Introduction and newbie questions

alteredform · 05-19-2009, 05:35 PM

Hello,

I am new around here. I am a 27 year old, married, male, and I don't have a death wish. I have read all of the stickies and have been searching for topics that relate to my current sportbike state.

Like many, I am a prior dirt rider, and I am now currently looking for a sportbike. I have just started looking for a bike. I probably will not purchase one until next year.

In the meantime, I was wondering if any of you might be able to suggest other reading (books, blogs, forums, etc..) that other new street and/or sportbike riders would benefit from?

I would also; more specifically, like to know how to effectively shop for a bike that fits, or how one alters a bike to fit their body type? I am 6'4", with a 32" inseam, a 6'10" wingspan, and size 13US shoes. I am currently 275lbs and dropping with a goal weight of 230lbs or less. With that said, when I sit on a bike besides an immediate level of comfort, what else should I be looking for? To what degree and how much can each bike be altered?

Thank you for your time.

qubert · 05-19-2009, 05:54 PM

Books,

Proficient Motorcycling: Amazon.com: Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well: David L. Hough: Books

Twist of the wrist 2 (More track oriented, but still good read).

Best way to find a bike is sitting on them, seeing what feels comfortable, we all have different tastes.

This forum I find to be the most informative of the lot, just don't be a squid and you wont get flamed.

As a "general" rule it is acceptable (round here) to get a starter bike that is not an I4, rather some 2 cylinder configuration (parallel, V, whatever) of 650cc or less, preferably in a upright or standard frame (Read no RR, supersport, gixxer.....)

Bikes can be altered a fair amount, clipons/handllebars, rearsets (Where your feet go) can be adjustable (limited amount), clutch and brake levers can be twisted and brought in and out, seats can be shaved, and lowering links can be put in. NOTE: No modification you make is without consequence. lowering alters geometry and affects steering... etc. lowering your feet may put less (or more) strain on your back, its all about balance (IMO) and that is why its personal. You have to go and sit on bikes, its the only way.

LobsterMagnet · 05-19-2009, 10:04 PM

The only addition I can add to qubert's list is perhaps the Idiot's guide to motorcycles.
It has been informative for me regarding types of bikes, inner workings (you have exp on dirt, so...) and has a decent database of vehicles with recommendations that is fun to look through. bikes are so pretty.

You should also look into a local MSF BRC, check into the local community colleges. You have experience on the dirt but it should go a long way in bridging the gap of dirt-->street knowledge.

Enjoy and have fun. Feel free to fire away any questions, this forum is great for answers. Welcome to SBN!

LessPeople_MoreRobots · 05-19-2009, 11:40 PM

I wouldnt rule out any bike based on your height. I'm a tall guy myself (6'4", 36" inseam, 220lbs, 13 shoe), and started on a ninja 250. All sportbikes are going to feel awkward and cramped, just the nature of the beast. Some people try to use their height as an excuse to justify a 1000cc supersport and all that. The *physical size* difference between any sportbike is basically identical, save for the ninja 250 on the small side.

I usually am a huge advocate for the 250, but in the case of a 275lb rider, I'd opt for something a little bigger. A GS500, Ninja 650R, or SV650 would probably serve you the best.

From one tall guy to another, let me tell you what i look for. First, look for a bike where the tank doesnt have an awkward shape to it where the top of your knee is supposed to fit. Your leg is supposed to fit into the "groove" on the side of the tank, and if your knee goes longer than that (overlapping where the tank shape juts outward), then you're constantly twisting your foot inwards to shift gears. Not fun. The late-model Yamaha R6's are the best example of this kind of tank shape.

Secondly, check the height of the foot pegs. The lower the pegs, the more you can extend your leg, the further you can go without cramping up. Along the same lines, check to see how much of a slant the actual seat has. With long legs, you're going to want to sit back as far as you can in the seat to keep your legs from getting cramped (same as pushing the seat back in a car). The more "slope" the seat has, the more your weight is going to be thrown forward, pushing you into the tank and making you have to readjust.

benroe · 05-20-2009, 01:05 AM

I am virtually the same spec as you. The ergos on a smaller bike are going to be fine for you. I would recommend an SV, 650R, a GS500, or maybe one of the new beginner 600s. These bikes are friendly enough in terms of power and comfort. My daytona has me cramped up, but that's what I get for buying a bike with track ergos. Its nothing a set of helibars won't fix. And no, I don't recommend it as a first street bike.

binx_19 · 05-20-2009, 01:50 AM

i am looking on the ground next to me and see:

Total Control - Lee Parks
Smooth Riding - Reg Pridmore
Sport Riding Techniques - Nick Ienatsch

i also have twist of the wrist next to my toilette and twist of the wrist 2 in the living room.
i am looking at getting:
Whitehorse Gear - Riding in the Zone: Advanced Techniques for Skillful Motorcycling

benroe · 05-20-2009, 01:56 AM

I have read twist 2 and sport riding techniques by ienatsch. Sport Riding Techniques is by far a better book for the newbie to read.

binx_19 · 05-20-2009, 02:02 AM

Keith Code really knows his shit, but i would not recommend a newbie to read it.

KodiakRS · 05-20-2009, 02:13 AM

I am almost the same size, 6'4 270-280 LBS size 13 shoe, only a 30' inseam though.

Take an MSF BRC. When you do, make sure they get you on a bike that fits you. I started on a kawi 125 eliminator and just didn't fit. Moved up to a GZ250 and it worked a lot better.

As far as a bike is concerned, go sit on some and see how they fit. I personally tried sitting on a ninja 250 and just couldn't make it work. I tried a fz6r and that was pretty good. I tried a zx6r and that was good as well, but WAAAY too much of a bike for a newbie. If nothing is comfortable you may want to consider a dual sport, the vstrom650 is pretty popular and I probably would have ended up buying a versys if the front of the bike didn't look so ugly. I ended up buying a ninja 650R as my first bike and am VERY happy with it.

alteredform · 05-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Thank you for the information.

I will check out a few bikes and report back. I will specifically look at the Suzuki SV650 and/or Gladius, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, and Yamaha FZ6R. I would consider other out of production models or used models, but I do not live in area where those motorcycles are easily found outside of ebay, craigslist, or similar.

Enzo_Guy · 05-21-2009, 12:25 AM

Taller rider, prior dirt experience, not looking for all out power. You sound like a supermoto candidate waiting to happen. Try sitting on a Suzuki DRZ400SM or Yamaha WR250X. Some sport bikes may feel cramped to you, but if you liked riding dirt bikes you will probably feel right at home on a supermoto. They are light, easy on the wallet (cheaper to buy, insure, and fill at the pump), very maneuverable, confidence inspiring, and above all just a big ball of fun.

Check out Supermoto Junkie - Powered by vBulletin to see what I am talking about.

alteredform · 05-21-2009, 07:11 AM

I will be honest. I have never been a fan of the dirt bike look with street tires. Chalk it up to vanity. I will check the site out and try to keep an open mind.

activeseven · 05-21-2009, 09:48 AM

Good choices on books, I've read every one except Smooth Riding, Amazon here I come!

cj52racers · 05-21-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alteredform

I will be honest. I have never been a fan of the dirt bike look with street tires. Chalk it up to vanity. I will check the site out and try to keep an open mind.

You know, I thought the same thing, but I got to ride my buddies wx250 recently and it is a hell of a lot of fun. Plus, you can't see it when your on it!!!!. But I agree with you, I still do not like the look a whole lot.

Enzo_Guy · 05-21-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alteredform

I will be honest. I have never been a fan of the dirt bike look with street tires. Chalk it up to vanity. I will check the site out and try to keep an open mind.

For like the first 3 or 4 months I didn't want anything to do with them. I thought they looked goofy and weird and never thought I would ride them. Then I saw a WR250X on the road and thought more about it. They certainly grew on me.