First bike, big guy

[blitzfire]

Hey all, I'm new to the world of bikes, and I have a pretty important question (for me anyway): What would you guys think would be a good bike for me to start with? I've taken the MSF basic course, and passed, but no matter who I asked, I always got a different answer. I'd like to see what the consensus is here.

I'm around 6' tall, 270lbs (mostly gut). I would like a bike to practice/learn on. I may end up making it a commuter bike 1 or 2 days a week, with mostly 55mph backroads, some 65mph intrastate roads, around 15 mi from home to work, and 8.5 mi from work to site (I do IT contracting). Occasionally I'd like to be able to hit up some client sites that are further out (1+ hr drive at 65mph). I already have all my gear (helmet, gloves, pants, coat, etc), and am ready to go. I will most likely end up riding a cruiser long term, just because I like the styling, and for long trips they are easier on the back than a sportbike.

However, I've been told that I should get any of the following, at least to start with:

Ninja 250
Ninja 500
Buell Blast
Rebel 250
Vulcan 500
Nighthawk 250
Yamaha V-Star 650
Suzuki GS500

So you can see why I'm a bit confused. I've been told that a 500 of any type would be enough for me for years, but I've also been told that 250 would be fine for someone of my size. The bikes we rode during the MSF were all 250's, but we never got above 20mph, so I don't know how they would be highway wise.

Thanks in advance for all your input, as I am very confused, and have no idea where to start. I would really appreciate opinions from folks of my size that have had experience on at least a couple of the bikes mentioned, so that they can relate.

[SBK15]

Unless your on a 12 HP bike, weight wont play a big factor in what bike to get.

Out of all those the '08 Ninja 250 is gonna look the best. (to me)
Since you're 6 feet tall, you might not want any of the 250s listed.
If you dont like sitting on the smaller bikes, try sitting on a V-STROM 650, and see how you like it.
You really need to sit on ALL of these bikes, and find out what's the most comfy and what not.

Good Luck!



Edited- Didn't think before i typed. haha

[storysunfolding]

As an owner, I don't see a V-strom 650 as a good first bike. Sure it's tall, but it's top heavy and takes a bit more skill at slow speeds. There are a few naked stroms in my area b/c guys bought them as first bikes and can't afford to replace the plastics.

Luckily you're not all that tall (I'm 6' so I can say that). Sit on those bikes you mentioned and see what feels the most comfortable. Don't buy a nighthawk 250 though. Drum brakes up front? It doesn't make any sense! The rebel will ride on the highway ok- but the ninja 250 does it much better. The rest of the bikes you mentioned are great on the highway

[Dragonhawk]

I'm around 6' tall, 270lbs (mostly gut).

I've been told that I should get any of the following, at least to start with:

Ninja 250
Ninja 500
Buell Blast
Rebel 250
Vulcan 500
Nighthawk 250
Yamaha V-Star 650
Suzuki GS500

There is no such things as a "small" or "slow" 250. In fact, a Ninja 250 will do 105MPH. That's faster than you ever need to go.

Get the bike you feel most comfortable on. The list you gave is a good one and any of those bikes will have all the horsepower you need as a beginner.

[Wrider]

The only problems I can see for you is the suspension on a 250... I'm approx 280 and I just about bottom out a Ninja 250. The Rebels can handle me, but personally, I like a little more speed, so out of those I'd go for the GS500. Nice parallel twin, reliable, powerful enough for anybody, plus two-up capable.
Wrider

[blitzfire]

I actually have had a chance to sit on a couple of them, and my biggest complaint is that it's tough for me (on the cruisers anyway) to keep my toe up on the rear brake. I don't know if most people keep theirs off, but leaving my foot on the brake in a natural position pretty much forces me to put some pressure on it. That had me in fits during the MSF, until one of the instructors realized what I was doing. Otherwise, I have to ride with my foot off of the brake, and have to lift my leg up then down again to use it with any comfort at all, which can be tough to do should I have to put my brakes on quickly.

The Ninja 250 didn't feel too small to me. I have heard from a couple of other people my size that the suspension was almost too soft for them, but that the real problem was passing semi trucks on the intra/interstate. They stated that it just didn't have enough to get them past comfortably, at least for someone as big as I am. Has anyone else had this issue?

Thanks again to all of you for your help.

Edit - Wanted to elaborate a bit on the rear brake issue. I have fairly large feet (size 12's) with boots that are still being broken in. After a couple months of wearing the boots, they'll probably loosen up enough that a more natural foot position will be easier, but it will be difficult in the meantime.

[Loonette]

You shouldn't be resting your foot on the brake (just like in a car!!). You may be causing your brake light to be on, which will confuse the heck out of the motorists behind you, possibly not alerting them as to when you really are needing to brake. Don't worry about time lapse for braking - there's time (just like in a car!!). Try to find a bike where your foot/leg feels comfortable without having to rest your foot on the brake lever. Also, you can usually adjust the brake lever down a bit so that you're not having to lift your foot so much to get on top of it.

As for the bikes... I agree with what Wrider said - I had a Rebel to start with, and I outgrew it very quickly. I know fans of the Rebel say you can use them forever, but I couldn't get that thing going very fast at all especially up hills. I certainly wouldn't want to use it for highway travel.

Try some of the 500-ish standards that were mentioned. Good body positioning with a decent amount of get-up-and-go power.

Cheers,
Loonette

[safety-boy]

Ninja 500-R.

Excellent bike. Perfectly capable of pulling your weight. Good for your height. Comfortable riding position. Plus it will keep you happier than a 250cc.

--Dave

[blitzfire]

Ok, so the synopsis is basically stick to the 500's, which in my opinion is fine, it will just be harder to find one, at least in my area.

What would be a fair market price for a 500cc Ninja/Vulcan/GS500? I obviously want to get a good deal. I've been checking out Craigslist, and they are few and far between. The only ones in Little Rock are around $3000. My budget is a pretty far cry from that. Any ideas?

Edit: Spelling.

[safety-boy]

BTW: The Vulcan 500 and the Ninja 500-R are the same engine. Equally reliable. I prefer the Ninja, as it is taller and has a more comfortable riding position. Also, it handles great. Kawa has been making both for 20+ years with minimal changes. The Vulcan has been around (in its previous 454LTD form) since 1981, then the EN-500. The Ninja was the GPX-500, I think(?, or just EX-500?).

Anyway, they must be doing something right on those bikes

--Dave