Recommended first bike for a big guy?

[newbie2012]

Hey Log.

Firstly, bloody good on you for getting your licence :-)

I've been going for about 12 months, having ridden everything but a motorbike up to then. Like yourself I'm 6ft, but a rather wimpy 87 kgs. Initially I went around the shops and talked to riders, deciding a faired sports tourer was a great option for everyday use (more upright than sports but still lots of fun in corners), so got a GS500F. After about 4mths/ 5,000k I moved onto a GSX650FU, which I'm coming up to my 18,000 service on after 8 mths. The GS500F was a great first bike, with the GSX possibly being too much bike for my first one. I've done a fair bit on it over 8 months, including a few courses via pro-rider, Northland tour, weekend riding, commute about 90kms return into AKL CBD everyday, and now doing the AMCC ART days at Hampton Downs.

The GSX tops out at about 160k (on the track) but corners and brakes as fast as any other bike in my group, which means I'm learning to ride smoother with more thinking about technique through corners as I can't squirt the throttle on the straights, which has made a big difference to my road skills. It is more than fast enough for NZ roads but takes away much of the worry of applying too much power when traction is limited (PS I tend to take note of the speed limit, some would say boring).

I got the GSX after looking at the Honda 500 LAMS (very nice, great value) and the Ninja 650 LAMS, I liked the heavier weight and 4 cylinder feel. The Yamaha had not come out, but I've looked at it since and liked it.

Advice - as the guys and gals above: Look at as many bikes as you can. Then try all that you like. Buy one with a plan to ride it for 6 months before upgrading or else plan to keep it for 2 years. Guess it also depends on budget - I have an old legacy for dogs and carrying mountain bikes etc, but went new on the bike as it is my main transport. I went via a dealer as I knew nothing about bikes or what faults to look for, recognising I paid a premium but got a warranty and some peace of mind. Also, get yourself onto the Ride Forever and AT subsidised courses - you will get some great insight from riders who know how to ride to enjoy and survive ($20-$50 per course).

Best of luck whatever you choose. One last thought - my first full power bike will be the unrestricted GSX650F, I like the bike that much. Apols for length of post ....

[FJRider]

Definitly get the biggest LAMS bike you can but I would not recommend a sports bike but rather one with an upright riding position the reason being your periferal vision is reduced with the lowered bars of a sports bike plus you can get sore wrists.

Some helmet designs are more responsible for loss of peripheral vision ... than the style of bike you ride.

Tall rider suffer fewer problems with sore wrists on such bikes ... due to longer arms most tall people have. Their height also helps as they have a larger frontal area exposed (and more upright) and thus less weight on the wrists.

Longer legs are a downside on smaller cc sports bikes though ...

[Dangsta]

Not to contradict your own exciting experience, but I wonder how many L platers (that aren't teenagers) do actually drop their bike. I got a nekkid bike for that reason (because it's all over this website) and never had a slip, spill or tumble.

Of course once I splurged out for a bigger bike the wind blew it over, and then some noddy tipped it over in the parking building trying to pose on it. Crash bungs saved me big bucks both times.

+1 on the above. Never dropped my bike or got into any issues with it at all. Same thing with the car. However, if you ride (or drive) like a twat...chances are you're gonna ding it or you're gonna get dinged. My advice is don't be a twat and don't let any of your friends who are twats on it. As for your first bike. Who gives a fuck? Its a starter bike that you'll most probably get rid of in a year. It's you're first bike and you're a big, heavy bastard. Doing the math I'd suggest staying away from anything 250cc or less and when you sit on it...if you're all cramped and shit, then don't buy it. Also, if you take a bike for a test ride and it's hard to handle and you don't like the feel of it and shit...then don't buy it. You're welcome

[veldthui]

Lol I'm over 50 and the advice I got as a new rider don't go for bigger bikes learn on small and advance up as you go through your license

I am too and I started on a 800. Had a 150 scooter and it was more hassle and dangerous than it was worth. Cars/Trucks passing ya. You need something that keeps up with the traffic easily otherwise you get over-run and feel intimidated and you second guess things.

[Kendoll]

I wouldn't worry too much mate as you're not that big and there are plenty of options for you out there.

It's true! If DMNTD can squeeze his ass on to a little RSV4, you have nothing to worry about

[FJRider]

I am tall but still found the lowered bars restrictive as far as periferal vision goes and if I wanted to sit more upright for better periferal vision I would get sore wrists. If you spend most of your time on the open road rather than around town I can see the merit in sports bikes though but most of my time is spent around town. I agree that some helmets will give better periferal vision than others.

Most modern sports bikes can have aftermarket bars with risers (varying heights) which can help a great deal in this regard. Most bike Mag's will have an advert for them ... and not that expensive either.

The greatest problem with learner or cautious riders is tunnel vision (and often mistaken for loss of peripheral vision)... which is focusing on a point in the distance and disregarding what is closer.

The learner/cautious rider should only worry what is within one hundred metres in front ... and behind them. Keep moving the head about to see what all within that area (side roads/driveways etc) are doing ... and no loss of peripheral vision is noticed.

Dont look and you wont see it coming ... and it WILL be your fault.

[FJRider]

Often it is more than just a change of bars that are needed but longer clutch and brake cables too. Getting a bike that fits first time is more important for a first bike.

Risers of an inch or two (usual height increase) wont require any cable/hose replacement. Increase in bar length may do ...

A bike purchase MUST be followed by changing ALL the controls to SUIT the new rider. A simple procedure with (usually) basic tools that will take an hour or so to do ... but properly done ... well worth the effort.

Getting a bike that "fits" first time is more due to luck than anything ... and small changes DO make a big difference.

For example ...

1. Sit on your bike with your hands by your side.
2. Close your eyes for a few minutes.
3. With eyes still closed ... reach for where you would like the bars/controls to be .. to be comfortable for you.
4. Move the bars/controls to there ... (or as close as you can)

Brake and gear levers can be moved on their respective splines to make it so much easier on the rider. (but many DON'T)

Clutch and front brake levers can be rotated on the bars to give straight arm control. (essential for maximum comfort)

Bar position and height can sometimes be adjusted too ...