First bike for indecisive tall rider

gav141 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Karma :

Hi all,

New to the forum (think this is the first one i've ever signed up too?). I passed my bike test two weeks ago, after doing a 5 day das course and i'm looking for my first bike.
I know the question of "what first bike" has been asked numerous times but after looking at loads of bikes i need help to make a decision!
I'm 6'3 and want a sporty looking bike (the whole reason i did my test is cos i wanted a fireblade but they are proper tiny!). something for the weekend for fun but also that i can travel more than 100 miles in one go on without severe pain and maybe do some track days. I have been looking at honda cbr600f, kawasaki zx6r suzuki gsxr600, honda firestorm, triumph sprint st and rs, triumph daytona 600

Would appreciate any advice or any recommended sports bikes for the taller rider or any other suggestions. Sorry if i'm covering old ground but i'm desperate to get a bike now!!!

Thanks people!

NinjaLee · Scooby Slapper Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Karma :

Hey, I'm 6'3 and I have a zx6r J1. It's a really comfortable bike and feels wide compared to previous bikes I've had. I don't look or feel small on it either. Thumbs Up

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Current bike: 2006 zx636 C6F Smile

Previous bike: 2000 zx6r J1, 1990 cbr400rr nc29
Restriction ended: 17th november 2010

imanupstart · Traffic Copper Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Karma :

I'm also 6'3 and ride a cbr600f, fits me just fine with no aches or pains. I'm sure you'll be fine on all but the most focused sports 600's.

waffles · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Oct 2009 Karma :

gav141 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Karma :

Thanks folks!
I was close to buying a cbr600f at the weekend but it felt just a touch small. It's probably me not being used to the riding position tbh.
Think i just need to man up and choose one - i can always sell it if i don't get on with it right?!
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THEORY: 24/04/10, CBT: 29/05/10, MOD 1: 22/06/10, MOD 2: 03/07/10
Bikes: Triumph Daytona 600 UJ nose
"Go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company" - Mark Twain

stuartadair · Crazy Courier Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Karma :

6ft 4 and I've got a ZZR400 - And love it Very Happy

Teflon-Mike · tl;dr Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

Sports-Bikes are small and cramped, it is the way they make them.
f nothing 'less' well do, then get used to it, they are ALL small.
BUT, just after your test, a pure-sports bike is not the most 'forgiving' machine to get to grips with the power and handling of a big-bike. something a little softer, rounded and less focused will be easier to handle and give you more feed-back of what you are about.
Fazer, Bandit, Hornet, that kind of thing.
Less cramped, more forgiving to ride, and still far more performance than you, as a n imediete post-test newbie can probably exploit. and they dont look THAT un-cool, or 'un-sporty'.
Worth a look in my book. But your call.
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Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

MonkeyKnuckle · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Karma :

I'm 6'2" and ride a CBR600RR at the moment with no problems. (Maybe a little wrist ache after long rides.)

https://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs243.snc1/9028_146002578388_514398388_2486811_1631756_n.jpg

Before that I had a CBR600F which was fantastic, I could literally ride for hours on end and get off without a single ache. I'd highly recommend one for a first bike. (It was my first bike)

https://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/4319_85586623388_514398388_1740881_5524447_n.jpg

Yes, I like yellow......
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MKGaming.com
2000 Honda CBR600F - Sold! 2003 Honda CBR600RR - Current!

ginllfixit · Nova Slayer Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Karma :

Hi, I'm 6'4" and currently ride a Hornet-S. I find the slightly more 'upright' riding position much more forgiving than a more dedicated sports bike. I had a blast on my mate's CBR600RR and it was very strange getting used to it at first, my feet were much higher and the pressure down my wrists was more intense, after a while it became easier but I wouldn't like to regularly do a substantial commute on it.

el_oso · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

vfr800's are quite tall if i remember correctly. another option to look into
pop down to a showroom and have a look around is probably your best bet
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Duke 390
Previous: '05 XR125L | '96 XJ600S Diversion |'05 Suzuki GSXR1000 | '05 Honda CBR125-R | '97 YZF 600R Thundercat | '11 Honda CBR250
Car: Jeep Wrangler 4.0L

gav141 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Karma :

H everyone, just thought I'd let you all know that I went for a Triumph Daytona 600, yellow with union jack cockpit and carbon race end can. I'm in love! Anyone else got one and what do you think?

Thanks for all the advice.

Gav
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THEORY: 24/04/10, CBT: 29/05/10, MOD 1: 22/06/10, MOD 2: 03/07/10
Bikes: Triumph Daytona 600 UJ nose
"Go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company" - Mark Twain

EUMP · Spanner Monkey Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Karma :

EDIT: Daytonaa buyer!! Laughing

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C.B.T - Expired
MOD1 04/08/10
MOD2 10/08/10

MonkeyKnuckle · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Karma :

gav141 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Karma :

Haha, thought you'd approve MonkeyKnuckle! I've been told it's the fastest colour!
I see you're in Pompey too. I'll be sure to look out for ya mate, I'm in Southsea, give us a wave!
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THEORY: 24/04/10, CBT: 29/05/10, MOD 1: 22/06/10, MOD 2: 03/07/10
Bikes: Triumph Daytona 600 UJ nose
"Go to heaven for the climate and hell for the company" - Mark Twain