New rider trying to settle on what size bike to get!

[blockmonstah]

Well ive read many forums on this topic and here is another. Im 28 years old,6'7, 260lbs and i want a sport bike. Ive taken the MSF course and had to sit on the passenger seat just to ride the bike and be able to shift. Since then Ive been riding my brothers 900cc and it feels very comfortable. I know no one here will endorse getting a liter bike to start off with, but ive riden a r6 and a ninja 600 and they are very uncomfortable. I dont want the liter bike for speed or the aesthetics, but for the size. My brother says i should get the liter bike, but what do you guys recommend?

[Ninja Geoff]

Ninja 650R, SV650/S
Cruiser?

[Nibblet99]

Neither, with the best will in the world, ignoring engine size, I don't feel that any supersport is the right thing to start on.

Yes you ca probably control a litre bike in a variety of conditions, under good circumstances.

Yes the sheer power is an awesome feeling.


BUT
for your first year or 2, you are still going to be building up experience. Its better to do that on a bike that doesn't lean you quite so far forwards, and affect your perception of whats around you.

Also after this time, you have to assess your own skills to make the decision to jump to a super sport.


Now counting engine size, braking ability, etc
They are designed to react to your every input, quickly and aggressively. You need to make sure that in an emergency situation, you will be telling it the right things to do, without thinking. Also you must be able to not over emphasise these actions.


Finally
I know people with supersports who love them, and care for them passionately. Right up until the point someone recommends a road trip.
Don't get me wrong, some people tour thousands of miles on these, but spending hours on the road in a tucked position will get you tired quickly. So you either have to stop really frequently (you're gonna do that anyway if you smoke), or soldier on, and fatigue will likely make you a danger to all road users.



I have ignored a lot of reasons for either way of making your decision, I just wanted you to think about some of the things you may not normally consider


Just make sure, that whatever you do decide, is absolutely the right decision

Congrats on the passing the MSF and happy riding
Andy

[CYLax]

Ninja 650R, SV650/S

Eh...don't know about the SV for a tall guy. I'm 6'5'' and my buddy's SV isn't comfortable for me at all.

Have you looked at the naked bikes? In general they offer a little more leg room.

[MotoF150]

I would recommend the Suzuki SV650 or SV1000, or the DL650 or DL1000 V Strom, perfect, do anything bike and will fit and be comfortable for a tall guy.

[bok]

if you find a bike that fits "pretty good" you can make adjustments to make it fit better. (seats, shocks, move pegs, etc.)

also 6'7" doesn't mean you would have the same inseam length as other 6'7" guys out there so what fits well for one, won't fit well for you necessarily.

just because you are a "big guy" doesn't mean you need a liter to push you around. we have some riders around here that are tipping the scales where you are and they ride ninja250s...infact i rode an old ninja250 in to work this morning (240lbs or so here) and it was an absolute blast!

Not suggesting the 250 is the bike you need or want (although it's about the best learner's bike), just don't listen to the "you need a big(displacement) bike, you are a big guy" argument[/i]

[earwig]

here ya go! Buell Ulysses... they are great for larger riders. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/ulysses/

[blockmonstah]

Thanks for all the input fellas! Im considering getting a 600 and i found a 2000 gsx-r600 for $3000. If i could move the pegs i think that it will be comfortable enough for me to shift and break. Can any bikes pegs be moved with spacers or some type of brackets?

[Andrew]

Think about something along the lines of a sports tourer as well. Most of them are large enough to be very comfortable, have powerful engines and are still very sporty. Can be a bit pricey though. Just an idea...

[CYLax]

Thanks for all the input fellas! Im considering getting a 600 and i found a 2000 gsx-r600 for $3000. If i could move the pegs i think that it will be comfortable enough for me to shift and break. Can any bikes pegs be moved with spacers or some type of brackets?

imho...Suzuki sport bikes are a bad fit for tall long guys with long legs. Too bad too...cause they're sweet looking bikes.

You're better off getting a bike that fits you well, especially for your first one, than trying to mod one up. Find a few bikes you're intested in and go sit on them, make sure you put your feet up on the pegs. Just for comparison...go to a dealership and sit on as many bikes as you can (don't take size into consideration). You'll start to get a feel for what's going to be comfortable and what won't.