Tall rider, bike reccomendations?

[maluckey]

A little history, I'm 6'3"", looking for an all-around decent motorcycle for fun and sometimes used for running errands. Been out of the bike scene for 30 years, so don't even know where to begin.

Background: I'm a gearhead and ws even an auto mechanic for a while. I had a few cool bikes over the years (back in the day) and rode the crap out of them: Yamaha RD-350, Yamaha RD-400, Suziki T-500. Those bikes I had to modify a bit for fit, but not too big of a deal. I'd like to avoid having to do that if possible this time.

my price range is low (under 6000), but I'm not afraid to have to work on it. Let me know if anything comes to mind!

Mark

 

[DigDog]

hyabusa, second hand, with that budget

 

[maluckey]

I found plenty of them. Any reasons why there are so many on the used market, or were they just a popular bike?

M

 

[Fenixgoon]

hyabusa, second hand, with that budget

Can't tell if you're joking.

Anyway, my recommendation is just an SV650. Runners up are the Ninja 650/500, CBR500, and Yamaha fz6 and fz6r

Yeah you might look a little big, but SVS are cheap, easy to work on, easy to resell, and someone will always want one, if only for the track.

 

[Greenman]

I found plenty of them. Any reasons why there are so many on the used market, or were they just a popular bike?

M

They were the fastest production bike made for a while. Some folks bought them because they thought they needed the fastest production bike made, but quickly discovered they had absolutely no affect on penis size, so they sold them.

I would look at it a little more pragmatically. If you're going to race, get a sport bike, if touring is your thing, get a touring bike.
You mentioned fun and errands. All bikes are fun, most are worthless for errands as there is no place to carry anything. That's leaves you wearing a backpack all the time, at which point you're better off driving your car. So you may want to look for something you can put hard bags on.

 

[pauldun170]

A little history, I'm 6'3"", looking for an all-around decent motorcycle for fun and sometimes used for running errands. Been out of the bike scene for 30 years, so don't even know where to begin.

Background: I'm a gearhead and ws even an auto mechanic for a while. I had a few cool bikes over the years (back in the day) and rode the crap out of them: Yamaha RD-350, Yamaha RD-400, Suziki T-500. Those bikes I had to modify a bit for fit, but not too big of a deal. I'd like to avoid having to do that if possible this time.

my price range is low (under 6000), but I'm not afraid to have to work on it. Let me know if anything comes to mind!

Mark

check this site out - http://cycle-ergo.com/

I'd say grab one of these used.
https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/2015-KLR650

 

[tortoise]

All bikes are fun, most are worthless for errands as there is no place to carry anything.

Consider a scooter with a flat-floorboard for transporting gallon jugs, 12-packs, bags of pet food, and water softener salt . . canned goods under the seat . . lightest items in a rear basket or box.

Znen 150cc with outboard foot positions for tall riders
Lance PCH 150cc
Sym 200's
Yamaha Smax

 

[Greenman]

Consider a scooter with a flat-floorboard for transporting gallon jugs, 12-packs, bags of pet food, and water softener salt . . canned goods under the seat . . lightest items in a rear basket or box.

Znen 150cc with outboard foot positions for tall riders . . Lance PCH 150cc . . Sym 200's.

Scooters are a lot of fun. If I ever decide to sell my V-Rod that's what I'll get.

 

[olds]

Some people make peg lowering brackets. I bought them for my Kawasaki C10.
I can also haul 3, 12 packs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Suzuki V-Strom would be my recommendation. You could pick up a used 1000 for $6k or go with the smaller 650 (which are also more plentiful). It is a tallish bike with more legroom than a lot of other bikes.

 

[DigDog]

i'm 6'3" and the only bikes i have been comfortable on were the 'busa, the blackbird, and older 1980s models, like the GPZ 900.
the sv650 is a decent recommendation for a city bike, but nothing else. and before you think of taking it to the track, you need at least new shocks and a second disk brake. and it would still suck.

 

[T2urtle]

I'm 6foot on a sv650n. No issues here. I can't see how 3 inches can make a difference (thats what she said)

The sv650 is a great street/city bike. It can do other things but that is exactly where it should be. I'm looking to transition into a super sport or something in that ballpark. Like a fz1, z1000.

 

[DigDog]

i have just recently seen a used R1 for less than five thousand pounds. lots of work done to it, probably worth at least 3k. 1 year old.

mind you, that kind of bike starts to fall into the "actually TOO powerful" category; the 'busa is not less powerful, but it does have longer gears, and you will generally never use first gear anyway. easy to drive around the city in 2nd or even 3rd, to make it more civilized during traffic or on the wet. it also has a long base, making it quite stable and comfy. long fork too, less likely to fall at slow speeds and in general to act "nervous".

i tried the first series SV, and i thought it was a great city bike. cheap, soft, easy to drive. also, lack of quality on just about everything. weird engine, uneven braking, super-squishy shocks, i didn't feel in control. actually, i would like to add, horribly flaccid brake handle, zero-feeling and extremely long-travel shift pedal, and zero-feeling clutch handle. never managed to actually feel the clutch disk with it. comparing it to my 748R that could actually change gears WITHOUT using the clutch, doesn't come out well.

super sports bikes are quite extreme. they handle poorly in the city - and in my opinion, are dangerous. they need to go fast to find an optimal stability. AND, they are made for small people.. generally speaking. 6'2" valentino rossi has no problem because they custom build his, but you will have to deal with a non-existent fairing.

sports tourers are heavy, but more comfy for a larger person. they also tend to have larger fairings which helps immensly during highway travel; driving my blackbird while easily crouched on the tank (not crimped or anything) felt like driving a car.
saudly, they don't make it anymore. the only similar offering you can get is a busa or a VFR (i think? do they make it anymore? i think they had a second run a while ago.)

depends on what you want. the cbr600 is a fine fit for a tall person (my uncle has one from 2004~ish), because the bike is so well balanced that it does not require you to grip it super-tight in order to drive it. i assume the kawa is the same, and the suzuki 600 is probably sportier.

moto guzzi lario 650, gpz 900r, superblackbird, RGV gamma 250 w/ racing kit, ducati 900 SS, ducati 748R, MV agusta serie oro, broke several bones in a collision, stopped riding.

 

[maluckey]

Thanks for all the feedback! Quite a lot of research for me!

I looked at an SV650 in person, and the CBR600. The Hayabusa seemed like it was trying too hard, but also not hard enough to be a good all-around bike. If I was a drag racer.......I'd have been hooked.

I'm too old to race, though enjoying the super-twisty mountain roads near the house is not out of the question. I will ride it in traffic from time to time, so comfort in the city has to be reasonable. So, the CBR600 seemed a little more focused on sport riding than I liked, and the Hayabusa was a little immature fro what I'm planning to use it for.

The Suzuki's (V-strom and SV650), and the Kawasaki KLR650 are still on the list. Though I'm leaning towards one of the Suzuki's, I left the Kawasaki on the list because it struck a chord. I'm an avid mountain bike rider (Mostly AM single track). Yes, I get that the Kawasaki isn't truly a dirt bike, but I can ignore most road construction irregularities, minor potholes and small curbs if need be,

I'm not likely to do any track days for more than just a little fun. I've never considered myself a racer, and really focus my death defying fun to my mountain bike and the trails, so the CBR just didn't fit the plan. The scooters seemed great for commuting, but I tried a Vespa locally and thought that there just wasn't enough oomph for local back road passing (if needed).

Still looking through local lots, sales pages and the like for interesting choices

M

 

[JulesMaximus]

i'm 6'3" and the only bikes i have been comfortable on were the 'busa, the blackbird, and older 1980s models, like the GPZ 900.
the sv650 is a decent recommendation for a city bike, but nothing else. and before you think of taking it to the track, you need at least new shocks and a second disk brake. and it would still suck.

The SV650 has dual discs on the front wheel.

Honestly, brakes were never an issue for me. They were plenty strong enough, maybe lacking a little feel but they were not lacking in stopping power IMO and I never had any issues with fade. I put almost 17,000 miles on an SV650. Great bike, lots of fun for even an experienced rider.

Suspension is budget for sure but many people just buy a complete GSXR front end off ebay or craigslist and bolt it right on. Certain years are a direct bolt on with no other modifications required (obviously, you would want a complete front end including wheel, brakes, controls etc.). The GSXR runs a slightly wider front tire so steering will feel a little slower.

There are a few rear shocks that will bolt right on. I had a Kawasaki ZX10R shock on mine and went with Racetech springs and gold valve emulators in the front.

 

[DigDog]

so it has duals. my bad.

anyway, looks like the OP might actually want a supermotard*, not a street bike.



*a cross between a motocross bike and street bike; as standard comes with smooth road tires, although you can get semi-spiked and it's good for both city and dirt.
my buddy has the souped up version of this

i drove in in rome, the grip is ok even with semi tires. he drives it on the wet (and slimy, and oily) and doesn't care.

 

[maluckey]

so it has duals. my bad.

anyway, looks like the OP might actually want a supermotard*, not a street bike.



*a cross between a motocross bike and street bike; as standard comes with smooth road tires, although you can get semi-spiked and it's good for both city and dirt.
my buddy has the souped up version of this

i drove in in rome, the grip is ok even with semi tires. he drives it on the wet (and slimy, and oily) and doesn't care.

Interesting....I'll have to check this out. As ling as they handle better than a dirtbike on the street, it might be an option. I rode a KDX175 on the street before, and it was...unpleasant...for the most part

M

 

[maluckey]

Anyone know anything about the Suzuki drz400sm? I found one not too far away, and the price is nice. New tires, good maintenance, and adult ridden. Could be the ticket?

M

 

[Fenixgoon]

i'm 6'3" and the only bikes i have been comfortable on were the 'busa, the blackbird, and older 1980s models, like the GPZ 900.
the sv650 is a decent recommendation for a city bike, but nothing else. and before you think of taking it to the track, you need at least new shocks and a second disk brake. and it would still suck.

all that can be had for little money. SV650s are one of *the* bikes to get for introductory track riding/racing.

 

[maluckey]

all that can be had for little money. SV650s are one of *the* bikes to get for introductory track riding/racing.

Agreed, I saw a few forums with oodles of parts for those bikes. My mountain bike is my primary toy (and more expensive than most of the used motorcycles that I'm looking at) , but some of these smaller "general purpose" motorcycles have just as much support and tweakability. Might be fun to explore modifying and riding some track days to get back into it. Still searching for one that speaks to me.

M

 

[CombatChuk]

Since you're tall, I like the V-Strom 650 from Suzuki or the BMW GS650 are pretty good bikes

 

[T2urtle]

Agreed, I saw a few forums with oodles of parts for those bikes. My mountain bike is my primary toy (and more expensive than most of the used motorcycles that I'm looking at) , but some of these smaller "general purpose" motorcycles have just as much support and tweakability. Might be fun to explore modifying and riding some track days to get back into it. Still searching for one that speaks to me.

M

Where u at around? Can't see locations on mobile

 

[DigDog]

all that can be had for little money. SV650s are one of *the* bikes to get for introductory track riding/racing.

that's got to be a US thing because in EU the go to bike is the GSX600R. that's the one you will find the most parts for, the one most kit&fit shops will work on. tons of aftermarket products too.
(or the R1)

 

[pauldun170]

A used KLR650 is the Toyota Helix of motorcycles.
It will survive pothole ridden streets
It will survive civil wars
It will handle touring.
It could probably handle blizzards if you can find away to attach a plow to it.

The SV-650 is the Miata of motorcycles.
You can track day it. You commute with it. You probably stick an LS1 in it if you tried hard enough. You can tell everyone that the answer is always SV-650.

The Kawie is for when the roads are imperfect.
The SV-650 is for when the roads are perfect.

You can find examples in great shape for under 3 grand.

My vote is that you buy both. It covers all bases and fits you stated budget

 

[JulesMaximus]

that's got to be a US thing because in EU the go to bike is the GSX600R. that's the one you will find the most parts for, the one most kit&fit shops will work on. tons of aftermarket products too.
(or the R1)

For a beginner starting out in racing or trackdays an R1 would be a horrible choice.