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Will the MSF class have a bike big enough for me?
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 4:33 am
by DiabloGrande
Hi,
I'm a 21-year-old guy, brand new to both motorcycles and this forum. This is my first post.
I've signed up to take the MSF Basic Rider Course in a couple of weeks. It just occurred to me there could be a problem--I'm 6'5" and 250 pounds, and I don't know if they'll have a bike big enough to fit me. I'd hate to try to learn on a bike that was too small.
Can anyone verify that they'll definitely have a motorcycle for someone my size? Thanks!
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 5:16 am
by WicAndThing
Hello! I'm new to the forum as well.
Based on what I've read and what I have been told at the local HD shop where I am taking my course, they typically use either a 250 Rebel/Virago or something similar or the 500 Buell Blast.
Of course this will probably vary according to where you take the course.
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 5:28 am
by mjmackenn
I am of similar size, about 6'5 300lbs and I took the test on a virago 250. It wasn't the most comfortable but I don't think it got in the way either....although it was impossible to keep my knees in on the tank and turn the handlebars fully when performing the figure eight.
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 5:41 am
by cb360
They'll definitely have a bike to fit you. You'll fit on more bikes that you think you will. It might not be the bike you'd choose for yourself but for two half days in a parking lot at 20mph it'll be just fine. It ain't like buying a suit coat - they don't have bikes in a 'tall'. If you were in my class they'd have put you on a 250 dual sport as they have a bit higher seat. Not sure what bikes your class will have but they'll have something that'll work or they wouldn't be able to have classes open to the public. Now if you were 7', 400 .lbs you might have a problem. The 6'5" is a little tall but not that far away from 6' and the 250 is easy for any bike they might have - not even close to approaching the max weight.
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:04 am
by Craig7220
They should have one that you can learn on. I've seen some pretty big guys on some small bikes and they handle them just fine. (MSF that is)
It won't be comfortable, but it'll do
Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 11:07 am
by josowsky
Hey, I took the MSF course about 2 months ago (in NY) and the bikes were all about the same size (which is to say they're nothing like a bike you would buy. I'm 6' 1" 200lbs and there was one guy who looked about 6'3-4" 300+lbs. We both did alright. Your legs will get very uncomfortable by the end of the day, but you 'll learn what you need to learn.
Cheers,
jon
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2005 10:52 am
by c-los
there was a guy who was like 6' 3'' 250+ in my MSF course, he was on the smallest 125cc honda they had and he did fine.
Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 12:31 pm
by funinaz
I just took the MSF on a Rebel 250. Its not the weight and height, its the inseam. With a 36'' inseam, my legs were uncomfortable by the end of the day. And as someone else noted, I too was unable to keep my knees against the tank in tight radius turns.
But for the weekend you'll be okay.