Good first bikes

[Canuckles]

Forum Sponsor

how do you have time to ride, shouldn't you be trying out for the NBA?

In between practices. Gonna grab the versys on my contract money looks like the pelicans want me

 

[Sochi]

6'5, wow, didn't realize If you have muscles to backup your height and some confidence in your abilities, I'd up the cc's to 500-600.
all depends also how deep are your pockets to cover cost and insurance as well... on plus side starting with a bigger bike will extend an ownership a bit as you won't get bored as soon as on a smaller bike... changing bikes often it's an expense on it's own where you lose a few bucks every time...

I know a guy in my gym who raced Downhill Mountain bikes and he started with KTM650sm and never had any problems, but he's one young aggressive cocky competitive bustard LOL

here is another reliable bike with comfort for longer hwy rides.. Honda CB500X

 

[Canuckles]

6'5, wow, didn't realize If you have muscles to backup your height and some confidence in your abilities, I'd up the cc's to 500-600.
all depends also how deep are your pockets to cover cost and insurance as well... on plus side starting with a bigger bike will extend an ownership a bit as you won't get bored as soon as on a smaller bike... changing bikes often it's an expense on it's own where you lose a few bucks every time...

I know a guy in my gym who raced Downhill Mountain bikes and he started with KTM650sm and never had any problems, but he's one young aggressive cocky competitive bustard LOL

here is another reliable bike with comfort for longer hwy rides.. Honda CB500X

View attachment 59804

Makes sense and I’m decently muscular I lift bags at an airport all day though tbh I’m happy with the 300cc for my first bike I’m a little overly cautious in that way plus the insurance quotes I got were pretty solid

 

[Wingboy]

Dual purpose bikes don't do dirt or street very well. That's why they make very good beginners bikes.

 

[MacDoc]

So find him a street bike he can fit.
Had another 6' 5" friend - the KLR 650 was the only one he felt comfortable on which counts big time. Excellent position and viz. It's not really a dual sport at all.
Put street tires on and it's fine.
KLR400 and 250 not in N America afaik but again cheap that fits is good as won't be permanent ride.

 

[Lightcycle]

The 300 Rally does have a tall seat (35.2") so it will fit you better than other street bikes of this engine size class. Most 250-300cc street bikes will be ~30", which is too short for a 6'5" person, IMO.

The only drawback is that the 300 Rally seat is very uncomfortable - too skinny, the sides of the seat dig into your butt. I had a CRF250L and I needed a break every hour or so to relieve the pressure points. Seat Concepts or other aftermarket alternatives is a must-do.

 

[Lightcycle]

Someone suggested the 300 versys-x it’s absolutely perfect for what I need parents like it as well

32.1" seat height might be a bit low. Go to a dealership, sit on it and try it out.

May be able to fix it with a taller aftermarket seat.

Another option in the same range is the KTM 390 Adventure. 33.7" seat height. I think @Roadghost has one.

My buddy is around your height, 6'4". He's got a R1200GS Adventure (DO NOT BUY THIS AS YOUR FIRST BIKE). Seat height in the tallest setting is 36" and he says that's the optimum height for his inseam. He lent me his bike for a couple of months. I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam, so *not* exactly the optimal height for me...

For comfort, I think you should be aiming somewhere around >34" seat height, either stock or with an aftermarket seat.

Forum Sponsor