So I'm in the market for a bike. It will be the first bike I've owned, but have ridden for a total 6 months (cruisers only), dirt for 10 years, am 26, and I GREATLY respect motorcycles and the danger involved. Im taking my MSF course, and getting my endorsement in one week. Im mature, not a speed freak, and do not have a death wish in the slightest.
Im stuck on the 6th gen VFR after riding one, but I am still looking around, to try and cover all my options.
I read that the ZZR 600 makes a decent 'first' bike, so off to the local Kawi dealer I went.
The bke is nice, but a little cramped/small in the ergo department for my taste (I'm 6'7" 290). I tell the salesman that the number 1 bike on my list is the interceptor, but that I was looking at other options as well. "I have the perfect bike for you"... walkes me over to an amazing looking, but rather large, ZX14. its "perfect for your size!!"
I had never researched this bike, or even heard about it for that matter. He was telling me (along with the sales manager) that the ZX14 is a sport-tourer, just below the Kawi version of the ST1300 ( I dont know the model ). This bike felt great.. but I made the comment "wow, it feels like Im sitting on a Busa"... "Oh no no, its only as fast as your wrist tells it to be...but it IS the fastest production bike out right now.....and its on clearance for 8K" warranty.gif
It was only when I got home that I realized that I WAS sitting on a Busa (allbeit the Kawi version)... Isnt it great that as a beginner, that I would be perfect for it??? unsure.gif It blew me away........ rolleyes.gif
Ive looked at the VFR, SV650S (not bad really), ZZR600, and the ST1300 (feels too big)... any other sugguestions that could accomodate someone of my size that you guys migt reccomend looking at (or ruling out before buying a VFR?)
Wow sounds like that salesman will tell you anything to make a sale. Although I wouldn't rule the ZX-14 out for sport touring that is not what it was designed for. The Kawasaki Concourse is the Kawi sport tourer, it is based off of the ZX-14 though. I would never recommend this bike for a beginner, and the salesman should be ashamed to do so. No offense to you or your ability but please start out on something a little more forgiving than the current fastest sportbike produced. Learning to ride and cutting your teeth on a smaller bike will develop many skills that you would have never learned starting on such a big bike. Simply put there is no need to have a bike with this much power save you spend a lot of time at the drag strip, it is just unnecessary.
I'm glad you have a good head on your shoulders. It's sad when the salesman has no remorse about putting a new rider fresh off the turnip farm on to "one of the fastest production motorcycles ever produced". Asshats....
You have three classifications that you should research:
"Standard" Sport Bikes 1) Suzuki SV650 or SV650S (SV650 is the naked version and friendlier ergos. The SVS models have a more aggressive forward leaning position and the foot pegs are raised to give more of a sporty feel through corners. As you have an above average amount of height, I'd look into keeping the pegs as low as possible). 2) Kawasaki Ninja 650R // ZZR 600 (I've never ridden one personally, but the specifications make this worth looking into). 3) Kawasaki Z750 / Z1000 (These have really comfortable ergos but have a large amount of power that may not be right for your first bike. The salesman was right though, it's all about how much you twist your wrist).
"Quazi" Sport Bikes (Real sporty - sport tourers) 1) Honda VFR (Enough said.... heh) 2) Triumph Sprint ST 3) Ducati ST3 4) Various BMW's....
I own a 99 SV650 track bike and a 03 VFR800 and love them both. I realized that I like the VFR more for commuting / weekend rides / mountain trips so I spend a majority of my time on the viffer. The SV is my dedicated track bike and is available whenever the girlfriend wishes to take it out for a spin.
Do some more research and ask more specific questions if you come up with any. Biggest bit of advice I can offer is to buy used your first time around. The typical saying, "It's not if you will crash, but when you will crash" is very true. It's much easier putting a 5 year old bike back together than a brand new one off the showroom floor. Good luck!
Gap Trash, May 31 2008, 05:48 PMWow sounds like that salesman will tell you anything to make a sale. Although I wouldn't rule the ZX-14 out for sport touring that is not what it was designed for. The Kawasaki Concourse is the Kawi sport tourer, it is based off of the ZX-14 though. I would never recommend this bike for a beginner, and the salesman should be ashamed to do so. No offense to you or your ability but please start out on something a little more forgiving than the current fastest sportbike produced. Learning to ride and cutting your teeth on a smaller bike will develop many skills that you would have never learned starting on such a big bike. Simply put there is no need to have a bike with this much power save you spend a lot of time at the drag strip, it is just unnecessary.
100% not interested, I promise.... It just blew me away that he would reccomend such a powerful bike for someone with my experience...
Im pretty sure the VFR is going to be my bike, I know its not the BEST choice for a beginner, but having ridden a few of them....I know what I'm in for.. and it fits perfect.
Gap Trash, May 31 2008, 05:48 PMWow sounds like that salesman will tell you anything to make a sale. Although I wouldn't rule the ZX-14 out for sport touring that is not what it was designed for. The Kawasaki Concourse is the Kawi sport tourer, it is based off of the ZX-14 though. I would never recommend this bike for a beginner, and the salesman should be ashamed to do so. No offense to you or your ability but please start out on something a little more forgiving than the current fastest sportbike produced. Learning to ride and cutting your teeth on a smaller bike will develop many skills that you would have never learned starting on such a big bike. Simply put there is no need to have a bike with this much power save you spend a lot of time at the drag strip, it is just unnecessary.
100% not interested, I promise.... It just blew me away that he would reccomend such a powerful bike for someone with my experience...
Good to hear that you aren't interested, I sensed some sarcasm there, but wasn't sure. Good head on your shoulders there, the other bikes that you listed sound like reasonable bikes for someone like yourself that have had a little bit of experience. Good luck in the hunt.
And.......... any motorcycle will only go as fast as you tell it to go.
If you are having trouble with bikes that are too small for you to get comfortable, take a peek at a ZZR-1200. They were only made for a few years. They didn't catch on. But they are available and not real expensive.
They are a little bigger than a VFR with a little more muscle. Not a bad deal for a bigger guy. But not the best bike if you can't control your right wrist.
I don’t think the ZX14 is much, if any worse of a first bike than a VFR. They are both large, heavy, with expensive plastics, and either one will get you to over a hundred in a few seconds.
Neither of these bikes are a good starter bike, IMHO. I think you would learn a lot faster, have more confidence, and be a better rider in a shorter time by starting on something like an SV650. With your size, no bike, besides maybe a dual sport, is going to fit you anyway. Now that I mention it, have you thought about a dual sport or super moto?
jeremy556, May 31 2008, 08:13 PMI don�t think the ZX14 is much, if any worse of a first bike than a VFR. They are both large, heavy, with expensive plastics, and either one will get you to over a hundred in a few seconds.
Neither of these bikes are a good starter bike, IMHO. I think you would learn a lot faster, have more confidence, and be a better rider in a shorter time by starting on something like an SV650. With your size, no bike, besides maybe a dual sport, is going to fit you anyway. Now that I mention it, have you thought about a dual sport or super moto?
I tell people who are wanting to start riding all the time that I don't think that my Suzuki DRZ 400 SM can be beat for a first bike for someone over 6 feet tall. I don't recommed it as a starter bike for shorter people because of the high seat height. Besides that it is light, easy to handle, comfortable (save the seat), loads of fun, and it isn't fast enough to get you into as much trouble as some of the bigger bikes.
jeremy556, May 31 2008, 08:13 PMI don�t think the ZX14 is much, if any worse of a first bike than a VFR. They are both large, heavy, with expensive plastics, and either one will get you to over a hundred in a few seconds.
Neither of these bikes are a good starter bike, IMHO. I think you would learn a lot faster, have more confidence, and be a better rider in a shorter time by starting on something like an SV650. With your size, no bike, besides maybe a dual sport, is going to fit you anyway. Now that I mention it, have you thought about a dual sport or super moto?
I tell people who are wanting to start riding all the time that I don't think that my Suzuki DRZ 400 SM can be beat for a first bike for someone over 6 feet tall. I don't recommed it as a starter bike for shorter people because of the high seat height. Besides that it is light, easy to handle, comfortable (save the seat), loads of fun, and it isn't fast enough to get you into as much trouble as some of the bigger bikes.
I have had a few dual sport'ed bikes, both the DRZ and an XR650R, both were more super-moto with street tires.. just never have had a dedicated street bike. They wernt bad.. but 80 miles round trip to work just got real old, real fast on the dual sports.
FlyByWire, May 31 2008, 09:40 PMI have had a few dual sport'ed bikes, both the DRZ and an XR650R, both were more super-moto with street tires.. just never have had a dedicated street bike. They wernt bad.. but 80 miles round trip to work just got real old, real fast on the dual sports.
It sounds like you would probably be fine on a VFR or a ZX14. ZX14/Eye-a-buser/CBRXXs aren't the fire breathing death machines some people make them out to be. I think they are a lot more civilized and easy to ride than a lot of bikes - IF you can control your right wrist and are responsible.
FlyByWire, May 31 2008, 09:40 PMI have had a few dual sport'ed bikes, both the DRZ and an XR650R, both were more super-moto with street tires.. just never have had a dedicated street bike. They wernt bad.. but 80 miles round trip to work just got real old, real fast on the dual sports.
It sounds like you would probably be fine on a VFR or a ZX14. ZX14/Eye-a-buser/CBRXXs aren't the fire breathing death machines some people make them out to be. I think they are a lot more civilized and easy to ride than a lot of bikes - IF you can control your right wrist and are responsible.
Thanks for your time. The ZX-14 is probably the most comfortable bike Ive ever swung a leg over, just because of how long/big the bike is.... I just dont think I have any business trying to ride a 185hp bike mellow.gif
The guys kept saying that with my weight, it wont be as powerful as with someone who weighs a buck-fifty, and while that's probably true... its an intimidating thought... maybe its just the 'number' thing... "1400cc.. wow!!!" kind of a thing. I have a thought that if Im in seccond, and hit it hard to pass someone.... I'll be on my ass.. I KNOW thats not the case with the VFR though, as Ive ridden them (even for a very short amount of time).
I know im going to make mistakes, with any bike I get, I just dont want those mistakes to be because of the bike ITSELF (bought too big of a bike etc.. although thats probably a control thing...)
Im pretty sure the VFR is going to be my bike, I know its not the BEST choice for a beginner, but having ridden a few of them....I know what I'm in for.. and it fits perfect. [/quote]
Nice choice!! My '06 was (is) my first motorcycle of ANY kind. I had never been on a bike before in my life, and had no idea how anything worked. I hopped on and rode it home after a quick "this is the clutch...you hit the shifter down for 1st, up for 2nd, 3rd, etc..." lesson. Probably the most stupid and irresponsible decision I could have made, but my point is, its an easy bike to ride. Balanced well and super silky smooth. I'm now in my 2nd year riding, and will hit 12,000 miles on my way to work tomorrow. I did alot of research between models and am VERY glad I landed on the VFR. Whatever you choose, good luck!! You're being far more responsible about the process than I was.
And the ZX-14 isnt the fastest production bike, nor is the hayabusa (even the '08 model). Both are limited to 186mph. Now which one gets to that the quickest you can argue that all day. The fastest production bike I think is the '08 MV Agusta F4 R 312 at 194mph.
FlyByWire, May 31 2008, 09:59 PMThanks for your time. The ZX-14 is probably the most comfortable bike Ive ever swung a leg over, just because of how long/big the bike is.... I just dont think I have any business trying to ride a 185hp bike mellow.gif
The guys kept saying that with my weight, it wont be as powerful as with someone who weighs a buck-fifty, and while that's probably true... its an intimidating thought... maybe its just the 'number' thing... "1400cc.. wow!!!" kind of a thing. I have a thought that if Im in seccond, and hit it hard to pass someone.... I'll be on my ass.. I KNOW thats not the case with the VFR though, as Ive ridden them (even for a very short amount of time).
I know im going to make mistakes, with any bike I get, I just dont want those mistakes to be because of the bike ITSELF (bought too big of a bike etc.. although thats probably a control thing...)
Not that I'm trying to sell you on a ZX14 (I don't like them personally), but you would be surprised how docile it was if you rode one. Sure, if you whack open the throttle and let the revs climb to the upper range, it will stretch your arms, but only if you tell it to. You sound like you have some miles on 2 wheels so physical throttle control would not be an issue. If you twist the throttle in 2nd on a ZX you are not going to be on your ass. Maybe in first, but in second you will still have to work a bit to get the front end in the air. It has a VERY long wheelbase compared to off road bikes.
The only way a ZX14 is going to get you into more trouble than a VFR is if you get too happy with the throttle. Its brakes are superior to the VFR's, the weight, wheelbase, handling, etc are similar.
FlyByWire, May 31 2008, 09:59 PMThanks for your time. The ZX-14 is probably the most comfortable bike Ive ever swung a leg over, just because of how long/big the bike is.... I just dont think I have any business trying to ride a 185hp bike mellow.gif
The guys kept saying that with my weight, it wont be as powerful as with someone who weighs a buck-fifty, and while that's probably true... its an intimidating thought... maybe its just the 'number' thing... "1400cc.. wow!!!" kind of a thing. I have a thought that if Im in seccond, and hit it hard to pass someone.... I'll be on my ass.. I KNOW thats not the case with the VFR though, as Ive ridden them (even for a very short amount of time).
I know im going to make mistakes, with any bike I get, I just dont want those mistakes to be because of the bike ITSELF (bought too big of a bike etc.. although thats probably a control thing...)
Not that I'm trying to sell you on a ZX14 (I don't like them personally), but you would be surprised how docile it was if you rode one. Sure, if you whack open the throttle and let the revs climb to the upper range, it will stretch your arms, but only if you tell it to. You sound like you have some miles on 2 wheels so physical throttle control would not be an issue. If you twist the throttle in 2nd on a ZX you are not going to be on your ass. Maybe in first, but in second you will still have to work a bit to get the front end in the air. It has a VERY long wheelbase compared to off road bikes.
The only way a ZX14 is going to get you into more trouble than a VFR is if you get too happy with the throttle. Its brakes are superior to the VFR's, the weight, wheelbase, handling, etc are similar.
Thanks yet again!
I know from your posts that you (along with the others here) know your $hit, so I appreciate and respect your opinions.
I was pretty stuck on the VFR, and still am. I am trying to do some research on the ZX14, but everything I look at has the hayabusa mentioned which is again, intimidating (knowing nothing about THAT bike other than it breathing fire, and killing all that ride one).
To be honest, I'll be 'timid' (read; careful, methodical, basic, 'slow', cautious..etc) on ANYthing 2-wheeled around cagers.. just like I have in the past with my limited street riding. I think defensive or aware are the better words... but hopefully you get my point. I dont know if that means I need to get a 'smaller' bike or not.
6th gen w/ a seargent and staintunes....mmmmmmmm lol
I think the ZX is the fastest production bike in the quarter mile, although that may not be the case any more with the new '08 'Busa. Regardless - steer clear for your own wellbeing.
I'm 6'3" 225 so I can sympathize somewhat. I got into riding about 5 years ago when I was in college. My first bike was a 1980 Honda CM-400 (yup, 400cc) that I picked up for $300. I was in college. I was broke. I loved the hell out of that thing, though. It was useless on the highway - topped out at about 70 WFO. I moved on to a '78 Yamaha XS650 because it could go on the highway.
When I had some coin I picked up a Triumph Speed Four (naked 600cc inline-4), and it was a blast, but I'm really glad I learned on slower bikes. I crashed it a month after getting it by panicking, chopping the throttle and sliding out in a corner. That was entirely my fault, and I was arguably on too much bike for my skill level. One thing you have to be very honest with yourself about is how comfortable you're going to be on the bike, and how quickly you'll become skilled - I had to learn a couple of lessons the hard way, so it was good for me to stay on slower bikes that didn't bite back when I did something stupid (which was never too much gas - it was too much brakes, chopping the throttle, etc).
One thing to bear in mind is that you will drop this bike. Realistically, there's a good chance that you'll crash it. Your dirt background will serve you well for skills, but nothing replaces experience on the road. Plastics are really expensive, but after riding the Speed Four for a few years, I really am enjoying the wind protection afforded by the VFR. If you don't mind wrenching, an older 'standard' would serve you really well. Something like the Nighthawk 750 is fantastic, inexpensive, and a lot more forgiving than a bike with 'sport' in the name.
For a practical bike that has a lot less plastics to replace if and when the bike hits the ground, and much more spacious ergo's, why not check out the FZ6? sporty, half-fairing for wind protection, no lower plastics so a parking lot spill won't cost you hundreds of dollars... In the same category, with similar ergo's and performance but a less sporty style would be bikes like the V-Strom 650 and the Versys 650. It's not shipping yet, but even the new BMW 800GS fits in the category. the SV-650S (with the half-fairing, which sounds like a good thing for you) could be made a bit more spacious by swapping the rearsets with a non-S version.
Braking is probably something you'll pick up pretty quickly because of your dirt background, but ABS is a Good Thing unless you're looking for a track bike. the VFR linked brakes also makes braking more user friendly, but will also mask bad habits that could get you into trouble on a non-linked bike.
Anyways - sorry for the rambling post, but hopefully there's something useful in there. unsure.gif
I know from your posts that you (along with the others here) know your $hit, so I appreciate and respect your opinions.
I was pretty stuck on the VFR, and still am. I am trying to do some research on the ZX14, but everything I look at has the hayabusa mentioned which is again, intimidating (knowing nothing about THAT bike other than it breathing fire, and killing all that ride one).
To be honest, I'll be 'timid' (read; careful, methodical, basic, 'slow', cautious..etc) on ANYthing 2-wheeled around cagers.. just like I have in the past with my limited street riding. I think defensive or aware are the better words... but hopefully you get my point. I dont know if that means I need to get a 'smaller' bike or not.
6th gen w/ a seargent and staintunes....mmmmmmmm lol
Don't be scared of the Busa, it is a pussycat.
If you are stuck on a VFR, then get that, you should be fine with your experience. I would, however, recommend a used one (for cash) and add some frame sliders to it. These things are a lot heavier than a dirt bike, and MUCH more top heavy to boot. I have dropped and/or crashed mine more times than I care to remember.
Funny first post on this thread, FlyByWire! Glad you saw thru the salesman's BS.
Personally, I really like the ZX-14. The ergos are very comfortable for me, but it's way more engine than I'll ever need.
Sure the VFR isn't the quickest ride around, but 0-60 in ~3.5 seconds is nothing to sneeze at, esp. with just 800cc. I think you're on the right track, dude.
There are some good alternate bike suggestions above, but one other bike I suggest would be the 1st generation Yamaha FZ1 (the version made thru 2005). Not a real tall bike, but has decent legroom for a tall guy like you, and plenty of life in the R1-derived 1000cc engine, without scaring the heck out of you either. Insurance should be fairly reasonable, too.
I know from your posts that you (along with the others here) know your $hit, so I appreciate and respect your opinions.
I was pretty stuck on the VFR, and still am. I am trying to do some research on the ZX14, but everything I look at has the hayabusa mentioned which is again, intimidating (knowing nothing about THAT bike other than it breathing fire, and killing all that ride one).
To be honest, I'll be 'timid' (read; careful, methodical, basic, 'slow', cautious..etc) on ANYthing 2-wheeled around cagers.. just like I have in the past with my limited street riding. I think defensive or aware are the better words... but hopefully you get my point. I dont know if that means I need to get a 'smaller' bike or not.
6th gen w/ a seargent and staintunes....mmmmmmmm lol
Don't be scared of the Busa, it is a pussycat.
If you are stuck on a VFR, then get that, you should be fine with your experience. I would, however, recommend a used one (for cash) and add some frame sliders to it. These things are a lot heavier than a dirt bike, and MUCH more top heavy to boot. I have dropped and/or crashed mine more times than I care to remember.
Pussycat you say? warranty.gif
As far as a used VFR for cash, absolutely!! I like the prices of the 02's for right around 5k. Frame sliders are more than likely in the picture, If I get the 'nerve' to install them myself. Now I just have to decide if the ABS is something I need to wait around for... or pull the trigger on a non-abs VFR.
Well after reading all these replies if i may put in my 2cents worth and 1 cent worth being a newb..I have lived almost 1yr since my sport bike start now on some of the most dangerous roads in the country I think... My first bike was a VFR. I spent several months looking at what was out there.. I didnt want a CBRanything or zzrwhatever and didnt want a true sport tourer like a st1300 or fjr.. After reading many reviews of all the above The VFR seemed right for me.. touring capable with sport bike agility. My DAD even tried to talk me into a CBR 600 but i didnt want a wheelie machine knowing i would on ocassion ham fist the throttle.. I also didnt have the prior experience you do.. The only other 2 wheeled things i ever rode were bicycles which i still have scars from and a suzuki DS80 which i rebuilt and ran till its death a short time later.. All my friends had bets i wouldnt live 6months, Some were even trying to get life insurance policies on me... As you have probably read the VFR is the do all of all bikes. No tthe very best at any one scenario but does them all well..
Your dealer salesman probably only heard you had prior experience so tried to steer you to what they wanted to move.. Personnaly I would never get a 1000cc or larger for a first street bike.. Even having restraint your gonna ham fist the throttle on ocassion even if just to pass a cage.. The vfr in stock form has enough power if you let it rev to pick the front up even in 2nd gear with a 200lb rider if you twist it hard enough..
I dont recommend a VFR or anything larger for anyone unless you are sure you are not just telling yourself you will use selfcontrol. We all suffer from RAPS (random act of personnal stupidity) on ocassion.. I know i have. A year later im still learning new limits and enjoying the bike very much.. Im slowly working my way up.. Part of it is living where i do. The other part is reading all i can and soaking in everybit of info i can from better riders here on vfrd..
Good luck on your choices of motorcycle.... I will end this now as not to go on n on..
FlyByWire, Jun 1 2008, 12:24 AMPussycat you say? warranty.gif
Much more liveable street bike than a GSXR 600/750/1000
FlyByWire, Jun 1 2008, 12:24 AMAs far as a used VFR for cash, absolutely!! I like the prices of the 02's for right around 5k. Frame sliders are more than likely in the picture, If I get the 'nerve' to install them myself. Now I just have to decide if the ABS is something I need to wait around for... or pull the trigger on a non-abs VFR.
02 should be closer to 4. Frame sliders for a VFR will be $250-$300 and require cutting the fairing. Radar's are the best.
ABS... Now that is a thread all to itself. My 02 has it; the only times it has ever engaged were when I was testing it out by grabbing a handful of brake at 60mph while it was raining. Then again, in an emergency situation, it may save you from crashing. It also weighs a lot more.
Either way, your brakes are your most powerful and important controls on any motorcycle. You should dedicate a majority of your time to mastering these controls and making their use muscle memory.
To be honest I wouldn't rule out the ZX-14. A begginer bike it is not, but the fact is, your a rather large man. I feel that you may feel better on the VFR for now, but in the long run you would be better off with a bigger bike such as the ZX-14.
Yes it has a lot of power. But if its anything like my Busa its a pussy cat and the power is very controllable. Just need to remember to respect it. (BTW the ZX isn't the fastest production bike cough...08 busa...cough) smile.gif
My suggestion to you is to find something used as cheap as possible whether thats a VFR or not and ride it till you get comfortable and then upgrade to the ZX-14.
No disrespect to the VFR im still in love with mine.
I would look really hard at a KLR650 if I were your size and I was in the market for a first bike. Throw some street tires on it and have some fun. Get a sport bike after some good time in the saddle. My $0.02 Brian
Gap Trash, May 31 2008, 07:48 PMWow sounds like that salesman will tell you anything to make a sale. Although I wouldn't rule the ZX-14 out for sport touring that is not what it was designed for. The Kawasaki Concourse is the Kawi sport tourer, it is based off of the ZX-14 though. I would never recommend this bike for a beginner, and the salesman should be ashamed to do so. No offense to you or your ability but please start out on something a little more forgiving than the current fastest sportbike produced. Learning to ride and cutting your teeth on a smaller bike will develop many skills that you would have never learned starting on such a big bike. Simply put there is no need to have a bike with this much power save you spend a lot of time at the drag strip, it is just unnecessary.
Dude Your 6' 7". I think you will hate a Small starter Bike. even a VFR would not feel great. The ZX14 is not a bad bike. I have only sat on one, and was inpressed by the comfort. But at 5' 10" my fit if not the same as you.
You also have 10 years of Dirt Bikes to teach you how to handle yourself and the bike, so dont be afraid to buy the right bike the first time.
OK. You've established one thing here. You've got a solid head on your shoulders. That speaks volumes. For reasons of size the optimal options for learner bikes just don't apply to your situation. Yes, some of these megabikes are pussycats, especially to those who have learnt throttle control, and only turn into screaming beast at will. Still, it's just plain common sense that you should start your road-riding experience on as small a bike as possible volume-wise whilst attaining the ergonomics your require. You're not a newb to 2 wheels, just to on-road riding.
I'm 6'4" (but am as thin as a rake) and the VFR is fairly comfy, I did well over 5000 km in 13 days through the Pyrenese last summer and was comfy as hell on my VFR, pushing it all the way through some real tight and twisty roads. Sometimes my knees get cramped, but I have BusyLittleShop's peg lowering blocks which do make a big difference when I put them on, although the pegs scrape sooner, I just removed the feelers. I currently don't have them installed.
My biggest advice to you would be, buy the bike you feel most comfortable on and which gives you the biggest wood!! But buy it as cheap as you can find it and just ride the teeth off it until you know what both it and you can and can't do!! No seriously, I'm sure you'll start off cautiously and build up... just get around to all the secondhand dealers you can and sit on as many as you can to see if they fit you.
I believe I can sense a real strong sense of respect in your concerns, for the implicit dangers in riding on-road... maybe too much... bordering on fear. You may crash out or you may not. The odd rider manages to escape that fate. Whatever bike you do get (VFR, Srint ST, ZX-12R could be good, I found it real comfy), GET TOTAL-COVERAGE RIDING GEAR and wear it at all times (when on the bike of course goofy.gif , you're GF may not appreciate the effort in the bedroom...)
Do the courses... even some track-day courses... best place to fall off really and to learn what the bike does when you hamfist it.
Auspa�ol, Jun 1 2008, 02:41 AMI believe I can sense a real strong sense of respect in your concerns, for the implicit dangers in riding on-road... maybe too much... bordering on fear. You may crash out or you may not. The odd rider manages to escape that fate. Whatever bike you do get (VFR, Srint ST, ZX-12R could be good, I found it real comfy), GET TOTAL-COVERAGE RIDING GEAR and wear it at all times (when on the bike of course goofy.gif , you're GF may not appreciate the effort in the bedroom...)
Do the courses... even some track-day courses... best place to fall off really and to learn what the bike does when you hamfist it.
You know, I've thought a lot about that (the fear part) before looking into bikes. I love riding , it seems when Im on a bike, I dont think about ANYthing but what im doing at that exact moment, and whats coming ahead. There have been times, on the street, that I've gotten scared or shook up by something that a cager has done (cut me off, try to get into my lane, shown me their drivers side door when trying to get into the HOV lane in stand-still traffic while im going 65...), but its not until after everything 'settles' down that I get the fear emotion.. its weird (like; "holy $hit I almost just went down" kind of a thing). Im not affraid of riding, but I really would rather not die. unsure.gif
Right now im between 2 or 3 bikes, the VFR and the SV650S...and for some strange reason.. I like the Super Duke (probably not for long trips). The SV is going to be the 'better' beginner bike of the 2, and I know that. I do want to get the 'right' bike the first time around. My MSF class is next week, so I'll take course, get my endorsement, and ride them all where possible.
Get a used, maybe already slightly crashed SV650 for a couple grand. Ride it for a couple thousand miles. In that time you will get some more street experience, and you should be able to score some test rides and have time to think about other bikes. Then when you make your decision, you can sell that SV for about what you paid for it or more. Or better yet, turn it into a track bike.
One question you need to ask yourself: What do I want to do with this motorcycle? Examples of different kinds of riding are commuting, fun rides, sportriding (i.e. twisties), long one-day trips, multi-day touring, etc. (Of course, you already know that. I'm just throwing this out there for consideration.)
As we all know, the VFR is a terrific all-arounder, so if the answer to that question is "All of the above", the VFR is a great choice. But if you're not planning to do all those things, there are a few bikes that don't do it all that would be suitable.
jeremy556, Jun 1 2008, 08:57 AMHere's a suggestion:
Get a used, maybe already slightly crashed SV650 for a couple grand. Ride it for a couple thousand miles. In that time you will get some more street experience, and you should be able to score some test rides and have time to think about other bikes. Then when you make your decision, you can sell that SV for about what you paid for it or more. Or better yet, turn it into a track bike.
Change your way of thinking. Shop now for your second bike; that dream do it all just for you bike. As you are doing that go buy a small starter bike of almost any type and develop your skills for 6 months or so before you buy that perfect bike.
It will cost you no more to do this. Buy used, sell used in 6 months, there is a good chance you won't lose a penny if your smart.
BDKesling, Jun 1 2008, 01:55 AMI would look really hard at a KLR650 if I were your size and I was in the market for a first bike. Throw some street tires on it and have some fun. Get a sport bike after some good time in the saddle. My $0.02 Brian
At 6'7", this isn't a bad suggestion. You could find one real cheap when you consider that the KLR has been around for over 20 years. The wind protection would suck, but wind protection is over rated when you don't know what you're missing. Ride it for a couple thousand miles and sell it.
Question: Are you taking the beginner MSF or advanced MSF? Since you're getting the endorsement, it sounds like the beginner course. You already have dirt experience, so you would have been fine going straight to the advanced course. Take the advance course after your first 1000 miles or maybe when you get your 2nd bike (dropping your bike at MSF is a risk, but not a big one. But the benefit of running your new, unfamiliar bike through MSF would be a huge jump start)
FlyByWire, Jun 1 2008, 03:51 PMAs a side question.. If I do go look at that, or any other used VFR...is there anything in particular that I need to be looking out for?
Not really, mainly just signs of good maintenance and hidden crash damage. Check places like the right side crank case cover, the frame where the side fairing is close to it, and the leading edges of the front fairing.
The main issues with this bike are electrical, and there is now a recall to fix those.
FlyByWire, Jun 1 2008, 03:51 PMAs a side question.. If I do go look at that, or any other used VFR...is there anything in particular that I need to be looking out for?
Not really, mainly just signs of good maintenance and hidden crash damage. Check places like the right side crank case cover, the frame where the side fairing is close to it, and the leading edges of the front fairing.
The main issues with this bike are electrical, and there is now a recall to fix those.
Thanks again Jeremy..
I think Im going to try and get out to have a look at the VFR in the link I posted.. Its from a member here, and she seems to be on top of the maintenance and recalls...
Thanks again for all the help guys!! I really do appreciate and respect your opinions.. I may have made the wrong choice in some of your eyes.. But I locked up that '02 ABS that I posted, and will pick it up later this week!!
....now begins the endless research on which gear works for the 115 degree days out here..... And which helmet offers the best priotection.. oh boy.... here we go!!
Getting anxious about picking the bike up in a few days! I wont be riding it home the 450 miles... Anyone used a pickup to haul their bike have any tips aside from using good tie-downs?
Harbor freight has a tri-fold 1200lb capacity ramp I may pick up, and use my driveway/curb to decrease the angle..
FlyByWire, Jun 3 2008, 02:10 PMGetting anxious about picking the bike up in a few days! I wont be riding it home the 450 miles... Anyone used a pickup to haul their bike have any tips aside from using good tie-downs?
Harbor freight has a tri-fold 1200lb capacity ramp I may pick up, and use my driveway/curb to decrease the angle..
?
If you can back your pickup into a drainage ditch all you need is a 2x4 or 2x6 maybe not even that.. When i unloaded mine the first time I did it this way and just used a few bricks as a step down to make sure it cleared.. Home depot sells a arched folding ramp, Nice n sturdy that i now use to ride my bike onto my trailer..
If you get a ramp make sure it is arched as there isnt much ground clearance at the centerstand..
Ratchet straps are the best to use..take a few bungee cords and strap to the ratchet straps so if any thing flexs it will keep the hooks in place.. Everytime i trailer my bike atleast 1 ratchet strap comes loose from trailer flexing.. Still working on a permanent remedy...
FlyByWire, Jun 3 2008, 01:10 PMGetting anxious about picking the bike up in a few days! I wont be riding it home the 450 miles... Anyone used a pickup to haul their bike have any tips aside from using good tie-downs?
Harbor freight has a tri-fold 1200lb capacity ramp I may pick up, and use my driveway/curb to decrease the angle..
?
Use ratcheting tie-downs, get the front tire up against the front wall of the bed/tookbox and keep going till the forks get some compression. Personally, I tie down the rear as well and bring an extra tie down so i can load my folding ramp in the same truck as my bike (got the folding ramp at my stealership). Given your size don't put your weight on the seat as you crest the lip of the bed as you might bottom out given the ramp length/bed height. Depending on the type of material your ramp is made of, don't be surprised if you get some tire slippage on the front coming back down, mine often does.
Given you're sensibilities I think you've made a fine choice in bike and wish you many happy miles ahead.
Also, think about a seat upgrade if it doesn't have one, i could only make about 200 miles on the stocker, but put 3500+ miles in 8 days on my Sargent without complaint.
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