There are a *lot* of forums to choose from and a first glance didn't reveal the kind I wanted, so I thought I'd ask here. We're in a really excellent area for motorcycles, so I'm hoping a couple people could pipe up with some opinions/answers.
I've got a female character, 6 feet, 6" tall in stocking feet, who I just realized (!) rides a motorcycle between Queen Creek and the ASU campus, plus other places. I spent about 15 minutes over on motorcycle.com and I've got a *lot* of terminology to learn and no time to learn it. Could you suggest a bike -- brand AND model, hopefully one that's about 3 years old, which she would likely be comfortable on? I'm looking for a full-fledged motorcycle. I think either a "standard" or a "cruiser", but *not* a "crotch rocket" or "sport bike" or "scooter".
I saw this review of the HD FXSTB Night Train, which has the sitting position I see her in when she's riding...and I'm thinking she loves this bike *because* it fits her tall frame. The author of the review didn't like the sitting position, but he doesn't say how tall he is -- and how much of that is leg!
I'm considering popping over to Harley Davidson on Country Club down by Bookman's either tomorrow or this weekend, depending on how a couple other things work out, so I'd *love* to have some responses by then. (But that doesn't mean I want only HD models!)
Thanks so much, East Valley!
Anne.
----------
http://blog.annekaelber.com
5,613 / 50,000
Nov 4, 2009 - 02 13
Hi Anne,
I had a Kawasaki Ninja 500 for 3 years until I got into an awful accident. I don't ride anymore but I still love motorcycles! I pulled up "motorcycles for tall people" on google and it gave me the Buell Ulysses and the Honda Shadow. I have been on a Shadow, it is a good bike for relatively new riders b/c it is affordable (about 8k new.) It is a big bike so it might be good for your heroine. If you go to the Harley dealer ask them where you can see a Shadow, they could have a used one on site. Good luck! Let me know if I can help you with any of the mechanics or terminology.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://motorcycleviews.com/pictures/...
Jen
41,080 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 19 12
Hi Anne,
Sorry I'm just now answering, but I was traveling the first two days of Nano and have been plalying catch up big time.
I ride quads at the dunes, but my brother (6'6") rode a Harley Softtail. I see a lot of them around and think a girl would look hot/great on it and it would be easy to ride. Google it and see if you if fits the bill.
----------~trying to create images with words~
'09 ScriptFrenzy winner
Author of Death of a Fisherman - a Play
Author of A Need for Speed - a Script
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MsScript
37,727 / 50,000
Nov 7, 2009 - 16 23
I know TONS about motorcycles, as I ride every single day, blog about them, etc. etc.
Harley's are for short people. If she likes having her knees by her ears, then she'll love it. I sat on a Night Train and felt very cramped (I'm 6'2"). A college kid could NOT afford a night train. She could afford a Sportster, maybe, but would be cramped.
Most people I know who commute don't ride Harley. That's not to say none, just not many. At 6 foot 6, she's going to like a:
Triumph Speed Triple. This is considered a "Streetfighter." I ride a Speed Four. It's a little sportier than the triple, but still a streetfighter. I have PLENTY of room. S3 riders all gush about how comfy they are for commuting and general riding. Modern Triumphs (since 1997-ish) are extremely reliable. Spendy to maintain if you don't do the work yourself.
Ducati Monster is another streetfighter. They are very comfy, even for us tall folks. Ducati's will break down in the garage overnight, though. Does she like working on bikes/have deep pockets?
Honda Goldwing. Commuting on this would suck, IMHO, but some people do. Does she want a car with 2 wheels? TONS of room for anyone. Also has a radio, hot tub, etc...
Yamaha V-Star- These are pretty, and have a lot of room. Cheap to maintain. Look like a harley.
Kawasaki Vulcans are all nice and roomy cruisers. Cheap to maintain. Look like a harley
Honda cruisers tend towards less leg room, in my experience.
Really, no sportbikes? OK.
She might like BMW - they're known for comfort.
She could get a Kawasaki KLR, which is a "dual-sport" (half dirtbike). These are GREAT for tall people, VERY cheap and easy to maintain. Honestly, if I was recommending a bike to a college kid (and they were dead set against a scooter), I'd recommend a KLR.
If you need MORE specifics, drop me a line. I won't shut up a motorcycles if you get me started...
----------"If you wish to be a writer, write." - Epictetus
Read my novel here: http://holyrollers-immortals.blogspot.com/