Advice for tall new rider (Jaffadutch)

[Jaffadutch]

Hello ive just joined the site...looks great.

I am about to sit my learner test next week on a bike that the centre will provide.
Ive had various experiances on small bike over the years.
I want a bike that i will feel comfortable on, at the moment i have not come across any in the 250cc or under catagory.
I am 6'6" / 196cm tall and weigh around 18st/115kg i dont seem to be able to fit on any without feeling off balance.
I have since been told there is a form i can fill out and send to LTNZ explaining this and they will exempt me from having to ride a small 250cc due to small frame sizes.

Does anyone know what size i can look out for? Dont really want to waste time sitting on all sorts of size bike without knowing what my limits will be.
I would like to look at a cruiser or dual purpose to start with and would hope to spend around the 3-4k mark.
Any help would be greatful

Cheers

[NighthawkNZ]

Hello ive just joined the site...looks great.

I am about to sit my learner test next week on a bike that the centre will provide.
Ive had various experiances on small bike over the years.
I want a bike that i will feel comfortable on, at the moment i have not come across any in the 250cc or under catagory.
I am 6'6" / 196cm tall and weigh around 18st/115kg i dont seem to be able to fit on any without feeling off balance.
I have since been told there is a form i can fill out and send to LTNZ explaining this and they will exempt me from having to ride a small 250cc due to small frame sizes.

Does anyone know what size i can look out for? Dont really want to waste time sitting on all sorts of size bike without knowing what my limits will be.
I would like to look at a cruiser or dual purpose to start with and would hope to spend around the 3-4k mark.
Any help would be greatful

Cheers

I could be wrong, I believe once you get your exemption there is a list of bikes you can and can not have... they work on a power to weight ratio... you may be allowed say for example a LS650 boulevard but not allowed the cbr600 (don't quote me on that thought just an example)

[Shadowjack]

Jaffadutch, As an older 1.96m, 115 kg bloke who got back into riding about a 18 months ago, I faced this same issue. Although I can't help you with the 250 and under bikes (or cruisers), and bearing in mind the advice from Nighthawk and your situation, I can tell you that the larger dualsports (I'm thinking Suzuki DR650, Yamaha XT600, KLR 650, etc) can, with a bit of messing around with seat-footpeg measurements and handlebar risers and the like, become almost reasonably (well, better than they may have been) comfortable. Although, according to an informed opinion, I managed to make the XT600 look like a 125. In any case, your knees will require flexibility. You will be sitting up in the breeze, which may make longer road trips a little stressful. Your power-to-weight ratio may not be as helpful to forward progression as 70-80 kg riders may experience. And don't get me started on the boot-size versus gear-shift paradox...sorry, rant over. My point, I guess, is that there are bikes out there for us but, sadly, it takes time and quite a bit of research to find out which one suits you. These days, I run a TDM850 on which I recently did a 550km day Chch - Timaru - McKenzie Pass - Mt John - Chch. Tired, but not sore...

[fire eyes]

welcome dude & good luck for your learners :2thumbsup

[Jaffadutch]

Thanks for the welcome and advice.
Have any of you ever known anyone being able to ride a s40 suzuki on a restricted license or anything with a larger frame?
Any ideas at what sort of cruiser i should look at?
Id probably look at spending saround 7K at most.
Thanks for all and any comments

[3L4NS1R]

I know its a 250, but the klx fits my 6'4 frame like a glove. only down side is the less-than-forgiving saddle, that starts to hurt after 2 hours of riding...

[klingon]

I'll second the dual purpose/adventure bike suggestion from leadon. take a look at the DL650 (V-Strom) and see what you think. It's a very learner-friendly bike, as well as having a lot of get-up-and-go. The tall bike & wide saddle mean it's ideal for a big & tall guy.

There are also some relatively simple modifications you could experiment with to improve comfort. For example adjusting the screen height could deflect the wind around you better, or the peg position to give you the most comfortable riding position.

There are plenty of examples on here of people who have successfully applied for & got exemptions to allow them to ride bigger bikes. Dangerous Bastard (Steve) did a good write-up of his experience.

Good luck with your test, and with the bike.

[CookMySock]

Any ideas at what sort of cruiser i should look at?
Id probably look at spending saround 7K at most.I bet you would get an exemption for one of these ;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-190935792.htm

Steve

[Slyer]

Those hyosungs sure do look like arse.

[Tank]

I bet you would get an exemption for one of these ;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-190935792.htm

Steve

I'd bet he wouldn't - so please don't go do anything silly like bidding on or buying a bike until you get the bit of paper in your hand.

In short the exemption laws have been tightened in anticipation of the change to power to weight ratios as opposed to a flat 250's are OK - as such they seem only to be granting exemption to a few bike on a list (we believe it is the same list as the Auzzies use).

By all means try - but search this site and check out all the RECENT post about this - I did a step by step for people - but I don't think it would work any more.

good luck. and PM me if you need any help with this.

[slimjim]

best of luck..however as too what Tank has written..best of advice given..

[CookMySock]

Yeah there is some talk about the rules changing, but I think some of that has been said is based on speculation and incomplete information. There would be no point having exemptions on a case-by-case basis, if everything is made clear on a learner-bikes list, so why would there even BE exemptions?

There are way too many idiots killing their ugly selves on bikes over the last year, and would not be surprised if they tightened hell out of it. Get a clue, people. Yeah I include myself this reprimand, as I deserve it.

The bottom line is, APPLY for it, by all means. Please continue to advise your success or otherwise here, but please be honest with us about what you told them.

Many thanks for the red rep for my opinion. Maybe you think forums are just for opinions compatible with yours? ugh.


Steve

[Tank]

Yeah there is some talk about the rules changing, but I think some of that has been said is based on speculation and incomplete information. There would be no point having exemptions on a case-by-case basis, if everything is made clear on a learner-bikes list, so why would there even BE exemptions?

If you read my other post (other thread) you will see that I called LTNZ and got the accurate information so I could post ACCURATE comments in order to help people - so not speculation - FACTS.



There are way too many idiots killing their ugly selves on bikes over the last year, and would not be surprised if they tightened hell out of it.


now - thats speculation - see the difference?



Get a clue, people. Yeah I include myself this reprimand, as I deserve it.



well done - nice to see people taking a look at their own riding!



Many thanks for the red rep for my opinion. Maybe you think forums are just for opinions compatible with yours? ugh.

Steve

Its not like you have never given a red rep before!!!! You deserved it because you say things like "I bet you would get an exemption on this" the fact is that we have already had on noob KB'er buy a bike on the assumption that he would get dispensation based from info on this site.

I would really hate to see another new rider fall into that horrid financial trap - or worse but a Ho'Bag cruiser - that is a seriously terrible bike.

[Newblade]

I bet you would get an exemption for one of these ;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-190935792.htm

Steve

Man you need to pull yah fucking head in.It seems that any time I browse the site,you pop up with utter crap.I'll take ya bet & if you are correct i'll pull my head in BUT if you are wrong,promise to stop filling this website with your ill informed bullshit.:2guns:
As a long term motorcyclist,to see such as you going out of your way to give noobs bad info does nothing but piss me off.:Pokey::mad:

One other suggestion,you say you are from the Bay of Plenty. Why don't you call into Drivers on a thursday evening to give us all a laugh.Then at least we could put a face to the no brainer

[Hitcher]

For heaven's sake people, you've just crapped all over a well intentioned thread from a newbie. If you can't play nicely together that's one thing. But making life generally miserable for other KB members is another matter entirely. Put each other on your ignore lists, or go and abuse each other in the comparative safety of the Pointless Drivel thread.

Please, make it stop.

[Tank]

For heaven's sake people, you've just crapped all over a well intentioned thread from a newbie. If you can't play nicely together that's one thing. But making life generally miserable for other KB members is another matter entirely. Put each other on your ignore lists, or go and abuse each other in the comparative safety of the Pointless Drivel thread.

Please, make it stop.

Hitcher,

I have been thru the exemption process, and tried to document it well for others. When it seemed to be changing I called LTNZ, sat on the phone for about 45 minutes to get accurate information from them and I have posted on the comments they gave me also.

We have have a thread on KB where a person has gone and purchased a bike believing that he will get exemption based on advise from this site and was in a financially difficult situation because of it - I was trying to avoid a newbie having a miserable experience not to cause one.

It seems that KB doesn't mind inaccurate, illegal, dangerous or potentially financially crippling advise as long as its typed in a polite manner.

[Badjelly]

Tank, can you give a link to a post/thread that summarises the current exemption process?

I did a search as you suggested and found many threads that mention this subject. Amongst these I find the excellent License Exemption FAQ thread that you started in 2007. But it is my impression (sorry I can't offer facts) that in anticipation of the proposed LAMS scheme they're now granting exemptions only for bikes on the LAMS list. Do you have some solid information on this?

Please don't say, "Do a search". I have, but I have found a lot of info, much of it unreliable.

[Tank]

Tank, can you give a link to a post/thread that summarises the current exemption process?

I did a search as you suggested and found many threads that mention this subject. Amongst these I find the excellent License Exemption FAQ thread that you started in 2007. But it is my impression (sorry I can't offer facts) that in anticipation of the proposed LAMS scheme they're now granting exemptions only for bikes on the LAMS list. Do you have some solid information on this?

Please don't say, "Do a search". I have, but I have found a lot of info, much of it unreliable.

I did look but couldnt find my own post on it.

But yes - talking to LTNZ they said there were changes a foot with the licencing - moving to the LAMS list as you mention.

They believe that the LAMS list solves the entire need to provide exemptions because the list of bikes will cover "something for everyone".

So in the meantime they have stopped granting dispensations pretty much unless the bike you are after is "on the list". Unfortuantley it seems that the list is very old and not entirly applicable to NZ.

I believe from their comments that the list will change and evolve before it becomes 'law' here in NZ, but in the meantime it looks very much like the Aust one.

The department that dispensations in NZ is only 3 people, and seem nice folk - my advise for anyone is to complete the form with the basic information but NOT to mention any specific bike - tell them that you will work with professionals to get the appropiate bike.

This will stop it being delined at the outset.

You will then get a letter from them with a name on it telling you that they will be addressing the application in 20 days.

Call that person and tell them that you do A LOT of motorway / open road riding and that the 70 kph limit is causing you to be in dangerous situations.

They *may* (as they did to me) give you the opportunity to move directly to your full (I have been on L plates possibly 3 months with no other exp.) -0 then you can go out any buy any bike that you want - although I strongly suggest that you get something within your skillset!

[Hitcher]

Hitcher,

I have been thru the exemption process, and tried to document it well for others. When it seemed to be changing I called LTNZ, sat on the phone for about 45 minutes to get accurate information from them and I have posted on the comments they gave me also.

We have have a thread on KB where a person has gone and purchased a bike believing that he will get exemption based on advise from this site and was in a financially difficult situation because of it - I was trying to avoid a newbie having a miserable experience not to cause one.

It seems that KB doesn't mind inaccurate, illegal, dangerous or potentially financially crippling advise as long as its typed in a polite manner.

My issue isn't about that. Your contribution was sound and well intended. My concern is about where/how the issue went subsequently.

[Newblade]

My issue isn't about that. Your contribution was sound and well intended. My concern is about where/how the issue went subsequently.

Hi Hitcher,I understand your concern and apologise for my part in this.

But as I said the last thing a prospective bike rider needs is bullshit advice.
and sometimes it's difficult not to BLAH at the idiots responsible.

Kind regards and good intentions..:hug: Leggz

[Jaffadutch]

Hi All,

Thanks for all of the replies, yeah it seemed to shoot off on a tangent but made interesting and amusing reading.
Ive looked at the Lams list which is easily found at

www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/tests/motorcycleridertrainingscheme/motorcyclesnoviceriders.html

Luckily the bike i like is on there LS650 which is now the s40?

A guy i know as this and i have been on it a few times at work.

I have rode various bikes over the last few years in europe but i lived in the UK and with the state of the traffic there i never bothered going for my test.
I just used them on holiday etc.

Always found that bikes gave me freedom but they just never seemed to feel comfortable on my frame, until i rode the s40.
Im no idiot i just want a bike to commute and to gain experiance on.
Im not a speed freak i just want to enjoy the open roads in and around southland where now and then you may pass or be passed by some one else.

All i need to do now is pass the test and see how the application goes.

Thank again for all of your help.

Tank thanks for the invite to pm you i will be in touch before i write off cheers

[H00dz]

Hey Dude Welcome,

For what its worth my in laws are all tall lads and there all on gxers dont know if that'll help at all

Cheers