BIG New Biker

[Big Col]

Hi, I'm just about to go through my Direct Access Course and hopefully get my bike license first time!

My problem is I'm quite tall, 6'6" and brand new to bikes. I'm already sure that sports bikes aren't my thing and would like a cruiser of some sorts. Any advice on which bike and engine size would suit me best?

[Bloke]

[doggone]

You should try before deciding either way, my neighbour is almost 7feet (he had pituitary gland problem) and was fine on a TL1000R for example.

Cruisers look 'comfortable' but you are forced to sit in one position more or less.
With more mainstream bikes you can shift your weight between seat and pegs, and from one cheek(!) to the other - this makes a lot of difference on longer journeys.

[c_dug]

Hi, (and welcome to the forum)

6'6" is my dads height and he has managed to find various bikes throughout the last 20 odd years that he fits, so I wouldn't rule out any particular style of bike based purely on your height.

What sort of budget are you looking at for a bike?

Something like this:

https://www.scenicreflections.com/ithumbs/Suzuki_Intruder_M800_2005_01_1024x768.jpg

Should be reasonably cheap to insure as a first bike I'm sure, it's a Suzuki intruder M800 (800cc)
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[pinkyfloyd]

Its been asked several times in this forum in the few months I have been here and the replies are generally the same.

While we can all give advice in what bike you could go for only you can decide what bike you eventually ride and the only way to do that is trial and error. Theres nothing wrong in going to a showroom and sitting on as many bikes as you like. You dont have to buy one but it will give you the knowledge of what suits you.

Being so tall a tall bike like the Honda Translap, Suzuki V Strom, Yamaha XT series or the KTM machines.

But on the other hand I know a guy who is 6'3 and feels happy on a sport tourer, He rides a vfr800.

Good luck with the DAS and keep us posted
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Big Col]

Thanks for the quick replies guys....I guess I'll need to get down to the local bike store and sit on a few.

[pinkyfloyd]

[Paxovasa]

As has been said try lots of different types of bikes and you will know which one is for you and welcome. I am 6' 4"
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[pinkyfloyd]

[Paxovasa]

[pinkyfloyd]

[Paxovasa]

Sorry


I watched Full Metal Jacket at the weekend and have been waiting for the opportunity to use some of the quotes, I could not resist
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[pinkyfloyd]

Its all fun. Great movie tho and know the urges it instills in people. I once used the steers n queers line on someone. Bastard was a heathen and never saw the movie..... the black eye was worth it tho
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illuminateTHEmind wrote: I am just more evolved than most of you guys... this allows me to pick of things quickly which would have normally taken the common man years to master
Hockeystorm65:.well there are childish arguments...there are very childish arguments.....there are really stupid childish arguments and now there are......Pinkfloyd arguments!
Teflon-Mike:I think I agree with just about all Pinky has said.

[Alex A]

[Mr_Cynical]

Big Col, I'm also 6'6 and you'd be surprised at how many bikes will actually be ok for you.

There's a whole load of factors that make a difference as to what bike "fits". Personally, I'm quite long in the leg and have dodgy knees, so I'm not into sports bikes as I don't like riding with my knees up to my nipples. However, after having a blast on my mate's Kwak Z750, which isn't a huge bike, I found that quite comfortable as the ride position is fairly upright.

Don't disregard anything because you think you might be too tall for it. Go to a dealers, have a sit and see what you find comfortable.
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Bikes: '05 Better BT125-20 => '79 Honda CB750KZ (Now a project bike) => '99 Suzuki Bandit 600 => '01 Triumph Tiger 955i
"What's my motto? I like ham."
"It's a good motto, sir."

[carlosthejack...]

[Big Col]

Just completed my CBT today. Out on the road for the first time this morning in the pouring rain. Most scared I've been in a loooooong time!!!! Back out in the afternoon, relaxed a bit and really enjoyed it. Came back in grinning from ear to ear.
3 days to go on Kawasaki ER-5, before mod 1&2 on Thursday 23rd....I'm bricking it now!

[Paxovasa]

Congrats on the CBT, just take it easy and listen to the instructor
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Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[pinkyfloyd]

[iooi]

[Hetzer]

I'm 6' 5", 35" inside-leg, and I've been fine on Blades from the RRW up to and including the RR7.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[chris-red]

[Big Col]

Had great day out on a Kawasaki EN-5...once I'd figured our how to keep my big right foot away from the back brake pedal, I really enjoyed it. Lots of riding around Aberdeen city centre and then out on the open road and dual carriage way. It was really great.

I have one big problem though....U turns.....any suggestions on how to complete a U turn without falling over!!!!! It's driving me nuts.

[Big Col]

Of course I meant ER-5........ ...Managed to fit on it OK though, so I was happy with that anyway.

[Clanger]

My mate Tiny is a bit taller than you...and he used to ride a Bandit 1200, he has recently gone out and bought a B-King. Says it's the bees knees.

Then again there are other bikes out there...like the TDM, African Twin, Triumph Tiger, KTM Superduke...all which are quite tall.

But as I say time and time again (actually thinking I should get an automatic stamp done, so I don't have to actually keep typing it out...) but it's actually all about inside leg measurement...that's the comfort zone. The amount you have to scrunch you leg up between seat and pegs; that is THE thing to consider.