Total Motorcycle Community Forums

For those of you who read/replied to my post on what my first bike should be I appreciate all the help that you have given and I know it's probably a burden answering questions that so many people ask each day, but like I said I really do appreciate it. I definently want a sports bike and I would like to get no less than a 600cc. A lot of you are telling me to make sure the bike is a parrallel twin due to the power of the engine and the way it runs. To my knowledge there are other engine types besides parallel twins but I apparently should try to get that type. If someone could elaborate that would be great. The other question is my height. Im 5'7 on a good day weighing about 125lbs. Any ideas how to tell whether I'll be able to ride comfortably on a bike? Which seat heights should I avoid? Thanks all!

Find a dealer and go sit on them. Each bike has it's own unique feel that's hard to put out there. Some short guys love the feel of taller bikes, some tall guys like the room of shorter bikes. The amount of room is about the same on all the 600's but the configuration is different. I'd avoid the race replicas since you mentioned commuting in your other post. That posture isn't very conductive to any kind of wait in traffic. That said, I think you're an idiot for starting on a 600cc sportbike regardless of the motor type or power output.

Can't give you a definative answer as to which bike would suit you cos apart from height it will depend on other factors.

Eg.......leg length / arm reach / back length + your general fitness level.

Riding a bike is a physical activity (think of horse riding) & to get the most out of it + stay safe you need to be as physically comfortable & in control of weight as possible.

I thought I wanted a Triumph Daytona but when I tried it I realised that my neck wouldn't cope with a sports position. So after trying a few designs & styles I decided the more upright naked bike suited me.

Best advice is try as many as you can! Its like a good pair of shoes. ..... You will know when it fits!

Good hunting!

Please go and read my post in your other thread.
At your height any bike will work. I get cramped on bikes because I'm 6'2" and over twice your weight... haha.
As far as if you're going for a sporty bike over 600ccs, If you must do that, go for a Ninja 650, SV650, or Suzuki Gladius. Those are your best options for quicker bikes that are still beginner friendly.