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[Wild Card]

I also suggest, no, demand the safety course!  Then, get to test driving.  Buy used.  As you can see, we all go through bikes about once a year anyway.  He'll be no different!   

[Beemer]

1. Mini bike/scooter

2. 100-125cc Trail bike

3. Honda Rebel, 250cc

4. Sportster for a year or two before moving on to a bigger bike.

[michaelbmenaker]

A used Road King to start.

[cyril]

He is used to bikes a Dyna of some sort will give the big bike feel without laying out a lot of $$ get tuned in then move up, a sporty aint the place to start if he can already ride.
Most Ultra owners have dropped it at some stage even stationary great bike i have & still do owned 3 just not the starting point. IMO

[cyril]

Oh & get some training no one knows it all. Good Luck

[grc]

A little putting around in the weeds on a dirt bike does not qualify one to ride a heavyweight bike on the street, no matter how big he is.  I strongly suggest a riding course first, preferably starting with a midsize bike until he learns how to maneuver the bike comfortably in all street situations, including panic situations.  There is a big difference between just learning how to operate the clutch, shifter, and brakes, and actually learning how to ride safely on the street.  Do him and anyone planning to ride with him a big favor and strongly stress the riding course.

Once he is "qualified", someone his size shouldn't need to start small like most of us old timers did.  I agree with earlier comments, do the test ride thing at some dealers or rent various bikes to see what he is most comfortable with, then buy what he wants.


Jerry

[Rio]

it depends what type of a rider and person he is?  If he would fit well with the HD culture, definately a dresser or a Road Glide.  If he doesn't like loud and he wants to tour in luxury.....then the BMW K 1600 GT or GTL.  Friends don't let friends drive jap bikes!!!

[ice6900]

a used FLHX 96ci if you or he thinks he could handle it,  has he had no bike experience at all?

[1sharprdkg]

A little putting around in the weeds on a dirt bike does not qualify one to ride a heavyweight bike on the street, no matter how big he is.  I strongly suggest a riding course first, preferably starting with a midsize bike until he learns how to maneuver the bike comfortably in all street situations, including panic situations.  There is a big difference between just learning how to operate the clutch, shifter, and brakes, and actually learning how to ride safely on the street.  Do him and anyone planning to ride with him a big favor and strongly stress the riding course.

Once he is "qualified", someone his size shouldn't need to start small like most of us old timers did.  I agree with earlier comments, do the test ride thing at some dealers or rent various bikes to see what he is most comfortable with, then buy what he wants.


Jerry

+AGREE 

[Supershooter]

I agree a safety coarse is a great idea, he has decided that getting the bike serviced close to home is important. HD shop is 15 miles from his house so HD will probablybe the brand of choice, most other dealers are 40 to 100 miles from his home. This summer will be spent riding quiet country roads around NW IA, getting some saddle time. Everyone's ideas are apperciated.
Supershooter

[Cat Eye]

Go to the show room and what ever bike gets him excited buy it!!! .......its kinda like picking out a dog, you see a pup that you connect with then over time become inseparable old friends....that why alot of us have a stable of bikes

[Harley_Charley]

I agree fully with the safety course idea as it gives the basic fundamentals for safe riding, however the bikes they use are usually very small and do not compare to the touring bike that he will need.  I also agree that the FL is the right choice as it is has the most stable frame that has HD has to offers. From personal experience, I would not reccomend the Road Glide as it has limited road visibility due to the large fairing, though the frame mounted fairing has a distinct advantage. I would also agree to purchasing used because it he will drop it once.         

[VANAMAL]

a low mileage 04 or 05 seeg. no problems with those 103 motors

[Indenial]

Take the rider course. Then let him try yours!!!!!!  RIding a heavyweight bike takes time to learn. I didn't feel comfortable with it for 3000 miles and I had put 25,000 miles on a Suzuki road bike in college. The idea of sleepy backroads for the summer is a good idea.

[FLYNDYNA]

+AGREE 

++AGREE