Big college student searching for perfect bike

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DivideOverflow · Thu Mar 30, 2006 12:13 pm

Yeah, I would really suggest picking up a used KLR or V-Strom, or something of the like.

It will be your first bike, not your last, and those should accommodate your size well, and still be nice enough to learn on.

I probably wouldn't recommend the Buell, they seem to run a little smaller.

The beemer wouldnt be a bad choice, but they are a bit on the pricey side, compared to something like the KLR, which is $5k new. That would leave you $1000 for gear and extras.

You might also think about an 80's UJM (Universal Japanese Machine... basically an 80's "Standard") if you can find one. My KZ650 would fit just about anybody on it! You can grab a good one for pretty cheap too.

trailworthyxj · Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:16 pm

Awesome thanks for the advice. Yeah i guess i should look at it from a learning stand point first and then progress into something im not planning on laying over. I will look into all these bikes and probably sit/ test drive a few early this summer so keep some ideas coming. Im not even in this yet so i value everyones opinion. Thanks guys and gals.

#13 Unread post by **Kal** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 3:36 pm

If you only trust me on one thing

once you are riding you really, really won't care what the bike looks like, or what you look like on it.

You can take that to the bank.

Besides, anyone takes the Micheal ask them what they are riding.

jmillheiser · Thu Mar 30, 2006 6:48 pm

I definately recommend the KLR650 or the V-Strom 650. both are tall bikes and will have decent power. The KLR also has some respectable trail capability and could probably be taken pretty much anywhere you could get your jeep into (unless you have a seriously hard core trail rig)

trailworthyxj · Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:08 am

Yeah that is a definite advantage to the KLR. I guess you picked up on the name, but the jeep isnt too serious. I am just wondering how a dual sport would ride on a commute to work (about 20 minutes) on that skinny, uncomfortable looking seat. Correct me if im wrong but it doesnt look like much of a bike a for a decent commute down a four lane highway for a few miles. I do think this is probably the bike for me and i will start looking at some as soon as school gets over with. Thanks for the help and if anyone else has any ideas of a good big starter bike, feel free to chip in.

#16 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:42 am

One of our members Gadjet turned his KLR into a touring machine. He isn't a huge guy, but he isn't my size either.

If memory serves we did a 500km round trip tour together one day with only a quick sop for coffee (and gas) and he didn't complain about it once.

jmillheiser · Fri Mar 31, 2006 4:21 pm

The seat is more comfortable than it looks, and even better aftermarket seats are available. People have done the Iron Butt Association rides on KLRs with no trouble.

dual sports are great bikes for just about anything. A KLR would be just fine for running down the street or running across the country. they are great in urban traffic since the high seating position affords a great view in traffic (like the high seating position in a jeep or other 4x4).

#18 Unread post by **Skier** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 8:37 pm

jmillheiser wrote: dual sports are great bikes for just about anything. A KLR would be just fine for running down the street or running across the country. they are great in urban traffic since the high seating position affords a great view in traffic (like the high seating position in a jeep or other 4x4).

A buddy of mine was a good 6" shorter than I am, standing up, but when he hopped on his KLR he towered over me on the Radian. The KLR, from what I hear, is an excellent bike for doing... well, anything! In one short trip alone he dropped my jaw with his zipping through the twisties, then after we had a lunch break he hit up a gravel/dirt/mud road just to see where it went. As a plus those bikes also have a large capacity gas tank.

trailworthyxj · Mon Apr 03, 2006 11:08 am

Would a Marauder 800 cc cruiser be a decent starter bike? I figured for the size, price, and what i wanna do with it, it would be perfect. I was also told by more than one person that this is a decent starter bike, not the best, but not the worst either. Any input would be appreciated because i am pretty close to inquiring about one in my area. Thanks!

flynrider · Mon Apr 03, 2006 3:13 pm

I don't think it would be a bad choice for a starter bike. The Intruder/Marauder engine has smooth predictable throttle response and lots of low end torque. I'm a firm believer that a bike with good low-end power delivery makes learning a lot easier. A lot less shifting is required.

It'll easily handle anything you'll need to do in town or on the freeway. I'd say, if you really like it and it fits you well, go for it.