Seeking a bike to fit me

Almost seems like the Euro bikes are better suited for tall riders. I've only sat on the BMW but it seemed very comfortable for my frame. Similarly, my Daytona, despite it's narrowness fits me great.

The APrilia might be the exception. I've sat on one and found it uncomfortable but my buddy pointed out that it was on a rear stand so it might have been cause the rear was too high so the sitting position felt too forward like you're starting to do a stopie.

I think there may be a lot of subjectivity to it, as well. The Ducs (848, 1198, 1199) fit me fine and so does the Daytona. The Yamaha R1, the CBR not so much. And the Aprilia is, for me, the smallest feeling. Which is a shame because its a gorgeous bike.
 
THe GSXR has a very low seat height....lowest out of all the SS I think, but the stretch to the bars seems ok where as the CBR feels cramped. The GSXR feels the most upright and most "relaxed" sitting position to be honest out of all the SS to me....maybe I'm crazy. Probably why you'd feel you have to look "down" at the gauges instead of forward........most of us don't ride in full tuck 24/7 like you though so we always have to look down, no matter what bike. ;)
 
I'm 6'1" and the most comfortable bike I ever owned was a Honda ST1100. My inseam is 32" and the bike fit me like a glove, especially after I installed the Corbin seat. All-day thousand-kilometer rides were not a problem. I also used it as a daily commuter.

I ride a XR650L now which is a bit tall (37" seat height!) and would NOT reco it if "comfort" is in the top half of your priority list.

As other posters have said, you need to first figure out the type riding you want to do first, then go figure out which of bike is the best fit for your body type. For me, UJM's tend to be more comfortable than the SS's. I've heard good things about the V-strom and Veradero as being comfortable bikes to ride. I test-rode a Veradero and was very impressed at the ergonomics; now that they are discontinued you may be able to pick one up for a song...

I see folks are recommending the GSXR750 which I find interesting as my experience with them was not positive, too much weight on my wrists and arms until at least 140 KPH was attained but YMMV.

Cheers,
Daryl
 
6'3" on an 08 CBR 1000RR with a tall torso. I don't find much difference between most of the modern SS, 2-3 hours max. Get some tank grips, they really help take the weight off the wrists.
 
Buying a bike "to fit me" is possibly the most soulless reason for buying a bike. Assuming you're over 5' and under 7' you should be choosing a bike for the passion or feeling it instills in you. For the way it looks, for the way you look when you're riding it, for the excitement it makes you feel, for the sound, for the rep, for for for............................................

Serioulsy? You're telling us that your number one concern is the way it fits? Find another pastime. Or fashion to follow. Because this should be a passion.
 
Buying a bike "to fit me" is possibly the most soulless reason for buying a bike. Assuming you're over 5' and under 7' you should be choosing a bike for the passion or feeling it instills in you. For the way it looks, for the way you look when you're riding it, for the excitement it makes you feel, for the sound, for the rep, for for for............................................

Serioulsy? You're telling us that your number one concern is the way it fits? Find another pastime. Or fashion to follow. Because this should be a passion.


It's hard to feel the passion when your legs are cramped and aching and your elbows are resting on your calf muscles or your head is 15 cms past your instrument cluster. BUT, I get what you're saying. I'm too tall for some bikes. I don't like it but I gotta live with it.
 
Back
Top Bottom