What's up fellas (and ladies)? Well as you can tell by my post count, I'm new to the board. So a little background info. I've ridden dirt bikes and quads since about age 12 and occassionally have driven my father's street bikes. Hes rode since he was about 14 and is now about 58. When I was younger I used to ride with him but quickly outgrew that. Now I'm currently 6'4. I'm tall and lanky. heh. In the past I had rode his bikes such as his Honda Shadow 1100, and his Harley FXSTS. I qouldn't qualify myself as a novice rider, but as far as street goes, I guess I would be. I've finally made the decision to buy my first street bike. I love the 636. I find the ride height quite comfortable compared to some of the other 600s. My problem is will it be comfortable on rides/trips? Looking for any tall riders input here. Thanks for the help!

 

hey welcome to the forum. glad to see you enjoy your 636. i love mine. i've taken my bike a long trips and it's great. but i know you want input from tall guys. sorry i'm 5-7... but i thought i would give it to you anyway... so send some pics when you have a chance... enjoy your stay here at KF....

 

Welcome to the forums! Sorry can't help you on the info you're looking for (I'm only 5'4" and drive a 500 ). When I took my MSF class, there was a really tall guy there, he wasn't sure what to get for a first bike so he asked the instructors for some suggestions, they all suggested a sport touring bike if he was planning on doing long trips.

 

Yeah, I can't help on the tall part either, but I love my ZZR1200 for cruising...more 'stretched out' in the footpegs and bars so distances aren't a problem, but tons of power for playing as well. Definitely not as nimble as a 600, though, although they make the ZZR600 too. My bike's in the gallery if you're not familiar with it...

Mad, dude.....forgot again!!

Gear up and ride safe!!

 

I'm a shorty, but I love the Kaw, and this forum. Welcome to our house!

 

I'm 6'2, and I ended up buying an 05 ZZR600. It's a much more relaxed riding position than on the 636. It's also a carb'd bike, but I personally don't care. At times I can be a little cramped on long highway stretches, but if you're taking the "scenic" route, it's not a problem.

No matter what sportbike you get, you'll have to learn good riding technique, i.e. use your legs to squeeze the tank and support your weight with your back, not your hands! If you put too much weight on the bars, you'll cramp your wrists in no time. For longer road trips, get a good tank bag that you can stuff with T-shirts so that you can relax and get your weight off your wrists and back.

At your size, you will definately want to go to your local bike shop and try them all on for size. If they won't let you test-ride the new bikes, see if they have a used 00-02 ZX6R, it's the same bike (save a few cosmetic changes) as the 05-06 ZZR600. That way you'll get a good feel for it. If you're doing really long rides, remember to have someone else hold the bike for you and tuck in tight, you'll want to get your head out of the wind for those long rides. A double-bubble windscreen would also help... so I've heard (it's on my shopping list).

Whatever you get... CONGRATULATIONS!