Big comfortable bike for tall rider?

[TurboHatchback]

I've decided my GSX-8s has to go, it's a great bike in many ways but I just find it cripplingly uncomfortable. After an hour I need to get off, after 2 hours I'm praying for it to end. I'm 6'4", nearly 100kg with long limbs so for me the bigger the better, no seat is too high and weight really isn't an issue but a cramped riding position is. I want a comfy seat, long travel suspension, wind protection, cruise control, high bars and a spacious upright riding position. I'm thinking either new or nearly new (up to 2 years old), budget around £12k but not set in stone.

So far my shortlist is:

• 2024 onwards Africa Twin 1100 (21 inch wheel base model)
• 2024 onwards Moto Guzzi Stelvio
• Kawasaki Versys 1100
• 2024 onwards Triumph Tiger 1200

Which would you choose and is there anything else I should consider?

[A500leroy]

KTM super duke GT/ Adventure

[Mark_S1000RR_2010]

It’s a boring answer, but R1250GSA with the seat on high position will be just the job, if you can find one.

[trickywoo]

V Strom 1050

[hiccy18]

I wouldn't choose any of the bikes on your list but it's not for me. My bike is an R1250RS and with the high seat would offer everything you want. An S1000XR would be possibly exactly what you're looking for, and the GSXS1000GX would be in budget and more fun than everything on your list.

[Zedboy]

Mark_S1000RR_2010 said:

It s a boring answer, but R1250GSA with the seat on high position will be just the job, if you can find one.

Same dilemma I hit a few weeks ago… if you love your inline 4s, the answer is S1000 XR. My arthritic bones are smiling again!

[TurboHatchback]

hiccy18 said:

I wouldn't choose any of the bikes on your list but it's not for me. My bike is an R1250RS and with the high seat would offer everything you want. An S1000XR would be possibly exactly what you're looking for, and the GSXS1000GX would be in budget and more fun than everything on your list.

I tried a GSXS1000GX, good bike but the pegs were too high for me, it felt if anything more cramped than my 8S. I've not tried an S1000XR but it's expensive and I favour engines with bottom end punch, screaming top end isn't really useful for me. A boxer could work, on paper a GS sounds perfect but they're very expensive compared to some of the alternatives.

[Johnny50]

I'm a Triumph fanboy so slightly biased, but the current 1200 Rally Pro has an 875/895mm seat height, possibly cheaper than a GS.

I had an S1000XR and it wasn't very roomy (or comfortable)

[T6 vanman]

Whilst slightly smaller than you,
Can I recommend the Harley Pan-America

[Bob_Defly]

Of those on the list I would get the Africa Twin. Just make sure all of the common corrosion issues are absent.

[hiccy18]

TurboHatchback said:

I tried a GSXS1000GX, good bike but the pegs were too high for me, it felt if anything more cramped than my 8S. I've not tried an S1000XR but it's expensive and I favour engines with bottom end punch, screaming top end isn't really useful for me. A boxer could work, on paper a GS sounds perfect but they're very expensive compared to some of the alternatives.

The XR might have a screaming top end (well, the M does, not tried the S) but it also has instant punch comparable to the 1250. I'm impressed, much more than with the 1300GS they've lent me now.

I know what you mean about the Suzuki pegs, but the comfort seat is higher.

[Alex@POD]

Why would you specifically want the 21" wheel on the Africa Twin, if you're only riding on the road? 19" would be better surely?

[Michael_B]

Why a post 2024 Tiger? To avoid the T-plane engine before they modified it yet again to counter the vibration issues? I’ve solved that issue by hanging on to my (still smooth triple) 2020 MY Tiger 1200, and buying additional bikes instead of upgrading my main long-distance tourer.

The Tiger 1200 has been across the Alps numerous times, down to Tuscany and up to Belgium, solo and 2-up with luggage. After 15 years of big KTMs and having test-ridden and borrowed all manner of BMWs, Hondas, Guzzis, etc., it was/is the best option for my needs and style of riding.

[Biker9090]

trickywoo said:

V Strom 1050

What they said

[TurboHatchback]

T6 vanman said:

Whilst slightly smaller than you,
Can I recommend the Harley Pan-America

These look interesting and they reviewed surprisingly well. I suppose the obvious concerns are parts prices and dealer support, now that most of the Harley dealers in the UK are gone.

Alex@POD said:

Why would you specifically want the 21" wheel on the Africa Twin, if you're only riding on the road? 19" would be better surely?

Partly because it just looks better, but mostly because it's £4k cheaper than the the adventure sports with the smaller front wheel and I can't really see the benefit the extra money gets you.

Michael_B said:

Why a post 2024 Tiger? To avoid the T-plane engine before they modified it yet again to counter the vibration issues?

Indeed.

[Alex@POD]

TurboHatchback said:

Alex@POD said:

Why would you specifically want the 21" wheel on the Africa Twin, if you're only riding on the road? 19" would be better surely?

Partly because it just looks better, but mostly because it's £4k cheaper than the the adventure sports with the smaller front wheel and I can't really see the benefit the extra money gets you.

Fair enough, have a look into the specs though because there's quite a few differences, one is biased towards off-road and the other towards touring. The 4k gets you electronic suspension, heated grips, bigger fuel tank, etc. I agree that if I were to buy one I'd want the kit of the Adventure Sport with the colour schemes of the standard model though.

[Cabbage Patch]

I’m 6’6” and about 100KG. I have a1250 GSA. It’s very comfortable over long days and big miles. I have the seat on the high setting usually but occasionally ride it with the seat high front / low back if I want to change the pressure on my arse. I’ve got a 35” inside leg and never feel cramped.

This year I’ve done a 5 week trip to Montenegro and 3 weeks around France riding two up. We had some non riding days but multiple days riding was fine.

Aside from the comfort I just love riding it too.

[gareth_r]

Ultimately, you'll have to sit on them. The specs only tell you the seat height, but what you need to know is the vertical distance between seat and footrests, the angle of your knees, and how much weight is on your hands.

The Motonomics website might help you to create a shortlist.

[Cakey_]

I'm 6'3 and just over 100kgs and find most normal bikes a tad small.
Im currently riding a gsx1250 which is a big bike fortunately so I'll be keeping that for a while.

Sounds like youre pretty decided on the adventure style but a bit less off road potential could be the gsx1000gx, a very nice bike for the money, we sat on one at the nec last year and the pillion seat was very cramped unfortunately.
We did find though that the versys was very spacious front and back, i like to be able to change position which is normal what I struggle with but the kawasaki had heaps of room.

[IAN1967]

Biker9090 said:

trickywoo said:

V Strom 1050

What they said

Mate of mine really rates his V Strom, he's probably the same height as you but lighter.

Never ridden it myself.