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I have a 6'10" 240lb 36" inseam body; fresh out of the MSF course, looking for a bike

Though others have made this suggestion, for a first bike, one of the big dual sports is going to fit your frame wonderfully and offer adequate power for a beginner, easy maintenance, and not get damaged if you tip it over. XR650L, KLR650 etc would all be fantastic bikes with very reasonable price tags, too.
 
discoganya said:
Here are some of the tallest stock seat heights available:

KTM 530 EXC : 38.8 inches
KTM 625 SXC : 38.6 inches
KTM 950SE (Super Enduro) : 37.4 inches
Honda XR650L : 37 inches
Suzuki DRZ400S : 36.8 inches
KTM 690 R: 36.6 inches
KTM 990 Adventure : 35.6 inches
Click to expand...

I know this is a zombie thread but when I was looking for a first street bike I sat on a Ninja 250 and said no way this is gonna work. The big DS bikes are more comfy if you are tall but seat height is not the best guideline for what will fit. Basically, tall people get screwed and no one ever feels sorry for us.

The smaller KTMs sit down quite a lot when you are on the saddle or pegs. The 690 enduro R is the tallest one I've ever been on. I'm 6'2" with long legs and could only get the balls of my feet down at lights. But once on the pegs it's not that different in terms of knee angle (about 85deg) vs any other standard or DS bike. They are kind of like monster trucks that are 4 ft off the ground but still have a normal sized cab.

I didn't know about this site when I was looking for a bike but it's very helpful:

http://cycle-ergo.com/
 
I realize that the OP is never going to see this thread, but whatever.

FWIW, once you're comfortable stopping and starting, seat height isn't nearly as important as seat to peg ratio. The closer the seat is to the pegs, the more you are folded up, and the less comfortable you are going to be.

I doubt the OP will ever be able to ride a super-sport - the ergos are the tightest on the market - even tighter than a Ninja 250.
 
whatever you do, sit on a whole bunch of different bikes. Keep in mind that displacement doesn't always correlate to size of the motorcycle
 
odielag said:
....a 6'10" tall, 240lb body with 36" inseam in pants) ...
Click to expand...

See if you can sell 3 of those inseam inches to someone that could really use them!

Ok, realistically, ,maybe a BMW of some sort with an adjustable seat, or Suzuki V-Strom sort of thing.
In fact, I had an mid 80's BMW GS that was so tall I almost had to leap from a step ladder just to get on it...something like that would work, if you can find one.


Here's a 2006 era list of bikes, by seat height.

http://motorcycleviews.com/general/seatheights.htm

Good luck at any rate!
 
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Zombie thread needz brainz....

Anyhoo, just in case another long-limbed rider happens along, I have a 36" inseam but a tad less torso than the OP. A two-fiddy is absolutely rideable and a hoot as well. I was very surprised at how comfortable mine was. The killer here is the weight. Big people will bottom the suspension. So the one true answer is:

Used DRZ400SM. Plenty of room to be comfortable, doesn't get upset if you throw it on the ground once in a while (although axle, peg, and bar sliders as well as engine case covers are highly recommended). Also a hoot to ride.
 
odielag said:
Hi Bay Area riders! As you can see by the title I could use some good advice.

The MSF course was a blast. I rode a dual purpose 200cc motorcycle for the first time yesterday with the MSF course at the Santa Rosa fair groundsish range and felt wonderful on the bike whenever I was in the wind. I passed the MSF course yesterday (it's 1:24am now the morning after).

I love to learn technical hand eye coordination things (have been a computer gamer all my life) so going from no experience on a motorcycle to getting introduced to the basics was amazing. I felt I learned quickly; but I know I have years of practice and honing my skills to look forward to. I am currently unemployed, but sustained, so I can pick and choose when and how to ride. Also, I sold my car the monday before the MSF course (was a 02 subaru wrx 5 speed). Was a great car, but even with it's performance (which I love to have if I need it) I drive like a grandma (my choice, I prefer to drive well within performance and speed limits.

The way I first got interested in riding a motorcycle is I felt like my body was doing nothing when I drove, and I didn't like the cage feeling so I hardly ever drove. I told a friend who has ridden for 3 years in texas commuting year round and he said a motorcycle was the cure for him. So, I sold my car and I plan on getting a motorcycle. Here is where you can help.

What would be the best motorcycle for me to get (having a 6'10" tall, 240lb body with 36" inseam in pants) that I could both learn the basics on AND have all day adventures in the beautiful area that we live in?

I see so many amazing deals for powerful super sports bikes (and I have dreams of riding them in the future) but I need something that is comfortable on long rides and relatively forgiving for a new rider.

Also, I LOVE the look of a full fairing motorcycle (that don't look like they were made in the early 80s).

So, here is what I NEED:
1. To be able to safely operate the motorcycle (handlebars shouldn't trap my long legs)
2. A motorcycle where I can sit upright (for those long sunday rides)
3. Something that can prepare me to ride a high output super sport bike safely and effectively.

Right now I'm leaning toward a V-Strom, though it's not as sexy as the super-sports out there.

Honestly, my first motorcycle isn't likely to be my last, so resale value is important to me.

Also, what about some type of throttle restrictor? Would it be possible to get a dream bike for myself and get some sort of mechanism to 1/2 or 1/4th the output of the engine until I am ready to move up to what the bike is capable of?

Feedback is welcome. I'm excited to learn all I can and go out into the world!
Click to expand...

As others have mentioned, a dual sport would be the perfect first bike for you because of your height. And a 650 will suit you best because it's larger and taller and has more engine than the 400/450's. One of my brothers is 6'3" and used to have a KLR 650 and he rode that thing everywhere around Northern California. He now rides a Husky 610 which he loves even more.

Once you get some miles under your belt, after a year or two, then get something else if you like. You can learn just about everything you'll possibly need to learn on the dual sport and when you're ready for another bike, you'll be in a much better position to choose it. And I'll bet you keep the dual sport as well.

Have a great time! :ride
 
Might I suggest Babe The Blue Ox? Tons of torque, but only comes in one color.
 
Might I sugest a Boss Hoss :ride

boss hogg.jpg
 
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My friend who is 6'5" started on a DL650 V-Strom and I think it's a great beginner bike for taller or larger riders. It's heavier than an SV-650 which makes it more of an appropriate beginner bike despite having the same engine. Plus the DL-650 is universally liked and respected.
 
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