Bikes for tall people

[gypsy]

Am just about to get full licence and little Shitter I have will be sold, so am in market for new bike. Problem is I dont know what to get! Ex has 1340 Harley, Beautiful bike and I can ride comfortably but TOOOOOO much power an too heavy for me at the mo. (oh an he wont let me ride it anymore either, unless i can pick him up a chick on it) I am 5 ft 9 an slim,with long legs. dont want a bike that is too small (spider on a pea) or too big (pea on a spider), only like british and european bikes. Was thinking of Harley 1200 sporty or triumph triple but not sure. Any advise would be good. Have riden bikes all my life (being farmers daughter an all) so skills are there just decided to be legal now. Ha Ha.

[Hitcher]

Welcome to Kiwi Biker.

I don't want to shatter your world, but a Harley Davidson is an American motorcycle, being neither "British" nor "European". Interesting that you distinguish between the two, Very colonial...

I doubt you will find anything, apart from minimotos or some 250s, that are "too small". Just test ride lots of bikes and you will eventually find something that "fits". I guarantee it.

[Bonez]

Any Hinckly triumph will be fine go for a test ride.

As to the prejudise against Jappers, may I suggest going out and ride a few and compare them with the Harleys etc. You may be quite surprised at the choice available to you for your hard earned.


Welcome to KB.

Edit-there's a nice 750 Moto Guzzi at Masterton M/C that would probably be quite suitable
btw.

[NighthawkNZ]

I am 5 ft 9 an slim,with long legs.

do they go all the way up now ;) :shifty: <_< :love:

[avgas]

what style are you after? At 5 9 you should be fine for allmost all bikes. For me at over 6 i found the bike sports tourers had the leg room for me.

[idb]

Am just about to get full licence and little Shitter I have will be sold, so am in market for new bike. Problem is I dont know what to get! Ex has 1340 Harley, Beautiful bike and I can ride comfortably but TOOOOOO much power an too heavy for me at the mo. (oh an he wont let me ride it anymore either, unless i can pick him up a chick on it) I am 5 ft 9 an slim,with long legs. dont want a bike that is too small (spider on a pea) or too big (pea on a spider), only like british and european bikes. Was thinking of Harley 1200 sporty or triumph triple but not sure. Any advise would be good. Have riden bikes all my life (being farmers daughter an all) so skills are there just decided to be legal now. Ha Ha.

Obviously a woman of taste and discernment.
Don't worry about Hitcher's petty semantics....North America was British once, and it would still be if it wasn't for that damned Betty Crockett and the other colonials.....or something!!!!

A sporty and a triple are two quite different bikes, maybe you need to decide on the type of bike you want first and then look at your options.

Italian bikes are usually pretty tall and attract chicks like flies.....anyone on the South Island Mt Cook run the other week will attest to the fact that busloads of them pulled up when mine was parked.

[Bonez]

Italian bikes are usually pretty tall and attract chicks like flies.....anyone on the South Island Mt Cook run the other week will attest to the fact that busloads of them pulled up when mine was parked.Can certainly agree to that. Even Dougs old 500 Pantah seems to attract them, whereas my poor old 550 doesn't get a look in SOB! SOB!

[idb]

Can certainly agree to that. Even Dougs old 500 Pantah seems to attract them, whereas my poor old 550 doesn't get a look in SOB! SOB!

Come over to our side.......you know you want to.............

[Bonez]

Come over to our side.......you know you want to.............Been scouting around for something a bit different lately.

[Ixion]

Welcome to Kiwi Biker.

I don't want to shatter your world, but a Harley Davidson is an American motorcycle, being neither "British" nor "European". Interesting that you distinguish between the two, Very colonial...

,,.

??. Granted in this day and age, bits from all over the word go into every motorbike. Harleys have a lot of Jap parts , so do Triumphs. But some Jap bikes have European bits - eg Brembo brakes.

But I assume that what was meant was the distinction between Britsh marques (only Triumph, now, I think) and European ones (BMW, DUCATI, KTM, Aprilia etc). Which seems a fairy simple distinction. Not sure why it is colonial, one group are from Britain, one group from Europe.

[zadok]

I have just bought a Triumph triple - an '03 Tiger 955i. Fantastic bike made for taller people. Has adjustable height seat, but the lowest is plenty high for me.

[skidz]

Triumph Bonnie America are a great bike.

[MyGSXF]

anyone on the South Island Mt Cook run the other week will attest to the fact that busloads of them pulled up when mine was parked.


:killingme :yawn: :yawn: :killingme

[MyGSXF]

Can certainly agree to that.

Bloody hell.. :shit: don't feed him.. PLEEEEEEAZE!!! :sick:

he already has overdue library books.... :shutup:

[Bonez]

But I assume that what was meant was the distinction between Britsh marques (only Triumph, now, I think) and European ones (BMW, DUCATI, KTM, Aprilia etc). Which seems a fairy simple distinction. Not sure why it is colonial, one group are from Britain, one group from Europe.I think the fact that qysey mentioned she prefered British or European. No mention of the good ol Us of A. Then stated she was keen on the HD Sporter(which is assembled in America, as are Goldwings and big V-twin Suzukis) Hense Hitchers comment. Could be wrong. Have been numerous times before:gob:

[Lou Girardin]

It sounds like a Speedmaster or Bonnie America would be right up your alley.
883 Sporty's are cheap too.

[gypsy]

I seem to have started a bit of a war on whats what for British an european. I suppose we will believe what ever suits us at the time. Oh an to Nighthawk, Yes they do go all the way up. Would look pretty silly if they didnt. Will let you know if they eva snap off. Ha Ha. Am not any much the wiser on which bike to get. They say patience is a virtue.

[imdying]

Ducati Monster? 883 Sportster?

[XP@]

Your a farmers gal, try going back to your roots, well sort of...

Remember those little dirt bikes you used to ride? Well they come in big people sizes to, all the way up to and passed 1200cc. Dual purpose bikes are usually tall, have a good upright position and will eat NZ roads for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most importantly they won't complain when you come across gravel, and won't stop you when you get to the paddock.

Try an BMW Adventure bike (650 to 1200cc) or a Suzuki VStrom. If you want american then there is the buell, but you will need many more $'s than is probably sensible.

[SDU]

Welcome to the madhouse Gypsy.

Well all I can say is ask to sit on anyones bike, shop or friends that you like the style off & see what feels comfy to you & smokes your tires.
You made find your dream bike or you may have to take it steps to get what you really love. Don't forget the bikes you have talked about are still powerful too- It is how you use the brain & throttle that limits you.
Moto Guzzi is my pick but I'm bias (Sounds like you have a soft spot for twins). Also adventure /dual sport bikes are great fun too especially if you want to go off the beaten track. They are in general lighter than the bikes you have mentioned.
Happy hunting!

[Bonez]

I seem to have started a bit of a war on whats what for British an european. I suppose we will believe what ever suits us at the time. Oh an to Nighthawk, Yes they do go all the way up. Would look pretty silly if they didnt. Will let you know if they eva snap off. Ha Ha. Am not any much the wiser on which bike to get. They say patience is a virtue.Certainly bargains to be had if you're patience and got the coin up front. Freedom Honda have a Ducati ST4 in at the moment if anyones interested. ANZA is propably the best place to go locally gypsy to have a sit on a few and maybe test ride. AFC is the agent for KTM. But you probably knew that already. There's a Laverta(650 Sport I think) in AFC but you may want to read this- http://668tech.laverda-nz.org/ Good luck on whatever you pick.

[Jimmy B]

Yeah Monster 600 - 54hp:rockon:

With those long legs you'd look good if you Ride Naked

[Bonez]

Yeah Monster 600 - 54hp:rockon:Shit only 4HP more than my '78 CX500. Now there's a bike for tallish folk(I'm 6').

[Jimmy B]

Shit only 4HP more than my '78 CX500. Now there's a bike for tallish folk(I'm 6').

Thats what they reckon but with a similar number NMs I reckon she'd go alright to max of 180k:sunny:

[Bonez]

Thats what they reckon but with a similar number NMs I reckon she'd go alright to max of 180k:sunny:About 4 ks quicker than the CX, which is a bit of a lard arse as far as bikes go. :yes:

I agree though a Monster 600 should do nicely.

[Jimmy B]

About 4 ks quicker than the CX, which is a bit of a lard arse as far as bikes go. :yes:

I agree though a Monster 600 should do nicely.


Thats what I thought too, Harley 1340cc 60-80hp dependant?? and toooo heavy and powerful.... Lil Monster should be just the trick or at least worth a look:scooter:

[sels1]

Your a farmers gal, try going back to your roots, well sort of...

Remember those little dirt bikes you used to ride? Well they come in big people sizes to, all the way up to and passed 1200cc. Dual purpose bikes are usually tall, have a good upright position and will eat NZ roads for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most importantly they won't complain when you come across gravel, and won't stop you when you get to the paddock.

Try an BMW Adventure bike (650 to 1200cc) or a Suzuki VStrom. If you want american then there is the buell, but you will need many more $'s than is probably sensible.

Wot he said.
Or go into ANZA in Palmy and test ride all their Triumphs, you are bound to find one that fits.

[Jimmy B]

Wot he said.
Or go into ANZA in Palmy and test ride all their Triumphs, you are bound to find one that fits.

Respect to Sels1 and Xp (Devils advocate) but are not most of those bikes either 220Kg plus *Smaller BM's excepted) or making 100hp plus at the rear wheel?:dodge:

[Bonez]

Thats what I thought too, Harley 1340cc 60-80hp dependant?? and toooo heavy and powerful.... Lil Monster should be just the trick or at least worth a look:scooter:Probably much more suitable for most of the roads around here too. Mind you we have no idea of what Gypsy wants from a the bike. Is it image, cruising, a bit of tight twisty road riding, commuting etc or a bit of each. Also the maintenance angle to consider. Something like the Guzzi 750 at Masterton M/c should be relatively easy to maintain, being a shaft drive there's no belts or chains to adjust/replace. Also being air cooled no radiaters/coolent to worry about. Lots of things to consider besides it's country of origin.

[Jimmy B]

Probably much more suitable for most of the roads around here too. Mind you we have no idea of what Gypsy wants from a the bike. Is it image, cruising, a bit of tight twisty road riding, commuting etc or a bit of each. Also the maintenance angle to consider. Something like the Guzzi 750 at Masterton M/c should be relatively easy to maintain, being a shaft drive there's no belts or chains to adjust/replace. Also being air cooled no radiaters/coolent to worry about. Lots of things to consider besides it's country of origin.

Could not agree more Mate and I guess looking and researching is half the fun, Gypsy will know it when she finds it and more importantly rides it. Good point you make on maintenance cost that is often over looked in the first rush of blood, just like cost of saftey gear....:gob:

[Bonez]

Respect to Sels1 and Xp (Devils advocate) but are not most of those bikes either 220Kg plus *Smaller BM's excepted) or making 100hp plus at the rear wheel?:dodge:The T100 twin comes in at about 66HP at the crank and is 205kgs dry. Info here- http://www.triumph.co.uk/uk/786.aspx

Speed Triples Peak power is around 131bhp.

Can anyone tell me, apart from twin dials and some hand painted work on the tank, the difference between the Hinkley Bonniville and the T100? Just curious that's all.

[XP@]

Respect to Sels1 and Xp (Devils advocate) but are not most of those bikes either 220Kg plus *Smaller BM's excepted) or making 100hp plus at the rear wheel?:dodge:

The 650cc adventure bikes are usually less than 200kgs and will still fit someone 6' plus. (I am 5'4" and can just about fit on my t'alp but it is a fine line for me on most of the 650's, larger and I am pushing it size wise). They are certainly a lot easier to move about (and pick up if need to) than a harley, they also suffer less in an "ooops I dropped it" moment in the car park.

[Bonez]

Gypsy what is the shitter you have up for sale out of curiousity? My wife may be after something to start riding on.

[gypsy]

Your a farmers gal, try going back to your roots, well sort of...

Remember those little dirt bikes you used to ride? Well they come in big people sizes to, all the way up to and passed 1200cc. Dual purpose bikes are usually tall, have a good upright position and will eat NZ roads for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most importantly they won't complain when you come across gravel, and won't stop you when you get to the paddock.

Try an BMW Adventure bike (650 to 1200cc) or a Suzuki VStrom. If you want american then there is the buell, but you will need many more $'s than is probably sensible.

This site has definitely helped me more than can imagine. Way back when, I learnt to ride on Mountain Goat. Yeehaa. Then progressed through all the suzuki and Hondas as got older. Not wanting bike for image, cause I dont give a shit what people think. Not a speed freak. have mate who races Ducati and scares shit out of me just watching his races. Like winding roads and country roads. Think I may have swayed towars 1200 sporty. Already have all safety gears (leathers) and mates keen to help fix bike if need be. But Im a hands on chick and like to know how everything works. (Motto is: If you can fix it, you can ride it) One day I will be able to rebuild motor!!!!!! Lots more learning yet

[Colapop]

Take things at your own pace. You've probably got more skill than you realise. As far as power goes, the best thing I ever heard about powerful bikes has been on this site;
A bike is only as powerful as the twist of the wrist the rider gives it.

[gypsy]

Gypsy what is the shitter you have up for sale out of curiousity? My wife may be after something to start riding on.

Sorry but have 3 others already fighting over it. Ha Ha. maybe i should start my own auction. Little 125 but great for learners.