Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Harley, harley dealer, forward controls

Question
What Harley would you recommend for a male 6'3" tall?  I would be using the bike for short day trips and around town.  I prefer not to have bags. I am just trying to avoid the legs too long for a motorcycle look!  I am OK with modifications if needed.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Answer
Jim,

Thanks for the question.

You definitely need a "large" Harley, like a Road King, Fat Boy or Dyna Low Rider. Basically, you need a bike with "forward controls", that is, the shifter and brake pedal are located on mounts in front of the engine, so you can stretch out. For "normal" guys (six footers), this is a stretched out position. For you, it will probably be about perfect. And if it's not, you can get customized (longer) control mounts that give you some more room. Ask a Harley dealer for help finding the right parts for whatever bike you get.

I'd go to a Harley dealer, let them know your concerns, and sit on a lot of bikes to see what feels best to you. If you find a bike you like and it needs another inch of legroom, I'm sure there are kits out there to provide it. If you are looking for a used bike, I'd still go to a dealer, sit on some bikes, and if one feels right, then go look for a used model. You can always modify the pegs so you are not cramped up. There are plenty of tall people riding Harley's that are your size or larger. They just got some different pegs that were more comfortable.

Best of luck,

Bill Roberson