I want to get a sporty bike but i dont know what to get.?

Question

I want something that will fit my long legs, im about 6 foot 1 250lbs whats a good bike for me. I dont want a honda gold wing or a harley eaither something fast and comfy for me.

Answer 1

I had the same problem. I am 6'3" and I had a hard time finding a comfy bike because of my long legs. I am a Kawasaki rider and you will find that most riders prefer to stick to one brand. I suggest an older Kawasaki ZX-9. It is a great bike, and still readily available, though it is no longer in production. I also like the Kawasaki ZZR 1200. It is a bigger bike with a good amount of power, but will not cost as much for insurance, since it is considered a sport tourer. For your size, I suggest no less than a 750. You should go to a bike show and sit on some bikes. We have a show every December in Los Angeles, and its a good oppertunity to check out all the new bikes from all the manufacturers. You can always just go to your local dealership and check out the new and used bikes.

Answer 2

I presume you are a beginner. Just a guess on my part - if you're not, skip to my final paragraph where I list a few models for an experienced rider. I'm about your height, and I've looked at quite a few bikes in the past few years. Here are some newer, sporty models that are both newbie friendly and all right for a big rider:

BMW F650 CS
Suzuki GS500
Kawasaki Ninja 250 (For some reason, I find the 500 isn't as tall rider friendly - your experience may be different, so check out both!)
Hyosung Comet GT250 / United Motors UM250
Yamaha XJ600 Seca II (No longer in production, but cheap on the used bike market and easy to find)

Any one of the ones I listed should keep up with highway traffic (well, the Hyosung may have trouble passing) and have no trouble toting your weight around. Some people may say you need a big bike to cruise on the highway, but in my experience that's not true at all. Just yesterday, I was out putting around 100 interstate miles on my old 500.

There's also Suzuki's DL650 V-Strom - it will definitely fit you, but is a little more powerful than the other bikes listed. And the not quite as tall SV650. They're somewhat controversial choices as a first bike - some say they're too much, some say they are just about right. That may be because beginners are not all alike. They're probably good choices if you have some dirt bike experience, bad choices if you leave the MSF class still feeling nervous about riding a bike.

That brings me to another point: You'll want to take some instructions. The MSF BRC is one - see http://www.msf-usa.org/ for details. There are other options, such as the Riders' Edge class at Harley dealerships and maybe some other ones depending on your state. But this will give you a few days to familiarize yourself with how to ride a bike under the eye of a professional instructor before you go out on the street. Highly recommended.

Here are some pictures (a lot of pictures; be careful if you're on dial-up) of a tall guy testing out different bikes to see how well they fit him:

http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=380&sid=ca75cb44b4d80b79970ddbd529553abb

I would not recommend getting a liquid-cooled 600 cc or larger inline four sportbike as a first bike. They're pretty high strung. Not only is it easy to do a wheelie on one, but the brakes are so grabby that there isn't much difference in how hard you grab them for a normal stop, a hard stop, a skid, and pitching yourself over the handlebars. You'll have a fair amount of things to worry about as it is. Learning how to ride is a lot easier without worrying about having to "respect the machine" all the time.

If you are more experienced, check out a Honda VFR or Triumph Daytona. Or possibly a Buell Ulysses if you're into that sort of thing. The Hayabusa is supposed to be pretty comfortable if you've already got years of riding high performance bikes under your belt. I'd say it is all right to go from a Ninja 250 to the first three models I listed, but I'm not so sure about the 'Busa.

Answer 3

kawasaki's got a full-size bike out, zzr-14 I think it is...also look at BMW. If you've had problems on other bikes, u may be headed for the custom shop. Call around and get some dealer recommendations, they've helped lots of people...

Answer 4

I agree, get a sport tourer. More upright riding position instead of the permanant racing tuck. hahah. lower pegs and shorter reach to the bars.

About the ZX14 and Hyabusa, they're considered sport tourers. Yeah, yeah I know, even with the speeds they get. yikes. Try taking a nice right hander with one at moderate speeds and they turn like an effing train. hahah

Answer 5

or the suzuki hyabusa...........if your ready to do 185+ all sport bikes are a little cramped, I'm 6' and 160 lbs. I'm getting a hyosung gt 250r...but this is my first bike that's why I'm going for a small bore. p.s try a sport tourer they are sporty yet comfortable enough for extended trips.

Answer 6

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 - RED

Answer 7

Honda CBR1000RR