Please recommend a low powered (250) street bike for rider 6'1" 215 pounds. I want to be comfortable on it.

Question

I intend to use the motorcycle on lesser traveled roads riding at no more than 55 m.p.h. Slow is good. A bike a little larger than a 250 would be OK if that would be necessary for me to not to feel cramped on a ride of up to 6 hours. Please recommend specific used bikes in price range $2,000 - $3,000. Thanks

Answer 1

You arent gonna find anything in that price range new.

Youre way too big for a 250cc bike. At your size, Id go with a cruiser at at least 750cc. The Ninja 500 isnt that much larger than the 250. I just got a Honda Shadow 1100 for $3300 used...

Besides, who said you had to open the thottle all the way? I know a guy who owns a Yamaha R1 and I dont think it has ever been into sixth gear, he is such a wuss.

Answer 2

6 hours is a long ride even on a 750cc bike. I am 6' and 200 lb. I ride a 1550cc Road King and fit very comfortable. Even on a 2,100 mile run in 3 days. The price range you are looking for will be a problem, unless you know how to restore a very bad used one.

Answer 3

Consider a dual-sport like the link below.  I'm 6'1" 190 pounds and a 250cc is plenty comfortable for me - the seat height is taller than other types of bikes.  The riding position is high so you can see in traffic, they're easy to maneuver, and they're a blast to ride around town and especially on trails.  I've traveled 100+ miles on one without trouble.  You can probably find one used at a good price, and they still look cool beat-up.

Answer 4

At 215 pounds you'll be really cramped on a 250. Your height and weight lead me to think you'll need at least 500cc to get comfortable. Check around and you'll find a bunch of bikes in that price range.