Defining newbie

[tbob]

Hi all.
I'd like some more advice. I still feel very much like a new rider. I'll be riding my 3rd season. (Where I live, a season is for about 5 months.) I've only put in a total of 5000 miles on bikes 800cc or less. I've taken the MSF basic course twice (once starting each year), and I'm signed up for the experienced course this Spring. I'm looking at Harleys for the first time, and I'm a big guy. Too large for a Sportster. Harleys basically jump up to 1500cc at that point. Most are over 600 lbs. So I'm asking again, do you think that this size is crazy at this point? I'm I still a newbie, and should back off? Is my lust for a Harley blinding my judgement? If I could get a 900cc Harley cruiser that fits me, if I would. But it doesn't exist. It's basically 1500cc or forget Harley. My friends (all a bit crazy themselves) assure me that I'll be fine.
Thanks again.

[jstark47]

Displacement by itself means little, horsepower and torque count. If you're thinking of a regular, air cooled Harley (not Vrod), in stock form the power is not going to get away from you. The only issue might be adjusting to the weight. And weight by itself isn't the issue, it's weight plus center of gravity plus steering geometry.

Unfortunately, there is no "magic number" of miles when you're ready to stretch your abilities with a bigger, heavier, more powerful bike. For some it's less miles, for some it's more. Harleys can be rented. Maybe rent one and see if you're comfortable with it?