Bikes for Big Blokes

[SKR]

At 6 ft 5" I often struggle finding stuff that fits me and bikes are no different. Although I have put up with several 600 sports bikes in my younger years and currently ride a Thunderace 1000, I am now looking for something a bit more comfortable.

Would like something that I can do the odd track day on, but can also take it over to France without having to be lifted off it when I get there.

Any Ideas?

[YamR1V64motion]

people often overlook them but have you thought about a ZX12R?, ive seen a few taller blokes on them and they look more comfy on them than i feel on my fireblade and im only 6 ft, plus you still have the sportiness when you want it, just not quite as sharp in the corners as a 600 or 1000 focused sportsbike, and they look good too.

[likesbikes]

Yep, ZX-12R. I'm 6'3 and find it fine for just about any occasion - A-road blasting, B-road thrashing, bimbling through the country in no particular hurry, 2 up touring with the missus, the lot. Handles more than enough for the majority and grunt by the truckload. A little heavy (for me after my VFR) on the wrists round town, not agony but you can feel it after a while. But who spends more time in town than they have to?

[likesbikes]

Actually, just re-read the original post. ZX-12R is possibly no more comfy than an 'Ace so don't know. However I'd certainly recommend trying one!

[carrera2]

At a mere 6'2 I am more than comfortable on a Ducati 749s. I had a more padded seat fitted and have adjusted the bars and pegs to suit and it's very comfortable.

[Mon Ami Mate]

I'm not a small person and still find my ZZR1200 to be very roomy, very comfy and not at all slow.

[Davel]

BMW R1200GS?

Not as slow as you think

[5150]

I'd steer clear of a Duke.

Aprilia RSV was designed with Troy Corser in mind and he's over 6'

[catso]

5150 said:

I'd steer clear of a Duke.

Whilst the 749/999 have low (ish) seats the old 916-998 series and particularly the new 1098 are quite high so you need long legs to reach the ground comfortably, however you'll still be cramped when riding the thing especially if your body is the correct proportion for your legs

[black5]

Davel said:

BMW R1200GS?

Not as slow as you think

& they handle better than you might think too.

[rumpelstiltskin]

I had a ZX12r and i'm 6ft 4,it was fine.Only thing i'd say is with the ZX i felt like i was sitting on top of it whereas the Busa i had(fitted me perfect too)i felt i sat more 'in' the bike.

[jvaughan]

The tallest bike (leg length) I have found is the Africa Twin (im selling mine at present) its marginally higher than the GS1150 / 1200 with a "tall" seat fitted.

I found that on a sports bike, my legs would cramp up after any distance, but the big trailies were the most comfotrable. I did 12 hours in the saddle non stop comming back from Skye, only stopping for fuel.
[url]www.pistonheads.com/sales/125139.htm[/url]

Edited by jvaughan on Thursday 18th January 17:17

[Twit]

Something like a GS, Africa Twin, KTM 950/990, Caponord etc would fit the bill. All quicker than you would think and much more comfortable than a sports bike. I got from Istanbul to Reading in 4 days on my old KTM and didnt feel any effects other than being a bit tired...

Go try one!

[SKR]

Thanks for all the advice.

Would never have considered a ZX12, will go and take a look at the weekend.

May also take a ride on a BMW GS, although I am sure they will be comfortable. They just look so heavy and cumbersome, anyone ever taken one on a track?

I am also going to look at a VFR 800 (not new shape) and a GSF 1000 which was recommended. Anyone have any experience of these?

[Benni]

BIG Bike wanted ?
OK, it might not be the ideal thing for a track day (rather a runway),
but I wanted to post this again......
www.leonhardtweb.de/img/sittinggunthn.jpg
And you must wait maybe 6 months, and also have a BIG wallet...
Cheers,
Benni

[YamR1V64motion]

SKR said:

Thanks for all the advice.

Would never have considered a ZX12, will go and take a look at the weekend.

May also take a ride on a BMW GS, although I am sure they will be comfortable. They just look so heavy and cumbersome, anyone ever taken one on a track?

I am also going to look at a VFR 800 (not new shape) and a GSF 1000 which was recommended. Anyone have any experience of these?

i know that if i had to go on regular trips to France i would definatly be considering the ZX12,Hayabusa or Blackbird, them been such ideal motorway munchers and all

[Twit]

SKR said:

May also take a ride on a BMW GS, although I am sure they will be comfortable. They just look so heavy and cumbersome, anyone ever taken one on a track?

Plenty of people have and they do great. They look really odd but work really well. If you test ride one get a long ride. Over 20 mins they will feel odd but a few hours and all becomes clear! For distances and everyday use nothing matches a BMW, they are so well designed for purpose.

[Frik]

New Tiger 1050.

[DesmoTip]

What about a Ducati Multistrada? Absolute hoot to ride, comfy and the new ones have 50% reduced service costs......

[carrera2]

DesmoTip said:

What about a Ducati Multistrada? Absolute hoot to ride, comfy and the new ones have 50% reduced service costs......

Not the prettiest of things though are they?