Too tall?

[cscheatum]

I was looking at the Suzuki Boulevard s40 for my first bike (Its inexpensive and nice looking). I really like the cruisers, not so much the sport bikes. But I was wondering if anyone thought that me being 6'1 would not be a good match for that bike. I've sat on a s50 and it is plenty big, but I wasn't sure how much smaller the s40 was.

Thanks.

[black27696]

Best thing to do is go sit on the bike and see what you think. You can be 6'1" in three different ways: short torso long legs, long torso shorter legs, or both.

Things to look for:
Reach - how far do you have to reach to the bars? I know it might not come to mind with a smaller bike, but in the case of my shadow my height screws me over in that department. The bars are low for me, so I have to reach DOWN to them, making the reach farther than I would like (soon to be changed)

Shifter - make sure you can comfortably get your foot (with your intended riding boot on, preferably) under the shifter and click it around a little to make sure you will be able to do it comfortably. (you might be able to adjust it a little, but ask the salesmen if you think it will be an issue)

rear brake - make sure the pedal can be adjusted to your preference. Sometimes on smaller bikes the pedal can be made for someone who is shorter, and therefore would have more of an angle to how their foot is on the peg. The pedal will be uncomfortably high for a taller individual that has their knees bent more. (hard to describe that). On my shadow I've adjusted the rear brake slightly to account for this.

[cscheatum]

I didn't know so many adjustments could be made to the bike. So that is good to know. Ya I'm going to the dealer wednesday to look at the bike. Wish they had been open today...

Thanks for the information

[SuperSherpa197]

since you're tall you could always take advantage of a 650 dual sport :thumbsup:

but definitely look into something bigger than the s40.

[raitchison]

I'd look at a used VS800 (same as S50) you will be happier with it in the long run.

I have an older VS700 (very similar to the VS800) and I'm sooo glad I didn't get anything smaller.

[deftones5792]

I do not yet ride but I was looking at the S40 for my first bike. I am 6' and neither all legs or all torso. I found that the bike was very cramped for me. It is much smaller in person than you might think by the pictures. I thought that was the bike I wanted but then sat down and it was immediately out of the question. Now I'm looking towards a Vstar classic or custom.

[black27696]

I always suggest something in the 600-800 cc range for cruisers for riders that are my size though. If you really want the s40 for some reason you can adjust it the way I laid out, but you should really think about the larger bikes. They might seem freakishly heavy at first for new riders but you adjust fairly quickly.

[cscheatum]

Went to the dealer today and sat on a lot of bikes (s40, Vstar, rebel), My vote is for the s40!!! That bike is awesome! At 6'1 175 lbs, it fits me like a glove. Now I just gotta save my pennies.

[Doghouse]

If you're sold on the s40, look used...you may find yourself quickly outgrowing the bike. I'm also a bit tall...6'2 2much. I ride a C50 and the bike fits perfect for everything except long road trips. But, I expect the addition of highway bars and pegs to cure that issue.

Bottom line, pick the bike that fits you first and arrange the budget if necessary. At 6'1" I really think the S40 may become very small very fast.

Just my 2 pennies, and probably over priced at that