What bike for a new big guy?

cHk4

cHk4

cHk4

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21 Jun 2005
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Well I need to get transportation pretty quick so looking at learning how to ride a bike.

I'm a big dude 6 foot 3 and my weight varies from 20-24 stone ( depending on summer/winter ) and I'm looking at a bike for no more than £5k I guess, something I can do on finance. My local shop is a Infinity in North Camp but before I go down I wanted to get a bit of info on what would be good for me, I will mainly be doing 10 miles a day and possibly further depending on if I get a new job or not.

Hope I've covered everything.

Thanks.
 
What about a Honda Transalp?

Easily under 5k if you buy 2nd hand and you should have enough change for your Direct Access. Its a good tame bike for a newbie, spacious and goes when you want it to. Rock solid reliable too.

Look out for full service history, low mileage. Watch for corrosion on the wheel spokes, up under the exhaust, check for wear on chain and sprocket and make sure it starts first time from cold.
 
Just go down and look around see what you like, take a seat and see if you like the feel of it. for 10 miles a day you dont really need anything special.
 
The only real way is to go and sit on them. When I was looking for a bike I loved the look of some but the riding position just didn't "feel" right.
 
Ok so I'm not going to kill any bike I sit on that's good!

Thanks guys :) The Honda Transalp does look nice though!
 
Yer the Transalp is... well... its OK.

You're not going to be burning off any Lamborghini's on the Motorway, and the ladies wont be turning their heads as you ride past, nor will you blow away the traffic with a booming zorst note, but you will have a nice comfy machine, a good first bike that's solid and reliable and will keep its value if you look after it for when you decide to upgrade.
 
A bloke i know whos been riding for 15 years or more bought a transalp brand new last year. He really likes it, and ive never heard him say its a beginner bike but then again he did pick it over a Tiger 800XC....
 
bakes0310 said:
he did pick it over a Tiger 800XC....
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He did whaaaa? :confused: (triumph-head here ;) ) If you can afford it, buy the damned Trumpet you fool! ;) You wont get one of those for less than 5k though.

I didn't really say beginners, but it is a good FIRST bike if there is a difference. Its power delivery is strong but very linear so its quite predictable and good to handle for a first big bike...
 
So my understanding is I can get any bike so long as it's restricted to 125cc ( 33bhp ) or am I reading that wrong?
 
Yes that's right, but why? If you just wanna do your CBT then go ahead, good luck!

I would STRONGLY recommend doing your DAS (Direct Access) its a great eye opener and really worth the effort and as I say for 5k you could do your DAS, get a 2nd hand Translap and you are good to go.

[edit] if your fixed on just your CBT, you could look at the Honda XL Varadero which is a 125 and should be fine for your weight.

Just wanna reiterate again that the DAS may well save your bacon one day - the CBT is so basic, its almost not worth the effort! ;)
 
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cHk4 said:
So my understanding is I can get any bike so long as it's restricted to 125cc ( 33bhp ) or am I reading that wrong?
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On just a cbt all you can get is a 125cc bike <15hp if you are under 21 (and over 17) you can take you a2 restricted licence which lets you have any engine size as long as it is restricted to 33hp ( after 2 years of holding the licence you can have full power) and if you are over 21 you can do a direct access which is the same test as the the restricted just can have full power

As with the bike I would say have a look at er6's ( not biased or anything) you can pick a good 09/10 example up for 3.5k leaving plenty for gear and tests the bike it's self is brilliant I am 6'4 and fit perfectally the engine has enought power not to much that you get into trouble with though. :)
 
Couple of the lads on the bike meet came on V-Stroms & they looked well big enough for me & I'm 6ft 5.
This is the first one I found, Only got 7k up it,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2010-SUZU..._Motorcycles&hash=item3cc3dd5980#ht_500wt_949
DL 650 with ABS
heated grips
2 ignition keys
2 top box keys
2 side box keys
2 alarm fobs
documentation for throttle reduction
documentation for alarm fitment
That one is currently fitted with a restrictor but that can be easily removed.
 
I'm 6'1" and about 22st. My experiences might help you a little.

Bikes I've owned:
Africa Twin - Brilliantly sized, took my weight well, and also managed a pillion.
Kawasaki ZZR1100 - Low, but comfortable. I can't hunch over the tank (belly gets in the way) but this doesn't detract from riding it. Possibly problematic if you are long in the leg.
Honda Transalp - Like the Africa Twin but less able to deal with me plus a pillion.
Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom (DL650 is identical) - Brilliant. Well sized and more civilised than the Africa Twin. Coped with two of us very well. Probably the most suitable bike in this thread so far. (the 1000 offers no significant benefit over the 650)
GPZ500S - forget it!
 
Thanks for everyone that has posted, much appreciated.

Looking at doing the direct access, roughly how much should I be looking at spending on doing that? Have seen the CBT for £90 including bike hire etc.

Been looking and see you can get deals like this one ( £99 deposit etc ) on something like http://www.portmanmotorcycles.co.uk/kawasaki-news-article.aspx?itemid=20921
Would it be worth doing something like that? Or would a bike like that not support my weight? Again I've got nothing set in stone but looking around at finance deals etc it seems I can easily get fireblades and ninjas on a good finance plan so was just wondering.

I understand it's my first bike and what not so I'm just genuinely asking as a sports type bike may not be the best first bike.
 
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Again all i can say is go and sit on one if possible. But the nice thing about most bikes is that the rear shock may be adjustable so they should easily support you. If not a few hundred £ on upgrades should do you right if that.

Also your first bike, just remember that you will probably end up dropping it so maybe something less faired and shiny might be a good idea. Maybe something along the lines of an ER6-N ect?
 
SamPazz said:
Again all i can say is go and sit on one if possible. But the nice thing about most bikes is that the rear shock may be adjustable so they should easily support you. If not a few hundred £ on upgrades should do you right if that.

Also your first bike, just remember that you will probably end up dropping it so maybe something less faired and shiny might be a good idea. Maybe something along the lines of an ER6-N ect?
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Yea, I'll hopefully be going to my local infinity cycles this weekend or next to get an idea and to get the ball rolling.

That is some sound advice, I didn't think about dropping the bike etc so thanks once again :)
 
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