Is a 2005 Harley Fatboy a poor starter bike?

If you are brand new to riding, this is a lot of bike for a novice. Most novice riders really should get some experience on something smaller, however there is no law against starting out with a big bike. I would not tell a friend or family member to start on anything they can not pick up if they lay it down.

I am a 5' 4" tall, 48 year old woman. I was very glad that I spent 2 summers as a beginner on an 883 sportster before I bought my 2005 Fatboy. I have learned to be much more careful because the bigger bike is not nearly as nimble. The Fatboy has a lower center of gravity, and is much more comfortable to ride. The previous answer is very much correct about picking the bike up. You do not want to dump a Fatboy. It is a lot heavier than a sportster.