I like Harley Davidson Motorcycles. What would be your advice for someone under 5'10 on the style of bike?

What gas mileage can one expect, and is it a good alternative during this economic downturn? Please fully explain your thinking. Thanks in advance.I like Harley Davidson Motorcycles. What would be your advice for someone under 5'10 on the style of bike?
Fuel mileage will depend on what accessories you have on the bike-big windshield and lowers? that will lower the fuel mileage considerable, but makes the ride more enjoyable when one is not contending with the wind.





Bottom line-go to a dealership and try some bikes on for size. See how they fit you-for seat height, width, stretch to the handlebar controls, and how well your legs feel in the riding position.





As for weight-bigger, heavier bikes are more stable at highway speed around other vehicles. But the trade off is low speed maneuvering in parking areas etc. But it can be managed. I am 5'7'; and weight 145 and ride a 1500cc machine. After all you are going to be RIDING the machine, not PUSHING it.I like Harley Davidson Motorcycles. What would be your advice for someone under 5'10 on the style of bike?
12,000 miles a year on a 45 mpg bike vs. a 25 mpg car is a savings of less than 220 gallons of gasoline. At $5 a gallon that is $1,100 a year savings. Less $50 registration and $100 insurance and $50 in oil/filter changes and $200 in tires you will save $700 a year over driving the cage. Will take 20 years to pay for a $14,000 Harley Davidson -- assuming you keep the car for use in bad weather. A motorcycle ** in addition to a car ** does not make economic sense.





I bought a used Suzuki Savage over four years and 21,000 miles ago, $2400 -- in LIEU of buying a car. I can and do ride all year around here in sunny Southern California. The bike has more than paid for itself. A motorcycle instead of a car makes good economic sense.





Additionally:





What I seldom see mention, other than the old saw of not seeing motorcycles parked outside of the shrink's office... a motorcycle is therapeutic. I credit my bike for preventing a stress related heart attack. Can't put a monetary value on that.
Stock from the factory, the big twins get around 50 mpg and tuned and piped, they usually fall into the low to mid 40s. It isn't going to save you any money over a Prius, but it will be a lot more fun.





I know the Softail Delux was designed around shorter riders, but if you are even near 5'10';, you won't have a problem on any of them.





If you want advice about this being a good investment, then I would tell you that you are barking up the wrong tree.





If you are interested in getting out and riding, and Harley is the only brand that interests you?








Then take the MSF or Riders Edge class and get out on the road.
Take a motorcycle safety course and see if it is something you want to pursue. Most of the local dealerships or colleges can tell you where there is one available near you. If you take it through a college it is usually very reasonable.


I get 60 mpg on my sporty. But I do agree with everyone else about riding, if you are doing for the wrong reasons then don't be out on the road with me, there are already enough people on bikes that don't respect them.


Ride a bicycle if you want to save gas!
It will all depend, on your other vehicle. For me, my bike get 43+ mpg. My truck, gets 13 mpg. Both are paid for, my registration cost $85.00 per year for my truck. $35.00 every two years for my bike. Maintenance is less on the bike, per mile, than on the truck. My truck is the more comfortable, the bike is more enjoyable. If I didn't have a S%26amp;S cam. and pistons in the motor. I'd get closer, to 50 mpg. I ride the bike over 15,000 miles or so per year. The truck about 2,000 miles per year. I spend about $750.00 to $1,000.00 on gas per year on the bike. About $350.00 to $400.00 in gas per year in the truck. Depending on the price of gas.
Mileage is roughly 50mpg. Most tanks give 200+ mile range.


Is it a good alternative? That will be entirely up to you. It suits some, not others.


Style of bike? Again, that's going to be personal preference. I think a model with mid controls is preferable over forwards. Why? Because the highway pegs wind up too much of a stretch for me, and I'm 5' 9';.
you can expect around 50 M.P.G. from all of the big twin models. Your hight doesnt matter as a bike can be lowerd to fit you. Go to dealerships,look and talk to people who have bikes.Some may even let you sit on their ride to see how it fits you.Plus in the spring Harley usually has demo rides.
If your motivation is strictly fuel mileage then it is not a good idea to buy a motorcycle. The only reason to buy one is because you have a burning passion within your soul to ride.
you wont save any money.there are too many variables.like spending 20,000. on a bike to save some gas.try a low rider or a sportster.
I agree with Choppy, but as for the demo ride they won't let you get near one without a motorcycle endorsement
a honda vt750 shadow!