Big & tall newbie question

[raylarrabee]

I'm totally new to riding and looking to get a GS.  The one real concern I have is my size.  I'm 6'6" and 220.  I'm worried that (1) the suspension will be overloaded with me on there; and (2) that the bike may not have enough power to safely ride on the highway.

I'm not too worried about physically fitting on the bike.  I've sat on a couple and I seem to fit on fine, somehow.

Any input would be greatly appreciated

[MarkusN]

The bike can handle that. Of course you'll be out-accelerated by scrawny kids on the same bike, but it is by all means nimble enough to brave the freeway.

Front suspension is the weak point anyway and you'll want to replace those springs (everybody does), but other than that, adjustment of preload is all it takes.

[pantablo]

the suspension is fine for you and your similarly sized friend riding 2-up. As MarkusN said, the bike is a 'budget' bike and as such has less than stellar suspension. I only weigh 120# and *I* had to upgrade it. Plan on spending $60 for progressive suspension fork springs and check out my site for a really easy installation procedure-anyone that can turn a wrench can do it. Rear shock is also easy to replace with a newer model Katana 600 rear shock-this is also a 20 minute easy install and is a direct bolt in replacement.

These things alone will transform the bike but even before they're done the bike will suit you well.

The bike *only* has 37hp at the wheel but that is going to be PLENTY to get you going much faster than traffic from stoplights and will carry you to 120mph if you want. It'll just take longer to get there than a bigger, more powerful bike...not a bad thing if this is your first.

Welcome to the forum and to morotcycling.  If you havent considered it yet please take the MSF course. Its well worth the time and money. ALso make sure you budget for good gear. Helmet, gloves, jacket, boots at a minimum.

Good luck!

[Zarathustra]

i myself am around 6'4'' 230, and everything works out fine for me.  granted, i put progressive springs in the front and a kat shock on the rear, but the power band for freeway is fine.  as pantablo said, i'd recomment upgrading the suspension for anyone, no matter of size.  it's fairly cheap to upgrade anyway, i found a kat rear shock on ebay for $10 when i got mine.

[raylarrabee]

Thanks for all the help!  I checked out the how-to on changing the springs and it looks pretty straight-forward.  I'm (hopefully) buying the bike this weekend through a post in the buy/sell forum (91 GS in Hanover).  He said it already has the chopped fender, shorter turn signals and replacement bars that so many people seem to put on.  Not sure if it has the progressive springs, or not.

As for the MSF, I really want to take it, but it is almost impossible to get into one around here--there's a year wait to sign up and almost always more walk-ons than openings.  I'm going to try to take it ASAP, but I have some friends and coworkers with a lot of experience, and they've agreed to help me learn the basics in the meantime.

I know it's no substitute for the MSF, but for now i looks like it will have to do.

Thanks, again!

[mwdbruno]

Welcome to the board Ray!
To add to the info you have already received, I'm 6'2" 215 and have frequently put passengers that are 5'10" 1958 and above on with no problems.  Yes, it is a bit slower, but not unsafe.  I also have the progressives and a Katana shock-which I'd highly recommend.  
Good luck!

[Zarathustra]

and have frequently put passengers that are 5'10" 1958 and above on with no problems.

you've got some big friends.  

[wasabi_peas]

As for the MSF, I really want to take it, but it is almost impossible to get into one around here--there's a year wait to sign up and almost always more walk-ons than openings.  I'm going to try to take it ASAP, but I have some friends and coworkers with a lot of experience, and they've agreed to help me learn the basics in the meantime.

Then I'd say it's worth your time to stand around the first day of classes and hope you're one of the walk-ons that gets an opening.  No offense to your friends, but the crash statistics are well represented in the "taught by friends" department.  The MSF instructors are first-class.

You might also try checking with the local Harley dealerships, as I believe they do a similar class.  You'll have to ride a Buell, though..... :mrgreen:

Also, you didn't mention gear so I'll throw out the standard recommendation to buy it and wear it for every ride.  That's probably a bigger challenge for  you than fitting the GS.  But again, worth the time.

Welcome to the board in particular and the GS in general!  Ride safe

[mwdbruno]

and have frequently put passengers that are 5'10" 1958 and above on with no problems.

you've got some big friends.  

damn fat fingers!   :lol: