Lams cruiser for big boy?

[PorkChop]

Hey, I'm new to this thing. So any help would be appreciated. I am 6'1 and 120kg and looking for a LAMS 650 Cruiser. Any suggestions out there for a larger guy. It's not my first bike but i'm still on my learners. Looking for something that would handle going on the motorway from Auckland CBD to Manukau city to work everyday.

Cheers for your help in advance.

[Flip]

You won't go wrong with a LS650 or C50 I think they are called these days.

I am just over 6' but not that heavy anymore and I like the two tone LS/C50. I was thinking about buying one for the "boss"

Welcome to Kiwi Biker, there are a lot of wankers around here so take what is written with a grain of salt.

73
Flip the wanker on the fucking harley.

[Trebor]

You won't go wrong with a LS650 or C50 I think they are called these days.

Suzuki S40 Boulevard (http://www.suzuki.co.nz/Motorcycle/Cruiser/Boulevard+S40/).

[ital916]

Hey, I'm new to this thing. So any help would be appreciated. I am 6'1 and 120kg and looking for a LAMS 650 Cruiser. Any suggestions out there for a larger guy. It's not my first bike but i'm still on my learners. Looking for something that would handle going on the motorway from Auckland CBD to Manukau city to work everyday.

Cheers for your help in advance.

If it's not your first bike, then it's not your first time at the rodeo. Seriously dude, smash out some research, go have a look at the bikes, sit on them, test ride them, then when you narrow it down and are stuck between two, ask the question, e.g. "I want this or this, anyone have long term experience with them". The market isn't flooded for 650cc or below cruisers, so it wont be a big choice to choose from either. Google and a bit of hard work is your friend. :niceone:

[PorkChop]

If it's not your first bike, then it's not your first time at the rodeo. Seriously dude, smash out some research, go have a look at the bikes, sit on them, test ride them, then when you narrow it down and are stuck between two, ask the question, e.g. "I want this or this, anyone have long term experience with them". The market isn't flooded for 650cc or below cruisers, so it wont be a big choice to choose from either. Google and a bit of hard work is your friend. :niceone:

Hey mate, thanks for your reply. I've been looking around for a while and thought that the S40 was a bit too small, almost the same size as a GN250.

Anyone had anything to do with the Hyosung GV650's?

[ital916]

Hey mate, thanks for your reply. I've been looking around for a while and thought that the S40 was a bit too small, almost the same size as a GN250.

Anyone had anything to do with the Hyosung GV650's?

They run the same engine as the gt650, which in essence was/is based off the sv650 motor. Under stressed, easy to ride. Parts for africa as the 650 aquila has been around for a while now. In saying that....I wouldn't have one :laugh:. Will haul your butt around alright, when you get your full you can de-restrict it and ride the tits off it.

[blackdog]

Bob that shit. And then who cares if it's a touch too small, you'll be too cool to care.

http://www.rycamotors.com/bikes/RR1/about/index.html

[PorkChop]

They run the same engine as the gt650, which in essence was/is based off the sv650 motor. Under stressed, easy to ride. Parts for africa as the 650 aquila has been around for a while now. In saying that....I wouldn't have one :laugh:. Will haul your butt around alright, when you get your full you can de-restrict it and ride the tits off it.

Cheers mate, what would you suggest out of the GV650 and the s40?

[ital916]

Cheers mate, what would you suggest out of the GV650 and the s40?

The gv650, sure you can bob the s40 but it's still going to be an asthmatic 650cc single, you'd have to put some dollars in to ever get it to put a smile on your face engine wise (IMO not a widely shared opinion I would reckon). The gv on the other hand would be slow in lams mode but once derestricted would be a right blast, and can be hotted up for about the same cost of the suzuki. Hysoung has come a long way, the build quality is good. The suzuki is just as likely to start rusting (my bus included) and break down. So go with whatever gives you a steaming hard on, if they don't then save your pennies till you can get a bike that does. Oh an if you get the gv, put a trend killer kit on it.

[PorkChop]

The gv650, sure you can bob the s40 but it's still going to be an asthmatic 650cc single, you'd have to put some dollars in to ever get it to put a smile on your face engine wise (IMO not a widely shared opinion I would reckon). The gv on the other hand would be slow in lams mode but once derestricted would be a right blast, and can be hotted up for about the same cost of the suzuki. Hysoung has come a long way, the build quality is good. The suzuki is just as likely to start rusting (my bus included) and break down. So go with whatever gives you a steaming hard on, if they don't then save your pennies till you can get a bike that does. Oh an if you get the gv, put a trend killer kit on it.

You think it'd be ok doing a motorway run at 100km every day with my frame on it? I have a GN250 at the moment and it pretty much sounds like it's going to shit itself doing 90km/h. Thanks for all of your help mate.

[DMNTD]

You think it'd be ok doing a motorway run at 100km every day with my frame on it? I have a GN250 at the moment and it pretty much sounds like it's going to shit itself doing 90km/h. Thanks for all of your help mate.

Both would handle your size with ease. You're not that big dude, plenty of blokes much bigger riding similar bikes so all good

[PorkChop]

Both would handle your size with ease. You're not that big dude, plenty of blokes much bigger riding similar bikes so all good

Sweet cheers man. The GV650's seem quite hard to find around Auckland. Saw one at Red Baron for around $11k so not that keen. I might pop in to Coleman's and see their S40s. Cheers bro. They look SOOO small though. Not much of a step in size from the GN250....

[St_Gabriel]

Had a GV250 (EFI) and it hauled my fat arse around with ease. Next bike was a suzuki VL250 (carby) and it also hauled my arse with ease, i am not as tall but would be a little heavier. Had a blast and didnt get the option for LAMS as it was just before it came into law. Dont forget that anything on the LAMS list is only legal whilst it has NO modifications, technically even a aftermarket airfilter makes it a non LAMS legal. You can do whatever you like to a 250 as they are all legal (within reason of course) unless specifically EXCLUDED. Having said that, if I was going through the system now, i would definitely be looking at a GV650.

[PorkChop]

Had a GV250 (EFI) and it hauled my fat arse around with ease. Next bike was a suzuki VL250 (carby) and it also hauled my arse with ease, i am not as tall but would be a little heavier. Had a blast and didnt get the option for LAMS as it was just before it came into law. Dont forget that anything on the LAMS list is only legal whilst it has NO modifications, technically even a aftermarket airfilter makes it a non LAMS legal. You can do whatever you like to a 250 as they are all legal (within reason of course) unless specifically EXCLUDED. Having said that, if I was going through the system now, i would definitely be looking at a GV650.

Hey bro, thanks for the help. Looking to get away from the 250's. I've got a little GN at the moment and since i'm going to be covering quite a lot of distance a day between home and work, i'm looking for something a little bigger.

It's proving a bit difficult to find what is LAMS approved and what is not. I was looking at a GV650 on Trademe, emailed the dealer and he informed me that that bike was not LAMS approved.

Have been looking at this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-581812956.htm) a bit out of my price range but am drawn to the larger frame of the bike?

Anyone know how these go? Or any other recommendations?

Cheers

[awa355]

Have a look at a Yamaha XVS650. LAMs aproved and a far better bike than those who've never owned or ridden one would have you believe.

My one.

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w420/awa355/vx7.jpg

[Akzle]

WHAAAT THA FUCK??!


this is not caps.

[St_Gabriel]

It's proving a bit difficult to find what is LAMS approved and what is not. I was looking at a GV650 on Trademe, emailed the dealer and he informed me that that bike was not LAMS approved.



Dont know how many LAMS GV650's are around, they are a restricted form of the normal GV650, something about slide stops in the carburetor or some such thing. They were available in Australia as VicRoads (Victorian roads authority) started/developed/refined the scheme before it rolled out to most of Aussie.

Currently in the new market Hyosung sell a ST7 LAMS and also a non restricted ST7 http://hyosung.co.nz/cruisers.html

[PorkChop]

Have a look at a Yamaha XVS650. LAMs aproved and a far better bike than those who've never owned or ridden one would have you believe.

My one.

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w420/awa355/vx7.jpg

Awesome bike mate. You reckon it'd plod along the motorway with me on it happily? Was just wondering how you can tell which bikes are LAMS approved and which are not. Was looking at a GV650 last night, assuming all GV650s were LAMS approved, and I was wrong.

Does the same go for the XVS650s?

[awa355]

The XVS is not a performance machine. It will cruise all day at 120 but the 100 limit is a lot easier. Mine would pull up the Waikato side of the Kaimais two up all the way in top gear. It is only 39hp, but pulls well from about 60k in top. Bloody heavy for a 650 ( 246kg), but corners well. For the money they want for a new model, you would find far better performance bikes, but if at a reasonable 2nd hand price they are good value.

My main niggle with the bike, was the instrument dial on the tank. Speed numerals too small to read at night, and the turn indicator light down out of sight below the helmet chin piece. I made a home made back rest and it turned the bike from a 1 1/2 hr machine to a 3-4 hour ride. Best modification you could add.

I have sold the bike, loved it, but wouldn't get another. For a LAMs bike they are great but at 6'2" you may find the riding position a bit cramped. Like most bikes, replacement parts would be expensive.

[PorkChop]

Dont know how many LAMS GV650's are around, they are a restricted form of the normal GV650, something about slide stops in the carburetor or some such thing. They were available in Australia as VicRoads (Victorian roads authority) started/developed/refined the scheme before it rolled out to most of Aussie.

Currently in the new market Hyosung sell a ST7 LAMS and also a non restricted ST7 http://hyosung.co.nz/cruisers.html

Cheers bro, just got word that GV650's from Oct 2012 and newer are LAMS approved. The model code after the GV650 should be PL for LAMS approved.

[PorkChop]

The XVS is not a performance machine. It will cruise all day at 120 but the 100 limit is a lot easier. Mine would pull up the Waikato side of the Kaimais two up all the way in top gear. It is only 39hp, but pulls well from about 60k in top. Bloody heavy for a 650 ( 246kg), but corners well. For the money they want for a new model, you would find far better performance bikes, but if at a reasonable 2nd hand price they are good value.

My main niggle with the bike, was the instrument dial on the tank. Speed numerals too small to read at night, and the turn indicator light down out of sight below the helmet chin piece. I made a home made back rest and it turned the bike from a 1 1/2 hr machine to a 3-4 hour ride. Best modification you could add.

I have sold the bike, loved it, but wouldn't get another. For a LAMs bike they are great but at 6'2" you may find the riding position a bit cramped. Like most bikes, replacement parts would be expensive.

Hey mate, thanks for the great information and input. It's really helpful. What would your reasonable second hand price be? The lowest price I can find on Trademe is for $9k (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-581812956.htm) quite a lot more than the S40 at Colemans (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=687552973) which is going for $6k. $9k would be the very upper range of my budget but would rather save the pennies for a bike I would enjoy. What are your thoughts on that price?

Cheers in advance.

[awa355]

It's not worth $9k. The dealers ask that much because they can finance it on about $2-3000 deposit. 9g would probably get you a decent C50 ( not lams approved ). Dont spend too much on a bike which is bought mainly for LAM's reasons. It wont be long and you will want to upgrade.

If I was looking at the S40 and a XVS650 for the same money, I would go for the S40. Lighter, simpler, similar performance. cheaper (prob) to maintain. Also, I've owned a 650 and something different is always more appealing.
What you pay will depend whether you have the cash or have to finance. Privately, I wouldn't pay more than $5500 for a tidy used XVS.

[PorkChop]

It's not worth $9k. The dealers ask that much because they can finance it on about $2-3000 deposit. 9g would probably get you a decent C50 ( not lams approved ). Dont spend too much on a bike which is bought mainly for LAM's reasons. It wont be long and you will want to upgrade.

If I was looking at the S40 and a XVS650 for the same money, I would go for the S40. Lighter, simpler, similar performance. cheaper (prob) to maintain. Also, I've owned a 650 and something different is always more appealing.
What you pay will depend whether you have the cash or have to finance. Privately, I wouldn't pay more than $5500 for a tidy used XVS.

Cheers mate, what are your thoughts on the 2005 s40 for $6k at Coleman's? In terms of getting up and down the motorway you think there would be much difference between the S40 and XSV650? Looking at the S40 it doesn't look much bigger in frame than the GN250.

[awa355]

Both bikes are really on the short side for a 6'+ rider. Perhaps looking at a road/trail bike would be a better bet.

[iranana]

Cheers mate, what are your thoughts on the 2005 s40 for $6k at Coleman's? In terms of getting up and down the motorway you think there would be much difference between the S40 and XSV650? Looking at the S40 it doesn't look much bigger in frame than the GN250.

The smaller the frame, the lighter it is, the greater the power to weight ratio... Are you uncomfortable or cramped up on a GN? You could always swap out the handle bars for a more suitable riding position if the S40 feels a bit cramped. Just a thought

[PorkChop]

The smaller the frame, the lighter it is, the greater the power to weight ratio... Are you uncomfortable or cramped up on a GN? You could always swap out the handle bars for a more suitable riding position if the S40 feels a bit cramped. Just a thought

Will go in on the weekend and have a sit on the S40. Don't feel uncomfortable on the GN. Maybe I just like the idea of having a bigger looking bike?

[PorkChop]

Iranana, how much would you recommend spending on a second hand s40?

[PorkChop]

Both bikes are really on the short side for a 6'+ rider. Perhaps looking at a road/trail bike would be a better bet.

Something like the BMW F650?

[iranana]

Iranana, how much would you recommend spending on a second hand s40?

Honestly, I have no idea sorry. At the end of the day, the greater majority of bikes greater than 250cc should sit on the motorway just fine... Also, the chances are you'll outgrow your LAMS bike pretty quick, most of them are kind of sluggish. That also kind of comes down to your riding style I guess... If you want the ultimate LAMS bike, try digging up one of the old LAMS approved smokers and pop some chambers on it - you'll be popping wheelies in 3rd :lol: Whoever the fuck thought those old two strokes (RD350, RD400, GT380, GT550... and I think the smaller Kawi triples?) were suitable for the LAMS scheme... I don't even...

[ggreen]

I am a bigger bloke, and have a LAMS approved Suzuki LS650. Its a good bike - obviously not all the power of a bigger bike, but great to learn on. It puls my 110k frame along at up to 140odd.

[Monkfish]

Iranana, how much would you recommend spending on a second hand s40?

Dude im 5'11 and 110kg I spent 5k on a 2008 S40 (LS650) with 4000ks on it.

easy bike to ride, It will pull my fat ass up the Bombay's from the Waikato side, (north bound) @ 110km in top gear no worries.

Waaaaayyyy cheaper than the yammy, parts for africa, (bikes been the same since the 80's) personally I cannot see justification for spending on a larger bike that is only going to get replaced when you get your full anyway.

Just my 2 cents.

[PorkChop]

Dude im 5'11 and 110kg I spent 5k on a 2008 S40 (LS650) with 4000ks on it.

easy bike to ride, It will pull my fat ass up the Bombay's from the Waikato side, (north bound) @ 110km in top gear no worries.

Waaaaayyyy cheaper than the yammy, parts for africa, (bikes been the same since the 80's) personally I cannot see justification for spending on a larger bike that is only going to get replaced when you get your full anyway.

Just my 2 cents.

Cheers mate, thanks for your input. That all makes good sense to me re: using for learners and upgrading later. What's the max you'd pay for a second hand S40? Saw one at Colemans http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-687552973.htm for $6k 2005 and a lot more k's than what you bought for $5k.

[ggreen]

I have a 2005 S40 that i purchased privately off TM almost a year ago. High km's (38,000), but only paid $3k. Have put lots of trouble free km's on since. While I would love a bigger bike, this has been awesome to learn on - good points - forgiving, can keep up with anything on public roads, cheap to run/maintain. Negatives - its only ever going to be a LAMS approved single!

[PorkChop]

I have a 2005 S40 that i purchased privately off TM almost a year ago. High km's (38,000), but only paid $3k. Have put lots of trouble free km's on since. While I would love a bigger bike, this has been awesome to learn on - good points - forgiving, can keep up with anything on public roads, cheap to run/maintain. Negatives - its only ever going to be a LAMS approved single!

So for a LAMS bike, no real complaints? How big are ya?

[ggreen]

Yep, great for a LAMS bike - would certainly recommend one.

I am a biggish guy (110k). The frame is not big, and at the start I was worried it would be too small, but to be honest has never caused me any issues with comfort on long trips (and have done a couple of 600km missions!). I can go up any hill I have been up (Bombay's, Kaimai's, Desert Road etc) in top gear at 110+ with no issues.

[GavinB]

Hey mate, thanks for your reply. I've been looking around for a while and thought that the S40 was a bit too small, almost the same size as a GN250.

Anyone had anything to do with the Hyosung GV650's?

My wife has the Hyosung 250 (new EFI) and the engine manages fine with both of us on it (around 140kg) although you don't want to be hitting potholes if you can help it. The bigger ones shouldn't be an issue engine wise, probably more an issue of comfort and what fits you best.

Good excuse to try a few really!

Gavin

[PorkChop]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the help. Went in to Coleman's today and had a ride around on the S40 and the Honda VT400. Liked the VT400 a lot more than the S40. Went down the motorway pretty well and was a lot more comfortable than the S40. Felt quite cramped on the S40.

Anyone heard much on the HondaVT400? Really enjoyed it.

Thanks for the all the help recently. It has all been very helpful.

[GrayWolf]

Cheers mate, what would you suggest out of the GV650 and the s40?

Serious alternative and LAM's approved, is the STAR (Yamaha) XV650.. just about the same size frame wise as the 1100/1300cc versions.
We have a quite large lady at work, Samoan/Islander mix and is about 5'11" and a good 105-110kg... she is Ok on it.
Have seen the odd USA import floating around, and the odd one in dealers that are NZ new. The donk has been around in various guises since the early 80's.

[PorkChop]

Serious alternative and LAM's approved, is the STAR (Yamaha) XV650.. just about the same size frame wise as the 1100/1300cc versions.
We have a quite large lady at work, Samoan/Islander mix and is about 5'11" and a good 105-110kg... she is Ok on it.
Have seen the odd USA import floating around, and the odd one in dealers that are NZ new. The donk has been around in various guises since the early 80's.

Hey mate, ended up going with the Honda VT400. Rode the S40 and felt too small. The only Yamaha XVS650's I could find were around 10k+, so was a bit out of my price range for a LAMS bike

[GrayWolf]

Hey mate, ended up going with the Honda VT400. Rode the S40 and felt too small. The only Yamaha XVS650's I could find were around 10k+, so was a bit out of my price range for a LAMS bike

the VT should be good,, didnt have much to do with them myself, but, they (VT500) were a popular bike with the London Dispatch riders, and if they like them for that job?

[KiwiGeek]

What would be suitable for a 150kg fatass like me? My legs are somewhat shorter than normal, 68cm (27") inseam for a height of 190cm (70") height, so a bike with a lower slung seat is the best option for me.

I am still to get my handling certificate and will be using a SR250 bike I am buying from a workmate. I will not be going near the motorway until I have confidence in my riding and have passed my restricted.

[Blackflagged]

Big Boy cruising for Lams
The very New Zealand Story
weres that Mint sauce

[Mongolian]

Just because you are a larger person does not mean most bikes will not get you upto 100k's, I am 6ft3 and was around 120+kgs and i managed to head from manukau to albany averaging 100-110 on a cbr125.
I think any bike that you find comfortable that is 250cc and at least twin cylinder, or a 400cc and above of any configuration and you should be fine.

I have always thought try and get the cheapest learner bike that will suit your needs as once you get your full the whole world opens up to you.

[leathel]

Currently in the new market Hyosung sell a ST7 LAMS and also a non restricted ST7 http://hyosung.co.nz/cruisers.html

+1

I have a friend on an ST7 and he is a good bit heavier than you... It is LAMS but when you get your full they re-chip it and get gets full power....... Fits him well and he keeps up to us no problems up hills now... unlike when he was on the 250 :P


http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-695486535.htm

[KiwiGeek]

Just because you are a larger person does not mean most bikes will not get you upto 100k's, I am 6ft3 and was around 120+kgs and i managed to head from manukau to albany averaging 100-110 on a cbr125.
I think any bike that you find comfortable that is 250cc and at least twin cylinder, or a 400cc and above of any configuration and you should be fine.

I know the 250 I am buying will be able to cope when I starting since i will be travelling along the Ellerslie/Panmure Highway then along Gt Sth Rd, but the bike I buy once I move to ny restricted must be able to cope with travelling up the Bombay hill heading northward. But the big factor is the length of my legs, I was pushing my luck getting my leg over the SR250 I am buying.


I have always thought try and get the cheapest learner bike that will suit your needs as once you get your full the whole world opens up to you.

I can't really complain about paying only $1200 for a well maintained bike to learn on :)

[PorkChop]

Just got a VT400 and am loving it. Worth a look at bro. Very helpful forum.

[Fatt Max]

Both would handle your size with ease. You're not that big dude, plenty of blokes much bigger riding similar bikes so all good

Yep, I am a big fat bastard and ride the Hyosung ST7 which in essence is a GV650. Its a great bike, comfortable, cheap to run and can haul my arse without missing a beat. Check them out mate, cant go wrong:Punk:

[caseye]

Can two!
Hey big fella, where ya bin ladenly lately?????????

[Tricia1000]

I currently have a student who is 170kg on an ER5, which is a bit small for him. I suggested he look at the Hyosung ST7. Its the largest bike in the LAMS categories..

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA