Frame sizes - what will feel right?
I have a 2002 Vulcan 800 Classic. I looked at mid range cruisers for months, and this is the bike that fit me best. I'm 6'2", 190 lbs. It's a great all purpose bike, low center of gravity, easy to handle, and will get with it on the hiway. I don't have alot of riding experience, but I took a test drive on a 1996 Royal Star, a bike that weighs about 725lbs. I was worried about the extra weight, but it rode great, and was much easier to handle than I thought. Take your time, look at lots of bikes, find a good deal, and good luck.
I think you guys blow up I need a big bike because I'm a big guy. I'm taller than all of you and weigh nearly the same. My favorite bikes are the smallest ones out there. There are times when a bike feels a little cramped in a certain area, but it's usually barely noticeable.
So far I've ridden nearly every style of bike, and can't say that one of them is bad to ride being a large guy. The heavier ones have worse handling, not bad, just worse than lighter bikes (a couple horrible light ones out there though). There is really no arguement to that point. Not saying it can't be done or anything, just saying it is harder.
Don't go out there and buy a bike just becasue you think it needs to be big since you are too. This is one of the dumbest ways I could see approaching a purchase of one. Another thing too, almost anything you buy can be customized to you rather easily these days.
So far I've ridden nearly every style of bike, and can't say that one of them is bad to ride being a large guy. The heavier ones have worse handling, not bad, just worse than lighter bikes (a couple horrible light ones out there though). There is really no arguement to that point. Not saying it can't be done or anything, just saying it is harder.
Don't go out there and buy a bike just becasue you think it needs to be big since you are too. This is one of the dumbest ways I could see approaching a purchase of one. Another thing too, almost anything you buy can be customized to you rather easily these days.
Brian
'03 Suzuki SV1000
'03 Suzuki SV1000
just looking through old posts and thought I should point out that even the smallest(650cc) Vstar has a bigger frame than the vulcan800. the vstar's wheelbase is about 2 inches more, and the total length is over 3 inches longer. and the seat is an inch higher too.For a the exact same price as the Silverado 1100, I think Kawasaki is a better buy. You get a bigger engine, a longer wheelbase[than the vstar] (bigger frame), hydraulic valves, and fuel injection.
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Some smaller bikes can feel bigger than they look. I was interested in an S50, but I had the vaugue feeling that the bike was small for me. The M50 was a little bigger, even though the seat height was no greater. Another bike that seemed to fit me better was the Kawasaki Vulcan 750 with its higher seat height. I don't think of the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 as very big with its low seat height. I', 6' 2" and weigh about 195.
Have you thouht about a Standard Bike instead of a cruiser? They. typically have higher seat heights and more leg room.
Have you thouht about a Standard Bike instead of a cruiser? They. typically have higher seat heights and more leg room.
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YESSevulturus wrote:Asking what bike will fit the best is like asking what shoes will fit the best.
You have to try them on. Go to a dealership and try them on.
In addition, you can modify (ESPECIALLY) cruisers. For example, if you find a cruiser that you like, but it's a little bit cramped for when you want to ride long distances, you can install highway pegs or forward controls.
Depending on the cruiser, your feet will be forward and so will your arms ... this puts alot of pressure on your tailbone and lower back, and many people buy aftermarket seats because of this. You might buy a bike and decide you need one too.
Engine and frame size are only half the story. Positioning of the handlebars, seat and footpegs make a much more important contribution to comfort in the long run - and YOUR PARTICULAR BODY is another HUGE factor. Until you can put the two together, (like going out and sitting on as many bikes as possible) you're just pissing in the wind.

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