Big Guy Wanting to buy a new motorcycle...which one?

Question

I am looking to buy a new motorcycle to commute to work and back. I am looking at about 70 miles roundtrip. The problem is is that I haven't ridden in 15 years. I am also 6'2" and about 290lbs. I am in the process of getting down to about 220lbs but I'm not there yet. Can anyone tell me what bike they suggest? I have considered a touring bike but I have never ridden one and don't know if I can afford one. I am leaning more towards a sport bike so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

If you are looking at a sporty but comfotable bike you should check out the Suzuki SV650S or the Ninja 650R or the Yamaha FZ6.  

They are all sport bikes with a more standard riding position with full/half fairings.

Answer 2

If gas mileage is your primary motivation you will get as good a mileage if not better from a Toyota Prius.  I know, I have both bikes and a Prius, the Prius gets better MPG.

Lets assume you still want the bike.  Don't buy new.  Find what you like by going to dealers, then shop around for a used bike.  Lots and lots of people buy a bike, discover for whatever reason it's not for them, then sell them for small $ to get them out of the garage.  Additionally, if it's your first bike - odds are you will drop it at some point - you won't be nearly as PO if it's used.

You see lots of used bikes, all makes and styles on Ebay with low mileage (less than 5,000 miles, many less than 1000) for much less than new.  If you can get your hands on a BMWOA magazine there are listings in the back of there for used BMW MCs that will save you a lot if your into a BMW.  Also check your local craigslist.

I'd suggest a used Honda VTX 1300 to start with.  Small money (relatively speaking), reliable, should be comfortable and easy to handle for a big guy.  Whatever you do, don't get a small bike - you will just waste your $.  I would put a HD Sportster in the small bike category.  You might find that sport touring bike (Honda ST1300, BMW R1200RT, Yamaha  FJR) is a good compromise.  

Being on the heavy side myself, my back would kill me if I rode a sport bike for a long distance.  You want to sit up straight.  Watch for dealers to offer demo ride days, then try a couple different ones and see what you like.  My local BMW dealer will let you take a bike for a 1/2 day ride if that is what it takes to make sure your comfortable.  Bottom line, he wants you to be happy.  http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/

Answer 3

A Primus cost 20k, my bike cost 6k.

My bike gets better MPG than the Primus

I ride 100 miles a day, 5 days a week.

even tho the 650 is a tad light for the highway. It does ok, and the 57-59 MPG is nice.

Being 6ft, Ive not found a sports bike I wasnt crammed onto.

The sport touring machines (Yamaha FJR, BMW TR1200R)

fit real nice, but have 12-14k price tags and get 45-48 MPG..

Below is what I ride

Answer 4

I ride a 1200 harley sportster and I'm 5'10" and about 280 and no problems just get extended forward controls .