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I wanted to start a conversation for tall riders. When shopping for my first bike I soon realized it is not easy following the "below 600cc starter bike" moniker.

I'm 6'-3, 280. And I am sure like a lot of you big and tall people out there you didn't want to be the bear riding the tricycle.

To help me decide on a bike I went to forums like these and read up on what people were thinking. The problem is it "seems" that most people who ride and most manufacturers cater to people who are 5'-7to 5'-10. Now before some of you (particularly the ones in the height group) decide to send me hate mail because of remarks I would like for everyone reading this to stay focus and give their two cents to tall noobies. Because one thing I did notice their is not that much info on the dedicated to tall riders, and believe me I spent 3 months searching.

So let me begin by offering my 2-cents:
1. The MSF course is essential. For tall riders, be prepared to learn on a bike that is so small your butt will be on the passenger seat. My bike was so small my butt was almost sitting on the tail light. The written test is a joke! My first question was what year were you born in. However, don't underestimate it because the last thing you want to do is be cocky, flunk, and then have to wait another 2 or more hours to take it again.

2. I think the first bike should be determined by horsepower (HP) not CC's. I do agree with the 60 HP or less motto. I was one of those that was about to call the Better Business Burea for all these salesmen who would tell me I needed a 1100 cc bike. It turns out that some of them may have been right because the Honda 1100 has less than 60 HP. However it made no sense to pay that much money for a bike as a starter and deal with all that weight. I would like to call out the saleman that said to me that I shouldn't get a particular bike because with my weight I could only get it up to 95 mph. Why would being able to go that fast be considered a bad thing when the speed limits around Oklahoma go no higher than 75 mph. The same guy also said that I should get the Honda 599 because even though it has 97 HP, I'm too big to use all of them.

3. People say buy used. I agree but I say buy a newer used model because they tend to be "noobie-friendly" and you have more info to read about them. Plus if you need financing, loan companies will most likely tell you what all you can afford and how old it can be. By the way State Farm gave me the best deal on a loan.

4. Don't buy your gear online. I wouldn't even get a motorcycle online. You need to try everything including the bike. If you are a straight noob then have the delaership deliver your bike. There was no way I could have rode that bike home much less then turn around and get my Jeep that was parked at the dealership. If they charge delivery pay for it! It's worth it.

5. This forum tends to recommend the Suzuki GS500F. I wasn't comfortable on that but it did make my final list of bikes. In fact I believe that Suzuki tends to make bigger bikes so I suggest trying their line of bikes first. The bikes that made my final list were the following:
Honda 599 (too much HP)
Kawasaki KLR650 (too light and way too ugly)
BMW 650 (too expensive)
Honda VLX600 (too snug of a fit)
Honda Aero 750 (not enough leg room)
Suzuki Katana 600 (good fit, good weight, too fast)
Suzuki SV650 (good fit, good weight, too fast)
Suzuki GS500F (a little uncomfortable)
Suzuki M50 (too snug)
Suzuki C50 (very heavy but had everything I need)

I went with a used C50, paid $5800, My insurance is about $25/mos. The weight may be heavy (550 lbs) but I get cheap insurance, it's not something I will out grow in months, and it is noobie-user friendly. I mentioned the KLR650 is ugly, this is my opinion. I could really care less about looking cool. I'm happily married, why would I give a rat's butt about how cool I look. It scares me to think of the number of people who buy bikes to look cool; it makes me wonder if they pay more attention to who is staring at them or the road.

Bottom line, getting a bike in my opinion is not something you do overnight while dreaming. I strongly suggest doing your research. It took me 3 months to get my bike. I did research, sat on every bike possible, and took the MSF course. Get the bike that works for you not what people think will work- I think you will regret trying to impress people with your choice. the advice that people offer is mostly opinion.

I would like to end this by saying thank you to all that have taken their time to write into forums and user reviews, epsicially the tall riders. It has definitely made me comfortable enough to believe I can join the motorcycle race. This is why I am writing this because I want to help other people fell the same.

Keep the rubber-side down,
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congrats!

happy bike day!

Nice write up and very good points. That is a pretty extensive list that you narrowed things down to for your first bike, and I'm glad to see that the KLR650 made it onto your list.

If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have suggested it, as it is an absolutely wonderful bike to ride (but then I'm biased). I agree that it is not for everyone, and if I couldn't have gotten mine with lowering links to make the seat height more manageable for me, I wouldn't have bought one. I would have gone with either the Suzuki DL-650 VStrom or the BMW F650GS.

Now, while the KLR isn't my first bike (it's my second, I started on a 1983 Suzuki GS650GL), it fit the bill for a bike that was more versatile for me. I can't see myself ever growing bored with this bike, even though it is 'only' a 650cc. It is a good all-around bike.

I've looked at the C50 (back when it was called the 'Intruder') but I didn't like the way it handled (personal opinion), so I immediately wrote it off as not worth my money. I'm glad you were able to find a bike that you are comfortable on and that will serve you well for many years to come.

Yeah... the under 600cc applies to sport bikes. You'll note that a lot of those bikes you've recomended we also recomend, because they're cruisers. Those big V-twins by nature don't pump out as much hp as an inline four.

By way of example the Honda CBR600RR can put about 100hp to the ground and weighs under 400lbs.

The Honda Shadow 1100 is more like 60hp.

For starting cruisers we usually advise something under 800-900cc. However, most of the threads that pop up ask about the super sports, so under 600 becomes the rule of thumb that is quoted most often.

Regardless of what you decide, remember that it's going to be your first bike, not your last one.

Jack Rabbi, nice writeup. I think most important was your patience and consideration for ALL factors involving your decision.

Congrats on the bike, stay safe and have fun

Great write up!

I also took forever to research the bikes, I actually decided to get a bike in october 2005, and I got it this weekend, that's a lot of time i spent researching. I took the MSF course, and I too felt that the bike i was on was way too small...i was actually ready to get off of the bike because of my sore bum.

I finally ended up getting the Suzuki SV650s which was on your list, and I bought it new. I like it, and because of the "break-in" period it definitely allows me to get to know the bike.

Grats on the new ride.

I started and still ride a katana 600. It IS a bit much noobie wise. The pucker marks in my seat attest to this.

heh and it goes to show beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my cousin just ordered a KLR 650, and is chomping at the bit because he loves how it looks.....heh.

Good post.

Great post, Jack and great points.

I'm 6'2" and about 200 pounds and I bet I sat on every cruiser bike made until I found the Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. True it does not have a lot of horsepower but I have never had a problem with speed or power. I have comfortably cruised the interstate with a passenger and loaded T-bag at 80 mph on it. Throttle response is good too in city traffic so I'm not so sure horsepower or lack thereof would be a dealbreaker for me.

Congrats on the new ride

Congrats on the bike. I bought a '79 GS550 for a first bike. Not sure of the HP but it was simple to work on and I wouldn't have been devastated if I dropped it. I paid $750. I just stepped up to an 02 Hayabusa(150 HP) and found that it requires some self discipline to stay out of trouble. At $10K I would be a little upset if I ever put it down.