Tall beginner- need bike reccomendations

[Devman]

Hey guys,

I've been reading everything I can on bikes and tons on the TMW forums about riding, beginning riding and bikes and I have a few questions:

I'm a fairly tall rider at 6'3" and 150lbs I'm a relative lightweight, but I've a long set of legs, as my inseam is 34". It SEEMS that many of the bikes that are being reccomended are going to be fairly cramped in looking at teh heights for seats on the chart.

What I'm looking for are some good STARTER bikes that are going to be reasonably comfortable to ride as someone as tall as I am. I have been leaning toward a gs500e/f, as the height of 31" seems like it should accomodate me with little issue. I know that I will have to sit on bikes to get a feel for them, but I am looking for a base to start from and some bikes to steer clear from.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Devman

[Ian522]

Ninja 250, Ninja 500, and GS500 would probably be good choices. If you are considering a cruiser, maybe check out the yamaha v-star 650 or kawasaki vulcan 500.

With your height, the 250cc cruisers would probably be very uncomfortable. I felt cramped on the Honda rebel and im only 5'10. Maybe you could possibly squeeze into the yamaha virago since it had some more legroom than the other 250's.

The only way to find out is to hit up some dealers and sit on the different bikes.

[Wrider]

Yep, depends on what you're looking for... I'm 6'2" and my knees hit the bar on the Honda Rebel 250. However on my Volusia, I was perfectly comfortable. On any 500 cruiser I felt a little cramped, but keep in mind I'm twice your weight. When you try to fold up on some of those bikes, you wonder how tall guys race don't you? Anyway, yeah, I'm too heavy for it, but folded up onto a Ninja 250 fits me a little snug, but not too bad... If you're looking for a dual sport, I took the MSF course on a Yamaha TW200 that I'd recommend to anyone!
Wrider

[safety-boy]

Ninja 500-R will be good for your height, most likely. It feels very small, as it is rather slim. You'll have to find a comfortable @$$ to saddle placement. I sit very close to the tank. The bars are low-ish. I am 6'0", with rather long arms. The only real size factor is when I tuck in and try to keep my arms close to my body.

The Vulcan 500 LTD is a rather tall cruiser. It has rather standard-placed foot pegs. I can place my feet over the pegs on the 454 LTD (same bike) and my Achilles tendon rests on them.

Both of these are excellent bikes.

You will likely find that on many bikes your height may still be an issue, but not too big a problem. You just fall on the opposite side of the seat height dilema

Good luck.

--Dave

[Lion_Lady]

Hey guys,
I've been reading everything I can on bikes and tons on the TMW forums about riding, beginning riding and bikes and I have a few questions:

I'm a fairly tall rider at 6'3" and 150lbs I'm a relative lightweight, but I've a long set of legs, as my inseam is 34". It SEEMS that many of the bikes that are being reccomended are going to be fairly cramped in looking at the heights for seats on the chart. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Devman

Welcome to the long-leggety club!

Go and sit on a "WEE Strom" The Suzuki V-Strom 650. Its a dual sport, and fairly tame in the torque department. You should fit nicely on it. They can be had used for not a big chunk of $$.

Have you signed up for or taken the MSF Basic Riders Course? Take care of the MSF then go shopping.

Don't stress too much on finding the perfect fit for the first bike... just make sure the handlebars don't hit your knees at full lock.

P

[wiggumon]

I'm 6'1", 190lbs, and I fit nicely on my Vulcan 500.

[Kal]

Apart from being slightly heavier than you we're a match.

I've had no problem on Honda CG125, Honda CX500cm, Honda CB500, Kawasaki ER-5 or my current the Honda GB250 Clubman.

Try to gget a standard with a 'bench' type seat. You choose your own riding position then and everything is fine. Trust me.

[talldude]

@devman: Thanks for posting this...I was wondering the same thing as I'm just under 6'3" and about 175!

@everyone: Thanks for sharing your wisdom, much appreciated!

I don't want to sound crass or anything but I need to know from the male riders if you ever have issues 'down there' when sitting on a Ninja 250/500?

Hopefully ya'll know what I mean but I can clarify if need be.

[Duane]

I don't have a ninja but I switched to wearing boxer briefs instead of normal boxers which seems to help with my problem.

[shane-o]

QT 50 awsome and suit your physical stature