Starter bike for a bigger-than-average guy

[zmeiaspas]

Hi there,

Ok, I know this is probably the 3782468723648th time you've reading that someone is new and wants to buy a good starter bike BUT my question is a bit different. Well I'm not exactly small you see. I'm 6"5' / 225 Lbs and I really want to get a bike and most important of all - learn how to ride well.

So my question is how important is rider's size when chosing a bike. Can you guys suggest a bike that would fit me and I wouldn't look like an idiot on it? In terms of physical abilities I consider myself strong enough (I'm not fat or anything). Should I go for a 250cc? 500cc? or 600cc? Please don't flame me if the question sounds stupid to you - I'm asking cos I don't know the answer I know people usually start off with a 250 and that's a good way to start but I'm not sure how's that thing gonna move with me on it. From what I've seen a typical rider is nearly half my size.

Any help would be greaaaaatly appreciated!

[Jehos]

Any sportbike may be small. A liter bike has about the same ergonomics as a 600. The Ninja 250 and 500 are actually more relaxed and may fit you better. You may also want to check out dual-sport bikes, they tend to be too big for most people but a great fit for really tall guys.

Just go find your local "dealer row" where you can check out a bunch of bikes from a bunch of different brands. Don't be afraid to try out bikes you might not be immediately attracted to. You'll end up falling in love with whatever you get.

[Ivan_markII]

If you were 150 pounds on a Ninja 250 you'd smoke most sports cars.

If you were 250 pounds on a Ninja 250 you'd smoke most sports cars.

For almost any beginner I would recommend the Suzuki DRZ400SM.

[XB12R]

Yeah, it doesn't matter how big you are. The power to weight ratio is still going to be nuts compared to any car on the road. Go check some bikes out at a stealership, but understand that comfort is not the goal of any sportbike. If you want something that truly fits you a cruiser is probably the only things you're going to find. Go for a Ninja 500 or a Suzuki GSF500, but get yourself enrolled in the MSF first. After getting through the MSF you'll be in a lot better position to buy and ride a bike.

[SAHTT]

Newsflash.. the fancy 600 and 1000 you have been eying but dare not speak of are the most uncomfortable, tightest fitting bikes on the market. CC does NOT equal size.

You think you are the only 225lbs rider to hit this forum? Come on man, there are 1000's of riders that weigh a lot more than you here. You realize lots of people ride with passengers right? So even a 150lbs guy and his 100lbs girlfriend weigh more than you do. 6'5 isn't really anything special either, I know a lot of riders in the 6'2-6'4 range. We aren't all little tiny puny 145lbs guys, we come in all shapes and sizes...

I'd check out the suzuki 500 they have out right now. I know for a fact it has more room than any SS 600/1000. If you were really smart you'd go look at bandits and zrx's, but very few people are that smart.

[zmeiaspas]

Thanks for all the advices and info guys! Really appreciated. I was more concerned about my height and long legs but I checked some old threads and was quite pleasantly surprised to see how many 6'2"+ riders are out there

[650r]

The 650r also has a nice, high sitting position. you should go sit on one if you get the chance. Remember, blue is the fastest color.

[sigmanugary]

Not that I really care for the look of the Katana it is a bigger bike that would fit you probably better than a 250 of any type. Albeit, I think the Katana does look alot better than any of the baby ninjas. Make sure you sit on a few different bikes before you decide on one and take the MSF course ASAP.

[Hound]

How long are your legs actually?

I have rediculiously long legs for my height and they are as long or longer then people several inches taller then I am

If you actually look at the bikes, my 500 is a tag bit larger then its super sport cousins. Looking at the bike I am personaly in love with over my EX500 I found that the other bike is only 1/2 inch higher, 1 inch shorter and 2 inches wider at the handlebars.

Bikes have a gross weight capability that you will fit into without a problem.

And sportbikes are small

[nismo_2005]

Originally Posted by 650r

The 650r also has a nice, high sitting position. you should go sit on one if you get the chance. Remember, blue is the fastest color.

well no the black 06 with the red frame is faster but hey to each his own :-)

[sixtsix]

I'm also 6'5 225lbs and was just fine on my EX500.
'course I was only 200lbs back then.

[CBRAWR]

[hijack]

i saw a 500r at the gas station yesterday and it sounded like a weed eater...i thought it might sound better but i guess that stock exhaust really makes it sound like crap

[/hijack]

[IwakuniDiver]

I have a 20 year old 400R. I weigh 170 and my wife wieghs 130. With her on my bike, it still takes off fast enough to eject her (and me) if I'm not careful.

At 6' 2", you should have too much issue finding a bike. Now, my friend who is 6' 10" on the other hand.....

[fzsnuh]

I'm a big guy myself. 6'4" 280 lbs. I sat on a GS500 and had absolutely no leg room at all. I tried the Ninja 650r and it was better, but I felt that the seat pitched my junk into the tank too much (wasn't very comfy) I ended up getting a FZ6. It was the most comfortable bike for me.

[zmeiaspas]

Thanks for all the input guys!! I think I will definitely get a 250 / 500 machine as I really wanna learn how to ride and that seems to be the best choice.I will just go around the dealers and try the ninjas and all 250 / 500 cc bikes they've got and get the one I feel most comfortable with. I read some reviews about the 250cc Hyosung and some people said it's actually feels bigger (more room) so I will definitely take a look at that bike too.

Thanks again for all the info guys!