When purchasing your first motorcycle, it is especially important to choose a machine that is suitable for your height. A beginner riding a bike that is too big will feel uncomfortable and insecure. This may result in a fall or even an accident.
Motorcycles vary greatly in style and application. Often motorcyclists know from the start whether they want to ride sports cars, touring machines or big cruisers. However, the size of the bike and its associated riding issues can be a hindrance. You can often hear novice bikers doubt whether they can handle this or that machine. It is worth remembering here that the height of the seat and the height of the driver are more important than the weight and strength of the driver.
Seat height is more important than weight
You can often hear someone say that they cannot handle, for example, a large cruiser, because such a car weighs up to 300 kg. And while some strength is indeed helpful, they are also suitable for shorter people. Moreover, cruisers are among the most versatile motorcycles in terms of rider height.
This is because the key issue is seat height and the ability to stand firmly on the ground when stopping. If both provide strong support, even a large machine can be easily handled. However, if you only reach the ground with your fingers, parking maneuvers even on a lighter motorcycle can cause you to tip over. Therefore, it is worth remembering the main rule - if you stand firmly on your feet, you can handle the motorcycle.
Many tall bikers, especially beginners, are faced with the problem of choosing their first motorcycle. Why is this question especially acute in the case of novice motorcyclists? Yes, because as their first two-wheeled vehicle, many people prefer to buy some inexpensive and not too powerful model, and the dimensions of motorcycles usually directly correlate with their power and, accordingly, price. Consequently, most budget motorcycles, especially the 400 cubic centimeter category so beloved by beginners, turn out to be simply inconvenient for tall people. What to do?
To begin with, it’s probably worth deciding what class of motorcycle you want to drive. For example, hard enduros like the Honda XR , Yamaha TTR or Suzuki DRZ may be too small for a tall person, despite the fairly high seat height. The same can be said about the motard (supermoto) class. But touring enduros are very popular among tall riders, since most motorcycles in this class are distinguished not only by their high seating position, but also by their respectable dimensions. The clearest example is the BMW GS series, for example, 1200 GS .
But factors that matter here include prices (liter tourist enduros cost a lot), and the fact that a beginner shouldn’t immediately get on such a powerful motorcycle - it’s still very risky.
So if your soul lies in the touring enduro class, then you should pay attention to large, but not too powerful and more affordable models. For example, Yamaha TDM 850 or TDM 900 .
This, of course, is not quite an enduro tourer, it is more of a classic road tourer, but it has a lot of advantages. Prices for older versions of the 850 cc version of Yamaha TDM start at an average of 100 thousand rubles, and the 80-horsepower in-line two is unlikely to seem too angry and nervous to a cautious novice motorcyclist. TDM 900 , on average, costs from 250 thousand rubles and above.
Another interesting option is
the Suzuki V-Strom 650 . Being built on the same base as its older brother, the DL V-Strom 1000 , the 650 cc version is visually distinguished by the absence of one of the two exhaust pipes.
Nevertheless, 650 cc is quite enough for comfortable movement even for two people, and the high standard seat and overall dimensions of this motorcycle (quite large, it should be noted) for a tall person can be very powerful arguments for purchasing this particular motorcycle.
If finances allow, then you should pay attention to such a device as Honda XL700 Transalp . A fresh model, very interesting combination of price and quality. Among the old veterans, the clear leaders are the Honda Africa Twin and Yamaha Super Tenere .
As for choppers and cruisers, everything is simpler here. A one and a half liter engine on a chopper is not at all such an evil toy as the 600 cubic meters of some sports bike, and you should not be afraid of its weight and volume. In the case of choppers, volume is directly related to their size, so you should focus on motorcycles with a capacity of 1300cc and above. On some Yamaha Drag Star 1100 or Honda Shadow 1100, a tall rider may simply find it uncomfortable, despite all the other numerous advantages of these motorcycles.
But at about the 1.3 liter mark the really big bikes start! What does one Honda VTX 1300 ? 75 hp, a lot of torque and more than impressive dimensions, thanks to which this chopper stands on the road like a glove. And one carburetor feeding its two cylinders and a cardan drive have long proven their reliability.
Another interesting option, comparable to Honda in price, is
the Yamaha Midnight Star XVS 1300 (aka V-Star 1300 for the American market).
This modern and technologically advanced motorcycle with a belt drive and injection power for its two cylinders is practically not inferior in size to, perhaps, the VTX 1300. Also, the Yamaha XVZ 1300 Royal Star fits perfectly into this company, which, by the way, is found on the secondary market in several versions, from completely “naked”, i.e. basic, to the tourist Venture DeLuxe, created for travel. From the Kawasaki line, it is definitely worth paying attention to the Vulcan series with a volume of 1500, 1600 or 1700 cc. see, depending on your budget. Standing apart are the VN 1500 (1600) Mean Streak , which exploit the image of power-cruisers. These unique models feature truly chic ergonomics for tall people.
From the Suzuki lineup, a tall biker might like the Suzuki VL1500 Intruder LC (Legendary Classic). This reference cruiser in terms of appearance and ergonomics is a real monument. Standing next to him, it seems that the asphalt is bending under his weight. It’s not for nothing that this motorcycle is called a “legendary classic.” When developing this model, the Japanese clearly abandoned any more or less risky innovations and preferred to follow the path trodden by the American Harley-Davidsons.
All of the above-mentioned chopper models can be found within 300 thousand rubles. If you don’t have a lot of money, or your height is about two meters, then you should probably take a closer look at cruisers in the “super macro” category.
So, in order.
Kawasaki VN 2000 . This bike has the largest V-twin engine in the motorcycle world, hundreds of horsepower, monstrous torque and accompanying dimensions. However, a modern light-alloy frame, excellent suspension, a belt drive that ensures the absence of jerks typical of a cardan, and an injector that smoothly supplies the fuel mixture make controlling this monster far from being as difficult as it might seem at first glance.
The liquid-cooled engine operates, oddly enough, with virtually no vibrations, which begin to appear only at fairly high speeds, and even then are not at all annoying. Thanks to its low center of gravity, this machine is surprisingly easy to corner, surprising both passers-by and its own rider. The exhaust sound is pleasant even with a standard muffler - it does not scream hysterically, but puffs solidly and importantly, caressing the ear. When you sit on it, you understand that this is the case when you don’t want to change absolutely anything about the motorcycle. The original seats are quite comfortable, the steering wheel is made in such a way that it is quite comfortable for almost any height, and even a short motorcyclist will not have to reach for it. However, a short rider may have another problem - the VN 2000 is very wide, and those with short legs may not be very comfortable sitting on it. The consumption of the Vulcan 2000 is quite modest for such a cubic capacity.
Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner (aka Roadliner, aka Midnight Star 1900). Yamaha's top cruiser. 90 hp, 167 nM torque, 330 kg dry weight. The seat height is slightly lower than on the VN 2000. Moreover, this motorcycle is quite comfortable for both a two-meter tall hero and an average motorcyclist ~180cm tall. Otherwise, everything is similar to the aforementioned “Vulcan” - belt, injector, only the engine is air-cooled, not water-cooled.
The main feature of this model is its incredibly easy controls. When you sit on this bike for the first time, you experience a break in the pattern - how, well, how can such a long, wide and heavy motorcycle be controlled SO easily? And indeed, of all the cruisers with a volume of “two liters, give or take,” the Stratoliner is the easiest to handle. In addition, due to the perfectly adjusted center of gravity, it does not seem heavy even in static conditions, and the average person can remove it from the stand with one hand! Of course, this does not change the fact that “in numbers” the Stratoliner still weighs a lot, and this should be taken into account when parking. By standing up incorrectly, you can provide yourself with the most exciting entertainment: “push three and a half centners of pathos back up a small hill.” All thanks to the modern electronics that this motorcycle is stuffed with. At a cruising speed of 120 km/h, fuel consumption averages 5.5 liters of gasoline. It is recommended to fill the tank with AI-95.
Yamaha XV 1900 Raider . If the Stratoliner is a pure cruiser, then the Raider is a claim to be called a chopper. It is distinguished from the Stratoliner by a longer fork, a larger radius front wheel, a different frame and generally everything else.
They only have the engine in common, but on the Raider it is configured differently, making this device a little more “evil.” Otherwise, the choice between Stratoliner and Raider is very reminiscent of the almost generally accepted standard “two versions of one model - “classic” and “custom””. One of the noticeable differences is the volume of the gas tank. For the Raider it is 15 liters, for the Stratoliner it is 17 liters. Fuel consumption for both models, by the way, is quite moderate for an almost two-liter engine. At a cruising speed of 120 km/h, these motorcycles are well within 5 liters of fuel consumed per hundred kilometers, and they readily digest not only AI-95, but also AI-92. At a speed of 140 km/h, consumption approaches 6.5-7 liters. Well, in the city - depending on how it happens, sometimes it reaches the 10l/100km mark. Both motorcycles, by the way, are equipped with a fuel level sensor.
Suzuki Boulevard M109R . The most powerful of the choppers. More precisely, it’s not even a chopper, it’s just a power-cruiser with a liquid-cooled V-twin with a volume of 1800 cc. see and cardan drive.
It is strictly not recommended for beginners to ride this beast - it loves to kick, and can easily throw off an inexperienced rider. The size and weight of this monster are impressive, and the monstrous acceleration dynamics literally tear your arms out of your shoulders. The steering wheel, by the way, is located quite far from the seat, so it’s worth keeping this in mind. However, for beginners who want to get acquainted with the motorcycle topic for the first time, even if they have a strong physique, it is categorically not recommended to consider this motorcycle as a “study desk.” It’s not for nothing that they say about him that he doesn’t forgive mistakes...
It also makes sense to take a closer look at the American Victory produced by the Polaris concern. Their various models, using the same power unit (in the latest incarnation - 1800 cc), are quite different both in ergonomics and in appearance and functionality. the Victory Hammer and Victory Vision Tour standing next to ...
But there is nothing special to say about Harley-Davidsons in this vein, except perhaps that the motorcycles of this brand are generally distinguished by rather modest dimensions, so it is far from a fact that a tall person will be comfortable on a Harley. However, why not try? Going to the nearest motorcycle dealership and sitting on various models is a very good idea.
Similar articles:
- Choppers for tall bikers
- Big choppers
- Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner/Roadliner/Midnight Star Review
- Chopper for a girl
- Motorcycle for short people
- Which road bike should you choose?
LiveJournal
Which motorcycles are for short people and which ones are for tall ones?
So, what type of motorcycles are suitable for short people? We just mentioned cruisers, although in their case you need to remember more weight. Often the seats in such cars are even less than 700 mm. City Nakedas is also a good proposition where you can expect a level of 800mm or lower.
Sports bikes can be a surprise. In their case, you often sit a little higher than in the “naked” position. On the other hand, the position on the bike means that the tallest one will complain too. On the opposite side are the cruisers, which, despite the low seat, provide a comfortable position even for taller riders.
Another type of motorcycle for which height is important is touring. In their case, you sit high. Even people of average height may have trouble maneuvering. Therefore, before deciding to buy such a motorcycle, you should first check whether it will be too tall.
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Naked
Here, as in the first case, I want to fit not even a list of models, but entire families. Still, the spread in engine volume haunts me. We need to offer something to people of different backgrounds. Street motorcycles, with their sporty, aggressive riding position, can surprise tall riders.
For example, KTM Duke or Kawasaki Z are large families that have both babies and monsters. Another question is that everything needs to be measured and adjusted. For some users, being 1.75m tall will be fine, but for others, being 1.95m tall may be a bit cramped. Everything is relative. In any case, there are enough tall naked motorcyclists to consider models from this range.
Triumph TRIDENT 660 2021
An interesting option for the city. In case you want something maneuverable and nimble. The volume of the three-cylinder engine is 660 cm3. It produces 81 horses. Tank volume 17.4 liters. The landing is closer to sports. The seat height of the bike is 805 mm, almost like some “tourists”. The most interesting thing is that the dry weight of the motorcycle is some 166 kilograms!
"Top light city motorcycles 2021 for a beginner"
Choosing the first bike
If you are a beginner, we do not advise you to start immediately with a large cubic capacity. The choice of your first motorcycle should be based on safety considerations. It is necessary to understand the principles of driving a bike, learn the traffic rules well, and distinguish the difference between riding a car according to traffic regulations and driving a two-wheeler.
But there is a difference! A car is a large vehicle. It is clearly visible on the road (even though accidents occur regularly). The motorcycle always remains invisible. Even bright clothes don't help. It is very important for a beginner to verify this from his own experience. It will also be necessary to learn to predict the road situation “several moves” ahead.
All motorcyclists know that large cubic capacity and explosive nature provoke the pilot to break the rules. While an experienced rider can afford this, a beginner cannot yet react so well. His reflexes are not sharpened, his skills are still not enough. But there is more than enough ambition! Therefore, we recommend choosing a 125 cc vehicle as your first motorcycle. Here are a few of its advantages:
- You can open category A1 for legal driving under additional traffic regulations at the age of 16;
- These bikes are relatively inexpensive, both new and used;
- They are very cheap to maintain;
- They “eat” very little fuel;
- Consumables and spare parts can be found even in the outback;
- One or two seasons is enough to master the necessary motorcycle riding skills;
- If you buy a used Japanese motorcycle, for example, the legendary Yamaha YBR 125, then you can sell it at the same price without losing money.
