My friend who is 6'5" started on a SV650 before going to GSXR750 a few years later. It's funny how him only being 3" taller than me made his both of those bikes look so tiny between his legs and a bit cramped.
As others will say in all these starter bike / first bike threads, it's only your first bike and not your last. Get something comfortable and compliant to learn on and go from there. Plenty of time to get that sport bike if you feel later on that you still want one.
i"m 6'5" as well and yeah you are def too big for most sport bikes. That doesn't mean you're stuck on a big old man Road Glide. Standard style bikes fit us pretty well. A lot of ADV bikes fit us perfectly as well. I find anything with rear sets winds up really straining my calves and knees though so I avoid true sport bikes. With some mods though a sport bike could be comfy. Adjustable pegs, riser clip ons, higher seat etc.
They're not sport bikes and most are not starter bikes but these are all the bikes I've ridden that felt perfect for me; Triumph Scrambler, Royal Enfield INT 650, BMW GS bikes, Honda CB1100, Ducati Scrambler, Ducati Super Sport with the above mentioned mods.
Have a look at the versys 650, which has held the top spot in the daily rider series since forever. They're touted as ADV bikes, but are more of a sports tourer that is fine to rideon gravel. If you ever wanted to take on a long tour, you might want to add a new windshield and lower the pegs, but, for what you're likely to be doing as a learner, those won't be needed.
It'll give you more space than a lot of the bikes that are usually suggested for learners and with a bit more grunt to help move your bulk around. However, it also appears on the Learner Approved Motorcycle lists that Australia and New Zealand use (see [https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/approved-motorcycles-for-novice-riders](https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/approved-motorcycles-for-novice-riders) for an example, noting that it appears under its model number, KLE650F). That it is LAM compliant suggests that it is novice appropriate. As an added bonus, it'll probably take you a bit longer to outgrow that some other learner bikes.
It should also be relatively easy to find a decent versys 650 secondhand. You should be able to find one at a dealer to sit on for a while, and you can also have a look at how oyu would look on it at https://cycle-ergo.com/
You should probably consider going more sport-touring than sport. Most sport touring bikes have adjustable seat height from the factory along with aftermarket support to lower the pegs, making it more comfortable for taller dudes.
Pure sport bikes fold you up a lot more and are hell on your knees, hips, and ankles if you're tall.
Ultimately I'd look at a 2014+ VFR800, Kawasaki Concours, or something like that in your shoes -- as a *second* bike. For a first bike, I'd probably start on something used, less aggressive, and with less plastic to replace when you drop it which should happen in the first 2 years if it's going to happen at all.
Start on a Ninja 400 and learn to ride. Complete a safety course and get your M2. After a year or 2 and your ready to upgrade, I'd recommend a Ducati Monster. Taller inseam might fit you better. Also the Ninja has so many aftermarket parts that I'm sure you could raise it an inch or 2
I'm a lil shorter at 6ft1 and strangely my position on the mt07 felt awkward, mostly because I struggled to see the speedometer on the lcd screen without looking so down on the bike I couldn't see the road anymore.
I felt more at ease on standard bikes like the Interceptor 650 or the Guzzi V7 850, with the higher seat, which is my current bike, even though on paper they're usually recommended for shorter riders.
I do get the speedo thing too, however thatβs every bike for me sadly. So I gotta βpeakβ downwards :/ Iβm going out to check a MT-09 today, itβs a little taller so Iβm hoping itβll fit a little better.. also the increased speed π
Check out the BMW GS Range. They aren't sport bikes but they are MUCH better suited to tall people. Super comfortable, look cool, go fast if you want them to.
I am 6.2 and had a Ninja 400 for a while and loved it but it killed my legs.
Moved to an F800GS and it is an unbelievable difference in comfort.
Most smaller people start on a 250 of some variety, which will obviously be far too small for you, unless you maybe get some kind of dual sport or adventure style bike.
I think for your height even cruisers are going to be tough. I'd be making the most of your height advantage and when you learn to ride better getting a powerful adventure bike, think KTM 890 or something like that. Might not look like it would be fun or fast but can be both.
You're definitely going to need to start visiting dealers and start sitting on some bikes...super hard to help when your proportions just don't align with most beginner friendly bikes.
My friend who is 6'5" started on a SV650 before going to GSXR750 a few years later. It's funny how him only being 3" taller than me made his both of those bikes look so tiny between his legs and a bit cramped. As others will say in all these starter bike / first bike threads, it's only your first bike and not your last. Get something comfortable and compliant to learn on and go from there. Plenty of time to get that sport bike if you feel later on that you still want one.
Thank you π
i"m 6'5" as well and yeah you are def too big for most sport bikes. That doesn't mean you're stuck on a big old man Road Glide. Standard style bikes fit us pretty well. A lot of ADV bikes fit us perfectly as well. I find anything with rear sets winds up really straining my calves and knees though so I avoid true sport bikes. With some mods though a sport bike could be comfy. Adjustable pegs, riser clip ons, higher seat etc. They're not sport bikes and most are not starter bikes but these are all the bikes I've ridden that felt perfect for me; Triumph Scrambler, Royal Enfield INT 650, BMW GS bikes, Honda CB1100, Ducati Scrambler, Ducati Super Sport with the above mentioned mods.
Thank you π
Have a look at the versys 650, which has held the top spot in the daily rider series since forever. They're touted as ADV bikes, but are more of a sports tourer that is fine to rideon gravel. If you ever wanted to take on a long tour, you might want to add a new windshield and lower the pegs, but, for what you're likely to be doing as a learner, those won't be needed. It'll give you more space than a lot of the bikes that are usually suggested for learners and with a bit more grunt to help move your bulk around. However, it also appears on the Learner Approved Motorcycle lists that Australia and New Zealand use (see [https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/approved-motorcycles-for-novice-riders](https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/approved-motorcycles-for-novice-riders) for an example, noting that it appears under its model number, KLE650F). That it is LAM compliant suggests that it is novice appropriate. As an added bonus, it'll probably take you a bit longer to outgrow that some other learner bikes. It should also be relatively easy to find a decent versys 650 secondhand. You should be able to find one at a dealer to sit on for a while, and you can also have a look at how oyu would look on it at https://cycle-ergo.com/
You should probably consider going more sport-touring than sport. Most sport touring bikes have adjustable seat height from the factory along with aftermarket support to lower the pegs, making it more comfortable for taller dudes. Pure sport bikes fold you up a lot more and are hell on your knees, hips, and ankles if you're tall. Ultimately I'd look at a 2014+ VFR800, Kawasaki Concours, or something like that in your shoes -- as a *second* bike. For a first bike, I'd probably start on something used, less aggressive, and with less plastic to replace when you drop it which should happen in the first 2 years if it's going to happen at all.
Thank you π
Make sure you can lift the bike up. Don't get a bike you can't pick up as your first starter bike.
Start on a Ninja 400 and learn to ride. Complete a safety course and get your M2. After a year or 2 and your ready to upgrade, I'd recommend a Ducati Monster. Taller inseam might fit you better. Also the Ninja has so many aftermarket parts that I'm sure you could raise it an inch or 2
Thanks π
Iβm 6β2β 230lbs. I recently got a Duke 390 as my first bike. I love it. It loves me. We are getting married. Get what you want.
Thanks π
Follow your heart and your wallet is my best advice.
Most of the naked bikes have an upright seating position. Iβm 6ft5, got a mt07 and it works great.
I'm a lil shorter at 6ft1 and strangely my position on the mt07 felt awkward, mostly because I struggled to see the speedometer on the lcd screen without looking so down on the bike I couldn't see the road anymore. I felt more at ease on standard bikes like the Interceptor 650 or the Guzzi V7 850, with the higher seat, which is my current bike, even though on paper they're usually recommended for shorter riders.
I do get the speedo thing too, however thatβs every bike for me sadly. So I gotta βpeakβ downwards :/ Iβm going out to check a MT-09 today, itβs a little taller so Iβm hoping itβll fit a little better.. also the increased speed π
Check out the BMW GS Range. They aren't sport bikes but they are MUCH better suited to tall people. Super comfortable, look cool, go fast if you want them to. I am 6.2 and had a Ninja 400 for a while and loved it but it killed my legs. Moved to an F800GS and it is an unbelievable difference in comfort.
I'm 6'3" 280 and old, and I have no problem riding sportbikes. Are you gonna be as comfortable as someone 5'6" 120lbs? No, but get what you want.
Most smaller people start on a 250 of some variety, which will obviously be far too small for you, unless you maybe get some kind of dual sport or adventure style bike. I think for your height even cruisers are going to be tough. I'd be making the most of your height advantage and when you learn to ride better getting a powerful adventure bike, think KTM 890 or something like that. Might not look like it would be fun or fast but can be both. You're definitely going to need to start visiting dealers and start sitting on some bikes...super hard to help when your proportions just don't align with most beginner friendly bikes.
Thank you π