TechBMW wrote:I think it might be a moot point anyway ... 6'5" 300lbs is most likely a mite big for that bike. Believe it or not, the more standard seating position of the Gs500 might be better off for you.
Really? Well, thats unfortunate, as I really liked the way that bike looked.
Why not take a look at some of the dual sport offerings out there? Kawasaki KLR 650 comes to mind...
Hmm. I was looking for a sports bike, but I have to admit, after looking up the KLR 650 on Kawasaki's site, it's interesting. I will definitely have to check one out in person.
Look for an 80's Kawasaki KZ or similar yamaha or honda. You can get them under $1k, and usually you can find them in great condition. I just picked up a KZ650 to play with, and I really like it. It is pretty high, and has plenty of room to the pegs. The SV650 is a bit cramped on the vertical distance btwn the seat and the pegs in my opinion.
The KZ650 is a 4 cylinder, but isnt so powerful that you will throw yourself from the bike. It has about 48hp to the rear wheel, and is very very fun to drive. Granted, this is a second bike in addition to my 250cc Alphasport cruiser (which I love and still ride), so I did have experience before picking it up. I do think it would be managable for a beginner, as long as it is in good shape, and you take it slow to start.
Honestly though, tall guy like you, look for an older standard bike, they are pretty tall, and have very good legroom and armlength from the bars.
If you must have a SV650, look for one that is not the "S" model. It is the same bike with a little more open riding position. Slightly higher bars, pegs not as rear set or quite as high. Also, no fairing to get busted when you drop it.
The dual sport idea would also be great for you to look into. Also tons of fun.
The standards would also give you a little more room.
I would be the old, slow guy. Just let me know where you are going and I'll try to get there before you leave.
Personally, I bought this bike as my first bike. Never had any problems with it. However every person is different and this bike might be too much for you or not enough even. I get a lot of people saying "it is too slow", I just laugh because how fast do you really need to go.
I never noticed the throttle being too touchy as well as the brakes. I have owned a 1st and second gen. SV650S and they are both great. With your size I would say it might work out fine for you, but the best way to know is to drive one before you buy it.
Also +1 on the guy who said to buy the naked SV. If & when you drop the bike, it will save you big $$ on replacing parts.
Find an early to mid-80's Suzuki GS bike. I started out on a GS450. It was a great first bike and had plenty of power to pull you around. I'm 6' 240 lbs. and it was fine. I did plenty of highway riding and longer rides on it too. My brother also rode it occassionally and never compained about it being uncomfortable and he is 6'4". You can find those bikes in great shape for a low price. They are plentiful, easy to work on, and parts are relatively easy to find. I paid $600 for mine, put about $150 in it myself and rode it for about 3000 miles before selling it and buying the Vulcan 800 I have now. My Vulcan is great, but I'm glad I learned on the GS first. There are times when I would love to still have that old GS. I had $750 in the GS450 and sold it for $700. It was a great bike. Good luck in your search.
I started out on a 04 SV650S last year and have not had a single problem and never dropped it. You will be fine on a SV650S. For you size it would be stupid to start on a 500 or 250. I don't know why the riders on this forum think it is so hard to ride a bike. It does not take alot of skill to ride right and know what you are doing... Come over to http://www.cycleforums.com.
Um, just went to the site to nose around. First page of the new rider forum has three posts in reference to which new bike. Guess what, same responses you would get here. have a good day now .
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