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

**karmakillernz** · 15th July 2007, 18:11

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.

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** · 15th July 2007, 18:23

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** · 15th July 2007, 18:39

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** · 15th July 2007, 18:44

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** · 15th July 2007, 18:46

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** · 15th July 2007, 18:51

Originally Posted by karmakillernz

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

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

**Karma** · 15th July 2007, 19:03

Originally Posted by Toaster

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

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

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** · 15th July 2007, 19:06

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** · 15th July 2007, 19:30

Originally Posted by jtzzr

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.

Originally Posted by Steam

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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!

Originally Posted by Wannabiker

live just by the base of the rimutakas!!

Lucky bugger!

**McJim** · 15th July 2007, 20:13

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** · 15th July 2007, 20:18

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

**karmakillernz** · 15th July 2007, 20:27

Originally Posted by 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?

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...

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

**Toaster** · 15th July 2007, 20:55

Originally Posted by Karma

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

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.