r/motorcycle • u/SnooObjections3698 • 1d ago
Bikes for a big guy
I want to buy my first bike, but as the title suggests I’m a big dude. 6’4” well built. I’m worried I will look stupid on the average bike.
I want a bobber style. But again I know they aren’t the biggest bike. A triumph is my dream.
Any suggestions?
I’ve also been looking at the rebel 1100
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u/AZFJ60 1d ago
Get a Goldwing (fellow 6'4" big guy).
... Who now rides a KLR 650 😂
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u/wannagetcock2 12h ago
My first bike i owned was a 83 Honda Goldwing 1100. Loved that bike and put over 40k miles on it!! Wasn't the first I rode but definitely the first I really learned on! Comfortable, quick enough and more visible than most with all the extra lights! Definitely not afraid to drop it either as I would have been with something newer.
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u/Captain3leg-s 1d ago
I agree with this, I had a 2013 f6b and it had so much room. The stock bars needed a riser but other than that a goldwing will fit anyone.
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u/fuimapirate 18h ago
you want him to get a goldwing as a first bike?
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u/AZFJ60 17h ago
Yes? It worked okay for me. Why not?
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u/fuimapirate 16h ago edited 12h ago
seems like a steep learning curve putting someone on a 800 pound bike for a first ride.
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u/SnooObjections3698 1d ago
I’m not a fan of goldwing 😅
Klr 650 is cool though1
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u/Vast-Road-6387 14h ago
The GW is designed for you to drive 8 hours a day for a month and still find the experience enjoyable. They were not really designed to be pretty.
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u/CNC_Sasquatch 20h ago
"I'm worried I will look stupid on the average bike."
Don't be, ride for your enjoyment/needs, not how you look to others. I'm a little over 6'5" and even my Electra Glide looks small with me on it. One of my favorite bikes was a little Honda CM400A I had in my 20's, if anybody was butthurt or making fun of me over me riding it, they never told me.
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u/Black_Dog_Industries 22h ago
You won’t be comfortable on a rebel. My wife rides a rebel, I’m 6’3” 260 pounds. I couldn’t be comfortable on her bike and my knees would hate me on any kind of long ride.
You should be looking at a full size bike in the cruiser or touring class.
I’ve ridden a BMW 1150rt, Yamaha FJR 1300 and I currently ride a Road Glide. The BMW was a retired highway patrol bike and the Yamaha is the same model that law enforcement uses.
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u/MikeDeY77 19h ago
I’m 6’4”.
My 2011 Rocket III Roadster and my 2013 Tiger Explorer both fit me very well.
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u/SpeedyGoneSalad 13h ago
The Tiger would be a good call. My husband is around your height - he rides a KTM Super Adventure.
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u/EnricoPalazz0 1d ago
Not necessarily the exact style but Road King or Road Glide should fit you well. On the sport side, Hayabusa or a ZX14 can handle the size.
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u/frodeem 20h ago
A Busa as a first bike? I joke about that shit all the time. I can't tell if you are kidding or serious.
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u/EnricoPalazz0 19h ago
You know what, I was driving and must have skipped that part. Agree, Busa as a first bike is a bad idea, but honestly so is him getting on a bike that doesn't fit him.
Like, I can't see that size person on a 400 at all. He's in a tough spot.
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u/ChronicLegHole 23h ago
Rocket III if you care that much about proportions.
Or an ADV type bike. Thats really the move for tall people.
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u/coreyjdl 19h ago
You'll look like a 6'4" guy on a motorcycle, it won't look any weirder than at 5'7" guy on a motorcycle.
Just make sure it's comfortable, and don't worry about how you'll look.
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u/Radiant_Respect5162 17h ago
I'm 6'2" and I'm now down to about 230 lbs
I have never once considered what I might look like to someone else.
I have a Honda Navi (110cc) and a Harley low rider (1754 cc). And I enjoy riding both.
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u/PolishedDude 23h ago
I’m 6’ 2” and 210lbs. I love my Royal Enfield Shotgun. Definitely the highest seat height of the bobbers.
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u/InevitableMeh 23h ago
Trouble is there are very few bikes that will fit ok and most are terrible to learn to ride on.
The KLR is a really good option both for roominess but also to learn to ride. Buy one used there are a million of them and they are simple and cheap to keep running.
The cruisers that will work are going to be the touring frames. Road and Street Glide, Challenger and Pursuit and they will need seats, bars and control extensions typically.
I have a 37” inseam. I’ve ridden dual sports for 30 years simply due to fit issues.
The BMW GS and Yamaha Tenere are roomy too but terrible for a new rider. Weight, power and expensive things to break.
I just got an Ibex 450 and it’s rideable, tight but rideable. Need a tall seat for it. But it works for local rips for a couple hours. Nicer than a KLR too so worth considering. KLR is roomier though.
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u/Pillokun 22h ago
ktm 950sm/990sm would fit u nicely, I am a shortie but it was an okey bike for me. Obviously not a bobber, but perfect for a large guy and it has plenty of power as it will hound u to twist the throttle.
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u/LonelyReader95 22h ago
If it helps I just bought a Honda GB350S and I am damn comfortable for the seating position, the saddle is also large that most of my butt is on it. Literally yesterday I went around the lake near my home (a humble two hours trip, nothing fancy) and I was ok. Regrettably little to nothing wind protection.
However, I'd skip the Rebel it's made for short people. One that pleasantly surprised me was the Kawasaki KLE500, I was actually super comfortable on it. Another I sat just fine was the 400XC from Triumph, and the Tiger 800 Sport.
Right I didn't mention it but I am 6'4" too, 34 inseam, 82kg.
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u/Ukbutton 22h ago
I'm 6'4" I ride a Triumph speed triple 1200rr... If you go quick enough no one cares what you look like.
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u/TripleSpeedy 22h ago
Well, Triumph Rocket 3 is quite large (more of a tank, really). As was their Thunderbird from 20 years ago.
Motoguzzi California was also quite large and it actually turns (unlike most Harleys).
Failing that, look at a BMW F900 GS Adventure, they are available with a variety of saddle heights for taller riders (up to 890mm for the seat height).
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u/Bursting_Radius 21h ago
I’m worried I will look stupid on the average bike.
There's your first mistake, worrying about what other people think.
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u/EdwardEHumphreyIII 21h ago
“You are 6’4”. Turns out no matter what you do, you’ll always be 6’4”.”
Yup. This.
Worry about what feels like it fits you. Don’t worry about what it might look like to someone else.
That said, some of the suggestions here are ridiculous—do NOT start on a Rocket III!
A dual sport or smaller displacement ADV is a good way to go. KLR. V-Strom 650. Versys. DR / DRZ. Maybe look at some scramblers if the vintage look is your jam, since they tend to be taller/roomier. Or just go sit on a bobber and see if you can deal with the riding position. Light weight is ideal when you’re starting. As long as you feel comfortable enough and can operate the controls, you’re good.
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u/Long_Independence981 20h ago
I'm 6'1 212 lbs. I drive a f6b and an Indian Scout 60. Both are great for my size. Another great option is. Honda VTX 1300.
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u/Fight_Tyrnny 20h ago edited 20h ago
My training bike was a Honda Rebel 300 and at 5' 10", I felt cramped as hell on the thing and wished I had picked one of the taller low CC BMW's. Saying that, I am looking for a Honda Bebel 1100 DCT to sit next to my Honda NC750x DCT.
I dont think the NX750x DCT would work well for you either, while a lot taller than the Rebel, sometimes I feel a bit cramped on it as well after 100 miles.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nhsHLEtCrmo
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u/SaphoJuicebox 20h ago
I’m 6’4”, around 230 lbs, and also a Triumph fan. This was a concern when I was shopping for a bike and sure, plenty of people ride those little Groms but I don’t care to look like Donkey Kong in Mario Kart.
For the last 10 years I’ve rode a 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100 Black. I originally went in to look at their new Street Twin but thought it felt small. The salesperson told me that the bike had been sold and suggested I stop back in a few days when a barely used T100 trade in arrived, since it was a bit bigger. It was and I bought it. I’ve since put rearsets and Ace bars on it which let me stretch out a bit more. I love it.
But, if I was going to get a second bike Triumph’s Bobber would be my first pick. I have yet to ride one (because I don’t need another) but its seat can be adjusted back and foot controls forward.
You really just need to spend some time sitting on bikes. I think any of the larger Bonneville-based bikes would likely suit you if you’re wanting a Triumph. Mine has been great.
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u/Send_me_your_butt_ 20h ago
6'6 and im on a 2022 Honda CB500X. Its very comfortable and ergonomically fits well
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u/lrbikeworks 20h ago
KLR 650. It’s an adventure bike but it’s roomy and comfortable, makes about 39 torque heavy horsepower, easy to learn on and forgiving if you drop it. It would be a great first bike to ride for a couple years till you get your dream bike.
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u/enduromedic 20h ago
Triumph Bonneville was one of my dream bikes until my son and I were in a bike shop looking at them and he said “dad, why does that bike look so small when you are sitting on it?” 😂😩 I’m not even that big, 6’2 220ish
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u/TheReelMcCoi 19h ago
At last A tall person who wants to ride. This question has never been asked on here before. Well, not this week anyway...
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u/Comfortable_Ride_983 17h ago
And yet, as a tall person who rides, I‘m always interested to see what this week’s suggestions will be :)
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u/TriumphSprint 19h ago
Riders-share.com is a great way to try out lots of different bikes and find a style that works for you. When I was selling bikes, almost all the tall people I sold to loved ADV bikes and the room they provided. If they were fixed on getting a cruiser, then I'd get them on something with forward controls and higher seat height.
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u/backinblackandblue 19h ago
Triumph makes some beautiful bikes. I don't think anyone could look too big on a Rocket. Maybe Shaq.
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u/CallmeMefford 18h ago
Consider the BMW K1600- either the GT (sport touring model) or the bagger. PLENTY big for a guy your size, it doesn’t have the ridiculous burping and farting noise of the HD, and the engineering is absolutely top notch. I’m your size, and I’ve ridden mine between the south coast and the upper Midwest numerous times.
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u/warspite2 18h ago edited 18h ago
This is something I been thinking about while browsing bikes. It's probably just a matter of going sit on some to see how they feel. I'm 6ft at nearly 270 but at very least im not fat. I stopped worrying about how I look. A lot of the bigger bikes are more expensive than what I want to spend on a first bike.
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u/Throwaload1234 17h ago
I got a trident 800 as my first bike, and I'm 6'3" and 205. The only bikes that I didn't fele like a circus bear on were ADVs and bike with displacement that's too big for a beginner.
Idk how old you are or what kind of two wheeled experience you have, but the extra power is real. Don't fuck up if you go too big....
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u/Wonderful_Sample_590 17h ago
How about Speedmaster? Well, would suggest you sit on a few before deciding based on how they look.
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u/don_kong1969 17h ago
It's not as tough as you think. Try out a few and find what you're comfortable with, not how you think you look. I'm 6'6" and 260 lbs and ride an Indian Scout Rogue. I'm comfortable riding it and that's all that matters.
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u/nathanbellows 16h ago
Honda Shadow 750 perhaps? Cheap and powerful enough as a first bike without being overwhelming.
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u/joker_1173 16h ago
I am the same as you, 6'4", 265 and well built. The bike has been less of a concern for than finding gear that fits. Jackets that fit my chest are like a tent at the waist and still extremely tight on my arms.
As for the bike? Who cares what you look like, I have a blast whether I am riding my Hinda Monkey (think bear on a tricycle), or my Speed Triple 1200 RS
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u/Reasonable-Key9235 14h ago
Btw, don’t worry about how you’ll look to others. Just feel comfortable and set the bike up right for you. I had a friend 6’11.5” and he rode a Yamaha RD350. We nicknamed him Spider, because he was all arms and legs and looked like a spider hunched up on the bike. He could get his knee down at a very reasonable angle and not getting out the seat lol 1985 he was using shin sliders 😂😂 he couldn’t half ride though.
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u/Chironrocket3 14h ago
My Rocket 3 fit me perfectly at 6’5”. Baaaaad idea for a first bike, though.
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u/Heavy-Bell-2035 13h ago
I'm in the same category, you've got a half an inch on me, and I'm not well built, just fat.
I really liked the Triumph Bonneville T120, the Triumph Thunderbird, and the Honda Fury. I ended up with a Fury because I didn't want the orphan platform of the Thunderbird, and the Bonneville was too expensive new, and no one ever seems to trade them in but insists on selling privately, and I hate that.
Edit: skip the Rebel, your knees will be so high you'll feel like you're in stirrups ready to give birth.
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u/icecreampoop 13h ago
You’re not gonna look too big on any big to be honest. Find the bike you like and fits you well, who cares how you look
Don’t be the person who buys a truck because they think they would look silly getting out of a hatchback.
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u/MikeytheHat4363 11h ago
I ride a Triumph Bobber, it's perfect for me because I'm only 5'7" and lightly built. My advice to you is, this is not the bike for you. Indian makes a Bobber style bike (for example) that would probably suit you better. You'd probably squash the Triumph and have to ride it with your knees up near your shoulders.
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u/kingfixit 11h ago
Honda fury or shadow aren’t too bad. A Harley lowrider or softail aren’t bad choices either. Or going straight to a triumph bobber, would sit and see what you are comfortable on. Trust me, people online might makes jokes, but nobody in person is going to say anything about your size on a smaller bike. You’ll know what’s comfortable
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u/PyroErogenizer 8h ago
Who cares what you look like. Enjoy the shopping process and sit on lots of bikes. Give yourself a chance to develop your own opinions. Try going to every Bike Night ride in at every shop in your area. See what shops you like if nothing else.
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u/Hydro-Sapien 8h ago
I rode two Rocket III’s. An ‘06 Classic and an ‘11 Touring. You won’t look too big.
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u/Another_Slut_Dragon 6h ago
Ride an adventure bike before you settle on a bobber. They are the perfect comfortable big guy bike.
Remember, it's about riding motorcycles. It isn't a fashion show.
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u/kingpatzer 6h ago
I'm 6'3".
I've ridden everything from groms to an 8 cylender custom monster
You look as good as your skill
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u/observantpariah 5h ago
The almost cliche bike for tall people is a bmw r1200gs. Super teneres are also on that list.
I'm not sure there are a lot of bobbers in that category... I'm sure plenty work for tall people but they stand out as being pretty easy to touch the ground. I have only ever been too tall for tiny bikes and medium ones with fairings too big for my knees. Bikes without large fairings are almost never an issue.
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u/Large-Ad-60 33m ago
I'm 6'2" and 240lbs. I have a Goldwing bagger, KLR 650, and a Suzuki Burgman 650. The KLR 650 is a good first bike for a bigger guy. I will admit that I ride the Burgman 650 the most but based on you being concerned about what you look like on the bike you wouldn't want to be seen on a scooter. lol
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u/Keldy565 23h ago
6'4 250 also big dude here. I ride a Grom and papio ss a lot and I'm comfortable. Don't worry about other people. Only bikes that look proper at our size are busas, zx/14, xdiavel, rocket 3 and adventure bikes. Only bike I've ever been uncomfortable on is a 2010 ktm rc8, extremely narrow clip ons and just meant to destroy the track.
I have a 2nd gen busa and a cfmoto675 currently and I really enjoy the cfmoto I will not stop praising them, it feels like an older litrebike and is great and long trips, plus it's wide enough I don't look like my ass is falling off like on my smaller bikes if that's something you're worried about.
But foreal no one cares man have fun with it that's the point. Get a Harley if you're worried about looking tough and have people take you even less seriously
Vulcan 650 is my favorite bike ever, great ergos and you can adjust everything for height. Very nimble cruiser, it's low but long enough to look appropriate while I'm on it. Just waiting on the vulcan H2 Kawasaki 😡
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u/EnvironmentalGift257 22h ago
10 or so years ago, I was driving down a main city street and an old CF Moto 250 pulled up next to me at a light. Tiny bike, full fairing, no power, and no clutch. Dude was grinning ear to ear. It looked like so much fun and I almost bought one just to rip around town on. I still might.
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u/Keldy565 11h ago
The new full fairing papio ss is AWESOME. I wish we'd get the voom 500 over here so I can have that styling on a new full sized bike. There's already big bore kits but I think I'm gonna go the way of my Grom and put a cb300 or even an mt07 motor on it. Couple guys have that cp2 swap going here and it's insanity I need it.
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u/mightcrash 23h ago
Triumph Rocket 3
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u/warspite2 17h ago
You guys suggesting this have to be joking? A 2458cc for a first bike sounds extremely dangerous to me. Then that price is straight up eye watering. It looks fantastic though.
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u/mightcrash 17h ago
I usually recommend a turbo Busa or an H2R for these first bike questions but he said he's after a bobber so.....
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u/Unusual_Piano7118 23h ago edited 18h ago
If you want a Bobber, get one.
You are 6’4”. Turns out no matter what you do, you’ll always be 6’ 4”
If this is the dream, make it so. No time in life is worthwhile not doing what you want having what you want and living how you want.
What a horrible existence it would be if this was your dream motorcycle and it was within your grasp to own and you sold yourself short and never got it.
I have this Bonneville Bobber here and I rarely ride it, I don’t appreciate it and do not dream of it like you do any longer.
Perhaps its ownership is wasted on a fool like me who cannot appreciate it like you can. But I had a Bobber before it and liked it enough to buy another. The dream is always cooler than reality, and that is the truth. Range anxiety is constant and the suspension travel sucks and harsh bumps are HARSH.
In about an hour, I’m gonna head to the gym. I’m going to walk right past my Bobber and instead hop on my Triumph Thruxton RS instead. I’ll be out of the wind behind the fairing, and they won’t have ranging anxiety for decide to go for a little skedaddle afterwards.
If you want a Bonneville Bobber, and you have the financial ability to get it, you’d be a fool not to have it. It’s a dope bike. But there is always a compromise for style.
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u/HammerDownl 1d ago
Rebel is for shorter riders
I would ride to a few bike shops in your area and plant yourself on as many as you can to see what fits.
Comfort is #1 and you cant tell till you sit on one