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

[Rugbynerd707]

Damn is OP gone? I was gonna recruit Hagrid to play for my Rugby club....

 

[Punter]

I sort of have the opposite problem, but I have noticed that I can't touch the ground on anything with KTM written on the side. Maybe that's a good place to start for you? By the way, you're so big that you could probably have a bit more oomph from the engine and it won't be very scary. A twin might be a good one for you to look at--it'll give you a li'l bit of grunt that you'll need to get moving and it's a bit more forgiving with the shifting. I hate to say it, but maybe a Ducati Streetfighter?? That's a lot of cash for a first bike, but it should hold it's value, and most people think Ducati generally makes an attractive product. Obviously I'm a bit biased. I just like 'em cuz they're pretty.

Twin for the win.

Those KLR's are grin machines tho. Bouncy bouncy bouncy...

 

[shaun b]

gonna offer to let him sit on my drz400

inseam is about the same, but, he's still a full 5 inches taller than me.

def. go dual sport. for his weight and inseam, a 400 is fine imho.... he may have a sore back from reaching the bars though!

 

[redruM]

rubberside down, brother

 

[odielag]

Sorry to Necro an old thread, but I thought I'd check in!

Six month later UPDATE!!!

So... I bought a 2003 SV650 a day after posting the original post. It was a wonderful motorcycle. I started timid on the throttle etc but after four months of riding about an hour a day I felt pretty comfortable with the motorcycle.

There were downsides with the SV650 though when it comes to me...

(BTW, A month ago I was weighed and measured at a doctors office without shoes... 6'9" 260lbs. Where did the inch go???? : )

Downsides of SV650 for me.

1. In a riding position handlebars hit and locked in my knees when turning handlebars aggressively at low speeds.

2. It being a light naked sports bike the freeway winds could be intense.

3. People said I looked small on the bike. They had a point.

4. The rearview mirrors were tiny low small and hard to use at all.

(upside of sv650)
1. 55 mph

SO... I looked for a new bike and started at my favorite dealership... G and B Motorsports in Petaluma.

I first got interested in a new bike when I saw the z1000 (2012) online... sat on one, then found the ninja 1000 (2012) was better because I liked the comfort and the position of the rearview mirrors. (Believe it or not, having good rearview mirrors on my motorcycle is a big thing I look for now).

I didn't have the financing or money for a 2012 ninja 1000, so I backed off.

THEN (This was about a month ago) on craigslist I saw a zx14 by kawasaki. I called Brad at G and B about the craigslist post and he said he had a 2006 zx14 with less miles, fully maintained at a lower price than the craigslist ad... but without me having a way to buy it said I was putting the cart before the horse.

It's kinda funny... once I found out about the zx14 at the shop, I gravitated to it. Everyone was trying to pull me to another motorcycle but that just made me want the zx14 even more. Eventually they came around, and if it wasn't for my brother who cosigned and the staff and G and B going above and beyond I would not have gotten my 2006 red ZX 14 ! : )

Upsides of a 2006 ZX14 for me.

1. The frame fits my 6'9" body better.
2. The rearview mirrors are actually functional.
3. Is more highway worthy than the naked sv650

(Downsides of a 2006 ZX14 for me.)

1. Lower gas mileage.

PICTURES of my new motorcycle!!!!!

http://imgur.com/a/2wKuL#0


I've been riding it about 1.5 hours a day for the last few weeks and it has been wonderful for me! I will say this though. For the first day I never went above 4k rpms and for the first week, I never went about 6k rpms. at 4k rpms the bike has as much horsepower as my sv650 at peak so I personally was able to manage the power pretty well. I have not had any close calls or scary moments since I started riding a motorcycle 6 months ago.


In conclusion. I'm a tall big guy who likes to ride my motorcycle. Four months ago I moved from Santa Rosa to Novato and I like it better here (traffic seems less aggressive). I would like to make new friends here in Novato so if anyone wants to meet at starbucks in Novato feel free to leave me a message on my business number (415 599 2466) and I'll talk bikes with you : ).

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!

 

[revnort]

I would shy away from giving any phone number away on the intertubes. You probably want to edit that out. Ask for a PM or post a group ride in group rides.

Question: did you ever try a dual sport? They make some super tall ones and you'd be able to flat foot any of them.

Regardless, congrats on the new bike.

 

[ST Guy]

Nice bike. Now that you've got a keeper, spend some time on it and then consider any mods you might want to make to make it fit you even better. The order to do it in is seat first (assuming you're not going to move the pegs), then the bars, then the windscreen should you choose to do so. I'm 6'1", and on my first bike, an '81 GS650G Suzuki, I actually raised my seat. I rode the bike down to Corbin and had them do it while I waited. then I put some superbike bars on the bike and a Shoei cafe racer fairing. It fit me perfectly after that.

Enjoy!

 

[odielag]

Nice bike. Now that you've got a keeper, spend some time on it and then consider any mods you might want to make to make it fit you even better. The order to do it in is seat first (assuming you're not going to move the pegs), then the bars, then the windscreen should you choose to do so. I'm 6'1", and on my first bike, an '81 GS650G Suzuki, I actually raised my seat. I rode the bike down to Corbin and had them do it while I waited. then I put some superbike bars on the bike and a Shoei cafe racer fairing. It fit me perfectly after that.

Enjoy!

Thanks : ).

I think my body has taken to the bike pretty well. First few days I felt some discomfort around my hip area but now when I ride I feel no discomfort. Two days ago I rode for more than an hour and a half (sometimes I like to get lost and then find my way back home)... and when I got home my body felt fine!

There are many areas my body could improve on, but I look forward to my hands getting stronger/tougher and me feeling more natural with the motorcycle.

Let me ask you all a question. How often when you find yourself at a stop and feel safe do you put the bike in neutral and start hitting your hands together and/or playing drums on the gas tank? After 20+ minutes I find myself doing that whenever I get a moment.

PS. My favorite purchase of late, are some 80 dollar riding gloves by first gear... but they've improved my riding experience so much because they're insulated enough so my hands don't get cold, but thin enough that I still can feel everything fine.

Anyhoo... just blabbin.

 

[GAJ]

Let me ask you all a question. How often when you find yourself at a stop and feel safe do you put the bike in neutral and start hitting your hands together and/or playing drums on the gas tank? After 20+ minutes I find myself doing that whenever I get a moment.

Been riding 35 years; never have done that.

Full alert, even at stops that seem "safe."

Overconfidence is your biggest danger at this point in your development.

Congratulations on the beautiful new ride.

 

[sicks]

Let me ask you all a question. How often when you find yourself at a stop and feel safe do you put the bike in neutral and start hitting your hands together and/or playing drums on the gas tank? After 20+ minutes I find myself doing that whenever I get a moment.

Do you do this with your feet on the pegs? Cuz that'd be pretty awesome. It's like balancing on your wiener, only a select few can do it.

 

[ST Guy]

Been riding 35 years; never have done that.

Full alert, even at stops that seem "safe."

Overconfidence is your biggest danger at this point in your development.

Congratulations on the beautiful new ride.

I've done it many times. But only if I'm keeping an eye out everywhere, including what's coming up behind me. If I'm just sitting alone at a stoplight, tapping the tank, and I see a driver coming up behind me, I'll pull in the clutch and slip it into gear just to be safe.

And yes, overconfidence is what usually gets ya. Be vigilant!

 

[Downbound]

What do you do about gear? Especially pants. . . I've pretty much reigned to having to make my own. I've got a 36" inseam as well. Because of my crunched position, I really need 37" . . I'm also a 32" waist so. . I can't find pants for shit. . What did you do?

 

[Turbongr]

Let me ask you all a question. How often when you find yourself at a stop and feel safe do you put the bike in neutral and start hitting your hands together and/or playing drums on the gas tank? After 20+ minutes I find myself doing that whenever I get a moment.

Sure thing! That's a "Tank Slapper". BTW how often are you on yr bike not moving over 20 minutes?

Congrats on the new bike. Love seeing someone "starting out" on a litre+ bike...just makes me happy for some reason....have fun!

 

[ST Guy]

What do you do about gear? Especially pants. . . I've pretty much reigned to having to make my own. I've got a 36" inseam as well. Because of my crunched position, I really need 37" . . I'm also a 32" waist so. . I can't find pants for shit. . What did you do?

Unless you happen to get lucky and find something that fits perfectly, custom of alterations is the only way. Aerostich will make custom for you or alter their suits. Try on the closest one for fit and then measure the additional you need for arms and legs. Have someone help you while you're sitting on your bike in a riding position. Then send the suit back in the same condition and they'll credit your card. A few weeks later, you get your custom suit. Make sure you're up front with them what you'd like to do in trying the suit before you have it sent out. They've always been happy to work with me. I even had two suits sent out once. Of course, I had my card charged for two, but then when they received them back, the promptly credited my card. Great people to work with.

Or if leather is your thing: Helimot.

 

[odielag]

What do you do about gear? Especially pants. . . I've pretty much reigned to having to make my own. I've got a 36" inseam as well. Because of my crunched position, I really need 37" . . I'm also a 32" waist so. . I can't find pants for shit. . What did you do?

I was wearing jeans for a long time, but found some First Gear pants that come in a 40 tall size that fit perfectly for me (38x38 jeans fit me).

If I wanted to go to the track with my bike, I'd probably get a custom leather suit made for me... but that would take every cent I have so I'll probably just ride off the track for now and probably do an advanced rider course that's going to be at infineon on april 7th. (rider 2.0, z2trackdays.com)

About the tank slapping...

I've changed grips depending on my experience in motorcycling.

At first it was the generic MSF grip...

!!!!, .iiii (left hand fingers over clutch, right hand fingers around throttle)

Then, it was what I call a safety grip...

!!!!, .!!ii (same as above, but two fingers over brake. I rode for many months like this.)

Since I got my zx14 and saw dragging videos, I did the two finger on each side grip...

ii!!, .!!ii (two fingers on clutch and brake levers. When I'm unsure how to be, I usually default to this grip.)

So... for most of my riding I have at least for my right hand put two fingers on the brake and two fingers on the throttle. This is probably how my hand gets a little more fatigued than others.)

When I saw isle of man videos, I see that unless they're braking or shifting, they have all their fingers wrapped around the grips...

SO NOW... when I feel completely comfortable and don't expect to brake or shift I have my hands like this...

iiii, .iiii (hands wrapped around grips)


I like how I am still learning how to ride a motorcycle and little things like thinking about my hand positions keeps me awake and alert and gives me something to do. Part of why I love to ride a motorcycle.

 

[Stormdragon]

What do you do about gear? Especially pants. . . I've pretty much reigned to having to make my own. I've got a 36" inseam as well. Because of my crunched position, I really need 37" . . I'm also a 32" waist so. . I can't find pants for shit. . What did you do?

I'll tell you to bite the bullet, and have one of the good, custom leather cutters, make you a 2-piece. With proper care, a good set of leathers will last you for years, and the comfort will make every penny worth it. My

 

[Ogg]

36" inseam: A* Street Cargo pants are cut long. Fit my 36" inseam just fine. At a relatively short 6'5" I find the A* one-piece suits fit really well. Go try some stuff on.

Stronger hands: huh? For operating brakes/clutch or are you holding yourself up with your hands when you ride? This latter is ill-advised. Ride light on the bars. Hold yourself up with legs and core.

 

[machete]

36" inseam: A* Street Cargo pants are cut long. Fit my 36" inseam just fine. At a relatively short 6'5" I find the A* one-piece suits fit really well. Go try some stuff on.

Stronger hands: huh? For operating brakes/clutch or are you holding yourself up with your hands when you ride? This latter is ill-advised. Ride light on the bars. Hold yourself up with legs and core.

squeeze your knees on the tank, and lighten your arms. you should be able to flap your arms while holding onto the bars. (ie...stay loose)

 

[Brown81]

PRACTICE EMERGENCY BRAKING A LOT.


AND, enjoy your new awesome motorcycle. Zx-14's badass.

 

[ST Guy]

ii!!, .!!ii (two fingers on clutch and brake levers. When I'm unsure how to be, I usually default to this grip.)

So... for most of my riding I have at least for my right hand put two fingers on the brake and two fingers on the throttle. This is probably how my hand gets a little more fatigued than others.)

Most people put their index and middle fingers on the lever and the remaining two on the grip. Very uncomfortable in my opinion. You might try what I and some few others do and that's to wrap your index finger around the grip and use the middle and ring finger (and pinkie if it's long enough) on the lever. Besides being much more comfortable it gives you more leverage on the brake lever which means you don't have to squeeze as hard which then means better braking control. It also makes it easier to blip the throttle while braking.

The only downside is that the shape of some levers prevent you from doing this because your index finger can get squashed between the lever and the grip. It's not a problem on my Honda, but if I got a BMW, I'd have to change levers to use this grip.