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I'm looking to buy a Harley 2004 or newer..

by Kim
(Canada)

I have owned many other bikes up to 750 cc since I was 16. I am now 41 and I am finally able to afford a Harley. I have sat on some but they all seem to be top heavy so far. I have ridden a couple of old (1970's) 1100 sporty's but they are quite tall and again seem to be top heavy. I was wondering if there were women under 5' 5" that have ridden more then one Harley that have been lowered and can give me their opinion for best balance (lower center of gravity) and best at low speeds for control.

Thanks for your time.

Kim

Comments for I'm looking to buy a Harley 2004 or newer..

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Aug 01, 2011

Harley
by: Anonymous

I have a 2005 Fatboy, that I bought used, it has a deep sundowner seat, which helps to lower the seating position. You can have the suspension lowered on any bike, handlebars can be adjusted to fit you. I find that the Fatboy has a lower center of gravity and is well balanced. I was lucky this bike was outfitted with everything I wanted on my first big bike. I went from a Yamaha 650 to the fat boy 1450.

May 15, 2011

I wanted a low bike.
by: Sharon

Hi Kim,

Did you decide on a bike? I am 5'3" and had a HD Sportster and like one of the others said, I did not like it. It was very top heavy, for me anyway. One day I rode my husbands Honda Shadow and really liked the way it handled. Honestly, I didnt want to get back on the Sportster. I bought a Honda Spirit about a week later and really love it. Even though it sits fairly low, I lowered it about an inch. I have never ridden any other HD other than the Sportster so I really dont have an opinion on any others. I have heard there are models that sit low and are very easy to ride. I will stick with my Honda for now. I started riding 3 years ago at age 53 and wish I had learned a lot earlier. Oh well. Enjoy whatever you get and be safe.

Apr 23, 2011

Thanks for all your information.
by: Kim

It will be another month before I buy so I will keep checking here. The best suited so far (while doing the sit test) was the 1200 N but it doesn't appeal to me. It was lowered front and back so it would have made a difference. TC 4 now.

Apr 20, 2011

Short Harley Rider
by: Harley Val

I'm only 5' 4", and I started with a Sportster. I hated it....top heavy and hard to control at slow speeds.

After only 2 months (at my husband's suggestion), I test road a Heritage Softail Classic. It was love at first sit. I didn't have to lower at all. It's so much easier to ride, and I love it.

Apr 19, 2011

Harleys
by: Anonymous

The Sportsters are top heavy. I have an '08 Dyna Super Glide that I touch flat footed, with plenty of bend in the knee, and I'm 5'5". It's a bigger bike than the Sportster, but has a lower center of gravity, which makes it nice to handle. Go to your local dealer and throw a leg over a few different bikes. You'll soon find one that was meant to go home with you.

Apr 19, 2011

Looking to buy a Harley Response
by: Liz Casey

Hi, girl!

I have a 2008 Harley Softail Custom (purple) that has not been lowered and is PERFECT! I am only 5'5", myself and a very round person.

This bike is perfectly balanced, low to the ground naturally, and so awesome. She is heavy, all Harley's are, but as for being "top-heavy", not at all. Case in point: she has a very wide, sticky, performance tire on the back that just sinks in and grips the hell out of the road. I love this bike. Plus, she is a nice, powerful size--1584 CCs.

Now, if you are looking to buy a used bike, I am selling mine, because I'm starting a motorcycle touring company for women (Biker Babe Tours) and I need a bigger touring model. If interested in talking about it, hit me back at liz@butterfatwriting.com.

Good luck to you in your bike search, sister!

Apr 19, 2011

Check out the V-rod.
by: Wanda

Jillian Michaels (of Biggest Loser fame) rides a Harley Davidson V-rod Muscle. She is only 5'2.5" tall and weighs just 117 lbs. She's 37 years old. The V-rod is an awesome bike. HD worked with Porsche when designing the engine. If Jillian can ride it, I bet you can too!

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/index.php?q=Jillian_Michaels_Harley-Davidson

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