I;m interested in purchasing a used motorcycle but I'm afraid that my size might make a lot of bikes uncomfortable to ride for any extended period of time. I'm looking for some recommendations for an entry-level sporting motorcycle for a 6'6" 220 lbs 36" inseam guy. My definition of sporting would include sport touring, standard, naked, and other/crossover categories. I would probably be looking for a 2-4 year old used motorcycle. I'm flexible on the price - say somewhere in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. I'm considering the kawasaki zzr600, honda 599/919, suzuki sv650, honda vfr 800 interceptor and am open to any other suggestions. My motorcycle use would primarily be around town but it would be nice to have something that could be used for weekend trips as well. I'm primarily looking for ergonomical and comfort reviews on these and similar bikes from guys that are similarly sized. I'm also interested in general reviews of these bikes as well. Thanks and I appreciate your responses!
2006-11-19 16:25:32 · 7 answers · asked by Jeff 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I'm about 6'2" myself. I now ride a GS500F, which may be just a little on the small side for you. However, the bars on a GS500 are easy to swap out to make them accomodate tall people. Of the bikes you listed, I'd say the SV650 may be the most comfortable.
A great sport-tourer for big guys would be a Suzuki DL650. It's like a much taller SV. The catch is that they're nearly impossible to find used, and many Suzuki dealers sell out of their yearly quota long before the year's over. But hey, January's right around the corner...
One bike that may be just a bit of a stretch for your budget would be a BMW F650CS. It's very tall, sporty, yet easy to ride.
Another option is to look at dual sports. If you don't mind the dirt bike styling, a 650 cc dual sport is a perfect first bike for a big, tall guy. I recently sat on a Kawasaki KLR650, and that thing made me feel small!
2006-11-20 12:19:11 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Needing a tall bike and being a big guy, the only bike's I'd recommend as good beginner's bikes would be the Kawasaki Ninja 650 or the Suzuki SV650 (naked version's ergos would be better suited to you). Steer clear of the ZZR or the VFR as they are too much power for a beginner. The Honda 599 wouldn't be a good choice for a beginner, but nowhere near as horrible a choice as the 919 would be. Learn to ride before getting into such powerful machines. Your first bike will not be your last... unless you kill yourself on it.
2006-11-19 17:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by crx81 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would say dont buy a buell. I worked for harley for years and buells came in more for repair than service. I agree with the other guy. I would get a 600 ninja because they are taller and more comfortable. Me, being 5'5, tried to get on one and I totally could not get it off the stand. I have a harley softail but i was curious at the time and just the riding position on the ninja is awesome. Great brand and price, too
2006-11-19 22:48:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've got been precisely the place you're. i'm 6'5", and heavier. i began out out on a Suzuki DR 650. twin activity motorbike with Enduro street and airborne dirt and dirt tires. till you get into 900's those are single piston engines. gentle acceleration, and the using place makes protective using experience much less stressful. quite some capability for myself and a passenger, delicate, and studying to coach on a sort of, i think, makes the transition to a street motorbike incredibly hassle-free. I journey a Suzuki Bandit 1200 now. i individually love this motorbike, and that i've got had a pair others - even a 'seventy 9 Superglide Harley. on occasion nonetheless. I nevertheless miss that DR 650.
2016-10-04 03:59:30 · answer #4 · answered by vanderbilt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok i'm 6'9" and bought a kawasaki zx600 ninja it was fairly comfortable for say 30-45 minutes the shift lever was adjustable enough for me but i was too tall to lay down over the tank (almost) when i was laid down over the tank the tach and speedo were almost right below my head, my suggestion is you look around at the dealerships(take a helmet along) and get them to place one up on the back stand not the kick stand and lay down on the tank (if you are looking for a crotch rocket) if not remember almost any cruiser can be modified to fit you crotch rockets can be modified to some extent but you really don't have an option of changing seats handlebars etc.
2006-11-19 19:43:47 · answer #5 · answered by Eric D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CrX81 had some good ideas; I just wanted to add the Buell Ulysses (not the Blast by the way-would be too small for you) to your list.
2006-11-19 18:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by oldladygamer18 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Buell Blast is a great beginner sport bike
2006-11-19 17:30:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋