With the price of gas as bad as it is and not likely to get better in the long run, I'm considering learning to ride and using a bike as my primary commuting vehicle, at least in good weather (I live in the Denver area). My commute is about 25 miles, one way, and generally takes about 30-40 minutes, mostly on highways, part of it rated at 75 mph. I've never ridden a bike as an adult but did ride a dirt bike a couple of times as a kid, and (don't laugh) had a moped in high school. I'm 44 years old and a pretty big guy, 6'1" and 240 lb, 31" inseam. I doubt I'm going to be intimidated by a fairly big bike, so am thinking about a cruiser in the 500cc-750cc range as a first bike. I'm wondering what kind of features I should be looking for and which brands/models I should be looking at. Also want something that won't require a lot of maintenance - the whole idea is to stay inexpensive. Don't really want a sport bike, either - I don't want to ride bent over. Thanks for your suggestions...
2006-09-05 10:18:09 · 4 answers · asked by crash_usnr86 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Any one of the four major Japanese bike manufacturers has something to offer in that size range, and there really aren't any unreliable choices from them. So the most important feature to look for is going to be the way you, personally, fit on the bike. Take a look at this link (warning, lots of pictures, so it will take a while to download on dial-up) to see a man about your height sitting on a wide variety of bikes and reporting how they fit him:
http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=380&sid=8a2c8730aaa7b6093658e89b070e152b
Personally, in the range you wanted, the Honda VLX seems to fit me best. I'm also pretty tall.
Features to look for:
Forward controls. These put your feet out in front of your knees. You will have to decide if you like them or not - I personally prefer having my feet under me.
Shaft or belt drive. Needs less maintenance than a chain.
Wheels. Wire wheels need periodic maintenance. Cast aluminum ones don't.
If your main objection to sport bikes is the riding posture, you may wish to take a look at a Ninja 250. This one has a much more upright riding position and has plenty of get up and go if your main goal is fuel economy. Plus, I'm about your size and have found the Ninja 250 to be somewhat more comfortable than most of the cruisers in the size range you are looking at. Same with the Ninja 500.
2006-09-05 10:43:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you wanting a cruiser, a sportbike, naked sportbike, standard, duel sport....? There are a lot of different styles of bikes and good commuter bikes in every single class. Since you've taken the MSF course anything around 600cc will be okay as long as you don't get something like supersport 600. Since you aren't really specific about which style you want i'll give you a my humble reccomendation from each style. Cruiser: --Honda Shadow spirit 750 Sportbike: --Ninja 650R (very nice entry level sportbike) Naked sportbike: --Triumph Street Triple 675 or Buell firebolt xb9r (that's what i started on and still have). standard: --Yamaha FZ6 Duel sport: Kawasaki KLR 650 If you narrow down what style of bike you want, you'll probably get better answers...
2016-03-26 23:22:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a Harley owner and over 6ft. here's my suggestion.
Don't buy anything smaller than 1100cc. Because it will be underpowered for your size.
I sugguest you check out these bikes. Then decide which one you like the best.
1.BMW 1200, if you are looking at new bikes, they have a 25000 mile break in period, which is the longest of any bike on the market. They also have removable saddle bags with locking key.
About 20k new.
2.Yamaha V Star 1100cc. You can pick one of these up for around 6k used. My father just bought a 2005 one with only 3k miles on it. Plenty of power.
3.Honda 1300R w/abs brakes. A fantastic bike with the same electric windshield as the BMW.
Great luck with your choice. Harleys are also a good MC, if you want something with the best resale value.
2006-09-05 11:48:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Dirt bikers generally ride better than we who learned on pavement.
Look at shaft-driven, liquid cooled bikes. Your best bet may be a Honda VT 1100 Shadow.
2006-09-05 10:46:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋