Bike for a Tall Rider?

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Tubby · #1 Unread post by **Tubby** » Sun May 29, 2005 8:12 pm

Hello all. I'm 6'4" with long legs, 40yrs old, and getting back into riding after not being on since my 20's. I'm currently looking for a used bike to keep costs down and get back up to speed. Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for a bike that suits tall riders comfortably. A friend has a Suzuki Intruder 800 that I'm considering and I'm obviously looking for forward controls.

Thanks in advance and I've enjoyed reading the forum so far.

Todd

Toyuzu · #2 Unread post by **Toyuzu** » Mon May 30, 2005 7:04 pm

Welcome Todd!

Most cruisers these days can be equiped with forward controls with little fuss. If its a cruiser you're after, buy what you like, then set it up for you.

If, however, you want a learner bike to build your rusty skills back up - you might consider a dual-sport, like a Kawasaki KLR 650, or the like. They are typically tall-rider friendly.

Tubby · #3 Unread post by **Tubby** » Tue May 31, 2005 3:19 am

Thanks for welcome. Yes I'm leaning toward the cruiser but will check out the Kawasaki.

I'm just yearning to ride!

Randy · #4 Unread post by **Randy** » Tue May 31, 2005 4:01 am

I have a 30" inseam, I don't think there is dual sport made that I can touch with both feet. I feel like a little kid trying to drive a car when my feet don't even touch the pedals.

Lion_Lady · #5 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Tue May 31, 2005 8:10 am

Why forward controls? Just curious.

If you're so tall, you may want to have a look/sit on some of the dual sports...

Sitting more upright, leaned a LITTLE BIT forward, is easier on the spine than the straight up position of the cruisers.

P

Tubby · #6 Unread post by **Tubby** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 2:02 am

I'll have to try the Dual Sport bikes. Never really considered them.

I have a 35" inseam. Forward controls keeps the legs more straight and therefore more comfortable for me.

T

Lion_Lady · #7 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 4:07 pm

Ah.

Well, I've got a 34" inseam (and 40something). You will likely find that the standards or dual sports are actually more comfortable to ride and easier on the back.

My current ride is this beauty:

A BMW Rockster (R1150R). Not QUITE a standard, not really a sportbike. I've got side cases and a luggage rack. I've put in SEVERAL all day rides on this bike with no trouble.

Have a look at the Triump Tiger. It is a bit taller.

P

Tubby · #8 Unread post by **Tubby** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 3:30 am

Reistertown eh? I just moved last month from living a long time in Severa Park. Now in the Cincinnati area.

Nice bike you have there. A buddy in Severna Park is willing to sell me his 2001 BMW R1100 for about 6K. Great looking ride and I should take him up on it. I have yet to ride it however.

I appreciate the input. It's always much more of a consideration when you are tall and those that aren't don't think much about it.

T

Telesque · #9 Unread post by **Telesque** » Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:30 am

Tubby wrote:Reistertown eh? I just moved last month from living a long time in Severa Park. Now in the Cincinnati area.

Nice bike you have there. A buddy in Severna Park is willing to sell me his 2001 BMW R1100 for about 6K. Great looking ride and I should take him up on it. I have yet to ride it however.

I appreciate the input. It's always much more of a consideration when you are tall and those that aren't don't think much about it.

T

You're gonna buy a 1100 after not being on a bike for 20 years?

Better park that one in the garage and buy a second, junker bike to get your chops back with.

PackRider · Thu Jun 02, 2005 7:23 am

I'm 6-foot-5, about 220, 36-inch inseam and just bought a 2004 Suzuki GS500. New rider. It's a great motorcycle and comfortable. The controls are a little more upright than other sport bikes.