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jboogie
Junior Member
26 Posts
santa monica, CA
USA
Triumph
Speed Four
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 3:02 AM
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I know everyone is thinking, here goes another n00b here trying to get himself a sleek looking super fast sports bike for his first bike. But please hear me out because I believe I have a valid dilemma and I would appreciate some guidance….
Stats – 26y/o , 6’4’’ , ~240lbs and inseam is about 40-46inches from just eyeballing myself without shoes on. I’m interested in it for commuting primarily and I’m sure in the future I would like to ride in the canyon carving up mountains.
I have no previous riding experience on a motorcycle, but I a good bike rider, outstanding inline skater, snowboarder and skier. And I am already enrolled for MSF class and if I still want to ride after I take the class, which I believe will happen, first thing I’m going to do is buy my first bike. If I don’t I’m sure this info can be useful any other tall guys or girls interested in a first bike.
So I’ve done endless hours of research on the internet on first bikes that I should purchase and I’ve read tons of tips and philosophies and I believe a lot of these older riders have the right idea to start off on a 250cc rebel, nighthawk, ninja. I like look of all those bikes so figured they are going to be for me. So two days ago I went down to the block in LA where all the motorcycle dealers are, and man did I have fun but I felt something screwing me up my butt at each one of these dealers or maybe I am its just my hatred for high pressured sales people.
Anyways first dealer I went to was the Harley dealer, just to check out those awesome chromed up machines and they were way to pricey as I expected.
Then I ran across the street to the Honda/Kawasaki dealer because I knew my Rebel was there, always I walked around for about 10 mins and some guy grudgingly decided he felt he had to help me out, and I explained to him that I’m a n00b and which bike should I go with even though I knew I wanted the rebel. He showed me the ninja 500r and the 250r, he said 250r was small and it sure was. I later discovered I could adjust the throttle with my knees, yikes that cant be good unless you’re the type who needs your hands to talk on your cell phone, lol. But anyways 500r seemed like my only choice from what I gathered from the sales man, then I asked about the rebel and he said it would probably be to small for me, so I sat on it also and I did feel quite uncomfortable. So I bid him adieu.
Two doors down was Yamaha, and I went through the same stuff but this time the guy said the best choice for my first bike would be the FZ6 and man that a sexy bike. He told me it was 600cc and I said “isn’t that too much for my first bike, at least the ninja was only 500cc” and he told me there really wasn’t much of a difference between the two. The gentleman explained a lot of stuff to me about motorcycles and the bike and I was very appreciative of his time and I liked the bike, it felt comfortable. I also tried the R6 but it was way to sporty, yet it was also comfortable.
Then I went over to Buell and saw a 500cc Blast and it looked cool but again it was small and I could not get a good fit on it. But the sales guy also had a used Vulcan 500 with 200miles on it and it felt alright, but the bars were to high and it felt awkward to steer and it was a lot heavier. So after my day of fun, apparently the best fitting bikes were the Yamaha FZ6 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. The fz6 seemed more appealing to me just because of how it looked and I did more research on it and discovered the bike probably was not suited for me because it had poor throttle control and it would jerked during gear changes at time and sadly it lost its allure. The Ninja500r seems to sporty for my taste and I believe it will probably get me into some trouble, although I read the throttle was really smooth and didn’t accelerate like a bat out of hell.
You guys its no fun asking the dealers which bike I should get because they put me in whatever they have and because there are hardly any 200cc to 300cc street bikes out there and none of them apparently fit me, I’m forced go with 500cc+ or am I wrong?
Which bike should I get? My budget is about 5500$. Should a person my size get a bike or should I stick with an automobile? Would I ever be able to handle a sports bike because of my size?
These are the bikes I’ve tried
Honda 599 – small Honda Rebel – small Kawa ninja 250r – small Honda Nighthawk – small Kawa ninja 500r – fit well Yamaha FZ6 – Fit well but dangerous first bike because of wheel lockups and punchy throttle. Kawa Vulcan 500 – comfortable seat but awkward handle bar position and heavy. Buell Blast 500 – small
These are the two bikes I’m interested in but have not tried yet, if anyone has an opinion on them let me know please.
BMW F650CS – attractive because it has adjustable seat, ABS breaks, upright seating and is in my price range used.
Ducati Monster 600 – slightly over my price, I also like the upright position style.
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timbo
Advanced Member
594 Posts
Uxbridge
United Kingdom
BMW
R1100S
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 5:46 AM
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In view of your size, and limited experience, I would reckon that an Ideal first bike would be a trail type bike. These genrally have a high saddle height, and a relatively low powered engine.
e.g Kawasaki KLE500, Suzuki V-strom 650 (might be a bit small), Honda Transalp 650, Yamaha XT660R.
Once you have more experience - say a year or so, you can move onto the bigger bikes at which point you have a much wider choice.
Good Luck,
Tim |
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Gs82Seca650
Moderator
1892 Posts
[Mentor]
Southern, PA
USA
Yamaha
1982 XJ 650 R Seca
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 6:29 AM
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Hello JBoogie and welcome to the board!
I am sure you are likely to illicit a myrad of responses on this subject. I have the opposite problem you have. I am 5'5" tall and 190lbs. However, I like Yamaha bikes, it's just my personal preference. Scott Nelson is a big fan of the Ducati, and I know he really likes them. I also like Suzuki and Honda as well. My favorite is HD, but you are correct the initial investment is high, however you also get a high re-sale value with HD. Someday I will own another one.
After you take and pass the MSF, I don't see a 500CC Ninja as being too much bike for your first bike. With your size and weight it's going to work that 500cc engine just pushing you around. I am sure it would still be pleanty fast to get you into trouble, but to be honest, in my opinion, any bike can get you into trouble if your not on top of your game mentally when your out there riding.
The best advise I can give you is get the bike that "fits" you most comfortably and that's a decision only you can make. You need to be comfortable and confident on whatever you end up purchasing. I do think it's a good idea to start out with a smaller CC, used bike for your first bike. If a dealer is willing to let you test ride a bike your interested in, by all means do it. It's really the only way you will know for sure how comfortable it is after a few miles of riding.
Kiddal (Al) rides a KLR, I know he likes that and he can give you more information on it. That's a "dual-sport" bike, (I believe anyway.. ) and if that interests you at all perhaps you should go sit on one for fitment. It probably does have a high seat hight as Timbo stated.
Also, get yourself some good riding gear, chaps, leather pants, riding tex pants (either of these), a good full-face helmet, good gloves and a good motorcycle specific riding jacket. ALWAYS wear your gear when your out there. James Davis has a saying something to the effects of "I do not expose any skin I am willing to loose." That's sound advice.
Good luck and ride safe. |
Edited by - Gs82Seca650 on 10/13/2005 6:31 AM |
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jollyroger
Advanced Member
2157 Posts
[Mentor]
St. Charles, MO
USA
Harley-Davidson
Springer Classic
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 7:29 AM
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Maybe when you went to Harley, you were looking at the wrong end of the sales floor...You could get into a Sportster for a little more than your budgeted price (maybe right at it if your dealer is trying to move out '05s)...plus it'd probably fit you, since it rides a little higher than the rest of the product line; it certainly wouldn't be under-powered... Remember, good product placement puts the most expensive models closest to the door.. |
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scottrnelson
Advanced Member
4863 Posts
[Mentor]
Pleasanton, CA
USA
Ducati
ST2, 888, + XR650L
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 7:33 AM
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Have you considered a dual-sport motorcycle? Like a KLR-650 or DR-Z400? They're more friendly to taller riders and great for new riders to learn on.
A Suzuki DR-Z400SM would be in your price range if you can find one, and works great for canyon carving. Better than most sport bikes in the tight stuff. |
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marsam
Advanced Member
510 Posts
[Mentor]
Birkirkara
Malta
Yamaha
Dragstar & Vmax
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 7:57 AM
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At your height I would suggest only dual sport bikes like the ones mentioned already. I would also add the Yamaha TDM900 (if available in US and within your budget). Although being a 900cc it is less powerful than an FZ6 or similar Road/Sport bikes.
At 2 inches shorter than you are, I dwarf my 650cc Yamaha Dragstar and would do almost all cruisers as these are usually low riders. I never figured how small the bikes looks when I'm sitting on it until I saw myself in pictures. Mind you, despite being a 650cc it is still the same size of the 1100cc version and is exactly 8 feet long. But it still looks like I've outgrown an old toy.
As you say in your subject we've got nearly no choice or else have to end up buying the bike we don't want or like. |
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md2lgyk
Standard Member
211 Posts
Harpers Ferry, WV
USA
Suzuki
Marauder 800
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 10:05 AM
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I don't see how you can possibly have a 40-46" inseam. I'm two inches taller than you and mine is only 34". If you really do, I don't think you'll ever find a sport bike to fit you. I'm not interested in sport bikes, but I've ridden a few and none were comfortable at all. My Marauder 800 cruiser fits me fine.
But anyway, your plan to take the MSF before buying a bike is a good one. All your stated experience with bicycles, skates, snowboards and skis has absolutely nothing to do with riding a motorcycle. Who knows, you may find you don't like them after all or can't learn how to ride one (it happens). Be aware, though, that the bikes usually provided for the course are quite small. When I took it again last year as a refresher, Honda Rebels were the LARGEST of the bikes provided. And I didn't get one.
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don_hud
Advanced Member
1077 Posts
[Mentor]
Houston, Texas
USA
Yamaha
1997 Virago XV1100
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 11:12 AM
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I would also recommend you look into the dual sports. They are street legal and have slightly knobby tires for both the street and trail and usually set very high.
There is also a new design I have heard of called a Motard. Don't know exactly how you define a Motard, but the ones I have seen appear to be essentially a dual sport with street tires. So, I guess the idea is that if you are interested in a dual sport but will ride it mostly on the street, it is more suited for the street, but with the height and suspension, it can be taken off road without much trouble.
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jollyroger
Advanced Member
2157 Posts
[Mentor]
St. Charles, MO
USA
Harley-Davidson
Springer Classic
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 11:43 AM
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quote: Originally posted by md2lgyk
I don't see how you can possibly have a 40-46" inseam. I'm two inches taller than you and mine is only 34".
Now wait...you're 6'6 and have a 34" inseam? Hell, I'm 5'8 and have 30". One good thing, though--if you fall on your ass, you don't have far to go...  |
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Sox Fan
Senior Member
419 Posts
[Mentor]
Kerhonkson, NY
USA
Suzuki
DL 650
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 11:59 AM
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jboogie:
I am 6' 3" with a 34" inseam, and my 2000 Shadow 750 fits me pretty well. I would recommend you at least take a look at a Shadow if you like the looks of the Rebel. The Shadow was recommended to me because it "rides small," which I found to be relatively true. It is my first motorcycle and I found it very good for learning on.
I think a used Nighthawk 750 would also be worth checking out if you can find one (Honda stopped making the 750 a year ago or so). That was the other model I was looking for, based on a similar recommendation. Very reliable motor, good for beginning riders, but big enough to keep you interested after your intial few months.
I rode a DR 250 in my MSF class, and that also fit me pretty well. I can't imagine having to go through the course on a Rebel. I'd have been twisted up like a pretzel. |
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kiddal
Moderator
1562 Posts
[Mentor]
SE, Indiana
USA
Kawasaki
KLR650
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 2:03 PM
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quote: Originally posted by jboogie
Stats – 26y/o , 6’4’’ , ~240lbs and inseam is about 40-46inches from just eyeballing myself without shoes on.
Someone must buy your pants for you. 
I'm 6'5" plus. A dual sport will fit your size and budget perfectly. It may not fit your image, though. You have to decide what is more important.
KLR650 and the Suzuki DRZ are in your price range. The KTM and BMW would work but they cost a lot more.
Buell actually has a new bike coming out called the Ulysses or something that may be a good fit too. It too is pricey.
If you don't care about image and chrome, the KLR650 is an awesome bike. It's inexpensive, can go anywhere the rider is good enough to go, has enough power to be quick and fun but not enough to overwhelm anyone. It is simple mechanically and it is virtually unchanged for 18 years and has good aftermarket support. It gets 50-55 MPG and can go nearly 300 miles on a tank.
It is not for you if you want to ride two up unless your passenger is Olive Oyle.
My complaints about it are the stock tires will not last long on the road (4,500 mile rear, 10,000 miles front). The front end dives a lot under braking making it feel pretty "spongy". There are some things you can do to help that if you are so inclined. |
Edited by - kiddal on 10/13/2005 10:52 PM |
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btigermade
Starting Member
1 Posts
West Chester, OH
USA
Triumph
Tiger
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 2:13 PM
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I agree with all the suggestions for a dual sport type bike. Although dual sport bikes are a bit top heavy which may intimidate a first time rider, but with our height it won't be a big deal. I'm 6' 3" and the Triumph Tiger fits me well. Actually it is the best all around bike I have ever owned, and I have riden many bikes over the last 24 years. I suspect the V-Strom would be equally as good. With a budget of 5,500 you'll have to look at a used one. Since this is your first bike, beware, people will tell you anything to make a buck.
Len |
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scottrnelson
Advanced Member
4863 Posts
[Mentor]
Pleasanton, CA
USA
Ducati
ST2, 888, + XR650L
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 3:43 PM
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quote: Originally posted by don_hud
There is also a new design I have heard of called a Motard. Don't know exactly how you define a Motard, but the ones I have seen appear to be essentially a dual sport with street tires.
Here's a comparison of the Suzuki DR-Z400S dual-sport with the DR-Z400SM Super Motard. Sorry the two photos aren't the same size. The main difference is the wheels and tires.


The Dual-sport has a 21" front tire and 19" rear with DOT legal tires that work okay in the dirt and okay on the street, but not great in either place.
The Super Motard has 17" wheels front and rear with very little tread. The guys who race them put slicks on there, but some of the races include dirt, so they'll put on tires more like these:

One of these days I'm going to talk myself into getting one or the other of these. I think I could have a lot of fun on a Super Motard with the above tires on it. As long as I don't get on a freeway or ride straight for very long. |
Edited by - scottrnelson on 10/13/2005 3:44 PM |
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ZKP
Starting Member
2 Posts
Stockton, CA
USA
Harley-Davidson
Street Rod
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 9:53 PM
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I don't think you could go wrong with the F650 or any BMW and there 's a decent resale market. I also find Triumph motorcycles esp Tiger roomy (too roomy for my 31 inseam and the way I like my bike to fit). But don't give up on a Harley just yet. Try the Sportster Custom - bigger tank, and forward controls might just do the trick.
And lastly, Kawasaki's dual purpose KLR650 has a seat height of 35in and it's right in your price range. Good luck.
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jboogie
Junior Member
26 Posts
santa monica, CA
USA
Triumph
Speed Four
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 10:26 PM
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First of all thanks a lot guys for all your responses... my blackberry was alerting me all day with replies to this thread, I was very excited to see what everyone had to say.
Before i had a chance to read any of your advice i went down to the local BMW motorcycle dealer which is 40+ miles away!!! Even thought it was far it worth the trip, although i probably cannot afford to get a new bikes for them, the guy dave who works there was amazing! He really took the time to show me all my options and answered all my stupid questions with sensible answers and i didnt feel like he was baiting me. So if anyone wants to get a new BMW bike you gotta go there its called Irv Seaver BMW and they will really help you. He explained everythign from the bikes, the proper gear and helmets available and the diferences between a 600$ helmet and a 150$ helmet..
So anyways i checked out the F650CS and it seemed a little small also but, the F650GS was just right, it is considered a dual sport bike but more tailored for the road and it doesnt have the motard look. Although he did not have any triumph tigers he said it would probably fit me well also. So all and all it turned out to be a productive day at the BMW dealer compared to any of the other dealers, FINALY!
I beleieve i'm probably going to take the advice of everyone here and get myself a small dual sport/motard to learn on, then move up to a bigger bike. The funny thing is that i never would have thought of getting a dual sport because they seem like dirt bikes, but apparently they work just as well on the street and i think i can have alot of fun riding one around and since they are fairly cheap i can have fun abusing it while i learn new things.
Regarding the Harley, i think everyone is right, it was the first motorcyble dealer i've ever been in and i was just amazed by these HUGE machines and i got fixated on a few of the 20,000$ ones.
As far as my inseam i'm ~40", i didnt mean to type 40-46 i wasn't thinking correctly last night at 1:00 AM.
So in 6months-12months i know i would love to get a sports bike, any ideas as to which of the bikes out there would be a good fit for me?
Will i have problems leaning/carving with a sports bike because of my weight/height?
---- Thanks Again for all of your responses.  |
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kiddal
Moderator
1562 Posts
[Mentor]
SE, Indiana
USA
Kawasaki
KLR650
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Posted - 10/13/2005 : 11:08 PM
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quote: Originally posted by jboogie
Will i have problems leaning/carving with a sports bike because of my weight/height?
If you push or pull on the handlebar the bike will lean, no matter what your size. You should read about countersteering.
Read these: http://www.msgroup.org/TIP048.html http://www.msgroup.org/TIP039.html http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/t...OPIC_ID=1231
At your size I think you will hate the ergonomics of a sport bike. You may want to look at the standard/naked bikes. They are sport-like with more standard seating positions. I personally think they look better as well. |
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Thom Thumb
Advanced Member
1592 Posts
[Mentor]
Jordan, MN
USA
Harley-Davidson
Sportster XL883
Peer Review:
2
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Posted - 10/14/2005 : 12:57 AM
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quote: Originally posted by jboogie
Will i have problems leaning/carving with a sports bike because of my weight/height?
---- Thanks Again for all of your responses. 
Jboogie, I don't think I've ever heard of a rider's inseam or weight getting him in trouble. Some riders have really big egos, and that can be a problem. Their swollen heads contribute to both a high center of gravity, and greater wind resistance.
We've got some photos buried in here somewhere of one such rider at Deel's Gap. Starts out cool, ends up faceplant. No matter what you buy, just ride YOUR ride. You don't need to keep up with anybody, or impress anybody. Have fun with your bike.
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Victory
Advanced Member
602 Posts
[Mentor]
Pawcatuck, CT
USA
Victory
10th Anny Vision
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Posted - 10/15/2005 : 9:26 AM
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I have a friend in MA that's a BIG dude like you. Yeah, he even looked big on a Victory TC hardbagger. He bought a Vulcan 2000cc and it fits him well. Good luck in your search. |
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JuniperBug
Standard Member
115 Posts
Montreal, Quebec
Canada
Kawasaki
Ninja 600R
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Posted - 10/15/2005 : 11:45 AM
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Depending on the way you decide to go, I have a couple of suggestions for sport/sporty bikes to look into. You seem to be set on getting a dual sport as your first bike. That seems to be a very wise decision, but it seems that you're ultimate goal is to wind up on a sportbike. Maybe you could consider getting a used dual sport - used is a great idea for a first bike anyway, so you lose less money if you drop it, or simply decide that your style of riding calls for a different bike - and then upgrading to a bike like the Suzuki SV650S after a year or two. The SV is great because it's not a full-on supersport; it's a bit more upright, and doesn't quite pack the same punch. But it's a very competent, torquey bike. Many riders use it to get into trackdays/racing. However, because of its speed and sporty handling, it's considered a marginal first bike. It also looks roomy to me, although you'd definitely have to sit on one to determine that. Kawasaki just introduced a similar bike, called the 650R, which seems like it might fit the bill nicely too. Likewise, you say you like the FZ6. Again, this seems like a great bike after you spend a year or two on a dual sport.
Another way you could go, that would save you from buying and selling a bike, is to get the Ninja 500 straight away. It's not really considered a sportbike by most; it has less plastics, less twitchy handling characteristics, more upright position, and a tame motor. Among the forums I frequent, this is one of the most highly-recommended starter bikes. It's easy to handle and fun to ride no matter your skill level, but it's still very forgiving. Whoever told you that it's comparable to the FZ6 was wrong. They're much different machines both in handling and power output. The FZ has something around 90-100 hp, the Ninja somewhere around 60. If I'm not mistaken, the Ninja is also much cheaper.
I'm not saying this to dissuade you from going the dual-sport route, though. I think those seem like really fun bikes, and very sensible ones to learn on. However, if you see the little Ninja as something you'd like to own for a long time, I think it's a bike you can get into right away if you want to. |
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timbo
Advanced Member
594 Posts
Uxbridge
United Kingdom
BMW
R1100S
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Posted - 10/16/2005 : 12:14 PM
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Juniperbug,
I would have thought a SV650 would be the wrong bike for our man - it is generally regarded as a good "ladies" bike for those vertically challenged, or smaller lighter people. At 6'4" and 240 pounds I don't think he fits into those categories.
In terms of sports bikes, when he has experience, something like a blackbird or a ZZR1100 would be suitably big. The supersports bikes like the R1 are becoming just too small for big guys.
Tim |
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jlanthripp
New Member
13 Posts
Rossville, GA
USA
Yamaha
Virago 700
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Posted - 10/16/2005 : 11:33 PM
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quote: Originally posted by jboogie
You guys its no fun asking the dealers which bike I should get because they put me in whatever they have and because there are hardly any 200cc to 300cc street bikes out there and none of them apparently fit me, I’m forced go with 500cc+ or am I wrong?
500-700cc isn't too big a bike for a beginner of your size, IMHO. Mind you, I'm a beginner myself, but my bike is a 1985 Yamaha Virago 700. I've only ridden it a few miles up the road to a parking lot for low-speed maneuvering practice several times so far, and to Dalton to take the rider course this weekend, but it's easy to control and feels fairly nimble. I feel confident riding it, and it's comfortable. One big consideration is that a 700cc cruiser and a 700cc sport bike are two totally different creatures. The sport bike has a LOT more power top-end than the cruiser, while the cruiser is made more for low-end pulling power. Thus, the sport bike is probably better for freeway speeds or racing, while the cruiser is tuned better for running around town on surface streets, but can still cruise at freeway speeds. That low end torque will definitely help pull a large guy up hills without winding up the RPMs to the stratosphere. A cruiser is probably less likely to get away from you, and its lower center of gravity will inspire more confidence as you gain experience.
quote:
Which bike should I get? My budget is about 5500$. Should a person my size get a bike or should I stick with an automobile? Would I ever be able to handle a sports bike because of my size?[/b]
The important thing is that you get a bike that you are comfortable on; one that feels "right" under you. Definitely take the MSF course before you buy. I bought before I took the course, but only by 2 weeks. I took the course this weekend - going tomorrow to upgrade my "instructional permit" to a full M endorsement. I got a lot of practice in the aforementioned parking lot and on the way to it and back, but I still learned quite a bit in the course (Georgia calls it the Basic Rider Course, or BRC).
quote:
These are the bikes I’ve tried
Honda 599 – small Honda Rebel – small Kawa ninja 250r – small Honda Nighthawk – small Kawa ninja 500r – fit well Yamaha FZ6 – Fit well but dangerous first bike because of wheel lockups and punchy throttle. Kawa Vulcan 500 – comfortable seat but awkward handle bar position and heavy. Buell Blast 500 – small
Give a Honda Shadow 600 a try. I'm only 6' tall, but I weigh 250+, and the Shadow sat well. I would have bought one if it weren't a bit expensive for a first bike on my budget. Another one you might want to try out is the Yamaha V-Star. The Kawasaki Vulcan you said had an uncomfortable handlebar position - aftermarket handlebars may cure that, and they're not that expensive. If you buy a used bike in the 3-7 year old range, you should be able to trick it out pretty well with chrome goodies and still be within your budget.
Can you tell I'm partial to Japanese cruisers? 
quote:
These are the two bikes I’m interested in but have not tried yet, if anyone has an opinion on them let me know please.
BMW F650CS – attractive because it has adjustable seat, ABS breaks, upright seating and is in my price range used.
Ducati Monster 600 – slightly over my price, I also like the upright position style.
I don't have any knowledge of or experience with those models, sorry. |
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