What's a good, cheap, harley style beginner's bike?

I don't know much about motorcycles but I've always wanted one, and once i get a liscense/money i intend to do just that

I'm not into crotch rockets or sports bikes, I'm looking for a more harley davidson look.

I was considering a honda rebel or shadow. As i heard they are great commuters and beginner bikes. Any other ideas/advice? Thanks.

Btw I'm 18, about 6'1 and around 190 pounds, what's the deal on insurance, and manuvering on a relatively small bike at my size? Also what costs come with owning a motorcycle? Any info is appreciated.

As a beginner you may try for Honda Shadow, Sukuki or Yahamaha that's not a problem, but I think you may check the used harley davidson editions for trial or second part of your plan.
So it is up to you what should you choose and also about your budget, good luck.

The correct answer for a beginner who wants a cheap Harley style bike is a Honda Shadow. They look like Harleys, are real dependable, you can buy and older half way decent one for little money and an old 600 is a good size for a beginner (not too big yet not so small that you outgrow it in a couple of months.

Honda shadow 750, end of story, best beginner cruiser on the market. Cheap, reliable, decent looking, easy to handle and has enough power to keep you safe on the highway without being too much for a new rider to begin with.

Yamaha Virago 535.

While the Honda Rebel 250 is a good starter bike, I don't generally advise anyone start with it unless you are a smaller guy, or a woman. They are still good beginner bikes, but unlike other "beginner" type bikes, the Rebel 250 will run its course very quickly. Anyone over about 5'8 and 160lbs will find the Rebel is even weak as a beginner bike. (This is why most MSF courses use them as trainers)

Now, this doesn't mean you should go out and get a monster, but a 500cc, 650cc, or even a 750cc cruiser are all still in the "beginner" bucket. This is for CRUISER. Sport bikes have a different progression on what is considered a beginner bike.

As for other costs? Are you planning on any safety equipment? While I fully endorse getting a helmet, some people are hell bent on not wearing them. Do as you wish, but I would also check to see if you are in a state that has mandatory helmet laws. Other riding gear like gloves, jackets, pants, boots, etc are also nice to have. Cost of gear is highly variable so you will just have to look around. (I spend: Helmet-140, Jacket-200, Boots-120, Gloves-50, and I'm looking for pants.) Biggest reason I want pants is so I can wear shorts under them, and throw some flip flops in my saddle bag. So when riding I can be fully geared, but at my destination and drop it all off and be in t-shirt, shorts, flip flops, etc.

Insurance is also variable based on make, model, year, displacement of your motorcycle. Also since you are under 25, I would guess it is also higher than those of us over 25. This is the same for cars. Either way, it is cheaper than car insurance as the cost of a bike and a claim to replace it is cheaper than a car.

Sukuki Boulevard is a pretty nice cruiser.

I own a 95 suzuki intruder 1400, I have spent more on it than the bike is worth but it looks amazing and no cent was spared. You can get 800 intruders, they are a good beginner bike and will give you miles of hassle free biking. Provided you get a good one. If you have no experience you don't want to buy an expensive bike until you know how to ride. You don't want to go too big, because bikes are dangerous and you need to be in control.
I have been a biker for a good 30 years and will keep biking till I need training wheels.
it is a good idea to stick to cruisers like the Harley, there are a lot of reliable jap cruisers.

good luck and welcome to the motorcycle fraternity.