[JMcGreg17]

Looking for cheap first bike suggestions for a tall rider (under $3k, preferably $2k). I'm 6'7, 225 (slender) with orangutan length arms. Nothing fancy, under 600cc as I'll probably upgrade once I develop my skills safely on a smaller engine. Top priority is comfort/value. Am I best off with a dual sport with a higher seat position? I personally really like the styling on cruisers and I don't plan on taking it off road much/at all (maybe camping a little bit). I just need something that is big enough, comfortable, inexpensive and not too powerful for a first bike. So far I'm looking at Yamaha V Star 250, Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki V-Strom. I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks

 

[snoopdog6502]

I was shopping a while back and looked long and hard at a 2001 virago with only 246 miles on it.. It seems in that class of bike there are many good deals to be had. I went with a 1449cc HD softail, a cruiser.

2-3 K should get you a darn nice bike.

 

[FlipFlop]

I would look at the dual sport models I would think. Can find a lot of various models cheap, usually in the 3-5 k range.

 

[itsAdam]

I'm 6'3, currently riding on a F650GS, really comfortable ride, good seating position, legs are more than comfortable, etc. However This "dual sport" isn't really great on or off-road, it's almost more of a touring bike styled like a dual sport with the capability and adjustable suspension so you can go play in the dirt... A LITTLE. IMO

That said, for a 650, it's tall enough but not all that powerful. You've got to push her a bit to get her up to highway speeds, but she'll do a comfortable 70mph (pushing at 85).

If you're looking for a dual sport, I do really recommend the bike... Especially since it's my first bike (not only bike ridden) I love being up higher with the ability to see through traffic and over the roof of smaller cars (civics, corollas, etc.) I find that it's really beneficial with forming good habits about looking around with traffic, and having the ability to throw the bike around if needed.

Also you can find one for 2-3k.

Hope this helps.

 

[hogcowboy]

I agree with the suggestions. Remember, just about any bike will be a compromise in fit. I'm somewhat partial to BMW so would suggest a F310GS being lower horsepower for entry-level taller folks. Although it won't make your $3k limit but you might pick up a used model even though they just came out with it. Some find they want something else soon. Might look at Royal Enfield too if you can wrench yourself being that dealers/support is slim.

 

[oldenslow]

My choice was a 2008 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800 cc). No complaints here. Easy to handle around town, fully capable and comfortable on the highway. Mine had 13k miles on it, was in excellent condition with brand-new Michelin Commander II tires, and cost $2,750 -- a bargain, I don't care what anybody says!

 

[Unkle Krusty]

650 cc dual purpose Suzuki single.

UK

 

[WingMan71]

Wow, 6' 7" tall with orangutan arms! :surprise:

You need a tall adventure bike for lots of leg and arm room.

Perfect bike for you would be a Suzuki V-Strom 650 or a Kawasaki Versys 650. Both tall adventure bikes that meet your specs.

Just start shopping for a nice well kept, one-owner, used one and you're good to go.

***

 

[MatthewS]

An older V Strom 650 should fit the bill. Most have lots of extras already like upgraded seats, crash bars, etc. You could also lower the pegs a bit for added comfort if needed.
I'm biased though, as it is my current/first bike.

 

[JMcGreg17]

I ended up buying a 99 Yamaha Virago 535(pic below). Bought it for $1600 and it only has 3200 miles on it, paint and chrome in like new condition. Was sitting in a garage for the better part of 15 years. Prior owner paid for carb clean, new battery, mirrors, levers and a bunch of other things also, so it's running very nicely. Took quite a bit of work to clean it and get rid of some of the rust. The windshield had extremely rusty components, but I took it apart and soaked them in apple cider vinegar over night and it came out looking really nice! I ride it every day. Great first bike. Love it! ?

(eventually I could see myself going another size up or moving the pegs further forward as I'm a larger rider. But I can get by on this just fine! I think I'd always have a narrow bike as any bigger than this and it would be difficult to lane split).

 

[MikeMiloserdoff]

Just a thought, it would be nice if you could do a query on cycletrader.com for seat heights, which is what you are really after, and have only seat heights of, say, 32 inches or higher come up. It is technically doable, seat height is a common manufacturer spec, but feasible, probably not, probably wouldn't pay for itself for cycletraders $$ outlay to implement.

 

[JAM1968]

I ended up buying a 99 Yamaha Virago 535(pic below). Bought it for $1600 and it only has 3200 miles on it, paint and chrome in like new condition. Was sitting in a garage for the better part of 15 years. Prior owner paid for carb clean, new battery, mirrors, levers and a bunch of other things also, so it's running very nicely. Took quite a bit of work to clean it and get rid of some of the rust. The windshield had extremely rusty components, but I took it apart and soaked them in apple cider vinegar over night and it came out looking really nice! I ride it every day. Great first bike. Love it! ?

(eventually I could see myself going another size up or moving the pegs further forward as I'm a larger rider. But I can get by on this just fine! I think I'd always have a narrow bike as any bigger than this and it would be difficult to lane split).

Good looking bike congrats that will make you a nice first bike

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[oldenslow]

This site is very helpful in determining what bike will fit who:

Motorcycle Ergonomics

 

[Porky]

Stay away from mini-bikes like the little 250's you mentioned as you'd look like a monkey humping a football when you rode it:grin:

I'm 6ft-5in of solid, corn fed, biscuit and gravy eating, table muscle and my number one criteria now, is comfort:smile_big:

I second the motion and call for the vote on a nice dualsport/ adventure bike, like the Suzuki DL650 V-strom, which is known everywhere for it reliability, capability, following and fun factor:smile:

One of my current bikes is a 2016 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom ABS and of all the Adventure/ dualsport and enduro type bikes I've owned, it is absolutely the best!:wink2:

PM me if you want more info--mine is for sale:surprise:

Sam:nerd:

 

[JMcGreg17]

Stay away from mini-bikes like the little 250's you mentioned as you'd look like a monkey humping a football when you rode it

I'm 6ft-5in of solid, corn fed, biscuit and gravy eating, table muscle and my number one criteria now, is comfort

I second the motion and call for the vote on a nice dualsport/ adventure bike, like the Suzuki DL650 V-strom, which is known everywhere for it reliability, capability, following and fun factor

One of my current bikes is a 2016 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom ABS and of all the Adventure/ dualsport and enduro type bikes I've owned, it is absolutely the best!

PM me if you want more info--mine is for sale

Sam

"6ft-5in of solid, corn fed, biscuit and gravy eating, table muscle", I laughed pretty hard at that, haha. Yeah I never really contemplated a sports bike for that reason.

 

[Offcenter]

I have an original '77 Honda Trail 90.
At 5' 8", I just about fit that bike.
My buddy who is 6 feet tall can't ride it. His knees are in the way.
I'm sitting here trying to picture our 6' 7" original poster on the bike. LOL!!
His knees would be up around his neck!