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wdr1 · 08-18-2009, 09:08 PM

I've never ridden a bike before, but looking forward to getting started. I've registered for the MSF course in a few weeks & started looking around for my first bike. (My thinking is I should get a bike fairly soon after the course to keep practicing.)

The challenge is my size -- I'm 6'6", 280 lbs. Reading the " New Rider? Read this thread FIRST!" thread, feedback I've gotten from friends who ride is I'll probably need something powerful than the bikes mentioned there. At the same time, I'm worried about handling a bigger bike.

Any advice from some of the experienced riders my size? My primary concern is safety, so I'm open to just about any type of bike.

Thanks!
-Bill

newagetwotone · 08-18-2009, 09:37 PM

1st rule: dont listen to friends.

Look at the KLR650. Dual sports have higher saddles, more leg and arm room and a 650 single WILL be enough power for you.

seruzawa · 08-19-2009, 05:38 AM

In the first place anyone who recommends a "powerful" bike for a beginner is not a "friend". Some math will show that even the beginners bikes mentioned in the thread have better power to weight ratios than most cars. With even a big rider like your self a medium displacement bike like an SV650 has a power to weight ratio similar to a Porsche Targa.

You are learning several skills here. You need a bike that is easy to ride as you learn more than how to ride. You are also learning how to deal with cars drivers who are largely out to get you and know that they can get off scot free by merely saying "I didn't see him". Cops and juries always buy this lie.

sarnali2 · 08-19-2009, 06:40 AM

Second the KLR or a Suzuki 650 V Strom, duel sports usually have the best seating positions for taller riders

pushrod · 08-19-2009, 06:48 AM

12r is a fellow big'n. He'll chime in here in a bit.

I'll add a vote for one of the small DP bikes.

SmokeU · 08-19-2009, 06:53 AM

What's a Porsche Targa?

sarnali2 · 08-19-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeU

What's a Porsche Targa?

911 rag top....cool car, really fast!

SmokeU · 08-19-2009, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarnali2

911 rag top....cool car, really fast!

Isn't the convertable and Targa a different model? I thought the Targa was a removeable panel roof and the cabriolet was the convertable?

seruzawa · 08-19-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeU

Isn't the convertable and Targa a different model? I thought the Targa was a removeable panel roof and the cabriolet was the convertable?

Either way they are really stupid fast for cars.

The_AirHawk · 08-19-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarnali2

911 rag top....cool car, really fast!

Not a ragtop - think '80s "T-Top", without the "T-Bar" and Mullet.

08-18-2009, 09:08 PM	#1
wdr1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 6	First Bike for a Big Guy I've never ridden a bike before, but looking forward to getting started. I've registered for the MSF course in a few weeks & started looking around for my first bike. (My thinking is I should get a bike fairly soon after the course to keep practicing.) The challenge is my size -- I'm 6'6", 280 lbs. Reading the " New Rider? Read this thread FIRST!" thread, feedback I've gotten from friends who ride is I'll probably need something powerful than the bikes mentioned there. At the same time, I'm worried about handling a bigger bike. Any advice from some of the experienced riders my size? My primary concern is safety, so I'm open to just about any type of bike. Thanks! -Bill

08-19-2009, 05:38 AM	#3
seruzawa Robby Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: 8501 ft. Posts: 16,803	In the first place anyone who recommends a "powerful" bike for a beginner is not a "friend". Some math will show that even the beginners bikes mentioned in the thread have better power to weight ratios than most cars. With even a big rider like your self a medium displacement bike like an SV650 has a power to weight ratio similar to a Porsche Targa. You are learning several skills here. You need a bike that is easy to ride as you learn more than how to ride. You are also learning how to deal with cars drivers who are largely out to get you and know that they can get off scot free by merely saying "I didn't see him". Cops and juries always buy this lie. __________________ I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched c-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhauser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain.

08-19-2009, 06:40 AM	#4
sarnali2 Aging Cafe` Racer Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sittin' down by my window, lookin' at the rain. Posts: 8,132	Second the KLR or a Suzuki 650 V Strom, duel sports usually have the best seating positions for taller riders __________________ "Carpe` Throttelum -Loud Suits Save Lives" "All the BMW riders in the room, I want you to leave. Now. Out. "

08-19-2009, 06:48 AM	#5
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,478	12r is a fellow big'n. He'll chime in here in a bit. I'll add a vote for one of the small DP bikes. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.

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08-18-2009, 09:37 PM	#2
newagetwotone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,302	1st rule: dont listen to friends. Look at the KLR650. Dual sports have higher saddles, more leg and arm room and a 650 single WILL be enough power for you.

08-19-2009, 06:53 AM	#6
SmokeU Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: pet**...pet...pet** Posts: 1,865	What's a Porsche Targa?