Motorcycles for taller riders? (bike, cylinder, BMW, Seat)
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I’m 6’5” and new to motorcycles. I’m going to take the MSF course very soon, but in the mean time I’ve been going to different motorcycle shops and dealers to sit on the bikes see which ones would fit my size.
My budget is 2000 dollars, I’m asking the taller riders what type of bike do you like for the price range, which would be great for taller riders. I don’t have a type of bike I prefer. I like dual-sports which I know are great for taller riders, sports and cruisers too.
Whatever you guy think is great for my size is welcome, thanks.
I think most of the BMW's work well for taller riders (might be outside of the $2000 budget, even for a used bike). The Suzuki Vstrom would foot the bill too as it's a fairly tall bike. I've got an SV650 which fits my short self well, but there are some giants who ride them comfortably (or so they say), and in 650 form they're pretty good bikes, even for first time riders.
I have a nighthawk 650 which is decently sized, and significantly lower than $2000, but you can probably find a nighthawk 750's (late 80's through early 2000's) which is still a bit talker than the one I previously mentioned.
Most Dirt-Bikes and Enduros have fairly high seats as well, which should make you fit pretty well. Maybe some of the smaller DRZ's (400's) would work well. I know Single cylinder dirt bikes tend to have plenty of low end punch, plus a high center of gravity which can make them a little much for some new riders...especially the more powerful versions.
Long cruisers would fit you pretty well too, especially with forward controls to give you some extra room for your feet. Anything from American to Metric cruisers would do equally well. It's typical that you'll find metrics for cheaper than their american counterparts but both should make you plenty happy. I'd focus in on the VT750/1100 shadow, Magna, STAR, and Boulevard lines of bikes. Happy hunting!
Obviously, the higher your budget, the more options. With either a 2 or 3000 price range, you're going to be limited to something like flynavy's excellent recommendations or an older bike.
Another alternative is to look at salvage titled bikes.
On track with the big single dual sport bikes ... VStrom, etc. They're built for tall guys compared to many bikes built for folk with a shorter inseam .....
$2,000 is a realistic budget to get a used one in decent condition with a lot of service life remaining.
The V-Stroms are twins, not singles. I've been thinking about getting one of them. Maybe a KLR650 would work for you. It is a single, and a lot more likely to fit within your budget (well used).
I bet I could get a Ninja 500, but I sat on one before it kinda fit, then it kinda didn't. Do fit really matter on a bike when your learning? Or should I just get a bike that's fit ok, and learn on it till I'm better, then get the bike with the "right" fit.
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