Sport bikes for big boys?

[rockymt21]

Hey guys,

I'm new here and also new to bikes. Well actually I have been around bikes majority of my life. I raced downhill mountain bikes for quite a few years, but have grown out of that and am looking for something a little more exciting.

I made this thread because I was wondering first off, if with my size (6'4'' 280lbs) will I be able to buy whatever bike I want, or will I be limited? Will the weight balance be too top heavy etc?

Thanks, Dan

[Doc]

Big Boy!

I would go sit on a bunch of em to see what fits.

Do you want a crusier or a sportbike?

Edit: I should have re read the title.

[rockymt21]

Im looking for a sportbike.

I like the idea of a Honda, since there are so many dealers around me. And I have been told they are fairly low maintenance, and last pretty long. The CBR F4i looks really nice, I love the black and yellow, it looks mean.

[Doc]

I see you are from Burlington.

Come to bike night on teusdays at Donny's pizza. You can talk to some people and maybe sit on some bikes.

I have to say... It is not all about the looks...

[rockymt21]

Maybe I will.

I remember when Donny's was on Dorset st. The place always had a bike parked out front and bike posters everywhere on the inside.

I know looks aren't everything, but you gotta like what your riding on don't you?

[SSearchVT]

I think you'll be a little cramped up on an f4i. I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam and my legs fold and fit perfectly with the fairing. Although - I find myself right up at the front of the seat...

[Hoss]

I'm similar in size (6'3"+ and about 270lbs). I've never owned anything but sportbikes and have no problems. Some are way more suited to a bigger riders then others, and it's really nothing more then what Doc said..just get yourself out there and sit on evey bike you can.

Another thing to keep in mind in engine size. I got a lot of people who automatically tell me I should be on a 1000cc bike and nothing less because of my size. I would say get the smallest displacement bike you can get onto comfortably. All these things go fast enough...

Good luck!

[rockymt21]

I'm similar in size (6'3"+ and about 270lbs). I've never owned anything but sportbikes and have no problems. Some are way more suited to a bigger riders then others, and it's really nothing more then what Doc said..just get yourself out there and sit on evey bike you can.

Another thing to keep in mind in engine size. I got a lot of people who automatically tell me I should be on a 1000cc bike and nothing less because of my size. I would say get the smallest displacement bike you can get onto comfortably. All these things go fast enough...

Good luck!

Good points.

I was looking mainly at 600cc. Im not too worried, I know I'll scare myself enough on that.

[ZX-12R]

I was looking mainly at 600cc. Im not too worried, I know I'll scare myself enough on that.

I'm a little heavier than you and about 6'1" and I think that you will be unhappy on a 600 sportbike if you need to stay in the saddle for an extended period of time. The 600's and the 1000's are inherently smaller due to their track focus. If space on a sportbike is what you are after you will be looking at the open class bikes like the ZX-14, Hayabusa, a used ZX-12R, or a used Blackbird. Unfortunately none of those are good choices for new riders. Your best bet is to sit on them all because there are differences in all of them.

[Doc]

I'm similar in size (6'3"+ and about 270lbs). I've never owned anything but sportbikes and have no problems. Some are way more suited to a bigger riders then others, and it's really nothing more then what Doc said..just get yourself out there and sit on evey bike you can.

Another thing to keep in mind in engine size. I got a lot of people who automatically tell me I should be on a 1000cc bike and nothing less because of my size. I would say get the smallest displacement bike you can get onto comfortably. All these things go fast enough...

Good luck!

+1 a 500cc could cart your big ass around quite nicely

[Doc]

I'm a little heavier than you and about 6'1" and I think that you will be unhappy on a 600 sportbike if you need to stay in the saddle for an extended period of time. The 600's and the 1000's are inherently smaller due to their track focus. If space on a sportbike is what you are after you will be looking at the open class bikes like the ZX-14, Hayabusa, a used ZX-12R, or a used Blackbird. Unfortunately none of those are good choices for new riders. Your best bet is to sit on them all because there are differences in all of them.

How about a sport standard? Like an FZ6? Even the new 650 Ninja?

[Evil_Weasel]

How about a sport standard? Like an FZ6? Even the new 650 Ninja?

there is a fellow on BoRn that is sell ing a zx-7s that would probably be about perfect. than again i'm about the size of your leg so i'm not familier with the big guy small bike problem. however as a former 12R owner i can say that it is not recomended for beginers, no matter their size.

[DucDave]

Two words...

Multistrada...

handles like a sport bike, stealthy like a Concourse, comfy for the distance, 1100cc twin for fun...

[OreoGaborio]

There's some guy on sportbikes.net that's somethin like 6'5", 250lbs & rides a Ninja 250.... and rides it 2-up w/ his girlfriend at times.

I agree with others... just go to different dealerships & ask to throw a leg over as MANY BIKES as you possibly can, even if you're not too terribly interested in them. This is gonna be your FIRST bike, not your last. So don't be afraid to try out bikes that aren't your dream bike.

[ZX-12R]

How about a sport standard? Like an FZ6? Even the new 650 Ninja?

I don't have any appreciable seat time in the smaller standards so I can't say for sure. The closest thing I have is an SV650S that I can fit on but I never feel very comfortable. I can tolerate it for about half a day before I want to change bikes. The seat to peg distance seems to be on the short side and when I ride with leather riding pants it puts me in a position where it is hard to stretch out. Jeans make it more comfortable because they don't get wound up like a spring when I sit on the bike with my feet on the pegs. Every time I swap back to the 12R it makes me appreciate how comfortable it is.

[Jaynnus]

There's some guy on sportbikes.net that's somethin like 6'5", 250lbs & rides a Ninja 250.... and rides it 2-up w/ his girlfriend at times.

And he gets it up to 35 mph going downhill with the wind on his back?

[Hoss]

As far as time and distance in the saddle, it's all a matter of getting used to it. Like I said, we're similar sizes and I've gone to Nova Scotia on the 675 and have taken many a day/weekend trip with the "sport-touring" crowd and have no issues. Of course I had to build up to that over time. The biggest disadvantage is cargo room and gas stops

As a first bike, it's all about can you fit on it comfortably enough to learn what you need to and be safe.

With that said, a full on sportbike WILL NOT be my next street ride. Something like what Dave is talking about is where I'll be next.

[Kurlon]

(6'4'' 280lbs)

Plan to spend on replacement springs right away. Most factory suspension is just up to dealing with me at 135lbs, your ride quality will be greatly enhanced by having the right rate springs installed.

[akira700]

Two words...

Multistrada...

handles like a sport bike, stealthy like a Concourse, comfy for the distance, 1100cc twin for fun...

but you forgot one
"and ugly as sin"

[DuckSauce]

Two words...

Multistrada...

handles like a sport bike, stealthy like a Concourse, comfy for the distance, 1100cc twin for fun...

+1 - Great bikes!! I can't speak to their testing of the Multistrada but, when they were developing the 999, I know that they intentionally employed one factory test rider who was VERY tall and one who was VERY short to see how the bike ergonomics worked at each extreme. I am 5' 8" and close to 200lbs. I fit on the 999 perfectly. I had a roommate who was 6'5" and around 230lbs who could sit on it comfortably. He did not ride it so I can't comment on how that felt.

I can't imagine you aving any trouble fitting comfortably on a Multistrada and it would be great for long rides and commuting but has sporty performance. If you really are a purist and you want a purpose-built sportbike, the new 848 might be worth condsidering if it's comfortable. The strong, low-RPM torque of the L-twin Ducati motors might make it a little easier and smoother for a big guy to get the bike off the line. You might have to spool the 4-cyl up a little more to get enough power to pull away cleanly and that can make for some stalling or some violent launches until you get the hang of it. If you end up with a Ducati, just watch the dry plate clutch when it's new - it's like a light switch until it breaks in a little.

I echo the other comments - sit on as many as you can. I also agree with you that you should love the way your bike looks. Bikes are not usually one's primary mode of transportation. They are an indulgence and one should only concede to practicality 1) for safety (ALWAYS) and 2) only if one genuinely wants some practicality.

[Doc]

Another New Guy from the Burlington area! Sweet!!

[ChR1s]

How about a sport standard? Like an FZ6? Even the new 650 Ninja?

Have you ever even sat on a 650 Ninja? The seat:peg distance is extremely short. At 6', I myself find that bike extremely cramped. Espousing the virtues of little bikes just because they're little is not always sage advice.

IMPO, "fitting" on a sportbike for street riding has a lot do with tolerance. You put up with the cramped business for those times when comfort is furthest from thought.

Here's my suggestion: KTM 990 Supermoto

[OreoGaborio]

And he gets it up to 35 mph going downhill with the wind on his back?

My mistake... he's 235. His GF is 150.

[mzdagrl]

I agree with 90% of what's been said in this thread. When you find a bike that you are comfortable on, that will make more difference than if it is someone else's idea of a good starter. I started on a Ninja 250 and hated it for a variety of reasons. I have been extremely happy with my SV650S for 3 years and counting.

Try out as many bikes as you can. If you can con people into letting you try it out while moving, that's even better, because you don't know how a bike feels with both legs scrunched until both legs are scrunched. When I bought my leathers, I sat on three different bikes before taking them out of the store (and I already had my bike! I was just getting gear!!). Comfort is #1, because if you are distracted by how your knees feel, you won't be as safe on any given situation.

[rockymt21]

Thanks for all the help guys.

I agree that sitting on as many bikes as I can is a good idea. When it comes time to really look for one, that's what I'll do.

And to those question what im looking for in a bike. Im looking for a pure sport-bike. Nothing else. I have always been used to being a little cramped, when I raced downhill, it was impossible to find a bike big enough for me to be comfortable, but still be nimble and maneuverable, so I sacrifice a little comfort for performance and it works out well.

Dan