New Bike for Novice Tall Guy

[rpodwojski]

I just took an MSF class. I'm looking for my first bike. I'm looking used. I've read quite a bit about people's suggestions for first bikes. The twist is that I'm 6'4, 205.

I'm looking for a standard or cruiser type bike. (I'm too old to be on a sport bike with any sense of dignity)

I realize this likely won't be my last bike. I'd like to find something that lasts a year or two. I'm mostly looking to ride locally... This means city, country roads, and some mountain roads. Not in a great hurry to get anywhere. Looking more for a good comfortable bike that won't leave me cramped, but can be controlled and will be good to learn on.

[Wrider]

Well, if you're looking for a cruiser, and at your height and weight, you might want to look at a Suzuki Boulevard C or M50. You would also be looking at their older brothers, the Intruder, Marauder, and Volusia. They're 805cc V-Twin, liquid cooled cruisers with LONG relative wheelbases (longest in the class). I owned the Volusia as my first bike and loved it. Granted I was about 95 lbs more than you at the time. Plenty of oomph and yet plenty of forgiveness.
Basically anything (even in the higher up ccs) you're going to be looking at forward controls on. I have a friend who's 6'5" or 6'6" and rides a Dyna Wide Glide with forward controls so long the wheel almost hits them at lock.
Anyway, good luck!
Wrider

[storysunfolding]

Just go sit on things at the dealer. I'm always surprised by what people feel comfy riding. Some tall guys love the ninja 250 and vulcan 500. Some short people find them too small? Go figure. All bikes have different ergonomics. You just need to find one that works for you.

[jstark47]

Just go sit on things at the dealer. I'm always surprised by what people feel comfy riding.

Excellent advice. I'm often surprised by the difference between what I think a bike will feel like from looking at it, and how it actually turns out to feel.

[Gentle Giant]

Hi, I'm 6'6" and 280lbs. I have a Honda Shadow Ace 750 and fit very nicely on it. I haven't even put the forward controls on yet:)

[flw]

Use your inseem length and match it against the seat height chart. Its the height of the seat not the engine size that will fit you well.

The C50 mentioned above is one of the lowest seats for that size engine.

Seat height and your height
The following chart post will guide you in the right direction. viewtopic.php?t=7851

Your inseam should be longer or at least equal to the seat height or you'll be tip toe'ing at stop lights.

Just keep in mind that you are still not ready for the weight since your new. Most people start with a used and cheap bike to start with. The intention is to sell the bike in a year or so and then moving up in engine/weight size.

[RTR]

Hi, I'm 6'6" and 280lbs. I have a Honda Shadow Ace 750 and fit very nicely on it. I haven't even put the forward controls on yet:)

Quoting this for comaprison for the OP.

To the OP - I am 6'4" and 275. When I returned to riding after a 13 year hiatus. I choose the V-Star 1100 Classic. Felt very comfortable on it. When my wife choose her first bike. She choose the Sahdow Aero 750. I never could get comfortable on it. Like it has been said, best thing to do it get out to the dealers and start sitting in some saddles.

Good luck with your search.

Safe riding!

[roncg41677]

If you haven't sat on one yet, dual sports are generally pretty tall. I'm 6'0, and I can't flatfoot a Suzuki DR400 (to the best of my recollection). Plus they're great on gas, and allegedly a lot of fun to ride.

Also, the Hyosung GT250 or 650 are naked bikes, and they have a pretty tall seat height as well.