Body Size compaired to Bike Size

[mistakenkindness]

I want to first say thank you for any help that is provided. I am a bigger guy (6'3" 295lbs) looking for a cruiser. I do not want to get a crotch rocket because I would look like a monkey "procreating" a coconut. Everywhere I read people say you should start out with a smaller bike ie 500 650. The question I have is will that honestly be a large enough bike for my size. This will be a daily commuter and I plan to ride alot. I have been told by others that I should get a bike in the 900 to 1600 range. I have ridden quads and dirt bikes since I was a little kid but never in traffic or on the free way. I feel very comfortable off roads. This being said what do yall think? I am open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks
Brad

[Gunslinger]

As I see it you have a couple of different options. Look at the Suzuki S40 and the S50. The S40 is about 650cc and the S50 is about 820cc. You should also take look at the Vulcan 500 and 750. Depending on your budget you could also check out the HD Sportster 883. I really like the looks of the V Star customs too. A 500cc bike will pull a 300 lb person no problem. If you are doing alot of 2 up riding I would suggest something bigger.
My opinion (since you asked) is that you should stay away from the 1,000cc and up bikes until you get more experience. Remember too that this will be your first bike and probably not your last. I think something in the 650 to 800 range would be perfect for you.

[siralienj]

A Shadow 750 could handle a guy your size. The Suzuki M & C50(800cc) could as well.

I almost bought an 883Sportster before I got a deal too good to pass up on the Shadow. I'm just a tick over 6 foot tall and fit well on the Shadow. I went to an HD dealer a couple of weeks ago when out for a ride and sat on the Sporty again. It feels much narrower than my Shadow and as many here have noted it is much more top heavy.

Depending on where you are many Honda dealers are also Suzuki and Kawasaki dealers. Even if you are buying used you can use the dealers to just go and sit on some bikes before you start showing up in people's driveways to look at their used bikes.

[CYNWAGON]

My husband is your size. 6'4" 250ish. When he started riding his first bike was a Honda Shadow 750. It was a very good bike for him to learn on and didn't take a lot of adjustment for his height. He put on highway pegs so he could stretch out on long rides.
His new bike is a Suzuki M109R, 1800cc, so definitely not a beginners, but in the future, when you're looking to trade up, this is a great bike for tall guys. Lots of room.

[Monkey]

You are open to all suggestions? My 650, though I have tried not to find out, has absolutely enough power for you. It is not a cruiser but great looking bike. Nighthawk 650SC

[dean owens]

my father-in-law has a c50 (or maybe it's an m50) and it's a pretty big bike. it's 805cc. that's a little larger than a starter bike should be but still possible. i honestly can't see why you need a bike any bigger.

the engine size isn't really going to be the problem. it's going to be how they sit. so go to a few shops and sit on every bike you can. see how they fit. that will do more for you than someone here trying to tell you what sized bike you should get.

[mazer]

My suggestion - go to the nearest motorcycle shop and go sit on em. Go test drive, go try em out, see which one feel best...good luck *PS I am insanely jealous that you are going to get a new bike...