Do you have to be "Big and Tall" to Ride a Harley-Davidson? 

I am 5'3 with a 28" inseam. Spent 2 years on a Yamaha 650 and went to a Ride Like A Pro Class and I practice slow speed skills. Then I got my Glide! 😊 Had to have bags, and a radio! I refused to lower it! I did not want to change what the factory had designed. The HD Super Reach Seat helped a lot. They are only heavy when backing up or picking them up. Thank you Matt!

I am surprised that you did not mention Harley Trikes in this video. I’m 6’2” with a 36” inseam. Never ridden before. Bought my bike 2 months ago. I ride a 2023 Road Glide 3. Can’t drop it if I tried. 3 wheels with the ability to travel long distance. My female roommate whom is easily more than 100 lbs less than me can ride it with no problems. Great video. Great advice. My local dealership wanted to help me as much as possible. Shout out to Outlaw H-D.

Great video Matt! Solid advice from a person that wisely managed her anxieties and now enjoys the thrill and satisfaction of riding a Harley bagger…cheers!

Thanks Matt, great guidance for new riders (even experienced riders moving up to a bigger bike). No one likes to admit they've dropped a bike but it's not "if" you will drop one it's "when". So don't beat yourself up over it. FYI, glad to see you featuring the ladies in your video (much easier on the eyes for sure😊). Also seems like you are a little less "manly" these days (looks like your nose broom is missing 😂😂😂).

Disappointed that there was no mention about how to pick up a fallen bike properly with you legs, not your back. And she says I never dropped, but I did get into an accident?? That s like saying I had to lay it down so I didn't crash, which is crashing. It's all the same result.

Trying being too tall,, finding good position, Triple extra large Oval helmet. Long jackets... etc. love it,,, ride safe all.

I feel her pain. Just this week I pulled a dumbass and forgot to put the kickstand down at the gas pump. Over went my Limited. All 900 lbs! I did the back to the bike, lift with the legs maneuver. But yea, 4 days later and my elbow, back and legs still hurt. Lol! The price we pay to live free! ✌️

I liked this without watching it because I thought it was going to be about short, female riders. That girl is awesome but she's as tall as many men, so it's not really the same. Matt, can you please feature some small women who manage to ride bigger bikes? I would also really like your opinion on getting air suspension so I can lower mine for backing up but raise it back up for riding. Thank you in advance!

You don't have to be but its helps, mostly at slow speeds and stops. The faster you go the less it matters. Don't lower the bike just get taller boots lol! Get some gear ladies, please! You are both far too attractive to risk getting all messed when you go down.

Good educational film Matt, good job. Girls, you are great, congratulations! I suggest you see how the best do it! Donnie Williams police rodeo

I’m thinking slow speed maneuvers is crucial, especially if you are shorter or not as strong, learn about that friction zone.

I'm an experienced rider. I now have a 2018 SportGlide that's been adjusted for my 5'-1" frame (27") inseam. Maybe you can do a segment for smaller riders and the extra adjustments that are available/possible? I never thought the bike could be made to fit me until I met another woman at the dealership who was doing the same thing. We literally followed each other in our mods. A 5'-7" rider is not exactly small....

one of the worst things i’ve seen in the motorcycle world is dealership salesmen pushing smaller bikes on new female riders and telling them that this is right size bike for you….

The most important thing I get out of this video is that you shaved off that mustache lol

No you don’t have to be big & tall. Just watch @Doodle because she is 5 3/4 inches tall and 112 pounds and she recently completed a H-D police motorcycle course. Her videos are all over RU-vid.

Skill conquers all!! I’m a skinny dude and riding my Road King Special feels like second nature. There was a bit of a learning curve coming from a Softail but I never feel overmatched by the RKS. 40 years of riding experience helps too, lol.

Really like the Softail slim or street Bob as beginner bikes in the Harley line up.

I'm 6' wirh a 32" inseam and can flat-foot my bike with almost a 90⁰ bend in my knees. Even little kids can put both feet on the ground because it's a hard tail with a 22" seat height. They just can't reach the 18" apes.

I’m glad to see that 70s moustache gone. It was almost covering my entire tv screen.

Another awesome video Matt!!! But of course, you always make wonderful videos that are helpful and useful and entertaining too!!! I just bought my first Harley Davidson... a 2023 Harley Breakout in Baja Orange. What a cool motorbike the Breakout is!!! Gets lots of looks from passerby's and at the Harley dealership too. After watching this video... I'm thinking a Road King is in my future! I had a Kawasaki ZZR1200 with saddlebags and really miss the storage I had on it. I've put a Sissy bar and a luggage rack on my Breakout so I can at least strap items onto the luggage rack if need be. Matt... I have to say... I truly enjoy your videos more each time I watch them!!! Keep up the great job you're doing!!! I hope one day I can meet you in person too!!! John...

I'm 5'4" with a 29 Inseam. I ride a 2023 Road Glide standard, stock seat stock height rear shocks. While Im technically on my toes while straddling, I keep my left foot up and ready to work the shift and my right foot down at stops. I also have to back out and maneuver around my wifes car every morning to ride to work. You figure out the bike, what its happy doing, what will F you. Loose gravel or sand under foot when manuevering under human power makes a hell time. Been riding since 2007, and Im looking to go after a 2023 Road Glide Limited. Im getting up in age and Im finally ready to embrace the Road Sofa Geezer Glide.

Totally agree with you, technique is everything. Often guys will naturally rely on strength only to find out the bike’s weight is more than they can manage. Dropping your bike is an important lesson for everyone as it reminds you that skill is where it’s at. Slow riding skills are so much fun on a Harley-Davidson and allow you to conquer riding fears 🔥

Who is this person trying to be Matt Laidlaw 🖤🧡🖤.... What happened to the MOW❗❗ At 5foot1"... I love rid'in my Harley with 16" factory 47 bars... & Have people surprised how I can ride it🖤🧡🖤 May all your days be Harley days🖤🧡🖤 Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺

I learned on a 960 lb Ultra Classic 2 years ago. All that weight disappears once them tires start rolling. I spent a LOT of time in parking lots and learning slow riding,u-turns,figure 8’s and got myself some cones to really learn the weight distribution in different scenarios. Ridings not for everyone,but if you’re really determined and patient,you can absolutely learn the skills needed to get out on the road confidently and safely. Now there’s 3 Harley Davidsons in the driveway INCLUDING a Trike,which I gotta admit,is my favorite because I love sitting on the couch at home…now I can do it out on the road😁

when you drop the bike lift the bike enough to get both tires on the street ,start put in gear let clutch out and as bike starts to move lift up and the bike comes up easy. thx me later

I’m 6’4 and looking at getting my first bike, I’ve never rode before but plan on doing lots of highway. Would a road king be a good choice? I’m looking at a 2009

Hey Bagger Mommy, that is one great looking Road King. Bring back chrome....LOL

I'm 5'3" with a 29" inseam and have put 17k miles on my '22 Lowrider ST no problems.

When looking at seats also consider the width of the seat. A narrower seat will help to get your feet on the ground. Another thing is to learn the proper technique to lift your bike so you aren't relying on needing someone else to be able to pick it back up. If you are unsure or uncomfortable still then go out and practice practice practice.

Only more money than brains...And beans in your ears...

1.99% apr???? where was that when i bought my road glide from you last year?? lol

It’s about skill. Nothing more.

My boss is 5’9” and has three street glides, so no.

Great video. I work a lot and am mostly a weekend local/hobby rider. I had a Street Bob and traded it for a Street Glide. The Street Glide is an amazing machine but didn’t really make sense for me lugging that bagger around town and such. I am now riding the Pan America which I love and will most likely keep for a while.

Great video Matt! Liked your explanation of lowering the bike with the shocks vs changing the seat makes good sense. Also choosing the bike to suit what your riding desire is makes sense as well. Look forward to future content...

Good stuff Matt. Very informative and hopefully more people, women, younger people will jump on the Harley train.

Lowering any bike is almost always a bad idea... I upgraded to 1" longer Legend shocks (that almost doubled the travel) on my Sportster Forty-Eight and the difference was great!

my first bike is gonna be a lowrider s

Started with a softball (at age 56) with no riding experience but after 3k miles upgraded to a Road Glide for the wind protection. After 5k miles on RG, I'm still learning but have the basics down to where I am comfortable on twisty roads, highways and even in town riding. Agree with your #1 points, skill and time in the saddle. Nothing beats actually riding to your improve your skills and of course, practice certain skills in parking lots that you don't get with just riding (emergency stops, obstacle avoidance, sharp U-turns etc.).

And learn to pick up the bike by yourself, I was teaching it to 5’2’’ 120 woman and they got it! And we are talking about a street glide :) and if you do ask, make you tell them where to grab and be careful of the hot exhaust and engine :)

I bought my Bagger to Commute to work every day, got 21k as of OCT 2022 just riding to work and taking short trips around Southern Cali, I traded in the FXR is was just to too small felt like i was on a scooter without big enough bags. Get what suites you. at 6''3 285 the Roadglide is the perfect bike from me for City riding, daily commutes. only time im in a car is if its Thunder Storming/Snowing in San Diego. Im on a bike 95% of the year..Good thing i got Tires for Life lol..

Bad ass chicks! I love'em.....

My layte-Father had no problem with his Harley Davidson Dresser (~1,000 pounds) at 5'5" (5'4" at death), However he was a Force-Recon-Marine and basically looked like T.J. Dillashaw, not a small man in any way just short. Very tall men always befriended him, so I'm sure he and Matt would have been friends IRL.

Excellent video Matt! This is a topic that needed to be covered and glad you presented it using a women's POV...Well done.

So much truth here. I watched this 5’7” lady move her bike around and I’m reminded of a lady I know and have ridden with several times (she is married to a good friend of mine) who is only about 5’3”. She rides a Road King. Now, she can handle her bike very well on flat ground. However, I’ve seen her drop her bike in the mountains of East TN because when she tried to move her bike around, the huge slopes in the pavement threw her off. I’m not tall at all myself. I’m probably about 5’8”. The place where my friend’s wife dropped her bike would have been hard for me to keep it up. Know your skill level and put it in places you can handle.

Nice video Matt, but at 50 when i got the itch for a motorcycle, my 04 sporty 1200 C felt like it was gonna go over every time i came to a stop from feeling so top heavy. But fell on hard time's and lost my scoot, but im back in the saddle again at 60, with a 2021 street bob which feels a lot less top heavy. But at 6'0" myself the bob does feel a bit small, so a SG will be in my future.

Nope - 5' 8.5" and 135 lbs per USMC, and had an 04 Super Glide years later (5-10 years being dad/school/work - ok shape but not combat ready). Only problem I had once was after long ride, backing into spot on slop and had to tip toe, fell over b/c service injury knee gave out when tipped that side too much. Nothing serious to me or bike.

heavyweight cruisers are a lot better ride than lightweights. that said, they take a few yards longer to stop. i'm still waiting to meet a motorcycle-riding lady to ride around this beautiful country.

Videos like this is why I laugh at all the ppl saying my first bike is too big and all that Garbage , they all are jealous Ill be a proud owner of a 2024 Road Glide CvoSt , get the bike you want and grow , don't let anyone tell you different . Those ladies proved so many ppl wrong . Oh im 6ft 170lbs .

Matt, nice video. Isn't it the job of HD to offer the customer ergonomics directly from the beginning. Compare it if you buy a car. Your seat position, height, stearing wheel position, etc. is adjustable. No extra price. Buying a motorcycle, you have to buy a seat, handle bars, etc. just to have it like you need it. In the USA you are paying app. 27.000$ for a HD Highway King. Here in Austria you are paying 45.000€ for the same bike. For this price I expect perfect ergonomics and perfect suspension. But you have to spend even much more money to get this. This might be a clever selling strategy at the moment for HD, but not on long term view. Especially if you watch the chinese bike offers - for example Shineray's stormbraker (like HD Sportster 1200) for low budget money. Regards from Austria.

Nah...no need to be 'Big and Tall" to ride a HD...just need good credit and low self esteem....the HD cult will lead you to high self esteem by becoming fiercely independent...as long as you conform and mindlessly follow the HD lifestyle beehive behaviour/mentality. HD ownership has its privileges.....Bzzz Bzzzz Bzzz ...LOL.

Excellent video Matt, I'm going to forward this to a friend who's GF is buying her first bike and signed up for the beginners course. Bagger Mommy that is a very unique Road King, great customization. What is the part number for the police tour pack I'm looking for one to add to my Highway King.

My compliments to your photographer. No reason women can't handle a big motorcycle. You and Danielle looked great! Keep on ridin! 🏍🏍

I'm 5'9" with a 29" inseam. My softail slim is a perfect fit for me, unlike the past 2 bikes I had.

That’s a great looking Road King! Love a badass lady on a tricked out bike. Awesome! 👏🏻

Great video !! I have a 2002 Fat Boy, stock height, but want a BETTER seat. Lol..I would like to know what is the BEST solo seat for long distance ( 190+ miles a day ) I had a Lepera Bare bones solo seat and after about 100 miles..Holy shit lol..now I have a Harley badlander , a little better but still want a solo seat for long distance..keep up the great work

To me she is pretty "big and tall" ...lol, but its true that its all about skill. I'm 5' tall, and don't even weigh 100 lbs, and can ride big 900 lbs baggers, but its not something that came easy... and I have to still be extra careful paying attention, I can't just strength my way out of anything. I started on a 150cc scooter for 2 years before moving up to 500lbs cruiser for a couple years (with a lot of miles riding and almost daily practice) before being able to even start practicing on very heavy bikes, but it is really all about skill if you are tiny. I can't usually touch on both sides on most bikes, and may have to hang my butt off the seat when stopping... but that still just comes to skill. I don't ride super heavy bikes alone or for my main riding, but its still fun to do 🙂. Even a small-mid sized cruiser can be made into a touring bike, and works better for us smaller people. I also recommend getting a few inches with some platform boots too 🤣

I bought a HD Sportster 2021 Iron 883 which weighs about 550 lbs as my first bike after getting my license at 60 years old while learning to ride in NYC. I wanted a smaller and lighter bike for the city streets. After a month and 250 miles of riding I feel like I could handle something bigger but glad I started on a smaller HD.

Love the handle bar mount tach and speedo gauges. I found the gauges, basically spec'd out for the Road & Street Glides. Do you have a link for the, as shown, Road King handlebar mounting bracket?

I am only 5’7ft. I was told in the past a touring bike would probably be too big. Turned out this was utter nonsense. As you guys say, you can make a bike work for you. To me, my boots probably make the biggest difference. They add about 2in to my height, which is just enough to flatfoot me on a touring bike.

I have a quality complaint Matt. My HD battery went dead this week. It got a bit cooler last week and we had some light night frost and one morning it just gave up the ghost. Now I had to replace it after only seventeen years of duty. After 16 years it already got a bit weak. It’s a crying shame Harley Davidson. 😉

I'm not trying to plug an other channels but Carolyn from doodle on a motorcycle is a small woman and she has rented harley baggers and have rode them all across America. My personal experience is this. I love baggers and heavy bikes, but I much prefer bikes in the 600 pound range. I live in northern VA and there is a lot of traffic around here. Even though lane filtering is not legal, I do it anyways. While I have filtered on a bagger before, it is much easier to do on a lighter and smaller bike, especially when people will not move out of the way for you. If I lived out in Cali, I would probably have a road king set up similar to the one in this video.

where is the stach?

Thanks so much for this video Matt! My wife’s been on a Heritage for 3.5 years I’ve been trying to get her on a Tour Frame for awhile. She’s got 60k under her belt. Love your mention of technique getting off the kickstand like the lovely lady so easily demonstrated. Just awesome as always. Love all your videos we watch them all over and over! PCH, Sturgis, Sedona, all just beyond incredible. North Rim too…😎❤️❤️

More of these ladies, please. Love their spirit and personality.

💥GIRL POWER👊🏼

In my mind, with 50 years of riding and knowing several women who ride, I think HD are probably one of the easiest bikes to ride, with the low seat height and slow steering. Clarification being what has been modified. I have a 1988 Lowrider, that is hotted up and a beast to ride, it is not a new rider bike.

What is not big and tall is my wallet 😂 that’s why I have to keep riding my lovely sporty

Wasn't there a taller guy to explain to us short ones how to drive a Harley with gnome legs? I'm short and I tell you, you can't drag a heavy motorcycle if you reach the ground on tiptoe. Buy a sportster or a low rider. They are no less Harley for being smaller just as you are no less human for being shorter.

I have the opposite problems with the new bikes. Every single one of the newer bikes has a super low seat height. They are all designed for short people to flat foot both feet at a stop sign (which is dumb because then they just duckwalk all over the place). Horrible riding position with your butt lower than your knees with mids or all weight on your tailbone with forwards.

Perfect video for me and the timing couldn’t have been better. Been asking myself the same question. I had a Sportster 1200 and I think “Am I able and ready for that weight jump”? I want to take long trips and moto camp etc…..I just don’t want to bite off more than I can chew. So this was definitely helpful. Thank you to the ladies as well for giving your perspective, because it’s important to hear that for someone looking to make that transition to the next level. Well done! 😃

Big and tall guys look out of place on most Harleys, they are built for 5'8" to 5'11" guys anybody taller looks like a monkey friggin a football

Imagine the worst, you drop this heavy bike and it drags you down the road.... All these girls are wearing is lycra and cotton.... First goes the skin and the grind continues till you hit bone...... Forget the helmet and gloves you don't want to feel that.

I’m 5’5 and ride a street glide with 1” taller rear shocks and a 21” front wheel. No problems with being too short.

Lowest center of gravity and shortest wheel-base of all large touring motorcycles. Eazy peezy.

I’m 5’7 and shrinking and weight a solid 165, I ride a fully dressed ultra classic, at 1st I was intimidated but once I started practicing the bike feels light😅it’s perfect I can flat foot at stops and the suspension is stock!

It’s 99% about skill.. however…no matter how you slice it… it is best to be able to place both feet on the ground flat footed with knees bent a little bit.. it’s not necessary, but it is inarguably better than not being able to

Rad video, I rode a street bob for awhile, and now I am looking at getting a road glide. Im 5'6

I am a 5'1" guy with a 25" inseam, I ride a Softail Street Bob. My touring seat actually makes it taller. I don't flatfoot, barely on the balls of my feet. Luckily, I am not a lightweight, so strength isn't an issue. Sometimes maneuvering , like backing up, I lean to get good traction with one foot. I will ask for a push, I don't let pride get in the way. As a retired Marine, I don't let what other people may think of me get in the way. I have done tons of group rides and never had anyone not help when asked. I make plenty of jokes about my height and don't get offended by the short jokes. Don't let anyone keep you from riding. If someone is being negative, it is about them, not you. Both my wife and I ride Softails and have done 800-900 mile days. She is taller by the way

You are right you don’t need to be big and strong just good technique at slow speeds. But for me a heavy bike is now a issue and I’m at a crossroads as I want to stay with the Harley Davidson brand but after having back surgery I can’t risk because it because at some point you are going to have push a 300kg bike or just getting caught off Balance on some off camber so I’m struggling I was hoping the new bikes would be good but I like to do long distance so the nightster has to small a tank which you can’t do nothing about. The sportster s has no suspension. So all I’m left with is the pan America which is a nice bike but not a cruiser. I can’t be the only rider that has issues with the weight for what ever there reason is even getting older

No, they're made for short fat guys who need a place to rest the pot belly, hence the lazy boy riding position 😂

55yrs old, 5'7 with a 30in inseam, and I'm no way giving up the pan america, it does absolutely everything......

My son has a 2019 Ultra, he is 5'-10" and 150 lbs

Im not Im tiny. 158 pounds athletic build. I ride my 23 road glide, no prior expierence without too many issues. A motorcycle course & tons of bicecycle exp.

if you ever ride the bigger Harley's like the roadglide you're hooked and learn what it takes to operate these bikes because there's nothing like them

You don't have to be to ride. But it might help when pushing it off of the road after breaking down.

tall and big maybe not, but you need full gear, it's not just a presumptuous actitud and more if you bring a passenger

What a wonderful subject about inspiring others to ride motorcycle and get that freedom in your life......also i watch all your vlogs and think,,,,when i can get out of Boston and be in southern ca.....Ride safe Brother.

I feel like you're more at a disadvantage being tall when it comes to riding harley.

i believe you should start on whatever bike you want to ride. When i was looking for my first bike i was told to start with something small. I really liked the Harley fat bob but i was scared out of getting it because people made me believe it was too much bike for a beginner. I went with my second choice the Indian scout bobber. People were saying that was still too much bike for me to start out with but they were wrong. My next bike was the Street glide. What I learned between owning the two bikes is that you should learn on whatever bike you want to ride on. Just take your time because it is all basically the same once you get it moving. If money is no factor then sure start small and move up. If money is a factor get what you want and take your time to learn on it so you are not stuck with a bike that leaves you wanting more. Thank God i could afford both bikes because the bobber is fun around town but not on a long distance trip. Its all pretty much the same if you can exercise some self control and patients.

Mmm them glasses 🤩

That was a great video

considering you basically can't fit on a Harley if you are big and tall so I'd say no lmao

Thanks for sharing, awesome video Matt 👍

What riser and handlebar setup does @ladybadbones have on her RK?

None of the Harley line is ideally suited to anyone over 5'10"

The only “size” that matters when buying a Harley, is the size of your bank balance. 😂 That will determine which Harley you buy!

great video and for sure self confidence plays big part. my wife (5-4ish, 240ish) pulled a fast one on me, she got her MC endorsement took the local safety class. went out to the school, she got onto my then 2006 RD King classic all stock, had it about 2 yrs and had the near tippy toe thing going on. she was able take off shift to 2nd gear, turn. stopping though where came issue, didn't stay balanced and was a controlled lay down. got her a cfmoto scooter the next season got comfortable on it, for her 50th birthday, surprised her with 2011 st. glide 103 power pak, she tried going out once on own, got to the corner went down and neighbor help get back up. few times we went out together, it went down. the next yr traded in and uped the size, 2012 triglide, she gets on it without any thought, goes on trips alone cross state lines.

I like the 2 chick's BUSH TO TUSH RIDING

What a beautiful motivational speaker riding one of the nicest Harley’s I’ve ever seen.