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motorcycle for a tall guy

DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
edited May 2008 in Help / Advice Forum
I get my endorsement in two weeks, and I'm 6'6".

I'm not really interested in sport/race style riding, much more into cruisers/standards. I've been looking at used bikes to get as a starter, and Honda Nighthawks keep coming up as a suggestion. A couple of friends ride Shadows, but they are the 750cc version and not big enough. Would the 1100 fit me better, or should I just rule out the Shadow?

Doc on

Posts

  • FatsFats Corvallis, ORRegistered User regular
    edited May 2008
    What do you mean by not big enough? Handlebars/pegs/seats can always be adjusted and replaced. I don't think the 1100 is any larger when it comes to controls. Edit: In fact, the newer 750s are slightly longer. Replace the stock controls with forward controls and fiddle with the handlebars, and any cruiser should fit you comfortably; if that's the type of bike you're set on.

    Fats on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2008
    Yeah, it would be adjusting the handlebars and pegs that I'd need to do. I could adjust the throttle on most bikes with my knee, heh.

    Doc on
  • dlinfinitidlinfiniti Registered User regular
    edited May 2008
    do you have the leather jacket with fringe picked out already?

    dlinfiniti on
    AAAAA!!! PLAAAYGUUU!!!!
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2008
    dlinfiniti wrote: »
    do you have the leather jacket with fringe picked out already?
    bttf3_martyatbar.jpg

    Doc on
  • FatsFats Corvallis, ORRegistered User regular
    edited May 2008
    Yeah, you'd want something like this:

    shadow750.jpg

    Those look a couple inches forward, you can go longer and lower only limited by what will clear the front wheel. A lot of people install them even if they don't need them, if you comb some dealerships you should be able to find one with them already installed to try out.

    Have you sat on a plain CB750/Nighthawk at all? The seat is higher so you get more leg room. Or are you willing to try something a little different? :winky: The KLR is pretty popular with giants like yourself.

    Fats on
  • dlinfinitidlinfiniti Registered User regular
    edited May 2008
    what if he just sits in the back seat?

    dlinfiniti on
    AAAAA!!! PLAAAYGUUU!!!!
  • PirateJonPirateJon Registered User regular
    edited May 2008
    You'd fit on a nighthawk. But you'd have to sit on one - I'm tall and I end up in a psudeo-sport position when riding for any length of time. That's ok with me, but I'm not you. Anyway, I tend to think the CB750 is the best commuter bike out there.

    Disclaimer: I own one so that may be a little biased. But add a trunk and a windshield and it's just perfect to run around town.

    If you can get past the ugly, the KLR is a great bike. Also the DL650 - the wee-strom - is great if you can find one in your budget range.

    Oh and dont' forget risers. http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/. they make a ton of difference.

    PirateJon on
    all perfectionists are mediocre in their own eyes
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2008
    Thanks guys. I'll probably end up waiting to at least try out a Nighthawk before I buy anything. A standard like that would be great while I figure out how I like to ride.

    Doc on
  • McVikingMcViking Registered User regular
    edited May 2008
    I'm about 6'2" and ride a Nighthawk -- which I'm looking to sell, because I want more legroom. (Or at least differently-shaped legroom.) For me, the Nighthawk is just fine for short trips. But without forward controls, if I'm on it for over an hour at a time, my knees start getting pretty cramped. I'm not sure what my next bike will be, but it will definitely be fitted with forward controls that allow me full leg extension and two different peg positions.

    (Incidentally, I'm trying to sell my pickup truck for the same reason. Sometimes, being taller-than-average is a distinct disadvantage...)

    McViking on
  • PirateJonPirateJon Registered User regular
    edited May 2008
    Keep in mind that aftermarket seats can add an inch or two over stock. Add risers and you can make a bike that's "sorta ok" fit really well.

    You proabably won't get a 100% great fit out of whatever you buy, so get the best bike you find and add the bits to make it comfy.
    Sometimes, being taller-than-average is a distinct disadvantage...
    Ahhh the old "hand into ceiling fan while getting dressed" story...

    PirateJon on
    all perfectionists are mediocre in their own eyes
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2008
    PirateJon wrote: »
    Keep in mind that aftermarket seats can add an inch or two over stock. Add risers and you can make a bike that's "sorta ok" fit really well.

    You proabably won't get a 100% great fit out of whatever you buy, so get the best bike you find and add the bits to make it comfy.
    Sometimes, being taller-than-average is a distinct disadvantage...
    Ahhh the old "hand into ceiling fan while getting dressed" story...

    Talk to me when you start hitting your head on doorjams. :P

    Doc on
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