Beginner Needs Help On Picking A Bike

[StyleZ]

First: I've read over this forum in the past, and I've read over other forums over the past few weeks as well. From what I'd read most say start on a GS500F

Second: I plan on being a member of this community. Not just searching for answers and then never post again. I run a different topic forum and hate that.

Now to my question..

I'm 6'4 in the 260's and have no experience at all. My first thought was hmmm that GSX-R1000 looks good. Second thought was that Hayabusa 1300 looks even better... After reading and talking to a few people I know that ride they all said don't start that high.

One person advised on a GSX-R600.

If I was short I don't think the GS500F would be a prob, but if that's the bike I saw on the street which I'm pretty sure it is then I know it's no way I'll be comfortable on that.

I'm mainly interested in sports bikes. I do NOT want to speed, do a million tricks, etc.. Everybody has preference, I just like the style. If it wasn't for that I'd probably have a lot more options.

Just need some feedback. I got my permit for the second time yesterday. First was in NY, ended up expiring. Now I moved to FL and have it here. Have MSF scheduled for next month, those are 250cc bikes.

Input welcomed

[Sev]

sport bikes are not made for someone your height, sorry but they just aren't. If you're dead set on getting one, look at the Katana 600.

[VermilionX]

yeah, go w/ the katana 600... then later after you gain more exp, upgrade to a busa since looks are important to you and the katana doesn't look very pretty.

the busa's not very sexy looking too but it's definitely better looking than the katana.

also, they'll probably update the busa next year bec of the new ZX-14.

[fiveoboy01]

sport bikes are not made for someone your height, sorry but they just aren't. If you're dead set on getting one, look at the Katana 600.

Sev, what about something like an SV or 599 - with the "more" upright seating position, would they fit a big guy better?

[VermilionX]

Sev, what about something like an SV or 599 - with the "more" upright seating position, would they fit a big guy better?

im not sev but the guy wants the sporty look.

the SV is not fully faired, altough you can modify it. and then 599 is a naked bike.

also, the SV650S is not that much bigger than my bike so he might be cramped on it. it also has an agressive riding position.

here's a comparison of size measurements...

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/compare/4646/4625/

[Jamers!]

Sev, what about something like an SV or 599 - with the "more" upright seating position, would they fit a big guy better?

im not sev but the guy wants the sporty look.

the SV is not fully faired, altough you can modify it. and then 599 is a naked bike.

also, the SV650S is not that much bigger than my bike so he might be cramped on it. it also has an agressive riding position.

here's a comparison of size measurements...

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/compare/4646/4625/

ive ridden an SV650 and a 650s. Well, the SV650s may be a standard or what not, but it looks sporty. You can get full fairings and then its truely sporty or whatever. The guy may want sporty. But sporty like GSXR600 is not gonna fit. Were just throwning out bikes that are sportyish but may fit.


JWF

[StyleZ]

Yeah, i'm use to that. Being my height most things aren't made me for me so I kinda expected that. Same with most cars I've owned.

To VermilionX looks are important but so are the other factors like performance, skill level advised, etc.. I just don't like cruisers.

In the end I will have to just stop be a dealership and sit on a few bikes and see how they fit. Not gonna get sold though, still have to research.

thanks for the info

[Sev]

I'm 5'8" give or take, and about a buck twenty. I think the 599 fits me perfectly, well... I'd like to drop my handlebars about an inch for highway stuff, but then I'd like to keep them the same for regular riding.. nevermind.

Uhhh, I'm like 4 inches shorter then you, and I personall am more comfortable in general with a close body poistion I'm sitting at my computer with my legs tucked under me right now. Sitting on my feet. So the 599 feels really good to me, though my knees on the bike are getting close to being a little to high. You'd have to sit on one to truely find out.

[Dragonhawk]

I'm mainly interested in sports bikes. I do NOT want to speed, do a million tricks, etc.. Everybody has preference, I just like the style. If it wasn't for that I'd probably have a lot more options.

Just need some feedback. I got my permit for the second time yesterday. First was in NY, ended up expiring. Now I moved to FL and have it here. Have MSF scheduled for next month, those are 250cc bikes.

I have a page that I wrote that I always encourage beginners to take a look at:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

There are photos of lots of bikes on there that are good for beginners and you can compare the horsepower of all of them.

I would also suggest if you are so set on a sportbike that the GS500F might work fine. The thing is, just because you are tall doesn't mean you can handle more horsepower. So, a larger engine is NOT the solution. Your problem is purely ergonomics. It will be tough because you are tall to find a good sportbike. You would be great on a dual-sport or something like that. Those would fit you very well.

When I was learning to ride, I was dead-set on a cruiser. I refused to look at ANYTHING else.

Then I learned to ride and the steering characteristics of cruisers scared me. I hated the discomfort of sportbikes. So, I fell in love with standards.

Once you learn to ride, you may not like sportbikes anymore anyway. Opinions can change once you learn to do it.

[StyleZ]

You have a lot of good information on your site. Was actually looking at it earlier today. Say it in another post.