Tall Bike Rider - Motorcycle Forums at Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine Motorcycle Cruiser
Newsletter Facebook Click here to find out more!

Tall Bike Rider

  
User Name:
Password:
Join FREE Now!
Forgot Password?
Forgot User Name?
Remember Me
Get Adobe Flash player
Home | Active Posts | Search | Register | Terms | FAQs
Rss
Item Posts    Sort Order

Tall Bike Rider

 
cipherblue cipherblue
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 01/08
Posted: 01/09/08
10:52 PM

Hello this may seem like a silly question but i have been having a hard time any where on the internet finding tips to Customize my bike for a larger rider. I'm 6'3" and Drive a Suzuki M50 Boulevard. I was just curious mainly about two separate items. but really any tips to help the bike fit my body style would be greatly appreciated.
One what can i do about bringing my feet forward in order to help bring my Knee down further from the top of my gas tank. as it stand right now my Knee just barely stops below this point and i would like to bring it down further.
the second question is if i buy a new exhaust system for my bike will i need to have a power commander placed on the bike? it is Fuel injected i wouldn't mind putting slip on it but from my understanding you cannot put slip on on a Fuel injected bike? thank you for you time and help.  

 
Skipster Skipster
New User | Posts: 17 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 01/10/08
10:02 AM

I am also a tall ride (6'4") and had a lot of problems with my Yamaha 2003 V-Star 1100 Classic when I first purchased it.  I knew I had a height problem when I was taking the Motorcycle Safety Course using my own bike, and could not do the figure 8 exercise.  When I would make the turn, I would hit the handlebars on my knee, maxing out the turning radius, and failing the exercise.  I went over my options with my mechanic, and realized I could do several things.

1.  Forward controls:  You can buy forward control packages to move the pegs and gear/brake mechanisms forward 2"-4", which will greatly effect your ride.  

2.  There are adapter packages if you have floor boards, where you can move the floorboard forward by 2"-4" depending on which one you buy. This comes as a steel bar with the correct holes cut so you can move the entire assembly forward.  If you have a little technical know-how, this can be done in about two hours, just follow the directions.

3.  Buy higher handlebars.  Go with some Ape-hangers, or get some new risers to lift the handlebars to a more comfortable level.  Beachcomers make look good, but not suggested for tall riders.

4. Cheap alternative to buying handlebars.  Have a mechanic rotate your handlebars up to your perfect riding position, and then shift all the mechanics located on the handlebars to their correct position.  This will give you a more comfortable riding position, and a low cost alternative to your height problem.  

I have had by V-Star 1100 for 4 years now, and have no plans to upgrade to a larger bike. With a little work, you can make your bike comfortable for the long ride as well.

Have a great ride!

Skip
ride2rally
ride2rally.com  

 
swift770 swift770
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 01/08
Posted: 01/19/08
04:07 AM

I'm 6'5" and I ride a Honda Sabre.  There are several things I suggest.

1). A different seat can move your butt further or closer to the floor controls.  It's not much, but it can make a difference.  Talk to Mustang or Saddleman about it.  Or modify your own seat.  To modify your stock seat, you can use an upholstry shop or do it yourself.  I used denser foam than stock, shaved the back and raised the middle part of the seat, and it moved me back an inch.  That's an inch from both handlebars and foot controls. It took about five hours (but i've never done this before) and cost i think $20-30 for medical grade high density foam.

2). Extend your forward controls.  I've got my eyes on a 6" extension.  Look around.

3).  Adjust your handlebars...not difficult, just loosen them, twist them to a better position, and tighten them down.  Then you can loosen, adjust, and re-tighten your controls.

4).  New handlebars... T-bars and drag bars are nice for the long of arm because they have less pullback.  

 
schooner1520 schooner1520
New User | Posts: 11 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 01/20/08
08:51 PM

The Boulevard is great bike, it does have a frame that seems more suited for a rider a little shorter in stature. maby you should consider the cost of customizing it compared to trading it for a bike that may be more suitable for a taller rider....
Its one thing if you can purchase the parts and do the work yourself but I get the feeling that you will probably need to pay the dealer for the entire customizing job..
I would at least compare the cost ...talk to a reputable dealer in your area  that can recomend a bike that accomodates taller riders better..compare the cost of customizing to that and go from there...I guess if you really like the M50 that much you could probably justify the cost no matter what  but ther are a few very nice bikes out there that may do you better...  

 
c_verm c_verm
New User | Posts: 2 | Joined: 02/08
Posted: 02/08/08
09:50 PM

Any help from fellow riders would be greatly appreciated!!

Im 6.4 tall, 245lbs, im looking for my first bike. I want a clean looking bike which I will fit in comfortably. AT the moment I like the looks of the 2002 Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500, or a 2003 honday VTX 1300cc. Can anyone tell me if they are a type of bike I should be looking at? or should I look at different models?

I sat on the 2002 Mean Streak today and it felt good, but I didnt get to ride it, nor have I ever riden a real motorcycle before so I dont know what a comfortable position would be for cruising with my buddy who puts 200 - 500ml a weekend.

What power of bike and what model will fit us tall guys? HELP  

 
scruffy scruffy
User | Posts: 221 | Joined: 01/08
Posted: 02/11/08
11:28 PM

HI; I have a C50T. Yes you will have to get a processor if you install new exhaust system. You might try to remove the baffles first. Is cheeper and the fuel system will adjust to it. Also get a K&N air filter.
  There are a lot of aftermarket crash bars and foot pegs that may work for extending your legs. You may think about a new style seat. There Take a look at WWW. Volusia.com this is a Suzuki site for  Volusia / Boulevard's. This site is very help full in repairing and finding stuff for these bikes. You will be able to find forward controls, crach bars, floor boards or new foot pegs.I have purchased things that some of the members on the site have made and have been very happy with their products. Cheeper than out of the cataloges just as good quality or better.
   If you can do the work yourself you will save alot of *** I have removed the baffels loud  installed  K&N air filter. Installed more lites LED,s and std bulbs. Replaced front and rear tires. Installed crash bar , driving lites ,fog lites, a backrest for ME This was the best thing I have done yet. I  have saved hundreds of $$$ by doing all the work myself. I hope this helps...scruffy..  

 
Dalejo Dalejo
New User | Posts: 6 | Joined: 07/08
Posted: 07/14/08
09:51 PM

Lots of good advice already posted here.  I had similar difficulty with my C50.  A few things I did to make the riding position more comfortable were to add handlebar risers, short ones I think only 2.5" to 3", worked well with the stock cables, purchased on Ebay for about $35 I installed myself with ease was one of the best improvements. A Mustang seat provided a little more leg room.  I also added highway pegs to a crash bar to stretch out a bit on the highway.  
Have fun customizing your M50, and ride it safely.

BTW, When I traded my C50 after about two years I got most all of my investment back.  Who says Harleys are the only bikes that hold their value?