Motorcycles For Tall People, 6 Foot +, Why don't Manufacturers Make Bigger Bikes?
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2022
- In this video I discuss what motorbikes are best for taller riders and why manufacturers aren't making motorcycles with tall people in mind, there are a lot of tall riders out there and we all struggle with a limited selection of bikes for our heights. Harley-Davidson certainly make bikes that are great for tall people but who else does? I make some suggestions in the video, Royal Enfield? Honda? Indian? Let me know what bikes you think are great for tall people!
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As a tall guy, I think we are really discriminated because of our sizes. I mean, I cannot sit in the bus, no place for my legs. I cannot buy smaller city cars, which I like more, and they are cheaper and better for the city. And, ofc I look silly even on bigger bikes you mentioned. I am 6'5'', and only big, heavy cars and bikes are good for me, but those are much much more expensive. So, it is a problem that no one is addressing. Thanks for the vid.
The world is built for the standard man. 5'10, 155lbs or so.
alot of the economy cars actually fit tall people nicely because they try to accommodate the widest range of buyers, you have to accept it's probably going to be one of the dumb looking cars though. i havent found a stock bike, yet, that fits me comfortably at 6'7 370lbs. even the larger bikes dont have the leg room that i like, always have to resort to aftermarket if i want to fit one. anyone that says + or - a couple inches will fit has never been on the tall end of that, because that will make or break a painful ride if its more than 10 minutes.
Flying is also really not that comfortable. Buying beds, shoes, pants... the little head nod when walking through doors.. The list goes on.
yeah I know what do you mean. Im 6'4 and I really badly want Fat Boy 114 or Breakout 117. But my legs is to long for those bikes and handlebars are to low for my knees. But I figure out that if I will move foot controls as far as posible forward and change to taller handlebar it can work for me, at least I really hope it will work :)
@@nixxas1 Should work.... but that is also extra money spent. Bike manufacturers should do something about that.
It’s a really good point. I’m 6ft 4 big guy used to play rugby for Ireland and when I hit 50 I gave up trying to wrap myself around 1 litre sports bikes. I have recently bought a few Harley’s and am finding a new love for it all again. Love my fatboy 2021 deadwood green so comfy. I know the ol man is a big guy like myself so I feel his pain !!
Yes absolutely right there 👍🏼👍🏼
Good effort mate I love the triumph tiger myself and I bet you played with the claw!!
Bikes should be bigger.
Buy a GS Adventure!
@@willemfloris had one ! (So has everyone I know !)
Being a taller rider myself, i really enjoyed this vlog. I got a Harley a few years ago because i was sick of being cramped up on sports bikes and wanted to be able to stretch out and do longer rides.👍💯
Excellent 👍🏼👍🏼
After a lot of comparisons, I was ultimately torn between the Ducati Desert Sled and Triumph Scrambler XE. Needed room for my 6’3 frame, a pillion, and actual off road chops without going full ADV. Got the Desert Sled and have zero regrets, including after some long trips. I appreciate in your reviews that you try to describe ergos for taller riders!
Ok that’s great. The XE is still quite cramped we found, so you made a better choice 👍🏼👍🏼
😮😮
I'm 6,3 and always struggled with bike size, I've got a 2020 Harley Fat Bob and it's absolutely perfect for me. Super comfortable for long and short rides. With the added bonus it looks like a beast.
Hey man, I'm 6.2, most of us Europeans can't afford 20.000 for a motorcycle.
Harleys are not middle budget. Unfortunately
The dyna Fatbob was more user friendly for tall people. I put the tall boy seat on it and it made the ergonomics perfect for my 6'5" frame
I was looking at the fat bob, but it's so expensive. $20k
This is number one on my list!
The problem I think is in the tendancy in recent years to have sculpted seats that dictate your riding position. The Enfields that have the "traditional" bench seat allow shorter riders to sit forward on the tank, and taller riders to sit further back. Many bikes lock you in. You cannot move forward because the seat goes up and you cannot go back for the same reason.
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Could not agree more
6'5" 100kgs and knackered knees limits my choice. Just picked up my second Triumph Scrambler 1200 xe. I find it very comfortable and with a flat seat I can shift back to lessen the knee angle at times.
Adventure bikes will tend to be great options for tall riders. Your feet are right below you, so no cramping of your legs. Easy to stand on the pegs to stretch and you can even mount highway pegs on the crash bars for an alternate position to rest your feet. There are enough variants in the adventure world that even the shorter side of tall riders can find something that works for them, while those who have no problem flat footing a 36” seat height feel very comfortable.
Some sport bikes like those from BMW can accommodate taller riders better than some other brands. In general BMW works better than other brands for taller riders…. Part of the reason I’ve always had them at 6’4”. As much as I appreciate Ducati, I can’t fit on any of them except the supermoto & MultiStrada. The Japanese brands have never been an option, all of them were way too small for me. I always found forward controls on Harleys & Indians not comfortable for me. Sure I can stretch my legs, but all the pressure on my tail bone and basically leaning backwards made it uncomfortable after 20 minutes. Whereas, my S1000R is very comfortable as is my GSA & R18.
Ok thanks bud that’s good to know 👍🏼👍🏼
Agree with most of what you said, but the problem with adventure bikes is that they're as ugly as a bulldog chewing a wasp
@@TeeeB0ne I find the looks of all the KTM adventure bikes to much. Giant wasp head thing at the front. I think the Africa twin looks OK. Don't like the T700 or the toureg 660. I like the older pegaso with the 650 single cycle rotax .
Adventure bikes are ugly bikes
@@apmikalogran 💯👍🏼
Very good video, I'm 1.96 and the options are very limited for us tall people. Remembering that prices are always higher too!👍🏻👊🏻
Thanks buddy. Indeed 👍🏼👍🏼
6’3” 120 kgs and very comfortable on a 2019 Vstrom 650 with some mods - lowered foot controls / bar back risers and tall seat option give a super spacious rider triangle. This was the only middle weight I found large enough and rejected the Tracer 7, Kawa Versys 650 etc as they felt too small. Good video!
That’s great 👍🏼👍🏼
That's right, a tall seat on an adventure bike is a good place to start. In the middle weight category I would also add the F850GS with the taller rallye seat.
Have you tried the 2022 kawasaki 650 verseys it's just got bigger and bigger over the years. I saw one at the dealers I thought it was the 1000 verseys it's bloody huge. Think it's 217kg + now aswel
Where did you get the lowers food pedals ?
imagine going to buy a car and they say you cant adjust the seat or steering wheel or anything, but they expect most people will fit their vehicle, this is what bike manufacturers do
Yes that’s true! 👍🏼
I think with a car by its sheer design you can do a lot more variables. It’s not like you can do that to the same degree on 2 wheels.
There have been enough cars that didn't fit me. Fiat 126p, Piaggio Ape, Puch Haflinger. Smart Roadster wasn't right either, although probably driveable. I'm only 6'2".
A tall friend was happy with DR 800 Big.
I really don't understand why motorcycles don't ship with different frame sizes, like bicycles. I'd also appreciate enough payload to haul big women as passengers.
You bring up an interesting concept. A 2 rail system with a solo seat that can be slid backward and forward to accommodate the rider. 🤔 I like it.
RE Himalayan and Bullet Electra 350. Im a 6 ft 7 guy with 140 kgs weight. The bullet has a thicker padding and a wide handle bar to suit my frame, i also modified the suspension to go with my weight. I love it now. I fit neatly on a stock himalayan too....Feels comfy to ride on long roads and bad roads too.
I’m 6ft 2 and own a Suzuki V Strom 1000! After a couple of years on smaller naked bikes I knew it was time to have something that really fit me, ergonomically and from an aesthetic point of view. Adventure bikes don’t appeal to everyone, of course - but for me it combines my favourite style of riding and fits me well!
It’s a little frustrating to have to constantly consider how I look on a motorcycle when thinking about a purchase - but that’s just how it is! Great video chaps.
Thanks buddy. Great 👍🏼👍🏼
Im almost 6.1 and riding a harley 1200 custom xl. Im quite comfortable with the bike itself. Before this one i was riding 883 and frankly it was requiring forward pegs. Btw could you tell me which mik do u use while riding to get the bike’s sound perfectly?
6.3 myself, with long legs. I tried a cb500x, but had an awful cramp in my legs after an hour or 2. I am now on a motoguzzi v85tt, and couldn't be happier. In my view, adventure bikes are pretty good for the taller folk, if you have problems with cruisers. I like cruisers a lot, but after 20 min my back hurts too much.
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Hi there, so you confirm it fits for longer rides? I love that design, however, always felt 'short. I always ahd a look at Africa Twin, GS, KTM as they are bigger. But the guzzi knocks the design. Thanks
6'2" 220lbs here. I have zero issues with my Speedmaster or my Interceptor. Only newer bikes I've sat on lately are a Hondar Reble 1100 that I wasn't comfortable on and a Ducati multi V2 that was also uncomfortable. The only thing I want to change on my speedmaster is the addition on highway bars with a foot peg for freeway cruising so I can stretch out a bit. I use to own a 06 Softail Duce and never really enjoyed riding it at all.
Ok that’s great 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for this - I'm thinking of an Interceptor and was slightly concerned about the size.
Thank you guys for doing this.
You are the best of the best
Thank you very much!
Didn’t actually encounter any problems being 5’7ft on any bike so far. I think height wise it’s a decent sweetspot when it comes to bikes because any large bike that might be ‘big’ can be adapted to that size without too much fuss. Whereas when you are on either extreme (too small or too tall), you encoounter quite a few obstacles.
Yes that’s very true 👍🏼👍🏼
This video is about 6ft +
5'7" tall is a short person, my last girlfriend was taller than that
@@juliancrooks3031 But it isn’t too small where a big bike can’t be adapted. I was completely fine on the Street Glide and Road Glide recently for example, despite having read many times they are best for people 6ft+ tall.
In my experience of over 35 years of riding I would have to say the most comfortable bike for my almost 6' height is the Triumph Bonneville T120. It's also the best all-around bike I've ever ridden. Thanks for a good video
6'3" and I think T120's feel perfect too. My next Triumph will be a T120.
I know this might come across as a Christmas wish, but if you'd put together a video where you compare the specs of the bikes you talk about (Indian, your SoftTail, perhaps the BMW R18, etc) and show the differences in terms of sitting positions from one to the other, how they feel while riding them... now that would defo be a learning material for many of us!
Anyhow, thanks for this video, and for the rest you've created so far!
Thanks buddy. Good idea 👍🏼
I'm 6'3" and happy with the BMW 850 GS. The wheelbase of 160 cm is almost 10 cm bigger than the 1250 GS, with foot pegs that are slightly more positioned forwards. Overall the bike is just better for tall folks then the "bigger" brother, which is smaller really, also heavier, much more expensive and more cramped.
Makes sense, they are pretty big bikes!
Good to know
With that 21" front wheel overall the bike is even longer again. Than the 1250
I'm 6'2" and my dad is 6'6" BUT I wear bigger shoes. I started smoking at 11, because I herd it stunts your growth... Best decision EVER of my life!!! Things still suck, but not possibly 6" taller suck!!! LMFFFAAAOOO
Have to agree.. iv owned many Harleys and most are comfortable at 6.3.. 112 kg , after set up.. iv been on couple Harley that arnt set up and they feel horrible.. iv owned xr1200 Harley sports bike, it was amazing and seen photo of me on it and doesn’t look out of place.. I’m currently riding a buell xb12r with xb12s bar conversion.. it’s so comfortable but it probably would look small for me . Thanks for content 🙌🏽✌🏽
I'm 6' 3" and the most comfortable bike was a 1999 triumph tiger. I rode to the Algarve without a hitch. 10 hours riding one day. A bit top heavy but it does everything really well. I had it for 7 years.
187 cm 85 kg, had a few Harleys, dynas and road king but weirdly enough found them on the small side and riding position not very cumfy. Done over 7000 km on my 2020 v-strom 1050xt sofar this season and it fits well. Peg placement is perfect. Only thing you feel after week of full days riding
is thet seat is hard, but upgradeable. Lay your calfs on the engine guards for cruiser like stretch once in a while.
Thanks for bringing up the subject, still looking for the right cruiser but the vstrom is a keeper for long trips and whatever riding... and the twisties.
Fast answer: because the average biker isn't over 6' and since their goal is to sell as many products as possible they just don't care about a few taller riders.
That's why I love my Himalayan so much! I had the seat foam rebuilt to raise it by an inch or so. I also liked the new Classic 350.
If I ever got to buy a triumph, I'd buy the tiger 900. I tried the Yamaha mt15 here in India, but seat height and no leg room are problems for me. I haven't ridden the Apache rr310, but looks like it could fit. I love the KTM Adventure 390 also.
That’s great! Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Great video 👍🏻
My brother in law bought a Harley 48 a few years ago and I felt in love with the look of that bike. I’m 6’2 (184 cm) and the 48 felt like a kids bike for me... the triumph bobber is a good alternative bike for taller riders compared to the 48.
Then I bought the Triumph Street Scrambler and it is a great bike and felt very comfortable. Now I’m riding not the biggest bikes but a 2022 Himalayan and a 2004 Sportster custom with wide bars.Both bikes are very comfy to ride!
Excellent 👌🏼
6'2 is 188 cm though
@@nr1pimme sorry, my fault
Great video and very good points made.
I'm 196cm (6'4" I think) and about 107kg and have started riding about 18 months ago. My current bike is a Honda CB125R which I like but it's obviously too small for me.
Started looking at my first big bike and I'm considering the BMW R NineT GS.
I also sat on a Harley Sportster S the other day just for laughs and was surprised at how comfortable it felt!
Still a couple of months until I'm able to test ride any but wondering if any of those two are on your plans at all?
Thanks buddy. R Nine T we reviewed a couple of years ago. Hopefully Sportster S sooner or later 👍🏼
In the early 1980's I owned a Laverda 1200 triple, Massimo Laverda was a tall guy at 6' 6" and he built motorcycles to suit his stature. Massimo used to test ride the Laverda models himself dressed in a suit and shoes racing around the Dolomite Mountains. The seat height on my Laverda was 33" from the ground, I'm not my any stretch of the imagination a tall guy at only 5' 8" with a 30" inside leg measurement, when I rode my Laverda I wore boots with 3" high Cuban heels. Friends asked me why I bought such a tall motorcycle, I replied because I wanted a Laverda and I could afford to buy it in cash. It was a fast and furious machine to ride, but it was very thirsty returning between 27 and 30 mpg from 4-star petrol. It's such a pity that we don't have a modern version of the legendary Laverda Jota being produced today.
Wow yes I haven’t heard that name mentioned for a while 👍🏼👍🏼
Interesting idea.... thanks for the Support.
Thanks buddy!
Love the channel, both the way the two of you review the bikes as well as the beautiful scenery!
Another great topic on this one.
I'm 6ft2, absolutely love Triumphs but it looks like I can only fit on the Tiger or the bigger Scrambler because of my 36 inseam.
Ah well, maybe one day they will adjust...
Thanks buddy.
The Scrambler XE still has a pretty bent up leg position unfortunately 👍🏼👍🏼
6'4 here with shoe size 16/17 (EU 50-51). If you don't want to make compromises, you will end up spending a lot of money the bigger you are. Thats just how it is. Taller bikes are usually more expensive. I have bought the Suzuki GSF1200S (used) as my first big motorcycle (was about or under 3000€). It was not "the best" for tall people, but It was the bike that gave me the least amount of pain while riding it and it felt comfortable for my height. Cruisers are "ok" but even there you have some issues. Had driven a Triumph Thunderbird Storm (2014) from my father. My right foot got extremely hot as i always touched the motor with my heels. Also when I turned the handlebar until full lock while driving slow, it touched my knee. Long story short from my personal experience: don't let yourself be told that you look ridiculous on a certain motorcycle. It is more important how YOU feel on a bike that fits your budget and your expectation. I certainly looked too tall on my motorcycle. But I felt good while riding it and had wonderful control in the twisties, which was more important for me at that time.
Good points there buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Good points. Comfort is important on a motorcycle.
I'm 6 ft 2, sat on a 2015 triumph speedmaster 865, found it really comfortable, loved the raked handlebars. I ended up going for a RE interceptor 650 instead, which I find nice and comfy, my knees tuck into the tank and don't stick up above like some other motorbikes I tried. I love your softail standard, but just couldn't afford that this time round.
👍🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Love your bike! Its so cool looking.👍😎
Thank you!
1.92 mts here! i fit really good on the KAWA KLR 650, Good straight position and i put them some raisers on the handlebar. i recommended for tall riders, saludos desde Buenos Aires!
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I love the vibe of ridding bike as a taller guy while stretching my arms and legs
Great video I’m 6ft 1 and I ride a Road King have a Lepara daddy long legs seat and 16 inch apes fits me like a glove.
Excellent! Thanks buddy
Africa twin is good for tall people. It is also easy to stand up and have a stretch or shift back and sit on the pillion seat for a few minutes
Great 💯👌🏼
Im 6'4 and I really badly want Fat Boy 114 or Breakout 117. But my legs is to long for those bikes and handlebars are to low for my knees. But I figure out that if I will move foot controls as far as posible forward and change to taller handlebar it can work for me, at least I really hope it will work :)
Interesting! During the pandemic I tried some 10-12 different bikes. The two most fun of those were the HD Softail STD and... the Honda Monkey!!! (I am way below 6 feet...).
This year, so far, it is the Meteor 350.
Yes interesting 👍🏼👍🏼
You’re way below 6 foot ? 🤦🏻♂️
How about some information for riders over 6 foot ???
6ft7 100kg kinda tall and thin with long legs on a Triumph Trident. First bike ever and the only comparison I have is the Z650 from the driving school which was extremely uncomfortable.
It's been one year on the trident and no regrets so far.
I've done long rides and my commute is quite long and I'd say it quite ok for me.
Yes i prefer the mid controls because they give you more control around corners etc.
Yes they’re good 👍🏼
I’m 6’1” and own both a 2019 HD Breakout and a 2022 Triumph R3 GT 221. I prefer bikes with low seat heights and forward controls. Tall seats make the bike feel top heavy to me. 😎
Yes we’re with you there 👍🏼
For example new naked bikes are very compact - there is a reason -in my opinion manufacturers are focused on Asian market which is bigger than EU or US, and people are not tall opposite to European or American people, also cost of materials - bigger bike - more material, more weight . Only left big cruisers or tourers for tall riders.
6’2” @ 85kg.
Bought a 2021 Triumph Speedmaster. Sooo much more comfy and I would say safer than other bikes I’ve riden, simply due to the fact the bike ‘fits’ me better, so all the controls and handling feels more intuitive
Excellent. The Speedmaster is definitely the most roomy of all the Bonneville’s and we love it too 💯
And there was me thinking us short arses had a hard ride…😬😊
Haha it’s hard for us too 👍🏼
I’m 6’3” tall and 245 lbs and I’ve got a Harley Davidson Road King Special. Bike is super comfy and fits me perfectly. Buddy of mine (same height/weight) was looking at Harleys and I suggested he test ride my model at the dealership. He called me after riding it and asked if I minded if he bought the same bike. I simply said “go for it but you better pick a different color!” Lol. Seriously, the Harley Davidson Road King Special is outstanding for the big & tall crowd. 😎👍🏻
Second that^🥂🍻🏁
My dream bike!! One day I hope 🤞
I have 2020 standard 6,4” 36 inseam, that bike fits me with a tallboy seat, fwd cntrls, i am also going to install an either harley tall mono shock or an aftermarket 13 inch shock, mustache bars are a good addition and i will be getting hwy pegs as well.
Kuryakyn switchblade pegs were another good addition on this bike to support larger feet and w the support out its like a platform which helps again w long legs.
i need your help with something in my country driving license for motorcycles is graded into 3 parts:
A2 is limited till 125 cc
A1 is limited till 500 cc
and normal A which is unlimited but has 2 requirments:
1. being 21 years old
2. having driving licence A1 for 1 year
I am 6.7 feet / 205 cm and i need a good motorcycle that will fit me well and will be till 500 cc can you guys give me some help with that?
A difficult problem! Most
Hi Darcy I like your motorcycles Reviews because you are giving good openion on the Performance of each Make of Motorcycle in Green Agriculture Fields Environment for a perfect and pleasant video
Thanks very much 👍🏼👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan it's my pleasure👍
6ft1 95kg here. I ride a T100 and people do say that the bike looks small with me on it. I feel very comfortable riding it, however. Other people need to raise the handlebar so they don't hunch over, but I don't. I usually sit a bit further back when riding solo around town to get my legs less bent but that's about it.
Ok thanks buddy that’s great 👍🏼
6'3" here and I left my Harleys behind for Triumph Scrambler XC 1200. I dont feel small on it at all. And I love the riding position after years in a recliner. :) Although some of the used Harley prices here in the states are getting so low i may have to pick up a Heritage or Road King and have occasional cruiser days.
This is a very helpful video at 6ft 6 i need all the bike advice i can get
👍🏼👍🏼
Interesting that you think the Royal Enfields are surprisingly good. I found the same. I walked up to the Meteor 350 (my first bike) and was worried it looked too small. Then I sat on it and found it surprisingly comfortable.
Yes they surprised us. Excellent 👍🏼👍🏼
I'm 6ft4 and squishy. Love my Royal Enfield Interceptor, it's definitely comfortable for me to ride. My Dad's Harley Sportster also feels very comfortable. I felt squished on the bikes I did my training on, like the CB650F and SV650.
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6'3" with 34" inseam. Desperately would love to buy the Royal Enfield 350 Classic. Does anyone have any suggestions that might make it just a little better for a taller old guy like myself? I'd appreciate any help at all.
6"1"-- Yamaha Raider fits perfectly. I bought an aftermarket seat for this bike. A Z1R seat, very comfortable to sit on but it put me an inch lower AND an inch forward. It did not say this in any description when I bought it. It makes a perfect fitting bike feel cramped after a while. I eventually went back to the stock seat.
I feel a lot of manufacturers of bikes and seats cater to the little people. What ticks me off is when shorties gripe and moan about a bike being too tall for them!
Dont get me started on compound bows and draw length!
I’m going to take the unpopular opinion and disagree on this one! While not every bike is super comfortable for especially tall riders (over 6 feet), it’s worse for especially short riders (say, under 5’4 - a similarish number of ppl to those over 6 feet). A tall rider can always hunch to fit on to a bike, short riders can’t stretch their legs to flatfoot (or even leaning tip toe!) an Africa Twin.
That said, almost every bike seems to be made for someone who is about 5’9 😂
Yea true 💯👍🏼
Thanks for these. As a tall 6'3 person I have such a hard time finding the right bike. The most bikes I love are unrideable
Yes it’s tricky 👍🏼
I'm 6'7 (2mtr) tall and looking to get back into riding again. haven't drove a bike in 20+ years, so thinking to get a starter bike again. What bike would you recommend for A)tall person and B) what starter bike?
Hello! Have you found a bike that suits you? I'm 203cm, around 150kg and searching for an affordable cruiser to start as well. It has been 10 months from your comment so I thouhj maybe you have found something :)
Agree on the Royal Enfield comment. I'm 6' 2" and ride an Interceptor; it's very comfortable for me. I look MASSIVE on it, but it's great fun and I don't care. :-)
Adventure bikes tend to be a good choice for us lanky folk too. Never tried a cruiser, but my wife REALLY wants me to buy one.
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I'm 6'3" and my height determines about 80% of what I look for in a bike. I need to fit on it. I'm on a Yamaha Tenere 700 now, which is amazing for my height, only wish it had 100hp haha. Obviously adventure bikes are good for taller riders. I love the bonneville look, and I've owned two, but they're a smidge to small like you said. The Street Scrambler is a good option though, and if I were to go back to a Triumph a Scrambler (900 or 1200) would be my choice.
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Im 6.4“ and I’m riding the BMW 1250 GSA.
It’s just perfect for me, but I’ll try out the Rocket 3 GT soon. I love the powerful look of that Triumph
Greets from Germany
Loved my KTM 390 Duke, felt like a boss on it. Until I caught my reflection in a shop window and realised I looked like a clown riding a minibike =)
That's what i ride at 6'2". For a beginner bike, it's the most comfortable I found for a tall rider
I find being lanky, 6ft 3 and built like a twig the VFR800 gen 6 seems to me a perfect fit l 👍
At 6’3, 16 stone ( yes I need to lose a bit!😁) , it’s always been a compromise.
I currently have an old GL1500 which I fit into perfectly from a comfort point of view but really, it’s just too bulky heavy and restrictive for me when riding, no good for smaller lanes, so I think it’s days are numbered.
I owned an ex chp police bike for a while, the kz1000p. Granted, an unusual bike, but the riding position was great.
It’s mostly about leg room for me and being able to move around a bit, especially as I’m of the age things are starting to ache a little more.
Some Harley’s look good for taller people but they’re beyond my pocket and I’m not really into them anyway.
Your review on the Enfield Himalayan was good and although I don’t feel quite ready for that yet, I reckon it’ll be well worth considering one day.
Enjoying the channel 🙂
Thanks buddy. Hopefully you’ll find something that suits 👍🏼👍🏼
Kawasaki cater for various size riders, three specific heights including 6' 1' and up. I'm 6'1' and 86 kg and am going to try out their Vulcan 650 cruiser.
I’ve got an Africa twin 2018 dct. It’s perfect for me who are 190 cm. A comfortable and versatile bike.
👍🏼👍🏼💯
I’m 6’ and a Bonne T120 fits me perfectly fine. This channel’s review of the 120 Black, in Wales,said the same and that bloke was 6’2”!
Great subject. I was really excited when the Softail Standard was released. A basic big twin, with no unneeded frills. Good value price too.
Went to the dealer and sat on one.
Instant disappointment.
I didn't fit. I am 6' tall, 32" inseam, 62 years old. I was ready to buy, dealer told me to change the seat, put on forward controls and see how it is.
He's correct. A seat for taller men and forward controls are the ticket. I'm 6'3" and I'm super comfortable on my '07 Road King.
The Standard is a lighter bike but has the same wheelbase so you should be fine.
Well that is interesting, I’m 6’1 and this bike feels absolutely perfect for me
At the start you talked about a big guy 'looking ridiculous' on a small bike so I thought I'd tell of such a thing that happened to me. Back in the early 70's when I was 17 I was 6'1" tall and weighed 18 stone, my best friend at that time was a tiny 5'5" tall and 7 stone and his bike was a Honda ST 50 mini/monkey bike. Well he was having a bit of trouble with the engine and I went round his house to help with the problem, after the bike was fixed I gave the ST a quick road test to make sure all was well and it began to run out of petrol so I dived into a handy petrol station to get enough petrol to get back to my mate. I didn't realise for a minute but people had seen me ride the tiny Honda into the forecourt (wearing my black leather jacket with BSA emblazoned across the back and with leather tassels, faded blue jeans, leather boots with white socks turned over the top of the boots and red Bell racing crash helmet) and were actively pointing in my direction and laughing, I put the petrol in and went to pay and the girl behind the counter was giggling so hard she couldn't serve me for half a minute, she said that I looked like an elephant on a pea the cheeky mare, others in the shop were also laughing and looking at me. This was obviously a bit of a change to the reaction that I normally got when I roared up on my usual mount which at that time was a BSA A65 Spitfire with open megaphones, happy days indeed when so much mirth could be spread about to other road users so easily!
Great story! 👍🏼👍🏼😁
@@MrDarcy-OlMan and completely true too!
I’m 6’9, 106kg & I’m looking for advice as I’m wanting to my CBT then DAS but being the height I am, I know motorbikes don’t exactly accommodate for the lanky riders. What would you recommend? Thanks in advance
Ultimately a customised bike perhaps. Harley Davidson are bigger than most, especially those with forward controls. Until then, most bikes are pretty small and made for 5’6-5’10
6ft 4 and my honda monkey is amazingly comfy! Benelli imperiale really nice. Had a street twin and I had bad back and knees so had to get rid. Amazing that the monkey is more comfy than the triumph!
Yes it’s surprisingly good! 👍🏼👍🏼
6’3” @ 250lbs here. I ride a Vstrom 1000 (2016) with a tall seat by Seat-Concepts (plus an additional 1” seat pad) and lower foot peg brackets installed along with an extended foot shift lever. Rox handlebar risers as well. Fits perfect!
Great to hear 👍🏼
6'2", 220LBS here
Speed Triple
Speed twin
Tiger 1200
Heritage Classic
All have fit me well
Pushing 50 now and I go for the Tiger 1200 for my commuter since I sold the Heritage and the Speed Triple.
The Speed Twin is perfect for short rides in my opinion. Bare necessities and nimble around town for me.
YMMV ;)
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I'm 6'5" and an endlessly frustrated with bikes being too small. Triumph are especially frustrating as I'd have a modern retro if they were modern in ergonomics. Even my old Triumph America at 8ft long lacked space. But it's all about the global market. Your average Brits and Americans are 5'9 for men, 5'3ish for women. Chinese are 5'6 and 5'2. Indians are 5'5 and 5'0. Though all these are growing taller - 18 year old Indian men are 5'8. Manufacturers are now thinking beyond European and North American men. The diverse audience they want to appeal to is (on average) so much shorter than lanky people like me with my Dutch genes. It can be done though. The Kawasaki z900RS isn't especially big, but in standard form it's as comfortable for me as a GS or my V-Strom with its tall seat. And Kawasaki offer a low seat for shorter riders. The other angle of the story for tall riders is getting gear for long arms, long legs, even long fingers. That's even harder than getting a bike that fits!
Yes very difficult! Also with our ridiculous laws on riding age and licences, fewer young people are getting into bikes so it’s probably a diminishing market (I haven’t researched the figures ( 👍🏼
I’m 6-2 and have a hard time finding a bike that fits . I currently ride a 2009 Kawasaki custom 900 Custom. Great fit with the extended controls. IT’s liquid cooled but just has a 5 speed gear box, the only downfall for me, otherwise I love the bike.
Most of the times a Supermoto style fits better to a taller person than a naked style. Harleys as you said are almost always good too. Trail motorcycles are also comfortable. But there is not much to chose from. Nowadays you have the Triumph Scrambler XE. Ducati Hypermotard. BMW S1000XR
Indian Motorcycles are good but not the scout which to a taller person is to small. The chief bobber might be good.
Yes good points. Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
6'6"(198cm) here. Ride a KLR 650. Yeah I want more power, features, style, etc... but for sheer cruising and hitting the open road, the KLR actually has potential.
#1 Raise the handlebars.
#2 Lower the footpegs.
#3 ???
#4 Yee-Haw!
I can actually stand and comfortably navigate off road as well.
I have the Kawasaki Z900 RS (the retro model) and have no problems at all, being 192 cm with 92 cm inseam and 88 kg. In driving school I had a Honda CB 650 R and it was too small for me. Suzuki V-Strom 650 on the other hand was fine when I rode it for a bit.
OK that’s good to know 👍🏼👍🏼
Agree about Z900RS ergos. very tall person friendly.
oh boy, MY FAVORITE BIKES!... I had 6 old 900 kawis n 1 was a full out drag bike with a 1325cc kit. Now I ride 200hp baggers but I still wana buy a new 900 because that was my favorite of ALL TIMES!..💖😎✌
Iam 6ft tall, but have had seat length issues in the past, all harleys should have seats available for new bikes in stick for short or tall riders, not buy the bike , then buy another suit, in the USA you get a choice pre purchase
It would be great when you buy a bike, the dealer would get you the right handlebars for your height and foot controls for your comfort as part of a price... At least handlebars 😃
Yes good point! 💯
6'4" and 12 stone with lanky legs here.
I have been riding a BMW GS650 (800 twin) for a few years, pretty good fit for me, but heavy.
I bought a 2009 Yamaha WR250R a while ago, that's a REALLY tall bike, when I got it the seat had been scooped out for a shorter guy; so I had it re-built with terrific memory foam filling. Unfortunately, I went a bit OTT with it and now even I can hardly get on the bloody thing! Will need to get it altered again before I can sell it, unless another giant wants it...
I have just today bought a Fantic Caballero 500 and ridden it about 100 miles home. It looks very small compared with the other two, but is actually surprisingly roomy. I am liking it a lot so far, lovely and lightweight, but still got some grunt.
3 bikes is totally unnecessary and too expensive for me, so the old two will be going soon.
👍🏼🙏😁
Standard mid controls on my Rebel 1100 were a no-go. Forward controls have been much better. I'm 6 foot one inch.
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I am 6'6 and the two bikes I love is the 650 v strom which was my second bike and 3rd bike the super tenere
I'm 6'7" and have 124,400,600,750 and 1000 sports bikes (I was younger, only 100kg) but nothing compares to speed triples for me. I currently have a 1050 and as long as I'm not in race leathers ( used to do trackdays) it's comfy. I just can't get on with feet forward position
I have to add the 955i speed triple was more comfortable than the 1050
Really! That must be cramped
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I've done big miles on them both. I have a knackered hip but only hurts on left hand knee down
I’m 6’8”. I bought a Triumph 765 Triple R for my first bike. I wanted something sporty but didn’t want the insurance price of a super-sport and I didn’t want the power of a liter bike. I’m very big on it. I’m taller off the seat than than the bike is from the ground. I didn’t fit on any of the recommended beginner bikes. So I opted for a bike that has a bit more power but road(eco) mode takes about 25% of the power away and gives me about 44mpg. Sport mode makes it an R6 with less top speed, for a practical compression. It’s a bit small for me but ergonomically it far more comfy than most. Also eyeballed sitting on a Yamaha SRX.
Hey, have you ever tried a cruiser that you found comfortable? I'm also 6'8 and trying to figure out what should I look for and what would my budget look like to start with
Indians come up the biggest then Harley Davidson's so definitely look at those 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank you so much, I appreciate all the content and information!
6ft 5 - 125kg. Doing my cbt on a 125 was a laugh i looked ridiculous.
Only 15% of the population are over 6ft so this affects everything. I dont fit in many cars.
Yes that’s true 👍🏼👍🏼
I'm 6'2, average leg length (32" inseam) so I'm all torso/neck/head (although I also have somewhat long femurs). I find adventure/scrambler type bikes are generally a good fit but the windscreens tend to dump a load of turbulence right in my face. I actually think the old big naked bikes (Bandit 1250, Honda CBF1000, Fazer 1000) with the nose fairing work quite well as they fit like an adventure bike but with a lower centre of gravity, their screens are also more raked back so they tend to dump air around collarbone level and my head itself is in relatively clean air. Shame we've done away with that class of bikes tbh. I've had a couple of quick goes on cruisers but the whole riding position feels alien to me and I like being positioned so I can put some weight onto my hands and feet to save my backside some stress every now and then. I'll never say never though!
I'm 6ft 2in and bought a Honda CB1100RS last week. I can forgive its 550 lbs bulk because it's the roomiest and most comfortable bike I've ever owned.
Excellent 👍🏼👍🏼
Great vid, I’m 6’1 and ride a xsr700 - first bike, comfortable and love it. But I do find myself looking at other bikes and the ergonomics really throw me off. I’d love a speed twin but I just don’t see it being comfortable long term. Great that you guys keep bringing this up and hopefully manufacturers will listen.
Thanks buddy! Hopefully one will take note!
XSR 700 indeed another good option for taller riders
6ft 2 249lbs (17.8stone) and I feel like a giant on most bikes. The only bike I’ve sat on that I didn’t feel massive on was the triumph scrambler XE 1200.
Cool 💪🏻 Have you tried a Harley?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I recently test rode the Harley fat Bob. I felt not too bad on that to be honest. The foot forward riding position was really nice.
Every time Harley has a user friendly bike for my 6'5" frame they discontinued it. Last model was the dyna Fatbob
I totally agree that as we get taller as a species, manufacturers should grow their design. Although I feel comfortable on most bikes today, I am at 6'3" a little too tall for some of the bikes I love so much.
If you've ever seen Clint Eastwood on a Triumph Tiger in the '67 film "Coogans Bluff" you'll see what too tall for the bike looks like. It's almost comical.
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i'm 6.9 and considering to get a license and start riding a motorcycle. is there any hope for me?!
I’m 6ft 3 .. In my opinion wheelbase is the key ..
short wheelbase and tall riders is not a great look.
I still like the super/hyper bikes for me it’s the Gen 3 Hayabusa.
Yes agreed 👍🏼👍🏼
6ft 7 here.. you don't know the struggle. I'm considering giving up motorcycles because I just can't find anything suitable for my size.
Himalayan with 35mm bar risers and bars pushed a fraction forwards too. I'm 6'3" and about 14 Stone, it's good.
Awesome. Did you try padding out the seat?
@@MrDarcy-OlMan no, I've left that standard. Take your point though, would probably add comfort and leg room. Just ride for pleasure really, and 1 hr is often enough 😁
@@roelvanes1711 I am 6'3" 34" leg. Got the Tall seat on the Himalayan after the first service, I can now ride much longer than an hour .
Manufacturers build bikes for average height, globally (9BN people) the average for for a male is 5'7, female 5'3.
Yes that’s the problem for taller folk 👍🏼👍🏼