Which sportsbike for the larger gentleman? [Archive]

Matt

12th December 2007, 10:41

After waving goodbye to the ER6n, I'm looking round for my next bike which I intend to get once I'm back from my hols in the New Year. I really want to try a decent size faired sportsbike next (the litre ones seem most likely) - the only problem I'm tall (6'5") and 105kgs so it needs to be big! It would be used mainly for commuting the 30k's into work and the very occasional weekend blast.

I looked very seriously at the Blade (love the Repsol colours), but after a couple of extended test rides I think they're just too tight on the knees :(. Same goes with the 600's I've ridden (CBR/675/GSXR) plus they didn't feel much quicker than the ER6. I'm looking at up to $17k or so, and the shortlist currently is:

- GSXR1000k7
- R1 (the guy that bought my old leathers was similar size to me and said it was good for tallies)
- Blackbird (not sure about looks tho)
- RSV (too expensive and not sure about European build quality)
- Busa (look a bit too low down/stretched out?)
- CB1300s (again not sure on looks; only here because I saw a really big guy on one on Lambton Quay and it didn't look silly!)

I haven't test-ridden any of these yet (have enquired about a K7 ride tho), but intend to as when I bought my last bike I didn't ride many. I know there's been a few threads re taller riders, but they tend to be newbie biased and I'm very interested to hear what sportsbikes other big guys ride!

HenryDorsetCase

12th December 2007, 11:16

h a y a b u s a !!

007XX

12th December 2007, 11:22

I'm also thinking Hayabusa!!!

Talk about it with Bigdog. He'd be about your height and weight, and he has a busa...

They're not called the "silent death" for anything...awesome bikes I'm told!

Taine

12th December 2007, 11:23

I'm 6 ft and find at times I'm alittle small for the ape but it fits perfectly while I ride.....the engineering is great and the maintenance is half of a duke so your choice is interesting.......it would also depend if you are a v-twin guy or a straight.....
I'm sure you will pick what is right for ya......

skelstar

12th December 2007, 11:27

Does it have to be new?

Joni

12th December 2007, 11:27

The 3 you are not sure about are the 3 I would tag for bigger riders: Blackbird, Busa and CB....

Personally, I would say the Blackbird, but its all about taste.

PM Jase, he has owned a Busa and a Bird, and is not a small guy... he can advise first hand :yes:

Blackbird

12th December 2007, 11:27

BarBender

12th December 2007, 12:05

ZX14.

Im 6ft and about 130kgs. My brother is 6'3 and about 150kgs. Kwaka12R is about 6'4 and 120 odd.

We all own 14s

The 14 has higher set bars so you are a little more upright. It looks long but its wheelbase is actually only about an inch and a half longer than the 10. Its great two up and it aint going to bite you low down with the secondaries left in them. So - it makes a great useable commuter as well as having ample go-go. I ride mine everyday to and from work and out on the occassional track day.

Also take a look at the ZX12R and the Zook GSX1400. Again both Big Boy types of bikes. Kwaka12R and I both came off 12s and went straight onto 14s. They look sporty and at first you think it may be too small...but it sits high so provides ample room for riders with long limbs. The GSX1400 like the CB1300 is a naked and a fantastic all-round bike that would suit anyone and anything. Great for touring and general all-round use. And dont think they cant boogie. Anybody whose seen Beyond ride will tell ya that the bike can hike. I havent ridden a CB1300 or Blackbird so cant say much about them...but Id say that they wouldnt be too much different to the GSX or the 12R/14R size wise. I will be riding a Blackbird when Im in Oz next year so looking forward to that.

The Busa is a great bike but IMHO it aint a genuine 'Big Boy' bike. I found the pegs a little to high - hard if you have long legs or big thighs. Being tall doesnt necessarily mean that you have long legs so if you have a long torso - the riding position will be a little hunched over due to the lower set bars and you might find that you dont get enough wind protection. Plenty of go if thats your thing...esp mid range....probably a little more than the 14. I havent been on the 08 but looking forward to a ride in the new year to see what changes have been made.

Given your size I doubt you'd look stupid on any of these rides. I dont think you'd look stupid on the Busa either...however you may be a little sorer.

Scouse

12th December 2007, 12:41

Agree with everything Mr Barbender has just posted....however,you mentioned that "It would be used mainly for commuting the 30k's into work and the very occasional weekend blast" which leans me to believe that maybe a nekkid would suit your requirements a little better re manoeuvrability in traffic etc.
Have you thought about a Tuono,Z1000 or similar?
A new Z1000 could be achieved within your price rangeOr even a Speed Triple?

James Deuce

12th December 2007, 12:44

I wouldn't worry about Aprilia build quality.

The RSVR (note the extra R - it's worth the extra dosh) is a a gorgeous bike, and totally capable of commuting. I had one with titanium Akrapovic's for a few days as a commuter and my goodness!

Much more comfortable than a busa or a Blackbird for me, but I'm 5'9.5" and 95kgs. There was still a heap of room on that seat too.

If it doesn't have to be new, check out Bull's Aprilia Futura. He's a big guy and doesn't look silly on it, so you get the Aprilia V-Twin, touring capability and a really nice riding position.

Take a B-King for a ride dude. I'd buy one in a flash. If the moths would stop eating all that cash in my wallet.

6ft5

12th December 2007, 13:25

Although I am relatively new to bike riding, I am also 6ft5 and weight 100kg. Found it hard to find a bike. Had a cruiser for a while but in the end felt like a prey mantis on wheels. So in the end I compromised on a 2005 Triumph Tiger. 100bhp, 3 cyl adventurer with lots of up and go. Good handling from my perspective but a perhaps completely out of left field. Have a go and see what you think?:whistle:

gsp0702

12th December 2007, 13:33

Speed Triple is a nice bike but over the last few years Triumph's build quality has taken a turn for the worse, they have moved away from high end compete with BMW in terms of quality to reduced costs (Factory In Thailand) and more competitive pricing, and well commented on by different triumph sites. After having owned my Tiger for 18monthes i wouldnt be able to recommend them for quality and reliability, but thats just my experience i am sure there are others who would argue differently.

Jap litre class sports bikes in alot of ways if you fit them then you cant go wrong, but thats the rub do you fit them, as they seem to be designed for those who are 5'8" and 10 stone wringing wet its how much will you compromise to own one. A mate in the UK has a blade (954 version) loves it and says its the most real world of all the Jap litre bikes, and more comfy than the GSX-R 750 he had.

Good luck on your search, others to consider VFR800, BMW R1100S, K1200RS, or ZX-9R and spend some money on suspension mods, SV1000S, GSX-R 750.

So many bikes so little time.

6ft5

12th December 2007, 13:39

Interesting have owned my 2005 tiger now for 3 months and have yet to experience quality issues and you mentioned. Sorry perhaps naive from my point of view a great bike for the big person.

gsp0702

12th December 2007, 13:45

Well could be that i was unlucky with this on, and as a Bike i still like it. but when i bought it my impression of Triumph was that build quality would be as good as BMW, and components would be of superior quality to the Jap manufacturers and i havent found that to be the case. As i say could be i was just unlucky with this one.

6ft5

12th December 2007, 13:52

fair enough and I don't have the experience of time as yet so will wait and see. Still for the big person a great riding position good power (955i) and great handling. BTW Also rode the B-king, for a comuter and casual weekend rider that is an insane bike built to kill the boy racers and the rider at the same time, only kidding, but insane it is.

Paulus

12th December 2007, 14:46

R1 would be the best fit of the modern litre bikes (lowest pegs and greatest peg to seat height). A friend has an 06 R1 and he is about 6' 3" and 105kg. Springs are too soft but otherwise he is comfortable on it.

Otherwise go for something a bit less cramped like the Busa suggested.

bell

12th December 2007, 18:29

If you were to trod down the 'big naked' line I'd say you should take a GSX1400 for a test ride. I was pretty happy on the K5 model and I'm 6'3". More torque than you'll ever need and comfortable on longer trips too.

Eats corners.
Pillion friendly if that's relevant.
Just watch the front end, it can get somewhat vertical if one is a bit over zealous with the throttle...

Jinx3d

12th December 2007, 19:04

I'm a bit over 6ft and weigh a bit more than I should, I've got a tl1000S

Its fits nice, I have done plenty of touring, auckland to coro to auckland with one stop for gas, Auck to palmy, far north etc.

Its far better for touring than the TLR (my mates), which has bars about an inch lower.

They are cheap as fuck, add $1300 to the price for an ohlins rear shock and you got yourself a nice bike.

I keep going to the shop looking for a replacement but theres isnt much out there in the vee twin range that isnt italian and $$$

Cant personally say how comfy the litre sport bikes are, a consultant at work owns an R1 and says riding for more than an hour is pain and suffering.

puddy

12th December 2007, 20:13

I'm 6 ft 5 and 130 kgs. The K7 is the 3rd GSXR 1000 I've owned. I look like a Daddy Long Legs fucking a house fly, but it seems comfortable enough for me.....I've managed to ride 2000 kms in a day, and still get out of bed the following morning...........I'm obviously used to sports bikes only now. I had a loan 1250 Bandit while my bike was being serviced, and got a sore arse riding 35 kms! Suppose I'm just not comfortable unless I'm sitting on my nuts! It's up to you. But try everything you can get your arse on.

BarBender

12th December 2007, 20:25

flyingscotsman

12th December 2007, 20:32

Likewise, I'm 6'4" & 100+ kgs. My Ducati Multistrada fits me perfectly. OK it's not gonna win any races but it's comfy, great manoeuverability through traffic and generally it's fun to ride. I've toured on it with no problems. PM me if you want to give it a try. The more bikes you try the more you will develop a sense of what is right for you.

skelstar

13th December 2007, 08:34

I keep going to the shop looking for a replacement but theres isnt much out there in the vee twin range that isnt italian and $$$
Having said that, theres Italian bikes out there that aren't $$$, more like $$ if you know where to look (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz) ...

jrandom

13th December 2007, 08:39

Likewise, I'm 6'4" & 100+ kgs. My Ducati Multistrada fits me perfectly. OK it's not gonna win any races but it's comfy, great manoeuverability through traffic and generally it's fun to ride. I've toured on it with no problems.

I second flyingscotsman's comments.

The Multistrada is a vastly underrated bike. I'd have one if they weren't $20K new (second-hand Ducatis - just say no...)

The Stranger

13th December 2007, 08:56

Yamaha FZ1

Blackbird

13th December 2007, 09:33

James Deuce

13th December 2007, 10:19

If you want to think outside the box a bit and want to look at a sharp-priced bargain performance bike, have a look at this thread: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=60081. I think it's still available. I know both the owner and the bike personally and can vouch for both.
No disprespect intended Mr Blackbird, but having lived with one for a week, I could reliably report that a Hornet 900 would render the "performance bike" part of that statement as the oxymoron it is, in sharp 1000W relief to boot.

Flat Engine, Languid handling, but typical Honda build quality, the Big One is outclassed by my Z750S in every way, however the CB1000 would make a superb big cc, lazy, do-anything all rounder that doesn't challenge the rider.

Blackbird

13th December 2007, 10:38

No disprespect intended Mr Blackbird, but having lived with one for a week, I could reliably report that a Hornet 900 would render the "performance bike" part of that statement as the oxymoron it is, in sharp 1000W relief to boot.

Flat Engine, Languid handling, but typical Honda build quality, the Big One is outclassed by my Z750S in every way, however the CB1000 would make a superb big cc, lazy, do-anything all rounder that doesn't challenge the rider.

Greetings James! Everything is relative and I merely stated that it represented great value for money. Being a Kawasaki owner, can we trust your judgement/taste? No, don't answer that - Matt appears to know the score by excluding Kawasakis from his shoppping list:whistle:.

Your comments about big cc, lazy do-anything all-rounder actually sounds suspiciously like a compliment. I might have thought you were talking about the Blackbird :buggerd:

Matt

13th December 2007, 10:59

Hmm some new ideas, hadn't really considered the ZX14 tbh (mainly due to the local dealer, even tho my old Kwaka never missed a beat), but I'm not sure I want to go naked again. Not too fussed with it being new (up to a year old is good, as long as there is some warranty), although not sure I'll get chance for many test-rides as I'm really sick of commuting by cage after just a week! (suppose I could always get a Ginner until I decide, unless anyone wants to rent me a bike!)

James Deuce

13th December 2007, 11:04

(.....unless anyone wants to rent me a bike!)

Hmmmmmmmmm, thinks.

Skinny_Birdman

13th December 2007, 12:10

I've had a Blackbird for 6 years and it's practically bulletproof. Can't think of anything better to suit my current needs. You say you're not sure about looks and it's true that emotional appeal is an important factor (I think that the 'busa is pig ugly and would never own one, but it's still one hell of a great bike). The 'bird footpeg height is a little "sporty" for someone of your height. However, it's easy to fit a peg lowering kit which costs US $65 and really does the business - have just done this mod. At between $15000 - $16000 new, the 'bird represents great value for money for 290 km/hr performance.

It's all about which bike gets your heart racing though. Good luck!

I agree with all G said about the 'bird. At 183cm(6') I find the footpegs just right, but if I were any taller I suspect I would feel cramped. My Transalp (as you would expect) has waaay more legroom (I bought it for my girlfriend who is 190cm (6'3")) and is really comfy but predictably is a bit of a yawn in terms of power and has rather weak brakes. On the plus side it handles beautifully. It's had my heart racing, but only when I've needed lots of brakes in a hurry:eek:

Good luck with your search.

Jinx3d

14th December 2007, 07:21

Having said that, theres Italian bikes out there that aren't $$$, more like $$ if you know where to look (http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz) ...

Fuck me, even a Ducati 999 is cheaper than an RSV

Whats going on, how come RSV's are so unaffordable?

20+ grand for 4 year old bike? My TL cost 10 grand when it was 5 years old.

I cant believe what great value for money my TL has been & still is for that matter.

(okay, call it 11 grand to include the ohlins rear)

skelstar

14th December 2007, 08:30

The black RSV? Its only done 3kms for a start, and all the 999's are at least 3 years old.

Kerry had a Tuono Racing on there for about $15k not long ago... sheez if I had the money I would have bought it!

Clivoris

14th December 2007, 19:43

Kerry had a Tuono Racing on there for about $15k not long ago... sheez if I had the money I would have bought it!

You and me both bro.

ST4s

14th December 2007, 21:39

I'm 6'2" - and used to have a blackbird.
Great bike on the open road. Not so good round town -long & heavy, with a fair bit of weight on the wrists.
I'd look for a taller machine with a more upright riding position if I was doing the commute thing on it. I don't - my duc ST lives in the garage mon-fri.
Have you considered a KTM a BMW GS or a Monster ?

Tony & Carolyn

14th December 2007, 21:58

yeah mate, leather's are mint!!!! 07 R1 very roomy........ I'd think about the gsxr 1000 but those pipes would have to go before I shelled out......

Matt

31st January 2008, 18:36

Well at the moment it's a shootout between GSXR1000 k7 and the 08 R1 - GSXR seemed a bit easier to ride/slightly roomier, but R1 seems to be better built and hold it's value better? Liked the Hayabusa too, but it's probably just a few too many $$$$'s - just Honda to go!

Matt

skelstar

1st February 2008, 09:15

A 2nd hand GSXR1000 K6 or R1 07 will hold their value much better eh. I don't think theres any diff between the two R1 years (07/08) but a bit of diff between the k5/6/7 as I understand, but really would you or I notice?

Rotor

2nd February 2008, 11:09

I'm 5foot 11 and 120kg and ride a busa. the only down side to my busa is its a bit hard on the wrist on long trips

Pussy

2nd February 2008, 11:36

I'm 6ft and 95kg, my 750 is quite comfy for me. I have the footpegs set to the lower position. Another bike worth looking at... New Plymouth MC have a brand new 06 'Busa for $17000.00 at the moment

bane

2nd February 2008, 18:15

ZX14.

Im 6ft and about 130kgs.

Feel free to use my avatar - I hand over the torch. :niceone:

BarBender

2nd February 2008, 21:13

Feel free to use my avatar

Why?..........

twotyred

2nd February 2008, 21:28

MOTO MORINI 1200 VELOCE, Absolute top of the line 1200cc v-twin with 142 bhp. These bikes are sold with a race kit exhaust and are amazing. They also have FREE servicing for the first 2 years. This is a must see bike and generally suits a taller rider.

The bad news is.... $28,000

Tony & Carolyn

2nd February 2008, 21:46

Big Dave

3rd February 2008, 12:24

I'm 6'5, 115kg and these are [U]my Perso

bugger - browser crashed while I was adding and it's all gone.

HenryDorsetCase

3rd February 2008, 12:48

I'm 6'5, 115kg and these are my Personal comfort and ergonomic ratings.

dwarves like me have the opposite problem!

Matt

3rd February 2008, 17:47

It's like this Matt, Broke my 07 R1 15 Dec..... Brought a 06 GSXR (after riding K7) and omg it's the V8 of inline fours!!!! not as roomy as R1 but more up rite riding position than R1. Make's me smile every time i ride her and at the end of the day that's what counts. I can confirm the alpinestar did what they said it would and i walked away shame the R1 didn't make it......:whistle:
Sorry to hear that mate :( , good to hear the leathers did their job though (looking at getting some custom ones made at the mo).

Looks like I'm going with a k7; just need to get a decent deal sorted (altho' TSS are keen on doing a deal on an 08 R1).

Matt

Pussy

3rd February 2008, 17:50

Good thing about the 07 onwards 1000, Matt, you can drop the pegs 14mm, which considerably improves comfort for taller riders

nick69

3rd February 2008, 18:54

The world is your oyster! I am 6'3 and 120kgs and have ridden many bikes. I loved my 99 R1 but for longer distances i wouldnt be without my BMW R1150GS which is a bloody good bike. It is perhaps just as good on the road as my R1 but more fun! Its a bike you can ride all day long and not have to see the physio afterwards. The advice i can give you is go and try some out what are good bikes for some may be bad for others, but for build quality nothing matches BMW. :headbang:

McJim

3rd February 2008, 19:03

- RSV (too expensive and not sure about European build quality)

Not sure about European build quality? WTF? Why would you worry about superior quality?:rofl:
Unless you've been riding trackdays solidly for a year and are competetive I very much doubt you'll be able to use all of the hp offered by some of your choices so if you have enough mulla for a Hayabusa then go and TRY (not saying buy coz you might not like it) a Ducati Supersport 1000DS. It will be comfortable, has 12,000km service intervals and will use less fuel than all the jappas.
The Ducatis don't look impressive when you look at stat sheets coz the jap manufacturers are feeding us numbers all the time to make us upgrade. The Europeans make bikes for the real world, not just for statisticians. I'm a tad over 6 foot and 95kg. I am comfortable on the old style SS but the newer ones are a bit more roomy.

Matt

3rd February 2008, 19:51

Not sure about European build quality? WTF? Why would you worry about superior quality?:rofl:
Unless you've been riding trackdays solidly for a year and are competetive I very much doubt you'll be able to use all of the hp offered by some of your choices so if you have enough mulla for a Hayabusa then go and TRY (not saying buy coz you might not like it) a Ducati Supersport 1000DS. It will be comfortable, has 12,000km service intervals and will use less fuel than all the jappas.
The Ducatis don't look impressive when you look at stat sheets coz the jap manufacturers are feeding us numbers all the time to make us upgrade. The Europeans make bikes for the real world, not just for statisticians. I'm a tad over 6 foot and 95kg. I am comfortable on the old style SS but the newer ones are a bit more roomy.
Yeah I probably won't get near to using 50% of the capability/power of any of these bikes - if they put a GSXR600 engine in a GSXR1000 frame I'd buy it!

The styling really doesn't appeal on any of the Ducati's though - apart from the 848/1098 that are just a tad expensive! Guess I've ridden too many Aprilia trials bikes & driven too many Fiats to trust European build quality - good suggestion though cheers!

Matt

HungusMaximist

4th February 2008, 09:25

I'd avoid Busa's for personal and obvious styling reasons.

I reckon they look frikking ugly and a bit of an overkill for your average rider.

Hey, but that's just me...

Plus you can never go wrong with a HONDA... *hint*hint*

Matt

7th February 2008, 19:12

Traaadah!

Was really tempted by a Blackbird; but they couldn't get any new ones locally so did a good deal with Pete @ Wgtn Motorcycles on the GSXR :headbang:

Crasherfromwayback

8th February 2008, 14:44

And I hope you're loving it!

Cheers Matt for dealing with us/me.

Pete

Blue Velvet

8th February 2008, 14:46

Traaadah!

Awesome bike. Many happy k's.

But please get rid of the reflectors <_<

jonbuoy

8th February 2008, 15:25

Be nice if someone made a mid range sportsbike that didn't make you feel like Krusty the Clown on his microcycle.

Blue Velvet

8th February 2008, 15:29

Be nice if someone made a mid range sportsbike that didn't make you feel like Krusty the Clown on his microcycle.

The other end of the size spectrum isn't any better <_<

Oh to be somewhere in the middle...

CHOPPA

8th February 2008, 22:51

Go the ZX14 :)

sels1

9th February 2008, 13:39

Traaadah!
:

Congrats on the new bike - that Pete is a bugger to deal with isnt he?

Be nice if someone made a mid range sportsbike that didn't make you feel like Krusty the Clown on his microcycle.

I find the Triumph range to be more comfortable for the bigger rider than your average jap bike

Well could be that i was unlucky with this on, and as a Bike i still like it. but when i bought it my impression of Triumph was that build quality would be as good as BMW, and components would be of superior quality to the Jap manufacturers and i havent found that to be the case. As i say could be i was just unlucky with this one.

Just on 100,000km on my Tiger with no issues at all - you may have got the "Friday" one..?!

n0regret5

21st February 2008, 21:29

suzuki tend to make some pretty big bikes, busa would be my first choice if i was as big as you, especially with the disturbingly bulletproof engine..zx12r's are also great. apparently little easier to maintain too, engine wise.

you'll find generally bigger is better when you're a big lad, those bikes weren't really built for anyone under 6ft..i'm 5'9" and find my tiller a bit of a reach!

GazzaRuney

21st February 2008, 23:55

Matt

26th February 2008, 11:43

Im 140 kilos and about 6/2 - I bought myself a big ass Valkyrie Rune 1800 ! It dosent mind draggin me aroung (and I mean DRAGGIN me around !!!)) at all
The ultimate bigboys bike !!!! Lots of fun too!!!

Those Rune's are about the only "custom" I'd touch :niceone:

The GSXR is all good at the mo - wrists/knees have just about got used to it, although it still feels very vibey - have to keep telling myself to relax or my hands go numb!!