Looking for some advice.

[MasterPeril]

I am new to this whole scene, hence the New Bikers Forum Anyways, I have taken a large interest in bikes recently after speaking with a friend who I found out was avid rider about what would actually work for me.

You see I am 6'3" and 320 lbs. I have been scouring the web looking for information on beginner bikes for "larger riders" but have come up short handed. Now there is plenty of excellent information on this site for beginners and mention of some larger rider advice but I would just like to get more specific advice if possible.

I have always had an interest in riding but because of my size I feel that I would look foolish on a Ninja 250(Although I do like how they look) and more importantly, not fit very well. Seeing that there are larger bikes out there, like the Hayabusa(Don't roll your eyes at me!) gave me hope. Now I have read plenty about the dangers of getting a 600cc bike, let alone a monster like the Hayabusa so don't peg me as foolish enough to go buy one, but ultimately, a larger bike like that is the goal in a few years.

I spoke with my friend, rider since he was 8, about how some day I, like a lot of people it seems, would love a huge Sport bike like the Hayabusa and if he had any advice on what bike I should start on to get me there. He suggested a FJ1200 and said because of my size I could handle that bike and be on a large Sport-Touring bike in a year and a half. I did a bit of research and decided I wasn't ready to die just yet.

So I come to you all for advice. I really would like to start on a sport bike, or perhaps since I am a newbie I am using the wrong term and shouldn't say "sport" bike, but that type of bike. Not a Dual-Sport or Cruiser. A cruiser would of course be a better fit but I tend to pick things up extremely fast and just figured I would rather start at the upper scale of a beginner bike, if there is one, while being safe as the number one priority. Speed and power is not the issue, just the physical size of the bike.

Naturally a bigger bike is going to be more dangerous to start on, so I am just wondering if there is something out there, a sporty bike that could possibly suit me well and get me on the track to the beast that is the Busa.

I would appreciate any input

[Koss]

Edit: I forgot to mention the most important thing. You really do need to take a motorcycle training class first and foremost. It will help you in numerous ways, and make you a better rider right from the get go, and help you understand what might be going on with the bike before it becomes a problem on the road. So I wouldn't even be considering buying a bike first before you get that out of the way.


I still consider the Ex500, aka Ninja 500r made by Kawasaki is the best mdidleweight motorcycle that is extremely newbie friendly. I rode dirt bikes most of my life, and I still went with a easy handling and modest motorcycle.

If that dosn't float your boat, then maybe some of the "grey" area bikes might. Kawasaki Ninja 650r, Suzuki Sv650, Hyosung GT650R Comet and the like are nice. I wouldn't consider Honda's 599 hornet, Yamaha's FZ6, or Kawasaki's ZZR600 (old gen, and new gen) at all. Much less their true Super Sport bike brothers.

Out of the three I named from the Grey area bikes, the SV650 is best performing on the track. Followed closely by the Ninja 650r. But I still feel that the Ninja 650r is the best suited for the street. The SV650 and SV650S arn't that far behind though. Just take your time to consider all options and don't rush into things.

As a beginner, Weight is a good factor to consider in the bike. How the bike carries its weight, the lower the better. And also if it is lightweight. Sport bikes are truely light weight, but they tend to carry them high.

[MasterPeril]

I was definitely going to take all the proper steps prior to purchasing a bike. I just wanted to see if there were options out there. Those bikes are all really nice, but even though I can see the specs on the ride height, weight, length and such, comparing them I notice there isn't much of a difference to the Ninja 250. While the weight definitely goes up, are there any factors that I could look at to see if a bike is friendly to a taller bigger person such as myself or is it simply going to be what I get from people who have them? I imagine the seat position relative to the handle bars and pegs would be helpful if available.

[Wrider]

Hey man! I'm about an inch shorter and about 40 lbs less than you... So yeah, I know the feeling! I also have a buddy that's bigger than you who rides. He has years of experience, but rides a DR650 (also has a busa... lol).
Personally last night I took out a friend's Suzuki GS500 and honestly I may have looked big on it, but it could handle me no problem. I was very impressed by it's pep and it's cornering capability. (It'll outcorner a busa given equal riders.)
Other than that, for your size, a possibility is the Ninja 650 or possibly a V-Strom 650. Both are a little powerful for beginner bikes IMO, but with the weight it does tone it down quite a bit...
But after all is said and done, I'll still recommend a GS500 or Ninja 500 with upgraded suspension (not required, but will help).
Wrider

[Koss]

I am 6' 2", and ride a ninja 500. I actually bought it because out of all the newbie friendly bikes, it was the most comfortable to me. All the bikes I named previously use a standard riding position. Parked up right next to a Suzuki GSXR 750 it looks like the same size, so it dosn't look like a tiny little bike. You are more upright, with your feet nearly directly below you. Almost like when you sit in a chair. Its inbetween the cruiser position, with your legs kicked out infront of you, with your hands up high. And yet not like a sport position, where you have your feet behind you and high up close to your body, with your hands rather low and far flug forward, almost with a straight arm.

I say just go puruse whats out there in your local dealerships. Sit on bikes, and when you find a short list of what you might like, sit on your favorites for about an half hour to make sure you really do enjoy its seating position. Also, your body will adjust to whatever position you find yourself after a few weeks.

[mgdavis]

Kawasaki Versys
Suzuki V-Strom 650

I realize that you're not looking for a Dual Sport, but they'd fit you well, and they're not overpowered for a beginner. Looked at the DR-Z400SM?

[MasterPeril]

While I do like that 500r, it just looks a little too skinny. Would the 650r share the same comfort that you got out of your 500?

The Versys seemed like a nice fit too because of the handle bar position, but also seems a tad too small.

And if you were too small on a GS500, then I will look worse!

While me looking to big on the bike is kind of vane, I am simply using that as a counter now because I REALLY like that Ninja 650r the more I look at it Now, thoughts on that bike for me being a beginner?

[jstark47]

The Versys seemed like a nice fit too because of the handle bar position, but also seems a tad too small.

While me looking to big on the bike is kind of vane, I am simply using that as a counter now because I REALLY like that Ninja 650r the more I look at it Now, thoughts on that bike for me being a beginner?

Versys uses a slightly detuned version of the same engine as the 650r. The bikes have the same wheelbase and weigh about the same - the Versys is taller, it's going to let you sit more "unfolded".

[Nick Pimpin]

I'm 6' 3'' and 180lbs, so atleast we have the height in common. I commute on a Kawasaki Ninja 650R. I have ridden with a 125lb passenger (wow.. still less total weight than you) and although the weight dispersement wasn't the same, the 650R still have more than adequate acceleration and stopping power.

My 650R has excellent road manners and loads of low end grunt. My 650R is a 2007, and I bought it new for $6000 out the door (taxes, tags, freight all included). If you get a used one, you might be able to luck out with a private party and get one for around $4500.

[MasterPeril]

So talking with my rider for life friend and recommended a FJ1200 again for me because it is a big bike. He also says that the size of the engine of that bike shouldn't really be looked at too severely and it is no stronger than a Ninja 650r due to it's age. Anyone ride one?

I told him I was thinking about a 650r and he said that even that bike is too small and not made for someone my size. I would prefer a bike that WILL take me, than CAN take me.