What would you buy?

[bigjohnmcvicker]

I would like to get a newer bike but Im having some issues deciding what to get. Some people tell me a 600 is plenty and some tell me I will look like a tool and the bike will be under powered and I should get a bigger bike...

Rider history: 23 male 6'6'' 285lbs Owned 89 ninja 600 for 2 years

I would like to get a newer bike I like R1s/R6's GSXR's CBRs and Ninjas(full farring bikes) I have 5k to spend.

What would be the "best bang for my buck"?

[Motorcycle Forum]

[vikingpnut]

your bike is gonna depend on how you like to ride, I'm a cruiser guy so I don't really know alot about your likes other then they are uncomfortable for me to sit on.

[Uncle B]

The bike I ride right now is a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50T, I am looking at Honda’s ST1300 as my next bike.

[Water Warrior]

Modern 600 sport bikes are mighty fast and quick right out of the crate. Find one that fits you, buy it and ride it. A 600 sport bike 10 years newer would be lightyears ahead of your 89 Ninja. And no you won't look like a tool unless you are wearing flip flops, shorts and a wife beater.

[alexJohnston]

I rode a 05 zx-6r before my m50 and it was great but it was my first bike and now I'd like more power if I get a sport bike. You're 5 inches and 75 lbs bigger than me too!

But don't do anything because someone says you'll look like a tool. The only tools are the ones who buy way too much bike for their skill level and go out and get themselves killed.

[inspiron]

Any late-model 600ccm race replica bike (GSX-R 600, R6, CBR 600, Ninja 600, ...) will have more power than you'll ever be able to use. A bike built in 1989 is no comparison - there has been huge technology and engineering improvements in the past 22 years!!! The new bikes have close to 150 horsepower and a top speed over 150 mph. Do you really think that you'll be able to take any of those bikes to their limts? I seriously doubt it ...

The main question that I would have is ... at 6'6" and 275 lbs, do you really want to do that to yourself? Those bikes are designed for racers - guys that are typically 5'6" and weigh in at about 160 lbs maximum. At your size and weight, any race replica is going to be torture if you're riding for any extended period of time. Why not consider getting a bike that fits your body - there are plenty of standard bikes (where you sit more upright and the pegs are lower so your knees aren't bent as far) and cruisers ("heels to the wind") which are much more suitable for someone over 6' tall.

[VII]

Take a look at the gsx1250fa by suzuki. Standard seater with the look of a sport bike.

[alexJohnston]

+1 to inspiron

That's why I got off the ninja. I'm 6'1 and 210. They're fun for short rides but you can't go for long periods comfortably.

[omegajim]

I'm partial to my concours - full fairing, been built since '86, and there are used ones out there for 5 k.

[pugsly]

i would buy what i find when i have the money providing it fits you. thats what i did my bike runs the heart and soul of the ninja five hundred its the Vulcan five hundred. i know this bike has more oomph than i have balls to push it

[bigjohnmcvicker]

Thanks for the advice guys. Do you think a Cbr600rr would be under powered at all? What about a Ninja 600R I hear the 600r is a little more comfy for longer rides...

[alexJohnston]

Gonna have to sit on then to see what's best for you!

[Rickster]

For the most part, all the "R" & "RR" bikes are all the same physical size & seating position, they are Race Replicas, that’s what the "R" & "RR" stands for, and on any of them a guy your size is going to look like a monkey doinking a football, if top speed is more important to you than comfort than go-for-it.

Keep in mind that any given riders riding ability isn't going to change just because he/she changes bikes, and the only place all that extra power you get from an "RR" bike is going to make any difference at all is in the straightaway’s.

Put any given rider on a track, and have him switch between different bikes that have anywhere from 50hp to 150hp, and his lap times will be almost identical, in-fact the higher hp bikes will sometimes intimidate and cause slower lap times.

[newrider31]

I was talking to a guy who was around 6' 4" and he said he liked the fit of a cbr due to the length of his legs. Of course, the best thing to do is sit on it and see how it feels. The 600 super sport bikes are plenty to pull you around though. I have been looking at bikes for a while, and IMO the fit of a 1,000 vs a 600 is not that different. To me, either one feels like you are sitting on a sling shot. I can tell you this though, I had a hard time finding a good bike (2001 or newer super sport) under 5k. By good i mean something that just needs a rider because i don't have the money to buy tires, chain, sprockets, etc. after spending my wad on a bike. I ended up buying a new GS500 for 4,400 out the door. Suzuki is offering a $1,000 off on several different bikes right now. ALOT of the used sport bikes i looked at were garbage. People ride them hard and fast, because that is what they are made to do. If i spent 5k, i wouldn't want to be broke down or need new tires for a while. Keep in mind, I am no expert but have spent the past month or so looking at bikes, and i couldn't find a good super sport for 5k or less that wasn't half way across the country. Happy hunting!

[bigjohnmcvicker]

I ended up getting a 05 Ninja ZX6R with 7126 miles. I put 72 miles on her over the last two days (still a bit chilly here) I found it suprisingly comfortable. I paid $3500 cash...But drove 3 hours one way to get her. Came with two new HJC helmets a box full of goodies and service records from a Kawi dealer. Had original tires when I pick it up and though they were showing wear they were still in great shape. But I replaced them anywho. It is bone stock minnus a K&N air filter. It has some road rash on the upper farring (on the rim of the windsheild) looks like someone dropped it while going slow. I found a upper farring for $115 or a whole plastic set for $450 shipped (OEM color and decals)


All in all I am VERY happy with my purchase I know the bike can scare the %%%% out of me if Im not careful (plenty enough power). Also until my new plastic arrives what couple little flaws it has can't been seen from 10 feet...

Now I need help with finding a jacket. Anyone have any ideas on "big guy jackets"?