Evidently size *does* matter... (advice needed on larger framed bike)

[karmakillernz]

I'm a big guy - 6'4", 105kg. Despite this, my RG150 goes incredibly well, taking me to speeds I really shouldn't be doing. :innocent: The problem I'm finding though is that it might just be too small physically...

While I can ride it and reach all controls fine, it's not as confortable as it probably should be. I have to bend my knees a bit much and twist my ankles a bit far and after a while it gets a little painful and I can get leg cramps (ouch!).

As much as I'm loving the RG, I think I might need to look around for something with a bigger frame. :(

I love the look of the Suzuki GSX250 and the Kawasaki ZZR250 is real nice too, but I haven't seen any in person. What would they be like for someone of my size/weight? The Hyosung GT250R looks pretty good too, and look like they're a good size, but I've heard concerns about their build quality and handling ability. Any opinions on these?

Naturally I'd have to test ride them first (something I didn't do with the RG as I didn't have my license then) but I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations that would point me in the right direction. :)

[jtzzr]

you could go get dispensation on your licence and get a 400 which may be an option , do a search on it , it allows a taller /fatter/ fuller figured rider to ride something other than a 250 on their learners licence , Hope this helps

[Steam]

Sounds like you love the sportsbikes a lot, but dual-purpose bikes are a lot bigger framed, better for the big fellas.
Alternatively you could buy a proper big bike and swap in a 250cc engine. Fun project if you have the time!

[rogson]

Get the Hyosung 250.

What makes the Japanese think small capacity bikes are for "little" people is beyond me.

IMO you will be better skilled with respect to handling a full-sized more powerful bike if you have learned on a full-sized bike.

Those midget Jap screamers are a joke.

[Gremlin]

I'm 6'3, 100kg... I had a zzr250. Its pretty good for a 2fiddy size wise, but I had the rear shock stiffened as much as it would go, and still scraped the fairings round bumpy corners etc.

If you're on your restricted, you could look at an exemption, as I did.

[Toaster]

I'm a big guy - 6'4", 105kg.


Well you are a big fella.... big boys get bikes like mine.....

[Karma]

Well you are a big fella.... big boys get bikes like mine.....

Gay boys get bikes like yours... big boys get bikes like mine :D

GSXR1000K1 FTW!


If you're around the 6'4" mark then you'll find it hard to get sportsbikes to fit, so either try getting something naked, or look at other options such as padding the seat a little, dropping the pegs, raising / lowering the handle bars... that kinda stuff.

[Wannabiker]

Have 2 Hyosung 06 GT250R's. One done 19000ks without a problem, the other 7000. They handle real well (read the test report in the Feb 07 Kiwi Rider) If you dont have it, PM me and i will send it to you.

Torquey motor and good for 2 up riding. Will do 160kph. I am in similar situation, being 6'and 110kgs. Tried a Honda VRT250 and felt like a toy underneath me. (and didn't go as well as I had expected either!!) They were the only 250 that felt the right size. Have had lots of fun on mine, and my 16yo son on the other. You are free to come over and have a go on it if you want...live just by the base of the rimutakas!!

[karmakillernz]

you could go get dispensation on your licence and get a 400 which may be an option
Unfortunately I'm only on my learners at the moment and I've heard that an exemption is almost always denied unless you're on a restricted. It also wouldn't help that I got caught doing 63kph in a 50 zone last week (whoops!). I might still give it a try though. Nothing to lose.


Sounds like you love the sportsbikes a lot, but dual-purpose bikes are a lot bigger framed, better for the big fellas.
I was afraid of that. I love the full-faired sports bike look, so I'm determined to find one that fits.


Have 2 Hyosung 06 GT250R's. One done 19000ks without a problem, the other 7000. They handle real well (read the test report in the Feb 07 Kiwi Rider) If you dont have it, PM me and i will send it to you.
That's great to hear - they do look like nice solid bikes. Are you able to scan the test report and email it to me? The RG feels alright to ride, but it does struggle on the hills a bit under my weight. I probably look like a right wally on it too. ;)

I might go talk a dealer into letting me test ride one of theirs. Who knows - I might fall in love with it and have to have it there and then. Thanks for the offer though! :)


live just by the base of the rimutakas!!
Lucky bugger! :shit:

[McJim]

Most bikes are a bit bigger that the RG150. However moving to a ZZR250 or a GSX250 would, in my opinion, be a step backwards in performance.

how much longer before you can legally get a large capacity bike?

[Big Dave]

Look at trail bikes too. They are generally taller and with suitable tyres make a great city bike too - motard style.

[karmakillernz]

Most bikes are a bit bigger that the RG150. However moving to a ZZR250 or a GSX250 would, in my opinion, be a step backwards in performance.

how much longer before you can legally get a large capacity bike?

I understand that the performance wouldn't be quite the same, but as long as it can handle motorway speeds with power to overtake easily enough, plus can handle the hills well, then it'll be fine until I get my full and can upgrade. I'm not a speed freak - I have no real desire to do 170kph down an open road. Well, I do, but I won't... :innocent:

I only got my learners two weeks ago so I have a fairly long wait ahead of me yet... :)

[Toaster]

Gay boys get bikes like yours... big boys get bikes like mine :D

GSXR1000K1 FTW!


If you're around the 6'4" mark then you'll find it hard to get sportsbikes to fit, so either try getting something naked, or look at other options such as padding the seat a little, dropping the pegs, raising / lowering the handle bars... that kinda stuff.

Considering I've owned and ridden the GSXR1000K6, 750K4.... go back to your tight leather one piece and leave the girls to us.

[Karma]

Any leather one piece is tight on me mate, and given the kinda chicks I've seen around new zealand so far you're welcome to them ;)

[Toaster]

Any leather one piece is tight on me mate, and given the kinda chicks I've seen around new zealand so far you're welcome to them ;)

Dude..... I had a ball of a time in northern Europe... man do they look like angels and act like devils over there!

[puddy]

Hi,
Get a GSX250 or similar. Get a full licence ASAP. Try not to get done for 63kph too often, or getting a full ilcence might take you a long time. Then get a GSXR1000 or whatever cooks your mince! I'm 6 foot 5 and 130 kgs. The truth is, the only bikes that (sort of) fit are the M109, (although why you'd give up a K6 for one is beyond me), or an 1800 Goldwing or one of those BMW R1150GS or similar. If you don't like any of those bikes, take a large glass of "Harden The Fuck Up" and get whatever you want. They don't quite fit but the only thing that can wipe the smile off your face is a four week roadside (Licence) suspension! A radar detector! I currently have a K7, before that I had a K6 and before that a K1. Have ridden all three bikes in excess of 1600 Kms on the trot (two large glasses of "Harden The Fuck Up")www.rustynuts.co.nz! Whatever Cooks Ya Mince! :yes:

[Stryfe_NZL]

Having seen a mate of mine (6'5") on my previous gixxer 250, you have my sympathies... I hate to say it but most 250s will almost look like a mini-bike under you and probably wont perform that well at all.
He rode a GSR-1100G, a huge tank of a bike, but nice all the same :)

[puddy]

Sorry to cut in (again)......but TOASTER,what makes you go GSX250, VTR1000F, GSXR750K4, GSXR1000K6, then M109R? You're only 35!Had to ask....In the last 15 years I've had an FZR1000T, a 3 year break, GSXR1100L, GSXR1000K1, GSXR1000K6 and GSXR1000K7.I thought (for a second or two) about 'BUSA but M109R etc never really came into it!

[Toaster]

Sorry to cut in (again)......but TOASTER,what makes you go GSX250, VTR1000F, GSXR750K4, GSXR1000K6, then M109R? You're only 35!Had to ask....In the last 15 years I've had an FZR1000T, a 3 year break, GSXR1100L, GSXR1000K1, GSXR1000K6 and GSXR1000K7.I thought (for a second or two) about 'BUSA but M109R etc never really came into it!

Well, the honda thing was a moment of weakness..... I just love the relaxed riding style of the 109. Big on grin factor. I'd love a GSXR too, but it would be silly to have two.

[Karma]

I currently have a K7, before that I had a K6 and before that a K1. Have ridden all three bikes in excess of 1600 Kms on the trot (two large glasses of "Harden The Fuck Up")www.rustynuts.co.nz (http://www.rustynuts.co.nz)! Whatever Cooks Ya Mince! :yes:

Not ridden a K7, but I've tried a K6 and personally found it a little too small... the K1 for me is just the right balence between being comfortable (for a sportsbike) and still having the power and flickability to be fun.

[sels1]

The Hyosung GT250R looks pretty good too, and look like they're a good size, but I've heard concerns about their build quality and handling ability. Any opinions on these?

The Hyosung GT250 (the naked one - not the faired one) is a good learner bike for the bigger bloke. They aint the flashest thing but good to get your basic skills up and keep in mind you only need to keep it until you get your full licence - then swap it for for a big sportsbike or whatever.
Or consider a 250 street legal trailbike - longer suspension and sit up style is more roomy, and you can go and play off road on the weekend. Playing on the dirt can really improve yr skills and confidence, and very little pain or damage if you fall off!

[McJim]

I understand that the performance wouldn't be quite the same, but as long as it can handle motorway speeds with power to overtake easily enough, plus can handle the hills well, then it'll be fine until I get my full and can upgrade. I'm not a speed freak - I have no real desire to do 170kph down an open road. Well, I do, but I won't... :innocent:

I only got my learners two weeks ago so I have a fairly long wait ahead of me yet... :)

In that case I would go and try to sit on a Hyosung GT250R as it does have a big frame - looks racy not as much power but more useable torque and has good roadholding. GSX250 feels about the same height as a RG150 but a bit wider - I'm only a 6 foot midget weighing in at a mere 95kg but I sometimes borrow my wife's RG to get to work - I don't have any problems with comfort on it and could ride it all day.

BUT go an try GSX250 ZZR250 GPX250 and any other faired 2 fiddies you can plant your arse on then listen to your arse - it will tell you which one is most comfortable for you.

[McJim]

but it would be silly to have two.

Why? I plan to collect bikes as I get older. :)

[MidnightMike]

Screw a hyobag, get a GSX250.

Im 6 foot 4 and its sweet, easily sits at open road speeds and overtakes quickly enough too.

Handles beautifully, though youd have to get tyres that arent the stock ones if you wanna kick it up a little.

Look the nits tits too.

Plus there not korean or whatever the hell the hyobags are, shit, theyve got 30hp, Hyosung need to worry more about power than making something that looks ridiculously faster than it actually is.

But of course, Im not biased.


Not to mention this ones just gone up on trademe, and its a steal!!!!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=109235519&key=766795

[McJim]

Plus there not korean or whatever the hell the hyobags are,

I'd look into that if I were you - I think the GSX250 is made in China which has a worse reputation for build quality than Korea.....

[Big Dave]

Hi,
I'm 6 foot 5 and 130 kgs. The truth is, the only bikes that (sort of) fit are the M109,

Buell Ulysses, FJR1300, Rocket III, Heritage Softail, Fat Boy, Triumph Scrambler, Caponord, BMW GS series, V-strom, Tiger, CB900 Hornet - and a few more.

Same height as you - not as heavy - was very comfortable on all of them. M109 was good too.

[FilthyLuka]

I love the look of the Suzuki GSX250 and the Kawasaki ZZR250 is real nice too, but I haven't seen any in person. What would they be like for someone of my size/weight? The Hyosung GT250R looks pretty good too, and look like they're a good size, but I've heard concerns about their build quality and handling ability. Any opinions on these?


Ive ridden the GSX250, nice bikes. Probably not as fast as yer RG but they are relatively bigger. Im 5'11 and it's more than big enough for me. Kick start is always a good thing, you can just stomp on it if ya battery karks it. Also, bear in mind that you just need the bike for a year, then you can go and get something big and shiny... Like a goldwing...

zzr250 is slightly smaller than the GSX, but comes in pretty colours...

Daenis

edit: Oh yeah, zzr250 is pretty bullet proof but you shouldnt have problems with the gsx (or a hyobag for that matter) if you keep it maintained

[Toaster]

My first was the Suzuki GSX250 - great starter bike and a good commuter. Not enough for a big guy on the open road though.

[FilthyLuka]

You could always talk to LTSA and get a exemption, a mate of mine is 6'2 and 95kg, he got an exemption with little trouble and is now scooting about on a Suzuki 800 intruder...

we totally need to get power to weight ratio laws for learner/restricted bikers over here...

[karmakillernz]

Also, bear in mind that you just need the bike for a year, then you can go and get something big and shiny... Like a goldwing...

Absolutely. I only need something to tide me over until I get my full, but I'd like to be comfortable in the mean time. Maybe not Goldwing comfortable though... ;)

I guess the next step is just trying out the Hyosung, the GSX and anything else I happen to see on the way. If none of them feel right I'll try my luck with the license 250cc exemption. I'd prefer to stick with a 250 though because as much as I'd like to think otherwise, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to resist doing something stupid with a bigger bike. :nono: :innocent:

You'll probably see my RG up for sale soon then. I'm sure I'll find a new home for it easy enough though - it's a very nice bike in great nic. I'll put it up here first then shove it on Trade Me :sick: if I don't get any bites.

Thanks for all the advice guys. It's hard deciding on a bike - especially when you have to do it twice in so many weeks! :)

[karmakillernz]

Today I went down to TSS Motorcycles in Lower Hutt and tested out their demo Hyosung GT250R. Wow - what a difference! I could immediately feel an improvement in 'fit' and it was so comfortable to ride.

It was quite obvious from the beginning that there was less power than the RG, but I was happily cruising along the motorway at 100kmph so I'm not fussed about it. Besides, it was a new bike which hadn't been run in (only 17km on it) so I wasn't allowed to push it; there were another 6k RPM left to use at 100kmph so I'm sure there'll be some fun had there. ;) It did feel a lot smoother at lower speeds compared to the RG though, and it handled really nicely - I felt much more confident flying around corners even though it was an unfamiliar bike.

So I ended up signing my life away then and there's a nice black one on their Monday deliveries with my name on it. Needless to say - I can't wait. :)

[McJim]

Nice - glad you found something you're pleased with. Are you keeping the RG for fun and quick days?

[karmakillernz]

Are you keeping the RG for fun and quick days?

Nah, can't afford two bikes sadly. :( I basically just used it for the deposit on the Hyosung.

That's ok though - I'll be completely debt free by the time I get my full license and that's when the real fun can start. :shifty:

[pritch]

I love the full-faired sports bike look, so I'm determined to find one that fits.

Sports bikes are getting smaller and smaller with each successive new model.
The new litre bikes are like the 600s of a few years ago and the 600s are getting more like 250s.

Then there is the K1200S but that's a lot of money.

Another option might be to restore a pre-Fireblade sports bike from the days when bikes were bigger.

You have a while to sort it all out though.

[Steam]

Here's a V-twin 500cc changed into a single 250, good for your on your learners license! It's beside the point now you've got your nice new bike, but it's a bit of a laugh to see this.

[Beemer]

Oh that makes me laugh - when I had an RG150 I had to get it lowered because I was 5'1" and could only touch the ground on tippy toes! I was half your weight too... I'm still 5'1" but the leathers are a bit tighter now... :yes:

[Clivoris]

Today I went down to TSS Motorcycles in Lower Hutt and tested out their demo Hyosung GT250R. Wow - what a difference! I could immediately feel an improvement in 'fit' and it was so comfortable to ride.

It was quite obvious from the beginning that there was less power than the RG, but I was happily cruising along the motorway at 100kmph so I'm not fussed about it. Besides, it was a new bike which hadn't been run in (only 17km on it) so I wasn't allowed to push it; there were another 6k RPM left to use at 100kmph so I'm sure there'll be some fun had there. ;) It did feel a lot smoother at lower speeds compared to the RG though, and it handled really nicely - I felt much more confident flying around corners even though it was an unfamiliar bike.

So I ended up signing my life away then and there's a nice black one on their Monday deliveries with my name on it. Needless to say - I can't wait. :)

Result! Well done man.

[karmakillernz]

Oh that makes me laugh - when I had an RG150 I had to get it lowered because I was 5'1" and could only touch the ground on tippy toes! I was half your weight too... I'm still 5'1" but the leathers are a bit tighter now... :yes:

haha, yes it's always a hassle being on either end of the height spectrum. :yes: My boss is on the shorter side, and he thought the RG was huge when he tried it out. I can't wait to show him the Hyosung. :devil2:

[breakaway]

The RG was huge and heavy for me, but after the CBR400RR its a feather :shutup: