I have an ongoing post in the 6th gen forum but i see alot more 5th gen bikes available locally and i just noticed the seat height seems to be higher...
Im 6'6" with a 36" inseam and a size 15 boot, Currently at 225lbs.
Would a 5th Gen bike be more comfortable and just as reliable for a daily driver?
Looking for the most comfortble and reliable way to get back into riding. It doesnt hurt that the 5th gen bikes seem to be more economical :D
Both bikes feel similar to me and I don't think there is a real difference in reliability from one generation to the next. The big difference is the gear driven cams of the 5th generation. I would choose whichever bike seems to be the best deal.
You should be fine, might wanna get some peg lowering blocks for the long legs, I'm 6'4" and I'm pretty at home on my 4g. There's definitely more comfortable bikes out there for big boys, but I like my Viffer.
6'4, 36 inch inseam with long arms here. My 5th gen fits me well, though I prefer the 'monkey humping a football' sportbike crouch to 'sit up and beg'. I fold up nicely. If I put the balls of my feet on the pegs, my knees fit the tank cut up perfectly, allowing me to lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. this tends to lock the position, and I can go many hundred of interstate miles (if necessary) this way very comfortably with little wind blast on the stock screen. Rode a 6th Gen many years ago, and I remember thinking the position was similar. My .02
Everyone is different though. The most comfortable bike that I have owned was my duc 749s race bike. For whatever twisted reason, that long low stretched out crouch was just magically cozy for my long frame.
Well, all I can say is I'm 6'5", 36 inseam, 230#, size 15 boots and my 6th gen fits me fine. But then again I love the feel of my Hayabusa and RC51. I'm also 62 years old and love the feel of a sport bike. I'm sure you're a lot younger than I am so I think you'll do just fine. Good luck!!
I've owned both 5th and 6th gens. The fit isn't any different. The 5th gen. has a weaker front suspension and more electrical issues. Go for the best deal knowing that both generations have problems that can be fixed. My 3 cents.
[image: View Post]DGI, on 03 January 2012 - 09:03 AM, said:
I have an ongoing post in the 6th gen forum but i see alot more 5th gen bikes available locally and i just noticed the seat height seems to be higher...
Im 6'6" with a 36" inseam and a size 15 boot, Currently at 225lbs.
Would a 5th Gen bike be more comfortable and just as reliable for a daily driver?
Looking for the most comfortble and reliable way to get back into riding. It doesnt hurt that the 5th gen bikes seem to be more economical :D
No, the 5th gen will not be more comfortable. And assuming at your height there's some weight to back it up I would go with the better suspension and stiffer frame on the 6th gen.
I've never thought of the 5th gens to be more economical. The difference between an older 6th gen, say from 2003 or 2004 and a 5th gen from 98 or 99 is not that much money but you're getting a much newer bike. It's also harder to find a 5th gen with low miles for sale.
I am 6 ft tall with a 34" inseam but my two sons have 36 and 38" inseams so I know the monkey/football analagy from above.
Both bikes are great. 6th gen with hard bags is hard to beat for jack of all trades bike and looks great to boot.
The 6th gen offers 43mm front forks vs 41mm on the 5th gen but at your size and weight you will have to update the suspension front and rear on whichever model you select. With that in mind, I would definately opt for a longer rear shock when you upgrade. While it will do nothing to increase your bar-pegs-seat triangle while in the saddle, it will give you more options down the road when setting up the bikes attitude for quicker handling. You could also order a taller saddle from Sargent, a slight upcharge from their standard fare but may be worth double the money for a guy your size.
I would stay away from an early 6th gen if you elect to go that route and while you may spend a few days longer and have to expand your search a bit to find an excellent 5th gen they are still available.
While I initially was extremely resistant to the linked brakes I am not as anti any longer...I would in fact list the more refined linked brakes from the 6th gen vs the 5th gen as the one true improvement when you consider that hardly anyone keeps stock suspension.
My recommendation, if you can live without the gear whine of the 5th gen then look for an 04 or newer 6th gen with hard bags and pop for a Penske or Ohlins rear shock with adjustable ride height and send the forks out to Traxxion Dynamics or whomever your preferred suspension shop for proper sorting.