6'6", 340 pounds...new rider with NO CLUE, but to start

Message

Deedter · #1 Unread post by **Deedter** » Tue May 13, 2008 11:06 pm

Hi all....as described above.....THAT'S ME.
I just got my permit a while ago, bout to try the motorcycle class this summer. Then I'm out searching and looking for the bike for me....a starter bike. Nothing I'm gonna be upgrading. Just something nice an comfortable. A cruiser or turing type. I'm not into the speed scene. But I want something that's fairly cheaper, comfortable and easy to maintain. (as I have no experience in that field either....

)
I'm still learning terminology, so I have A LOT of your forums to read.
But what bike should I start looking at, checking out, sitting on and finally going after on craigslist or whatever.

Thanks for any an all advice.

Pittance · #2 Unread post by **Pittance** » Wed May 14, 2008 12:38 am

Wow, for your weight and height, its a tossup. Theres a few people close to your shoe size on this forum so they can advise better. But you can go to any dealership and just start sitting on bikes that appeal to you and your budget. I would start out on the smallest engine (and weight) cruiser you can, and work up from there, finding a bike that feels comfortable. You may get up to 800cc or higher before you find one that fits you well. Make sure you balance it off the sidestand (when sitting) to see how the weight feels to you. You wouldn't want a comfy bike that was way too heavy for your skill level. Also, wait to purchase or make a decision on a bike until after you take the class. You'll be able to tell what you want on a bike after sitting on a 250 all weekend.

#3 Unread post by **Big B** » Wed May 14, 2008 6:23 am

v-star 650

i'm close to your size (6'3" and have reached the 300# mark a time or two) and was comfortable on one. add a set of highway pegs and you'll have a comfortable cruiser

buddhacide · Wed May 14, 2008 1:37 pm

V-star 650 is a great bike, but I found it wanting after a few years. I'm 6'1 and about 170. I would get something bigger if I were you. I'm loving the new 900 Vulcan, which I'm pretty sure is the best size to fun ratio for someone my build. It would probably be a good bike to start on as well, as long as you treated it with alot of respect.

The v-star is awesome, but you'll want to upgrade at some point.

Deedter · #5 Unread post by **Deedter** » Wed May 14, 2008 9:09 pm

Thanks for the fast responses.
I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THAT, but going to the class, then seeing how it might feel might be the thing for me to do right now.

Captain Pete · Thu May 15, 2008 1:24 am

Honda Shadow Aero 1100. You will positively love this bike. It's got enough power for someone your size to ride two up, and the saddle is nice and wide. It's also a sharp looking bike, and I think it comes in around ten grand.

#7 Unread post by **Big B** » Thu May 15, 2008 6:19 am

buddhacide wrote:.

The v-star is awesome, but you'll want to upgrade at some point.

he asked for a good starter bike, upgrading from that is almost inevitable

plus used v-stars are pretty common and can be had relatively cheap

TorontoBoy · Thu May 15, 2008 1:55 pm

There's no reason to not upgrade from your first bike. In fact if you buy a bike that's too large (in engine size and weight) your learning will be slow and you might give up on riding. Your first bike should ideally be easy to learn on and fun to ride. Get a smaller bike for the first year, after which you sell it for what you paid, and get the bike you think you want. Even then you'll probably not keep your second bike, but again trade it for something else.

The Kymco Venox 250 has a slightly larger frame but a beginner friendly motor. You need to sit on it to see if it fits. Another option is a Vulcan 500. A dual sport bike will also offer you lots more room, and you can put street tires on it. You'll need to look at beginner bikes outside the norm. A cruiser will allow you to add highway pegs so you can stretch out your legs, but this will also add extra pressure on your lower back.

Your weight may put you close to the maximum gross vehicle weight of the motorcycle, so you may need to upgrade shocks front and back. A larger cruiser may have amenities such as air shocks so you can easily adjust them to your liking.

buddhacide · Fri May 16, 2008 12:59 pm

Big B wrote:
buddhacide wrote:.

The v-star is awesome, but you'll want to upgrade at some point.
he asked for a good starter bike, upgrading from that is almost inevitable plus used v-stars are pretty common and can be had relatively cheap

I agree, I couldnt have asked for a better first bike. He mentioned he didnt want to upgrade though, and I do think its probably too small for him in the long run.

I came very close to buying a 250 as my first bike. In hindsight I'm very happy I didnt.

Deedter · #10 Unread post by **Deedter** » Mon May 19, 2008 2:12 am

Yeah, your right, I didn't want to upgrade. I just wanted osmething I can learn to ride on....especially defensive driving. So like someone said, something I'll buy, use and learn on, then after a year or so....resell and get what I'd think I'd really want. Then I'll customize that ........ maybe.
ON THE OTHER HANDDDDDDD, things are being put on hold. Ended up tearing some tissue in my acl (knee) and might need surgery and I don't think balancing a bike will be easy at this time.
BUT THANKS FOR THE GREAT ADVICE EVERYBODY!!!