Bike for a big guy

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Marshall · #1 Unread post by **Marshall** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 4:48 am

I'm in the market for a used bike. I'm looking to spend around $6000 (maybe more if I find something I really fall in love with). My problem is finding something I'm comfortable riding. I'm 6'7" (38" inseam) and weigh about 280 lbs. I had a '81 Suzuki GS750 that I rode for 2 years, the thing was tiny for me. Can anyone offer me any suggestions on something I may fit on?

Lion_Lady · #2 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 8:29 am

Dual sport. Taller, heftier suspension. Worth a look.

P

#3 Unread post by **cb360** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 9:16 am

6'7" - wow - finally a 'big' guy who might actually have a point by looking for a bike to fit him.

Not giving you a hard time Marshall. I just think it's funny when the 6'0" guys come around thinking they need some kind of specially engineered bike because they're 3" or 4" taller than the average bloke while still being well within the standards for 'normal'. Now, at 6'7", that's a completely different story. I have a buddy who's the same height and not fat, but pretty muscular. A lot of times he can't fit in the back seat, needs lengthened golf clubs and if he can't get the exit row he won't fly because he just don't fit. He sat on my wife's rebel recently and he can damn near flatfoot it... with his knees! Wish I knew the preferred tall guy bikes. I'm sure some of the bigger folks will weigh in. Good luck.

ronboskz650sr · Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:29 am

Welcome Marshall! You'll need to visit some dealerships and try some on. I'm sure they won't intimidate you into buying one you don't want

. I have a friend who's 6'6", and he wants a chopper, but they sit too low. He ends up with his knees in his chest. The dual sport suggestion is a really good one. I'm sure the handlebar reach on many bikes will be a problem, too. Best bet..try'em on.

#5 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 10:40 am

Go have a sit on a Triumph Tiger. That has to be one of the tallest bikes I've ever seen. I've never even bothered to try one on because it looks like I'd have to climb on it like a horse!

Also, I sat on a V-Strom 1000 last weekend and found it to be way too tall for me to flat-foot, so it might be right up your alley (plus it's a kick-arse bike anyhow):

From a cruiser standpoint, you may find a used Intruder 1500 for around that price range which could be fitted with highway bars and/or forward controls to suit your build.

Good luck!

Marshall · #6 Unread post by **Marshall** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:03 am

I was hoping to find a cruiser, I'm not really in to sport bikes. I have found 2 that I fit on comfortably, Suzuki Marauder 1600 (according to the salesman, it's the same thing as Kawasaki's Mean Streak,) or a Harley Wide Glide. I didn't like the drag bars on the Marauder ( I could have standard bars put on it, but the bike is already 3 grand more than I want to spend). I loved the Harley, until the salesman told me the price. Other bikes I looked at but didn't fit on were Kawasaki Vulcan Classic (even the 2000cc was a little cramped), Honda VTX, Yamaha Road Star, and Suzuki Boulevard. The Honda rep told me that I could order a VTX with extended controls, but again the bike is already beyond my price range. A buddy told me that I could probably find an older Harley for the money, I told him I'd rather spend my free time riding rather than wrenching (I love Harleys, but a 20+ year old bike is going to have some issues.) I guess I'll keep looking. Thanks for the help guys!

DivideOverflow · Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:12 am

You couldnt find a used Marauder in your range? I have a bike from 1979, and I have only had to do regular maintenance on it...

#8 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 2:57 am

Marshall wrote:I was hoping to find a cruiser, I'm not really in to sport bikes. I have found 2 that I fit on comfortably, Suzuki Marauder 1600 (according to the salesman, it's the same thing as Kawasaki's Mean Streak,) or a Harley Wide Glide. I didn't like the drag bars on the Marauder ( I could have standard bars put on it, but the bike is already 3 grand more than I want to spend).

There's an '02 Mean Streak with only 1,790 miles on it going for $6,500.00 Buy-It-Now on eBay as I am writing this. It's a bit far away (New Jersey) but I see them in similar condition for similar prices all the time, so wait until one is within a couple hundred miles of you (or offers free or cheap shipping) and have a look at it. The bars are easily changed and there are forward controls available as well.

sapaul · #9 Unread post by **sapaul** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 3:13 am

If you can not find a cruiser, consider these.

I also think the Tiger wold be a very good option. I know a couple of guys in the 6'3" range and they struggled on standard bikes. Anyway any of these bikes gives you options of on and off road and all are big enough for you and a pillion.

Marshall · #10 Unread post by **Marshall** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 5:33 am

DivideOverflow wrote:You couldnt find a used Marauder in your range? I have a bike from 1979, and I have only had to do regular maintenance on it...

Most of the older Marauders I've seen are the 800cc. I barely fit on the 1600.