Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 I've mentioned getting a bike on here in the past.. so I finally did something about it I passed my CBT on Saturday and have my first lesson booked in for next week (I'm in London with work all this week so I'll have to wait!?). As most of you will know I'm quite tall (6ft 10), so the search for a bike is probably not going to be easy... To be honest I was on this random little Yamaha 125 all day on Saturday and was it comfy enough (even though I probably looked ridiculous!), so I'm not feeling as anxious as I was about finding a bike that's big enough. The two bikes that seem to stand out are the Kawasaki KLR650 and the Versys... One of my mates at work has a big old BMW Tourer (1050 GS) which he said is 'the biggest bike you can get'...but to be honest it didn't feel that huge once the suspension had settled in. I'm not really into Tourers neither tbh. Super Moto is probably what I'm looking for. Any suggests of bikes to have a look at? Obviously it's early days and I intend to have a proper look around before I buy anything.... but I would be interested in what other tall folks on here have ridden. Any other tips on gear would also be useful... what helmet should I go for? Shoei? Arai? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porky1978 Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Been thinking about getting my bike test done for quite a few years myself. Not quite as tall as you (a piffling 6 foot 2) so you will have more problems that most. As for gear, go for whatever feels right/comfy etc. Both Shoei and Arai are excellent for safety etc and is probably the most overlooked item of clothing etc as a lot of people go for whichever looks right!! Best bet would be to go to your local bike accessory shop and talk it through with an independent advisor. You wont be the only giant/man-mountain/freak (delete as applicable ) that they have dealt with and will give you some good advice. Alex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Bike and outfit solved... http://www.thenationalelfservice.com/mickys_gallery/images/Penny%20Farthing.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 Bike and outfit solved... http://www.thenationalelfservice.com/mickys_gallery/images/Penny%20Farthing.jpg OMG! I love it! You are a genius Sir... this is just the ticket for riding around London Village Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 How about one of those sit-up-and-beg style Harley's? With your height the handle bars will reach up to a sensible distance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 +1 for the bike shop. I know there's one on the A30 leaving Basingstoke, but I'm sure there's loads more on the south coast too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraStar 3000 Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 you be careful Mr Mike. Buy a good quality helmet to protect your mellon and some good leathers (no, the gimp suit wont do). Just like sex, its safety first with bikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 The thread tags have not gone un-noticed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluecoup Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 hi i did my cbt and theroy last year waiting for it to get dryer to finish my test in no hurry as i got the quad to get out on at the mo the bike that gotme wanting to do my test was the drz400sm can be resticted forthe 33hp rule or tuned for a right laugh, there are loads of bigger moto styles about some with jack up kits http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/First-rides--tests/2008/September/sep1508-top-ten-33bhp-bikes/ other i fancyed was the xt660 a little problem with snatchy throttle response at low revs but this can be sorted http://www.xt660.com/site/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 +1 for the bike shop. I know there's one on the A30 leaving Basingstoke, but I'm sure there's loads more on the south coast too. I can't find that? Do you have a linky? The thread tags have not gone un-noticed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SupraStar 3000 Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 funny, i always thought cbt was short for 'cock and ball torture' Mind you, some of those bike seats are pretty unforgiving on the meat and two veg so it probably is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt H Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Careful Mike, they might be cheap fun and all that, but they are so so dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 I can't find that? Do you have a linky? I think these are the ones: http://www.mottmotorcycles.co.uk/ I've never been there as I can't even ride a bicycle without crashing into street furniture. Hence, not a specific recommendation but just a heads-up. If you travel northbound along the M3 and come off at the southern Basingstoke junction, then head into Basingstoke itself, within a mile or so of leaving the motorway the dual carriageway briefly shrinks down to single lane. At about this point the bike shop is on your right. If you reach the 2nd set of traffic lights you've gone too far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ark Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 FWIW, that's off the M3, junction 7. I'm certain there are other bike shops closer to the coast though (Gosport, right?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewOW Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Bike and outfit solved... http://www.thenationalelfservice.com/mickys_gallery/images/Penny%20Farthing.jpg Na, this is more like it to keep his centre of gravity far lower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 FWIW, that's off the M3, junction 7. I'm certain there are other bike shops closer to the coast though (Gosport, right?) Yep... there are a few down here, but always good to hear about reputable ones close by Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Luke Hero Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Na, this is more like it to keep his centre of gravity far lower. http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/attachment.php?attachmentid=108041&d=1271079130 What the fff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilicos Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Honda Varadero would suit you perfectly mate. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikesforsale/searchresults/detail/?R=NXGN-2003634 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Aprillia RSV is a very tall bike, nice machine and can be bought for peanuts:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supra_Sean Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Aprillia RSV is a very tall bike, nice machine and can be bought for peanuts:) My dream bike that I did 2 cbt's then did my full test before my car test, Cant wait to get another bike (Maybe next year) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 Aprillia RSV is a very tall bike, nice machine and can be bought for peanuts:) I really like Aprillias... Aren't really really unreliable and expensive to fix though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 I really like Aprillias... Aren't really really unreliable and expensive to fix though? They could well be mate, dont know much about them tbh, just know they are tall, ive always been into the big jap bikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Porky1978 Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 I really like Aprillias... Aren't really really unreliable and expensive to fix though? Cant be any more expensive than a Supra mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 Cant be any more expensive than a Supra mate. Mine hasn't cost me that much My god the car felt crap on the way back from doing the CBT and buzzing around on a 125 all day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supra_Sean Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 How low can you go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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