Am I too big for a Suzuki Savage/S40 at 6'5" and 270 lbs?

Question

I want this bike for transportation to and from work about a 50 mile round trip daily and some pleasure riding. No more than 65-75 mph.

Answer 1

I own a Suzuki Savage and I'm 6'/200 lbs and the bike is cramped for me. I rarely ride it choosing either my Volusia or my Cavalcade. I bought the S40 because the wife wanted it but she quit riding. You're a big guy and need a physically large bike. Engine size is irrelevant for the most part. 800cc's will get you down the road good enough. Large bikes need lots of gas and since you're looking to commute you don't need that. The Suzuki C50/Volusia is what I would suggest. You can buy them in excellent shape used for very reasonable prices. I'd pop for a windshield because the trip back and forth to work you are proposing will get tiring without one. It's up to you of course. But forget the S40...you'd look silly on it!!

Answer 2

Being a certified motorcycle mechanic and had worked at a Suzuki Dealer, I would say you will probably feel like you are riding a mini-bike. You are a large man and you will regret later on not having the power of a multi-cylinder engine. Savages, although the S40 is a better balanced engine, are known for vibration. They also struggle on the highway at 75 mph with a 200 lb. man. I would suggest at the very least a v-twin 750 or higher for your size and weight. Best bet, would be a 1000cc v-twin, if you are attracted to the cruiser style bikes.
Good luck on your adventure and ride safe.

Answer 3

You do not have to buy a high cc bike to get around on, however, I doubt that the Savage is going to give you anything resembling a comfortable ride. You'll probably find your knees about the same height as the handlebars! If you're looking to get a smaller cc bike, you might take a look at a Yamaha V-Star 650 (they ride like bigger bikes than they are) or you might try the Suzuki Boulevard in the 800cc range.

Answer 4

If you can't reach the controls because of perhaps a large stomach, then your too big, but the bike has more than enough power to move you at those speeds. Take it for a test ride if in doubt.

Answer 5

You are definately to big. My friends wife had one and I was too big for it. I am 5'11" and 185 lbs. I would sit on the back seat to be comfortable. It is a cool little bike though, just a side note, I got it to wheelie, which is hard to believe.

Answer 6

A big guy needs a big bike , you need something over a1000cc to get yourself around ,