Starter bikes for fat dudes

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zenman · #1 Unread post by **zenman** » Fri May 12, 2006 1:50 pm

I'm 260 lbs and 5'11" (don't know my inseam). What would be a good starter bike for me? Would it make a difference?

dieziege · #2 Unread post by **dieziege** » Fri May 12, 2006 1:52 pm

Same as anyone else.

swatter555 · Fri May 12, 2006 2:00 pm

Depends on what type of bike you want. Do you want a cruiser, standard, or a sportbike?

If your into standard or sportbikes, an SV650/s will provide plenty of pull for your weight. Any bike will take your weight, but some bikes will fit you better than others.

zenman · #4 Unread post by **zenman** » Fri May 12, 2006 2:06 pm

swatter555 wrote:Depends on what type of bike you want. Do you want a cruiser, standard, or a sportbike?

If your into standard or sportbikes, an SV650/s will provide plenty of pull for your weight. Any bike will take your weight, but some bikes will fit you better than others.

thanks guys.

zenman · #5 Unread post by **zenman** » Fri May 12, 2006 2:26 pm

I'm thinking about a Honda Rebel, by the way. They're only $3100 new, so I figure I can find one for $2000 used. I haven't even taken the MSF course yet, though. Do I need a motorcycle permit for that in Florida? I guess I could loo that up myself...

dieziege · #6 Unread post by **dieziege** » Fri May 12, 2006 2:52 pm

Just sit on it first whatever you get. The Rebel has weird proportions. My knees bump the bars but other people say they have longer legs and it fits them fine.

Ninja 250, Virago, Suzuki 40/50s, Kawa Vulcan 500, GS500... it is hard to match the Ninja 250 if $$s matter and you want new, but you can get any of them for $3100 if you buy used. Even for $2000 if you search enough but the entry-level bikes don't drop in price enough.

#7 Unread post by **Kal** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:04 pm

In the same vein as the Rebel and cheap as chips...

Suzuki LS650 Savage - which I believe was Sev's starter bike
Alphasport GZ250 - which Divide-Overflow started on

#8 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:18 pm

650 pulled me an the ex combine weight of about 240lbs (is being nice to her) at highway with no problems.

#9 Unread post by **bok** » Fri May 12, 2006 3:21 pm

6 foot and was 250ish when i started on my shadow spirit 750...looking back a smaller bike might have been a better idea.

i'm down to about 235-240ish now i think and i rode a ninja 250 the other night and it worked fine for me.

whatever you do end up getting, just make sure you follow the instructions for tire pressure and such for when the bike is under high weight (200+ lbs)

go to a bike shop and sit on a bunch of bikes and see what fits well. and when you take the MSF course try out all the bikes you can and find what you like.

the rebel and the nighthawk are decent starter bikes...brand new the nighthawk is about 400 bucks more, but it's gas tank is about twice as big, and it has a different style that might appeal to you.

Dragonhawk · Fri May 12, 2006 3:27 pm

zenman wrote:I'm thinking about a Honda Rebel, by the way. They're only $3100 new, so I figure I can find one for $2000 used. I haven't even taken the MSF course yet, though. Do I need a motorcycle permit for that in Florida? I guess I could loo that up myself...

Sounds like you are a prime candidate for my page here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

That will guide you step-by-step through the process from wanting a motorcycle to actually owning one.

The Honda Rebel is a great choice as a starter bike. Powerful enough to carry your weight with no problem. And tame enough that you are much less likely to accidentally hurt yourself on it.