an 883 a couple of years ago - really dissapointing - low power, cramped and uncomfortable. Better resale on the Dyna too. If you are going for the sportster - get an 883 and upgrade to a 1200 with new pistons and jugs at the dealer - you may save some $.
2007-03-05 23:34:10 · answer #2 · answered by Bill c 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
With your size buying a sportster is not a good move. the amount of money you'll spend on it to be comfortable will be nuts. most sportster owners i know that did fit the bike traded it in for a softtail, overall better handling, lower center of gravity. Because it's a smaller engine doesn't make it easier for a first bike. test ride is good on all models. you'll find out yourself real quick
2007-03-05 23:30:20 · answer #3 · answered by d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm 6' 1" & have no problems with my sportster, but I traded my buckhorns for drags with a 2inch pullback.
One thing I can tell you is, It gets a little cramped with the mid controls.
Might want to consider going with forward controls for a more comfortable ride. You can even get 2" extensions on your forwards to put you out that much more.
Best bet would be drop by your dealer & sit on one & see what it feels like.
2007-03-06 00:04:39 · answer #4 · answered by Skull 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I truly think the sporty would be an uncomfortable ride for you. You get the bike to be free and in the wind - you wouldn't be free... You need to invest in something that would make it an easy ride for you. The softtail, was a good idea from D, I used to have a Lowrider - that was a great machine. It handled very well on the highway and was extrememly comfortable with two people and in mountainous areas. Please test ride before you buy, you would be a lot happier with the purchase. :) :)
2007-03-05 23:39:54 · answer #5 · answered by peanut 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My honey rides my sporty (883 hugger) sometimes, and likes it. But I have drag bars and highway pegs which help. He is 6'3", but can't ride on it all day like I can. You can do a lot of things to make it more comfortable for you, I think it all comes down to how much money you want to spend; either to customize a sporty, or pay more for a bigger bike. Good luck:):)
2007-03-06 01:37:45 · answer #6 · answered by oldladygamer18 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 6'4", sat on a Sporty at the dealership, no way would I be comfortable on it.
Go to a dealership and sit on different models until you find a comfortable one.
2007-03-06 09:13:24 · answer #7 · answered by strech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody is comfortable on a Sportster
2007-03-06 18:46:22 · answer #8 · answered by d-boo 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, definitely take a test drive and consider how long your average trip will.
If you're using it to just drive to work or school will be a lot different than if you are planning on doing a lot of cruising.
2007-03-06 00:53:54 · answer #9 · answered by thistexan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋