[afunkymonk]

Hi all

First post asking for a bit of noob advice.

I went looking for my first bike here in Hong Kong after passing my test last week. The test here takes about 6 months to complete, with around 30 hours of training on a 125. There are steep hills, busy traffic conditions and not too many opportunities for “opening up”.

The most popular bikes here by far are 400cc standards with 4 in-line cylinder config eg Honda CB400 SF, Yamaha XJR400 – my favourite version at the moment is the retro styled Kawi ZRX 400 II.

I’m guessing that all of these bikes fit beginner profiles, but as I am 6’5″ and around 220lbs, I want to know if it is possible to adjust the foot controls as I feel a bit cramped when sat on these bikes.

The other option is to go with a 650 twin – I’ve looked at Kawis – W650 which felt good, but lots of chrome to scratch, and the ER-6N (OK) and Versys (felt right but a very big bike for a noob)

Any suggestions would be welcome for alternatives. I’m interested more in standard position street type bikes than cruisers or sports bikes.

Thanks

[eternal05]

Being a sport bike guy myself, I can’t give you suggestions, especially since the models available to you in Hong Kong might be different.

The one thing I will say, being 6’4″ myself, is that I had the same problem with foot positioning that you describe with a lot of bikes I tried out. Even the Ninja 250R I ended up with is too small for me. I can’t tell you what to get, but I can say that if it feels uncomfortable, especially if it gets in the way of you gripping the tank with your knees while shifting and braking, stay away.

[briderdt]

Don’t know much about specific models, but I know there are ways to modify the peg position for my particular bike (Suzuki SV650s), with “riser plates” that can be mounted upside down, or using pegs from a Buell (slightly modified to fit the Suzuki bracket) that lower the pegs about 1″. Also, just as you can buy different seats that lower the rider, I’m sure something could be done to raise the seat as well.

Of course, it all costs $$ above the purchase price of the bike.

[Author]

Posts