My First Motorcycle?

 

I was wondering if anyone can give any opinions on what type of bike I
should be buying.  I just got my licence and have no experience other
than the course I took.  

The course advised I get a 500cc or smaller standard bike to start
with.  I went to the dealership to look at a couple and the salesman
said that they wouldn’t work.  Problem is I’m 6’4 and 290lbs.  The
salesman told me I needed to buy at least 1000cc or I wouldn’t even be
able to move.  Of course all the places around me wouldn’t let me test
drive.  I have no way of knowing if I would be ok on something that
powerful.

If anyone has any idea’s or suggestions it would be appreciated.  I
don’t need a speed demon just something to put around my country roads
and have a little fun.

Thanks

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Well your dealer has a point, but in your situation (new rider) I wouldn't
be looking to buy anything expensive because of the possibility that it'll
be scraping along the floor before long. That's not to say you're not a good
rider, just that it's pretty common for new riders to have an off in the
early days.

What I'm getting around to saying is get a bike for as little money as you
can without buying something TOO weedy. A 500 will get you around, but it
won't get you around at supersonic speeds which is good, because the LAST
thing you need is a bike that'll be the master from the first twist of the
throttle.

Have you considered bikes like the Yammie Virago. They come in all
persuasions from 125cc and up, but the 750 or the 1100 would be the place to
look given your size and weight as they're not underpowered to the point
you'd be pissed off. They're not too heavy either (easy to handle) and
they're well supported from a spares POV. Cheap to buy 2nd (or 3rd, 4th,
5th) hand too.

Beav

 

Superbowl wrote:


Reason why dealer wants to sell you an 1100 is there is a
higher profit margin on it than the smaller bikes.

Rules aren't cast in stone, they are guidelines.  If you were
4'-11" (150 cm) and weighed 95 lbs, a little 125 - 250 would
be perfect.  You have one thing that helps, your weight and
strength will make it easier to select a larger and heavier
bike.  You want something that you can ride comfortably but
isn't an overpowering monster.  I'd look into the milder mid-
sizes.

Kawasaki KLR650 is a single thumper, would be fine for your
height.  Suzuki Savage (now S40) is a 650 single thumper too,
would work except you may feel a little cramped on it.  But
then, comfort is relative.  Those two are considered suitable
beginner bikes due to their lower horsepower output for their
size.  There are others.

If you buy used and something that may have a little age but
in excellent condition mechanically and acceptable
cosmetically, you can sell it a year or two later for about
what you paid for.  By then you will have an idea of exactly
what you want.

--
HPT

 

2a6715816b059c886b75f27ae7cfdccb@www.motorcycleforumz.com:


I am 5' 11" 300# and started on an 83 KZ550 that I paid $700 for.  It was
capable of doing extra legal speeds.  I do not believe that a 1000 cc or
larger bike inhearantly has better ergonomics.  You can find a bike to
"fit" in any CC range.

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To respond by e-mail remove the "delete." from my address.

 


Perhaps, but it is generally true that smaller engined bikes tend to
have smaller frames, which means a 6' 4" 290lb guy may have some trouble
being comfortable on a small displacement bike.  Even a 250cc bike will
be able to haul the weight without a problem.  But the limited amount of
area to move around on most small cruisers would make them a poor choice
for him.  Something with a more upright seating position and a flat seat
(not stepped or bucket style) would be best.

Standards like a Zephyr 550, GS500, or an EX500 would all be a reasonable
starter bikes for this big guy.  I'd even recommend a naked SV650, but
the seat/peg distance probably wouldn't work.  The DL650 or DL1000 with
their more spread out ergonomics might be OK, though.

--
Mark  '01 SV650S  '99 EX250-F13  '86 GL1200A  '81 CM400T