Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Okay, I ahve read through alot of the articles on here, but I wanted a more specific answer I guess...
I'm 6'6 and weigh about 300 pounds.
I'm 29 with a wife and kid. Ive never ridden before, I'm not out for speed, I love the look of bikes such as the Kawasaki Ninja 900s and I want to buy a decent used bike (would 3000 buy me one?)
So i guess what I'm asking is what should i start looking for. I'm also overseas right now so test driving isnt really a possibility. I have plenty of friends here that can teach me how to ride, and I learn pretty much anything I try pretty fast.

any help is appreciated

Hiya and welcome to the forums ...

I don't want to get preachy, so I'll keep it simple.

You have a family, so you have an obligation to do this the right way. Learn the basics of riding before you worry about what the bike you are riding looks like. You may not like the looks of Dual-sport bikes, but something like the KLR650 is a reasonable bike to start on for a guy of your size. It will allow you to comfortably ride and learn the basics before hopping on a rocket.

If you can't bear the thought of riding something other than a fully faired sport bike, you actually have a narrow field of bikes that will feel good to you. Sportbikes are small cramped machines. You basically ride in the fetal position. Starter bikes like the GS500F are more forgiving and have the looks of a sportbike, and would probably fit you better.

out of curiousity, (which killed the cat, i know) what would be a good seat height for me...so i know as i look through models if its even worth considering?

Go out and sit on as many bikes as you can. How one looks and is written up in a magazine is not always a good indication. You may see something you love but hate it the moment you sit on it.

Mint is right - the Seat height isn't the end-all be-all indicator if a bikes suitability. If a bike has a tall seat height, but a narrow seat, a short person may still be able to get their toes down. Conversely, something with a wide seat may be better for a taller person. Best to head to a dealership and try some on for size.

Ergonomics is very important. I'm 6'4 and 230. I too like the look of sport bikes and before sitting on bikes that is what I decided to focus on. Then I got to the dealer. My long frame was so folded up on these bikes that I could not comfortably sit on them for any longer than a minute or so.

Best advice is to go sit on some bikes and find the style(s) that feel comfortable to you.

OKay...i have been looking around ALOT...lol decided not to confine my search to only sport bikes...can I get a few options in the cruiser area for large bikes that i might be comfortable on...remember im only looking to spend 2000-3000 dollars as this is a learner bike. Thanks for all the inputs...its helped alot

With only 2-3k you are going to have to look used. Probably the easiest might be the dealerships as they have a few selections of used bikes to sit on. Then once you find something that you like, look to individual sellers with the same bike as they might be cheaper. Again, its going to fall into what you feel comfortable on.

With the cruisers, you'll want to stick with the 800cc's. Anything less and you won't be happy. 800's are a good compromise between cost and horsepower.