Too tall for a sport bike?

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lonewolfOC

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Hey everyone. I'll get straight to my question. I'm a 6'2" tall and about 185lb man. I am looking for a first motorcycle and I am leaning towards a sport bike. I have heard that most sportbikes are super uncomfortable if you're tall and I dont want that to happen. I've heard that the new Ninja 650R is a comfortable riding position and I just want to get some feedback before I go sit on some bikes. (I'm not looking for anything smaller than a 600cc bike, and I'll take suggestions other than a Ninja as long as it's a sportbike and at or over 600cc) Thanks.
 
Check http://motorcycleviews.com/general/seatheights.htm it's a list of motorcycle seat heights. My guess would be you'd be looking at least a 29" seat height which still gives you plenty of bikes to choose from.
 
When you say 'sport bike' there are real sportbikes and there are 'sporty' bikes.

REAL sportbikes compromise everything for speed and handling. They have a small, hard seat because you get some road feedback through your butt. They have an extreme riding position that puts stress on your wrists and lower back. And they have super-sensitive steering geometry. They're not for beginners.

But 'sporty' bikes, like the Ninja 650r, make some concessions to comfort and 'rideability', but are still plenty fast and good-handling enough, especially for a new rider. I wouldn't think you'd find a Ninja 650r uncomfortable, but the only way to tell is to sit on one. Put it up on the centerstand (if it has one), sit on it with your feet on the footpegs, your hands on the handlebars, and think to yourself 'Could I sit like this for 2 hrs?' All motorcycles have a little different arrangement between the seat, footpegs and handlebars. Preferences, of course, are totally personal and subjective.

Suzuki SV 650 is also a good choice for a starter bike. And the Kawasaki ER6N (like the 650 Ninja but a 'naked' bike). Yamaha makes a 650, I forget what it's called. All the Japanese mfgrs are very good.

BTW I'd suggest you get a used bike to learn on.
 
Get an Interceptor. End of discussion. Super smooth power band, hydraulic clutch handle, solid brakes, and more leg room than pretty much any other bike. On the heavier side, but they are such great bikes. The V-4 (VFR is Vee Four Race) is super reliable and moves the bike easily, and the clutch will save your wrist if you get stuck in traffic.

If you want to work on the bike yourself, get a 1990-93, or 94-97 VFR750F. If you want fuel injection, get a 98-Present VFR800.

The new VFR1200 has an automatic/sport-shift weird transmission that's clutch-less and I really don't like, but I'm old school-ish.

I should mention that the Aprilia RST is a great bike as well and has about 1.5 inches additional leg room, but maintenance cost goes up with an Italian name, and purchase price is also much higher than the Interceptors.
 
Triumph Street Triple R, Triumph Speed Triple, Ninja 650, GSX650f, fz6r, BMW f800r, Interceptor, are some good bikes to check out. Super sports may be too cramped to enjoy for extended periods at a time. You may love sport bikes but your lower back wont.
 
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