Tall rider commuter bike

[Tallpom]

As a lanky fella (6'5" / 90kg) I've found out that my choice of bikes in the 250cc range is rather limited.

I was thinking about getting a good offroad/dual purpose bike for the first 18 months. Something cheap (around 3.5 - 4k) that will comfortably do a 50km commute each day.

My first choice was a Honda XR250. Does anyone have any experience using this for a road bike. I know a few couriers around London like them, my primary focus is finding a bike that will fit me well and will handle easily through busy traffic.

Any suggestions / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[cynna]

the xr should be fine - i used to have a xl250

i have a dr350 (should be the same size as a dr250) that i use to go to work on each day - around 30km. its good in traffic and fun in the weekends

im 6 1 and 100kg and it fits me well

[xwhatsit]

Keep the Hyosung GT250/GT250R in mind, they're gigantic.

[dino3310]

what licence are you holding, if a full licence that would open up a hole range of possible candidates.
for exampleat your price range:
early 90's honda 650 dominator-tall & bullet proof.
XRs & XLs 400, 600, 650
KLEs 500
and many many more,
some bikes are taller but the pegs might be a little high for your leg length. there are so many variations so i would try to get around and test ride as many different ones as possible, sooner or later you'll find the one thats most comfortable for your stature. maybe some of the KB lads might let you test ride on one of there's.

[Tallpom]

I will be on a learners licence. I used to ride an old triumph in England years ago, but since coming over here I've not ridden anything.

Hyosung's where one of the first bikes I looked at. I had a quick go on a mates GT250, but I found my legs a little cramped as the pegs where a bit high for me - can this be adjusted? The GT250R fit me well, but I'm trying to avoid the sports bike position due to a bad shoulder - plus it's a little out of my price range.

The wife will probably let me get away with spending 5K, but I need some decent gear out of that, so my price cap is around 4k. I want to get rid of it as quickly as possible so I can get a bigger bike and more range. As you said dino3310, any of those bikes would be great - I also like some of the BMWs.

[jafar]

As a lanky fella (6'5" / 90kg) I've found out that my choice of bikes in the 250cc range is rather limited.

I was thinking about getting a good offroad/dual purpose bike for the first 18 months. Something cheap (around 3.5 - 4k) that will comfortably do a 50km commute each day.

My first choice was a Honda XR250. Does anyone have any experience using this for a road bike. I know a few couriers around London like them, my primary focus is finding a bike that will fit me well and will handle easily through busy traffic.

Any suggestions / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

With your height you can apply for an exemption from the 250cc restriction & probably get it. That will allow you to ride a larger bike while on a learners or restricted licence.
As you are quite tall most bikes will not fit you as well as someone that is say 5'10" . So mabey a cruiser style bike with forward controls would be a more comfortable option for you?

[Tallpom]

jafar - That's a great idea. If I was exempt, could I ride any cc ?

[jafar]

jafar - That's a great idea. If I was exempt, could I ride any cc ?

You can ride 1(one) bike of any cc, you have to nominate the bike & get the LTSA (I think) to agree. The trick is that the exemption is for that one bike only. Try your luck & let us know how you get on.:niceone:

[Roki_nz]

You can ride 1(one) bike of any cc, you have to nominate the bike & get the LTSA (I think) to agree. The trick is that the exemption is for that one bike only. Try your luck & let us know how you get on.:niceone:

Not to sure if that’s the case, I remember there was anther person on the forms in your position. He got an exemption up to 600cc from memory.

[Gubb]

Tank had a great thread on this:
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=64340

Heaps of good info in there.

[EJK]

Keep the Hyosung GT250/GT250R in mind, they're gigantic.

Hes right. Theres no doubt about it. Its bigger than a Yamaha R6 infact!

[Gubb]

If it helps, i'm 6'4", and about 115Kg, and I get around on a Hyosung just dandy. I survived the 500km Helicopter/Cheesecutter trip just fine.

[jafar]

Not to sure if that’s the case, I remember there was anther person on the forms in your position. He got an exemption up to 600cc from memory.

Stolen from the LTSA website:innocent:

You can apply for an exemption through a driver licensing agent if you can prove the restrictions are unreasonable in your case, and that safety will not be compromised if an exemption is granted. There is a non-refundable application fee of $22.50.

[Tallpom]

What would the braking power be like on the Honda XR250 with my weight? I'm not huge, but 90-100kg is getting up there. On the road will this OK for dealing with traffic at speed. Also, will this do 100k comfortably, or will it scream it's tits off?

I could probably get a half decent 2002/03 model.

[EJK]

What would the braking power be like on the Honda XR250 with my weight? I'm not huge, but 90-100kg is getting up there. On the road will this OK for dealing with traffic at speed. Also, will this do 100k comfortably, or will it scream it's tits off?

I could probably get a half decent 2002/03 model.

You might have to scream the XR to get to 100kph I believe... Well it will get there but not comfortably. Try a Multi Cylinder bike.

Brakes will be fine unless the bike has worn break pads and old break fluid lol

[Roki_nz]

What would the braking power be like on the Honda XR250 with my weight? I'm not huge, but 90-100kg is getting up there. On the road will this OK for dealing with traffic at speed. Also, will this do 100k comfortably, or will it scream it's tits off?

I could probably get a half decent 2002/03 model.


You should be fine, i'm about 5'11 and just under 80kg for your height you are light.

[dino3310]

maybe the KDX 200 or simular.

[Dodger]

Keep the Hyosung GT250/GT250R in mind, they're gigantic.

I'll second that, I commute on a Gt250 everyday, with pillion. :)

[Tallpom]

Dodger - I'm from Stokes Valley as well.

Do you commute into Wellington each day?

[Tallpom]

Dodger - I'm from Stokes Valley as well.

Do you commute into Wellington each day?

[Dodger]

Dodger - I'm from Stokes Valley as well.

Do you commute into Wellington each day?

yes,
Although not this week as I've been off work sick :sick:

[3L4NS1R]

Maybe a bit far from the style your looking for, but I'm 6'4, and riding a klx250. Ive noticed noone under 6 foot can comfortably ride it/put thier feet down. fits me perfectly though.

[Baldy]

hi guy im 6ft4 and im happy with my new vl 250 twin road bike seems to have plenty leg room baldy:rockon:

[Tallpom]

3L4NS1R - actually I'm very much interested in the dual purpose / road legal MX bike. The KLX250 ad XR250 are on my list - if I cn get an exemption from the 250, then I'll be looking at the DR-Z400 or even the XR650.

What's your KLX250 like on the motorway? Is it screaming at 100kmph?

[dino3310]

3L4NS1R - actually I'm very much interested in the dual purpose / road legal MX bike. The KLX250 ad XR250 are on my list - if I cn get an exemption from the 250, then I'll be looking at the DR-Z400 or even the XR650.

What's your KLX250 like on the motorway? Is it screaming at 100kmph?

maybe a DR650

[3L4NS1R]

nah, its good on the motorway... sits at about 6000-6500 rpm at 100kph, not screaming at all.