Tall newbie riders

[Cache Wraith]

Thought I'd post a few thoughts for any tall riders out there thinking about a starter bike. I'm 6'4" and 95kg. I've been riding the Hyosung Comet GT250 for the last couple of years. (upgrading to a CB900 shortly). When I first started out I was concerned about getting a 250 machine that could handle my size and not make me look silly on it at the same time. I'm happy to report the Comet has been an excellent starter bike. Size wise it handles my 6'4" comfortably and I am sure would handle someone a little taller also. The riding position is very suitable for a tall learner rider and even over long distances caused me no back or neck problems. On a return trip, Auckland to Wellington my butt suffered however. I've been impressed with the bikes performance (for a 250), it's had no difficulty cruising at 110km/h for sustained periods and there's still plenty left to get out of a blind spot quickly if needed. The bike needs plenty of revs to get some action, but for me that's part of the character of the bike. I don't recommend the Hyosung 250GTR if your just starting out, it's just not as user friendly in terms of your seating position. Also if your not used to riding your wrists are going to hurt for a period which is not a good thing if your trying to concentrate on the road, work the controls and smile at the same time. Most of the other 250's I looked at were just too small for my size. Sure it's a matter of taste but I don't mind the look of the naked Hyosung, I know others differ. Reliability wise, I've had a couple of issues. The brake pads wore out at 5000k, which I understand is an issue with the standard pads. Had a carb problem which was remedied by Eden Motorcycles. I understand this has been a problem with other Hyosungs also. All in all I can recommend the Hyosung comet for any taller newbies or wannabes. See you on the Highway.

[Hitcher]

The Mighty FZX250 Zeal also has a frame suitable for a taller rider. As does the 250 Hornet and the 250 Bandit.

[disenfranchised]

The Mighty FZX250 Zeal also has a frame suitable for a taller rider. As does the 250 Hornet and the 250 Bandit.

The bandit? Are you nuts?
I've sat on a '93 Bandit and would say it is as small as the Honda CBR...so basically the smallest 250 sports bike out there.

The hornet is a good size though, I'm 6'4" and feel quite comfortable the few times I've sat on a hornet.

[stephenm01]

Yeah - I'm 6' 4", 105 kg and riding a Kawasaki ZZR250 from 1996. I love it to bits and am thinking of getting a second one for my 5' 11" lady.
I don't feel cramped on the bike at all, and it has been easy to learn on - from figure 8's on weekends in the local school field, via trundling around UNITEC, to commuting to work.
The lady in question has already passed the figure 8's and a short ride round UNITEC's private roads and car parks milestones, and is ready for more it seems.
I am confident that the easily controlled nature of the ZZR has helped build her confidence, and the fact that she is not cramped on a small frame is a major part of that.

[Indiana_Jones]

I'm 6'3", about 75kg.

The CBR250R is pretty comfy most of the time. Can cramp up sometimes.

But I must look like a bean pole on it, but not as bad as when i rode my mate's GN125!

-Indy

[Matt]

I found the loaner ZZR250 I had pretty uncomfortable tbh (6'5", 105Kgs) - only ridden a GT250 briefly and it seemed a bit better, although I've never owned a 250 so they all seem to struggle a bit power-wise!

Matt

[TRAINING WHEELS]

Yea im tall ish too and only ridden 6 bikes in total (while shopping around) but find the Ho GTR250 just the right size for me ....I dont have much expierance but love getting back on my ho. It does have a large tank to fit into but would not get rid of it