Bike size

Message

freeskier · #1 Unread post by **freeskier** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:20 am

I'm just starting into biking. I learned the basics o f riding (shifting, braking etc) on an old yamaha 50cc bike on a farm, and now that I'm 18 i can get my license. I'm 6'4" and was wondering wats a decent starter bike for someone my height. I like the styling of sport bikes alot more than cruisers and bikes like that.
Any suggestions?

#2 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:25 am

Sport bikes and standards seem to accomodate taller riders pretty well thanks to the tall seat height which demands a decent inseam in order to flat-foot the bike. Check out the Suzuki V-Strom 650. It's a sporty standard with a beginner-friendly powerband and taller ergos.

kabob983 · #3 Unread post by **kabob983** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:27 am

Welcome to the forum. Read some of the stickies at the top of this forum to get some advice/ideas.

As for the bike two of the most popular "sporty" bikes for new riders are the Kawasaki EX500 (Ninja 500) and the Suzuki GS500F. The Ninja 250 is also popular but for someone your size the 500 might be better.

freeskier · #4 Unread post by **freeskier** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:32 am

Thanks or the advice. I was also just wondering if it is difficult to find bike big enough for tall tiders? or are there lots?
And the stickys helped

#5 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:40 am

I'm a little over 5'10" tall and have found several models that even I couldn't flat-foot. One that I was particularly interested in was the V-Strom 1000, which I could barely tip-toe. If you find yourself too cramped on a crotch rocket you may want to look there or check out a power cruiser. Cruisers allow you to add forward controls which would be more comfortable for the vertically blessed.

Mon Nov 07, 2005 6:48 am

ZooTech wrote:Sport bikes and standards seem to accomodate taller riders pretty well thanks to the tall seat height which demands a decent inseam in order to flat-foot the bike. Check out the Suzuki V-Strom 650. It's a sporty standard with a beginner-friendly powerband and taller ergos.

You probably also won't get bored with the V-Strom anytime soon either.
Also, a Dual-Sport might suit your needs. KLR650/XR650L/BMW's 650 dual sport.

#7 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 10:17 am

freeskier wrote:Thanks or the advice. I was also just wondering if it is difficult to find bike big enough for tall tiders? or are there lots?
And the stickys helped

Most standards and indeed dual sports and a lot of tourers have a bench type seat with no step in it so you can in effect choose your own seating position. So there are lots to choose from.

I am your height and ride a 'small but perfectly formed' bike I could stand and have her travel out from between my legs without lifting my feet off of the ground. Because she has the bench type seat I can pick my own seating position on her and on longer trips I shift my seating position to avoid the discomfort I get if in one position for too long.

jmillheiser · Mon Nov 07, 2005 2:57 pm

The V-Strom is also a dual sport just a sporty one. Geared for mostly street riding with a little off highway travel. You wont likely get bored on the V-Strom for awhile.

There is also the SV650 and SV650S which use the same engine as the v-strom but are 100% street bikes and a bit sportier than the v-strom.

Shiv · #9 Unread post by **Shiv** » Mon Nov 07, 2005 3:44 pm

I think the V-Strom is sportier looking than the SV650 myself.

By the way I believe the SV650s has more of a lean forward than the SV650.

That could mean hunching your back (and possibly back pain, I haven't sat on an SV650s so I don't know just how far of a lean it has) and a smaller field of vision since you're leaned forward.

But I can't verify those myself, just stuff I've been told by those more knowledgable than myself.