How do I determine what size motorcycle will give me the power I need, but still be easy to manuever/hold up?
Henry D asked:
I am a fairly large man weighing 250 lbs and standing 6 feet tall. I’ve always heard that it’s dangerous to buy a motorcycle that doesn’t have enough power for your body weight, but I also know that too much power can get away from under you fairly quickly. Oh, this would also be my first road bike. I had a dirt bike when I was a teenager, but that was years ago. So I know how to drive some, but I don’t have any road experience. I’d like to hear from some experienced riders if possible.
I am a fairly large man weighing 250 lbs and standing 6 feet tall. I’ve always heard that it’s dangerous to buy a motorcycle that doesn’t have enough power for your body weight, but I also know that too much power can get away from under you fairly quickly. Oh, this would also be my first road bike. I had a dirt bike when I was a teenager, but that was years ago. So I know how to drive some, but I don’t have any road experience. I’d like to hear from some experienced riders if possible.
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I am six feet 220 I ride a suzuki 800 cc. it hauls my butt right on down the road, very powerful. 2005 suzuki s-50 montana
That’s easy. Visit your local motorcycle dealer and try them all out. I’m sure you’ll find one that fits you. Good luck dude. Ray
it depends on your weight /strenght andand how much power you can handle shop arround and get what you think you can handle then lern with that get back at me right now at arturooneman
manuerverability is nothing to do with weight, it is to do with frame geometry.
I am 145 lb 6′3″ and I throw around a 588lb bike plus pillion. and I do it easily. I scrape pegs, pillions boots and very occasionally my elbow (if i’m a little too aggressive and forget to tuck it in), I slide the bike into corners no problems at all. It just requires a good understanding of the physics of riding. I’m flat out bench pressing 80 lb.
Naked bikes (not choppers, road bikes like honda hornet or bmw r1150r, bmw k1200r, ducati monster) all have wide bars, short wheel base, low centre of gravity, upright riding style. This all gives you maximum agility. These bikes will beat any sports bike throught the mountain ranges.
As for power. Again, this has nothing to do with engine size. There are 250cc bikes that will flog a 1400cc bike. Again naked bikes have a more sensible gear range, that makes them a lot more comfortable and fun to ride compared to a sports bike.
Test ride the above 4 bikes plus a susuki GS500. This will give you a good idea of the broad spectrum of price and power available in the naked market. These bikes are also cheaper to insure, repair and maintain than sports bikes mofuonamotorcycle
First don’t worry about the weight of the bike. The only time you will be holding that much weight is if you have to pick it up. As for the size of the motor, its more about gearing than CC’s. Best bet would be to shop around sit a few bikes find one in the 600 to 1200 cc range. I would recommend you buy an older cheaper bike to begin with as you have not rode much in the last while. This will enable you to get the feel of a road bike and won’t hurt the pocket as bad if it would go down. Then next year or the year after buy a newer bike if you desire. dreamwever4u2
Most modern motorcycles of 600cc and larger have the power you need to carry your weight. It just depends on what you want to do with the bike once you get it. What kind of riding do you want to do? Are you looking to save gasoline on a daily commute to work, or do you want to go carve canyons on the weekend? Are you the kind of “Biker” who just wants to wear black leather to show up at the local pub and look cool, or do you really want to roll up some miles?
Spend some time browsing the motorcycle manufacturer’s web sites and reading motorcycle magazines (the ones with photos of real production motorcycles and no semi-naked women) and find a couple of bikes that seem to fit your budget and the style you want to ride. Then go out and check out these bikes at your local dealer.
Since it’s been a long time since you’ve been on a motorcycle, you may also benefit from taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riders course. It’ll help you to remember how to do it the right (safe) way.
Good luck and ride safe! JetDoc
I prefer motorcycles with a low center of gravity. Easier to get off kick stand and easier to maneuver in tight places. Suzuki’s and Kawasaki’s are traditionally low center of gravity machines. I’ve found Honda’s, Ymaha’s, and harley’s to be little top heavy. You’re a big man so you need a physically large bike so you won’t look so goofy on it. Check wheelbases and overall lengths before you buy. For example a Suzuki C50 with it’s 805cc motor is physically larger than most Harley-Davidson’s. Check it out and you’ll see. Tom H