Help for a beginner

L

lowell90

New member
Forum Sponsor
Hey guys,

I'm a rookie when it comes to bikes but would love to get started riding as soon as possible. Tomorrow I plan on getting my M1 then on at the end of April take the learn to ride program at Humber college. The question I have is how big of bike should I be looking for? Considering that I am 6'4 and a lean 235 pounds. I was looking a 250cc bikes on kijiji, I know they aren't very fast but right now I'm not concerned with speed at all as I just want to get comfortable riding a bike. My only concern is if they would be able to support my large from.

Any help is much appreciated.
 
Don't discount the beginner friendly ex500 or the gsf or gs500. With your height your legs are going to be a bit bent on any of these though which might only be a concern for long distances. Have you thought of looking at some of the taller dual purpose bikes?
 
How far are you looking to travel, is this for commuting? How old are you? If its for commuting a short distance anything will probably do and the street legal dirt bikes have a good upright seating position that helps you see over traffic and some have nice tall ride heights. Others here have more experience of those though. For decent insurance rates it depends a little on your age but generally speaking you want to stay under 600cc and stick to non supersport classed bikes. If you have a little experience then even the 650 upright bikes like the versys or the KLR should give you some more room too and not kill you on insurance. Best thing is to go and sit on a bunch but when you do make sure you put your feet up onto the pegs to see how your legs are going to feel in the riding position.
 
If its going to be a 250 I'd say go with hyosung 250 because its a much bigger bike than the ninja so you would be a bit more comfy

Lion
 
Tough one given your height - I'd also look at a 250 dual sport as a starter and put street tires on it or at least 50/50s.

Something like this will fit your frame

http://www.kawasaki.ca/model/SUPERSPORT/1455/KLX-250S

tough enough to drop and and your very best riding training would be to take it to Chatsworth and take the motocross course.
You'll come out a much better all around rider.

This is okay not sure on the seat height tho

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-veh...USED-DUAL-SPORT-MOTORCYCLE-W0QQAdIdZ367213512

here is another

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-motorcycles-other-DR200SE-DUALSPORT-W0QQAdIdZ369173967

These have 32" seat heights - the bigger duallies are in the 35" range. You would need to sit on one.

One thing with dual sport it's not all that difficult to make them a bit taller with shock adjustment but not sure about that on the smaller displacement.

Think you need to visit a dealer and see.

Here in Australia lower powered machines like the KLR650 can be designated as Learner machines by converting to single seater ( $70 to do it ).
That's an ideal dual sport for your height and they are tough and hold their value but might be a bit top heavy for a beginner ( oil can on stilts is their nick name )

The small dualies weigh less but you need to try one. I'd certainly recommend that over a 250 Ninja for your size - my son is 6' - 200 lb and found his 250 Ninja too small - went back off road for a while.

•••

you did not mention your age or driving experience - helps when advising.
 
uhm you prefer a sportsbike, cruiser, standard or dual sport type of bike? I think a 250 is pretty fast unless you plan on hitting above 160 km/h than I wish you all the best.
 
He's tall - that's the problem and insurance will be a killer over 250 cc. Dual sport is abut the only choice
 
Katana 600...

I'm 6'6 and heavier then you....
While it's no rocket, it's comfortable to ride and has some umph!
like everything there is no such thing as too much power...

It's a sport touring bike, so insurance will be better then on a 600 SS
 
Or gsx650f - the katana replacement.
Sport touring on insurance
 
I'm a rookie when it comes to bikes but would love to get started riding as soon as possible. Tomorrow I plan on getting my M1 then on at the end of April take the learn to ride program at Humber college
Click to expand...

You paying his insurance as well. :rolleyes:
 
psycho44 said:
I think a 250 is pretty fast unless you plan on hitting above 160 km/h than I wish you all the best.
Click to expand...

At his weight I doubt he will even hit 150 on the 250. If you are strictly into sports/sports touring..Maybe go with a Ninja 500 and maybe adjust the rearsets for your own comfort!?!

Just my 2 cents
 
Not sure what your age is, but if you are 25+ I second choosing a used Katana.

My first bike was a 2001 Katana 750, and I am about your size.

The ergos are great for a big guy. I rode mine all over North America -- including Deal's Gap and the Pacific Coast Highway.

But you may want to consider waiting for a bit after getting your license -- so that your insurance will be lower.
 
If its any help, i'm 6'2 and i'll fluctuate between 230-250. the ninja 250r is comfy, cheap on insurance and fast enough to do the 400 series highways even though i'm mostly doing city driving. hyosung 250 fellt good as well. a dual sport, while nice that its larger will be screaming @ freway speeds with little power reserve if you need to pas.

my 2cents.
 
I'm the same size/height as you and my GSF500 fit me perfectly. Nice, comfy, low maintenance bike...just didn't get me as many chicks as my gixxer ;)
 
Falcon (above) is your size, physically and says the 250 will work for that size of a rider, so make the wisest decision and DON'T go larger yet!

Let's face it, you are a beginner. Beginner's make mistakes!! Smaller motorcycles tend to be much more forgiving when novices/riders are making these mistakes, and, if, and when, you are crashing or having a minor learning 'get-off', I'm sure you'd appreciate as much forgiveness as possible at that time.

Remember the smaller bikes like the 250's are more economical to buy, operate, maintain, insure, and repair, if need be, giving you more funds for decent riding apparel and probably increasing your riding time - plus you'll save a ton on fuel!

No doubt you will quickly become very comfortable riding around the 250, and after a short period you'll probably feel very confident that you are able to 'throw it around' so to speak and that's great! That's the idea..... so now ride that baby good and hard, ...and enjoy!

Try to do that until the insurance companies will acknowledge that you are now an experienced rider, usually a season or two. Experienced rider's don't get punished as much by the insurance companies when you shop for rates of insurance on various bike sizes.

The 250cc. part of your learning curve will have a huge impact on your overall riding skills should you remain a biker (long term) and end up eventually getting a larger motorcycle. (Try holding on to the 250 until your insurance rates go down and when they do - if possible moving up gradually in engine displacement has a great value, don't just rush to fulfill your monster motorcycle dream right away.)

Good luck with your decision.

RIDE SAFE /RIDE WELL /ENJOY! All the best, WORK OF ART!
 
At your size and weight, a Kawasaki KLR 650 is a good bet. they have been the same since the 80's until 2006-ish. They've been ridden around the world, through easy woods trails and for commuting. They are tall, roomy and reasonably powered for a newer rider.
Then you step up to a V-Strom.:cool:
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom