New rider, looking for some bike advice

[itp]

Howdy folks! I've been lurking here for a bit, soaking up information, but I figured it's time for me to finally post.

I've been riding my father's BMW R65 (and occasionally his R80) for the last few weekends in a parking lot, and I'm set up for my MSF class this weekend, finally. I'm looking for a good, used bike to set myself up with for some pleasure riding, mixed highway/non-highway commuting, and maybe later some longer rides with my Dad.

A mildly complicating factor is my size. I'm around 6'5", 200 pounds. I looked at a GS500E, and found the bike a bit cramped -- knees/legs didn't fit well at all around the tank, etc. I felt similarly uncomfortable on the smaller ninjas I tried.

I felt very comfortable on the SV650 (and SV650S) I sat on, but those were newer models. I'm hoping to take a look at a 2001 SV650S to see if I fit as well on the older frame.

The question is, is the SV going to be too much bike for me? I'm 26, a good driver, if I'm any fair judge. My only experience on two wheels, aside from the practice with my father, is on a bicycle, where I've done both road racing and mountain biking.

Any thoughts, opinions or recommendations are more than welcome. Thanks for your help!

[VermilionX]

SV650 is in the gray area of starter bikes.

i say go for it.

[bok]

the 650 is at the upper end of good "beginner bikes" since it's pretty powerful, but you will find a few folks here that love em so they can't be bad

that being said, if you can't find another bike that fits you well it's not a bad choice.

check out the "Learn to ride" link in my sig, it links of to 'Hawks site where he gives a good bit of info on learning to ride and bike choices.

[BigChickenStrips]

i know what u mean about the tank ridges on the 500. the 250 is shaped completely different though and fits me much better.
(6'2" 240lbs)

if you like the SV, go with it, just be careful.

[Dragonhawk]

Two things.

1. Go here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

I made that page for beginners and it will hlp teach you a lot about good bikes and so forth.

2. DO NOT assume that your bicycle-experience will help you.

I made that mistake myself. The ONLY time that a motorcycle behaves like a bicycle is in a straight line. Otherwise, when turning and leaning, the physics are very different. I've ridden BMX freestyle and mountain bikes all my life. I approached motorycling thinking they'd be similar and I got myself into a lot of trouble on a motorcycle because of it. It's not a bicyle with an engine. It's 300lbs. vs. 30lbs. and doesn't move the same at all. Remember that.