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.
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.
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 :)
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 !!
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.👍💯
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
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
@@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 .
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.
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
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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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. 😎👍🏻
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 6’1” 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. 😎
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.
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!..💖😎✌
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.
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!
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.
@@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.
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
It should be no surprise to anyone that most larger people don't fit/like sports bikes. Sports bikes are race replicas and that means they're based on machines designed to do a job, win races, not to stick luggage on and tour the country. Just look at the top SB/MotoGP riders, they're well under 6' and relatively lightly built. I've been around 110kg for the last 30 years or so and at 6'3" did find sports bikes a bit cramped and uncomfortable on long rides but I forgave them that for the buzz I got from riding them. Nowadays I want (NEED!)😂 more comfort and my ZZR with raised bars is as radical as I can live with and my Street Scrambler is an armchair by comparison. I think its a case of deciding what you want the bike for and if you must have the cutting edge dynamic performance of the latest lightweight sports missile you'll put up with the compromises. Some small looking bikes can be surprisingly roomy and comfortable and vice versa. Personally, I'm not that bothered what I look like on a bike but each to his own of course.
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.
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!
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.
I’m 6’2” 95kg and my 1999 Yamaha XJR1300 is a good fit for me. Bonevilles, Thruxtons, Ducati monsters, Suzuki Boulevards, Kawasaki Vulcan, Kawasaki 900S, Honda CB1100 and Honda Hornets all felt or looked too small for me.
Suzuki boulevards and Vulcan are pretty huge. I’m 6’3 and they fit me perfectly, but it depends on the cc’s. The Yamaha road star and dragster are pretty large as well.
All good points. However , simple truth is that adventure bikes can fit tall people even better AND their riding positions are a lot more comfortable for long rides. You will cover more distance, at higher speed and in more comfort and protection on a BMW GS than a soft tail. But you have to accept the looks…
I’m 6ft 1 and regretting getting a cbr600rr very uncomfortable for me. My hip always cramp after 2 hours. I came from a crf250l and let’s just say I miss my 250l. I’ll be going back to supermoto. And I might pick up a Harley for a cruiser.
Very informative video. For me (6'2 and a bit) here's my list of roomy comfortable bikes I've actually owned that might help somebody . Harley Wide Glide (2010). Harley Road King (2015) Honda Africa Twin (2017) Yamaha XJR1300 (2008) Victory Judge (2017) Suzuki 1250 Bandit (2010) Harley XR1200 (2009) Triumph Scrambler (2016) Some of the bikes that felt cramped later on ( a short time after buying them) Honda CB1300 (2006) Kawasaki ZRX1200 (2005) Harley Fatboy (2013) Triumph Tbird 900 (1999) Harley Sportster 1200 100 year anniversary (2003) I'll probably sell up and buy another Wide Glide with the 103 motor.
I’m 6’6” and ride a 2014 Kawasaki Z1000 naked bike. Fits fine, clip ons are what I can’t ride but the z1000 has straight bars and better location for foot pegs
I'm 6ft 5 and about 130kgs I'm a new rider and I ride a cb500x I honestly don't feel too big for that bike at all, bare in mind I haven't gone on any long rides yet.
@@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 😁
I’m 6’3” - of all the sub £5k bikes that I’ve been lucky enough to own these are the best fits = moto guzzi Stelvio, Kawasaki versys 650, Honda xrv750 Africa twin. Less roomy but ok = Yamaha bulldog bt1100, Enfield bullet, triumph t bird sport and Honda magna….
Best bikes for very tall riders say 6'3 + are adventure bikes, but if you want a road bike get a BMW, I'm 6'ft tall and I have shopped around a bit and I sat on a R1200/1250 RS and they felt big even for me.
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.
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.
I'm 6'3, all Legs and Arms. I resemble a giraffe straddling a 2yo childs balance bike when I'm seated on any motorbike. There are ways to adjust certain bikes for some sort of comfort, however, manufacturers need to have a few options for lanky or generally LaRgE riders...please
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 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!
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.
Consider people of the same height don’t necessarily have it similarly proportioned, upper versus lower body. I’m 6‘5“ (age 74), and yes indeed I simply can’t fit comfortably on many bikes. Fortunately, I’m not a long legged (pants inseam 34 inches).The bike that works for me and I own is a royal Enfield Himalayan. But this required me toI modify the seat with A replacement seat foam body, product from seat concepts in the USA, which brings the seat up about 2 inches and doesn’t cause me to slide forward as with the stock seat. I added handlebar risers from Hitchcock motorcycles in the UK, to give me a list of about 1 inch for the handlebars. I’m quite comfortable on the bike now.
I am 6’3 and ride a xsr 700 It has a high seat and my leg angle isn‘t that bad (but i will customize the seat) At my height it fits really good and i also could be a bit taller It fits waay better than the mt07
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.
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!
At 6'5", I have felt the same as you and the Ol' Man for all my riding life of 64 years. First bike was a '49 Harley FL 74ci bought used in 1958 for $400 that felt very comfy for my size. Later bikes were Honda and BSA which honestly I must have looked like a large clown on a small bike. Then Honda CB750 which was much better, but only because I was still young and didn't mind the somewhat bent leg riding position. The last bike I bought (and still have) is a '99 HD Electraglide, mostly because it was large enough to feel like I belonged on it. Now, approaching 80 years old, I need to get something lighter and still have good touring ability, but have enough room for my long legs and big feet. Frankly, none of the new bikes are within my cost limit and have way too much googaw tech anyway. So, I don't know what I might find, but the pickings are very slim for a big guy. I'm actually thinking about building a custom bike from scrap parts just so I could have a low cost bike that fit me. I'm no Alan Millyard, so not sure how that would turn out anyway. Love your channel. Thanks
At 6'5" and nearly 80, how about a Tri Glide ? I'm a Harley Davidson man through and through so when I can't hold my Road King up, I'm going the Trike route.
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!
I'm 6'2" tall and ride a roadking it has plenty of room for me. 3 other bikes I've ridden with plenty of room for tall riders. 1978 honda goldwing 1994 dyna wide glide 2003 heritage springer
I’m 6ft6, 255 I ride an 89 shadow 1100 with forward controls and while I will say sure the controls could be about 2 to 3 inches farther forward however it is a super comfortable ride even for multiple hours at a time. I don’t feel cramped on the bike at all. Only thing I had to change the factory seat I replaced mine with a Mustang
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 😂
I'm 6'7" 380 lbs and my blackbird and Hayabusa were decent buty hands couldn't handle the position anymore so I had to give them up. Now I'm researching for my next
Ktm and their other branded adventure bikes 690 and above all good for tall riders. BMW GS range and triumph scrambler and adventure bikes good too. RE 350 classic is great for me at 6 2”. I haven’t got my head around the Harley thing yet but at 61 now perhaps it’s time for a cruiser. I’m finished with super sports and big capacity adventure bikes. My ideal garage is probably my RE 350 a KTM 690 enduro and a 1970’s T140, BSA A65 or not so old Harley..
I’m 6ft 2 and 20 odd stone. I have a Triumph Bonneville (2004), Triumph America (2004), Honda ST1100 (2000) and…… Honda Super Cub ! (2021). I’m mega comfy on all of my bikes in different ways, and I find generally that both Honda and Triumph seem to make their non sports bikes with generous dimensions. The Bonneville particularly is a perfect example of a mid size bike that can cater for all heights and ages with its great geometry. Funnily enough, I’m always a little disappointed when I sit on some newer Harley Davidsons, except for maybe Road Kings and Glides, as I find myself a bit on the cramped side with my knees often well above the tank.
I had to make a decision between getting a 2022 suzuki hayabusa(and I test rode one here in Virginia) and then I went up to Dulles(Virginia) and test rode a 2022 Triumph Rocket 3R. And, let me tell you. It's like night and day difference. Yes; the hayabusa is faster off the line and yes it's at least 40 mph faster than the Rocket 3R. But, less than 1% of ALL motorcycle riders will be doing over 140 mph on a daily basis anyway, so what difference would it make. And, it just so happens that with a 'stock Rocket 3R' it max "electronically neutered regulated" speed is around 140 mph..haha...But what makes the Rocket 3R way superior to the Hayabusa is that you can go not only fast all day long, with ZERO stress on the engine, but you can go for hundreds upon hundreds of miles(if you are like me at 6'3" tall in height) in a single day and have ZERO lower back pain or issues and virtually no pain from sitting on the seat. There's NO way you can ride the 'high peg position' of the hayabusa for anymore than a couple of hours before either your knees or your lower back starts having issues(no matter what kind of physical shape you're in). Plus, the torque of the Rocket 3R is massively superior to the hayabusa. And, finally, from my own personal experience; every time I have ridden with friends who are either riding the hayabusa or even the ducati diavel, 9 times out of 10 I will get 'head turns' and even while at stop lights or even light slow traffic people are coming up to me to ask me questions or staring at my Rocket 3R like zombies...lol...because they've simply NEVER seen such a design on a massive motorcycle !!😁
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.
Simple , less material less cost , most companies make bikes for people like 5'4" to 5'9" that's world average for female and male . So tall people like us are out of luck , our only option is just cruisers like Harley or Indian or some company makes bike at lower budget if someone is on budget
I appreciate you guys trying to talk some sense into Triumph, although they're in denial about the Bonnie range. Out of all those versions they make, they could make at least one basic slightly enlarged one for us tall folks (6'4" here). As for Harleys, I love them, but the ones I can fit on I can't afford, and the ones I can afford, I can't fit on. 🥲
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.
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.
It’s true younger people are getting taller - looking at national statistics 30% of young men in the UK are over 6’ - but I think it’s oldies that are buying Harleys. Average height for Europeans appears to be 5’ 10”, and may go up in a few generations. I am riding about on a 2017 Multistrada Enduro, which I think the designers must all been well over 6’ the newer version of the bike, they have been dropped a couple of inches back down for Mr Average.
Rocket 3 for me since 2005. I'm 188 cm 6'2" so i can definitely relate to what you say. I had the good fortune to have a ride of another person's Indian Challenger and the comfort for taller rider was amazing. It's like a motorised arm chair, that handles well ! My next bike will either be the Indian Pursuit or Challenger or maybe one of the new Triumph Rocket 3 🇦🇺
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 🙂
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.
I'm 6'1" with long limbs, and I've had to adjust the swing arms and suspension on every bike I've ever owned. I don't have Harley money, so I have to settle for modified UJMs and standards, which I prefer anyway.
6ft7, Africa Twin & Ducati Desert. But; needed to custom change them as well. Looking out for an Indian in future. More asphalt comes in my life these days.
