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Another Tall Guy Looking For First Bike.

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3.5K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  TCO  
#1 ยท (Edited)
I'm 6'3" 180, 34" inseem. Well I went out to my first shop the other day just to see what was available and now I'm kinda discouraged. I went to a susuki dealer and the guy immediately put me on a bunch of 900 cruisers. They are nice bikes but seem kinda big and heavy for a beginner. They are also a lot more expensive, even used. The guy at the dealer kept saying that anything under a 900 is just gonna be too small. I'm really only looking to spend 3k at the most and he knew that so we were just trying some on.

Do I really have to stick to the really big bikes since I'm tall? I mainly want a bike that gets good mpg for commuting to work everyday, which is about a 30 min drive away. I found a 99 honda shadow 600 vlx for under 3k with 11000 miles and looks great from the pics. I'm gonna go check it out soon.

Thanks for any advice,
Nick
 
#2 ยท
Weight? I'm 6-1 280 and have a 34 inseam. My big ass rides a SV650. Granted, I've done my share of suspension work, but after a year and a half and 16k, I still feel like this is enough bike for me. Are you settled on cruisers, or what? I wanted a nekkid, so that's why I went that way. I have noe regrets, but it may not suit your riding either.
 
#4 ยท
Ya might want to consider the Honda Shadow. The 750 is reasonable in price and yet has plenty of power and the bike is large enough for your size and will give you a comfortable ride.

I'm 6'1" and 260 and ride a Honda Nighthawk but feel a step up to the Shadow or a HD Sportster would be a good idea. My brother-in-law rides a '01 Sportster 1200 and he's 6'4" and 280.

For a beginner, I personally think the 1200 is probably too much power, but, so many newbies have regretted that they started with a 500 or so and invariably want to trade up rather quickly.

Another 2 cents worth! TAKE A MSF COURSE!! It's help to teach you a lot of finesse moves and get you a discount on your insurance!!

Good Luck,
CD
 
#6 ยท
For a new rider, a well maintained used bike is a great way to go. Your bound to drop it once or twice and you'll feel better and pay less to fix up an older bike. I also recommend considering a dual purpose machine. It won't hande as well on the road, but then you won't be pushing any limits as a beginning rider. The added benefit is the abilty to take it on some back roads, even off road a little. You'll acquire skills much faster in a non-paved environment, skills that will transfer to the street. Also, dual purpose machines are much more robust. Pick 'em up, dust 'em off (or not), and you're back on your way. Once you get a few miles under your belt, then start looking for the ride that suits you best.
 
G
#7 ยท
I have the same inseam and can tell you from experience that a 500 Shadow will be uncomfortable. Any of the standards should be fine, I had a Seca II that was a great fit. I now have a HD FXRS, and it's fine also but probably a bit big for what you're seeking.
 
#12 ยท
As a 6'8" 320lb-er, I've stuck with standards and the Gold Wings. Since the GL series is a liter and up, not an issue. (The fact they are designed around riding all the time throughout the year, and are set up to hold up under some weight, helps some...)

If you could find an 84 V65 Sabre, I think you'd fall in love. Good height for the more leggy amongst us, EXCELLENT power, very roadworthy for longer hauls, and some aftermarket stuff available as far as fairing and hard bags. Also, the parts bin (believe it or not) is pretty full as far as replacement parts and repairs.

Prices nowadays should be well within your budget.
 
#14 ยท
I'm 6 '2" 240 I ride a 2002 suzuki marauder VZ800 it is a perfect size bike it only weighs about 450 lbs, you can get a used one for around 2000-2500 dollars. The dealer wants you to spend money look on craigslist for some. (my girlfriend wants me to tell everyone I am going balds.)