harley sportster for a first bike?

Question

hey folks, people always say a sportster is for women why is it i never see women riding a sportser, i mostly see women on softails? or at least in my area it's true. which is the better bike for a women starting out? later when i have experince will i regret having harley lower the bike with that $250.00 kit on a sporty? will lowering it help that off centered fuel tank heavy problem i hear folks talk about?

Answer 1

IF your just startiung to ride and have little to no experience I wouldn't buy a harley at all. Buy something cheaper like a used Honda or Yamaha. Your almost guaranteed to drop the thing a few times and it's a whole lot cheaper to fix them. Anyone that has been riding for a long time knows the best bike for a bigginer to get is a used, semi cheap bike, that way when you drop it or worse case crash it, it isn't such a big deal.

Answer 2

How tall are you? I've owned a 1200 cc Sportster and I could touch with no problem, I'm 5' 3" tall. It's a fun bike to ride, but like in other comments, it IS a top heavy bike and tall. It's not very comfy on longer trips, but maybe a seat change would help that. I've also owned two Lowriders, also a blast to ride and a bit more comfy than the Sporty. The rake on them do make them a bit harder handle in slow turns. I'm now riding a 2005 Fat Boy (my third Fatty) and it's the easiest and most comfy of all the Harley's I've owned. A lot of shorter people buy the Softail Deluxe as it's shorter than some of the other HDs
If you're just starting out, though, I'd get a used Honda Rebel or something similar. They're easy to find, and then sell when you've outgrown it.
I also HIGHLY recommend taking the MSF course. They'll teach you to ride the correct way. Even experienced riders get something from the course.
Another thing to do is go to the dealers and sit on the different bikes and see you easily you can touch. Some bike events have the major dealers at them and they usually have test rides (if you have a bike license.) I started on a DT 175 Yamaha street and trail, 26 years ago and worked my way up from that to my current ride, a 2005 Fat Boy.
Hope you find a bike to fit. Probably many of the women you see on Softails, have started out on something smaller, also. Enjoy the riding.

Answer 3

Howdy. I have been a HD Technician for 8 years. Here is my two bits. The sportster is a smaller bike, and a smaller engine, but takes off much faster and has more standstill torque than a big twin. So do not worry about the engine. You will start off slow reguardless. Also, sportsters sit up the highest of all the families, except for the L model sportsters. A lowered softail has an excellent center of gravity, and seems much easier for small women to handle at slower speeds. The main thing is make sure you sit on all your options and feel what is best for you. What is right for a girl your exact weight and size might not be right for you. Take your time and sit on the bike, lift them off the ground and have someone hold it while you put your feet on the controls. Make sure the reach is comfortable. That is a good start.

Answer 4

It depends on the rider - the Sportster is pretty heavy compared to many other first bike choices, but some beginners can manage it. Others are best starting on a 250. There's a good test to see if it's right for you as a first bike: Can you get both feet flat on the ground while on the saddle? And if someone sets it on the ground, can you lift it back up with no help? If the answer to either of these is "No," I'd recommend something smaller for your first bike.

Answer 5

1. Expect a harsher ride than you would get on a Soft Tail. I have friends who have owned a Sportster and they called it a good bike for a daily commute but would not do much long distance riding on it.

2. For some reason certain (but not all) Sportsters have a problem with oil blowing back through the carburetor. I've never been witness to this problem but I have heard the comment more than once.

3. This is the critical issue for you: If you drop the bike on its side, do you have the physical strength to get it upright again? This can be an issue if you're out cruising by yourself and have to right the bike.

(Harley UltraClassic owner...and yes, I can pick up the bike if it gets laid down.)

Answer 6

Here's a simple idea to ponder. If you crashed, even if you aren't injured, which is not normally the case, can you upright your horse without assistance? Or will you have to walk 20 miles to find someone to assist you so you can drive yourself to the hospital? Like it or not, you should think about these possibilities before you even start looking to own one. Most people who have never ridden will not even think to look carefully enough to catch a motorcycle approaching. You must know in your mind what you can do to evade a collision at every possible second. I've even been hit from behind sitting at a RED LIGHT! And then there are the ones who make a left turn, and finally see you in mid-turn and stop directly in your path! THIS IS FUN TOO!!!! But hurts if you hit the car parked along the curb after clearing the IDIOT!! I only say these things because you should know what you can expect from other drivers. If you feel confident you can handle these situations then by all means buy a bike you feel comfortable with, be it a Sporty or a Moped!! And mostly ENJOY THE WIND IN YOUR HAIR & RIDE SAFELY!!!

Answer 7

Usually the Sportster is recommended to women because of it's size. The Softails are a much heavier bike and have tons of power. (I know, because we have one) If you are not an experienced rider the softail can get away from you easier than the Sportster. You might consider getting a used Sportster to start off with and keep it a few years and then go to a bigger bike. That's the wonderful thing about a Harley, they have high resale value and they last forever! Ride on Sister!

Answer 8

My youngest sister got her first bike, a Soft-tail Deluxe. She is not very tall, and her seat is 24" and allows her to put her feet on the ground. The Sportster is a top-heavy bike. You will be MUCH happier spending the extra money for the Soft-tail, as it comes with a larger engine, and is a lot more comfortable on a long ride or road trip. Happy Trails!

Answer 9

I'd say it depends how much you want to spend. If you have the money you'd be better off with a Fatboy or a Deluxe like someone suggested here. The have a much better center of balance. Sporties are higher up and not as balanced. You can use that lowering kit on the Fatboy or Deluxe. My friend has really short legs and the Deluxe is perfect for him. So I'd suggest one of those, easier to control and they look so much cooler.

Answer 10

Here is a little food for thought. Last yr. a man I worked with got it in his head to buy 2 Harley's for he and his wife. They both took motorcycle classes. After the classes he went and bought the bikes. He got on his and took off. Too much power, lost control and slammed into a brick bldg. He died. So if you must start w something smaller. This bike just got away from him and he did not realize it's power.