Need advice from the motorcycle crowd. I’m looking to get my first motorcycle. I plan on visiting a couple of shops soon but I thought it would not hurt to ask here. I’m 6’2” and 300lbs, I was 382lbs so I’m working on getting it down. What make/model would suit my build? I don’t anticipate riding on the freeway/expressway, just country rodes here near me. Price range around $12,000 or so. Thank you.

Do you have prior riding experience?

What type of bike? Sport/naked/cruiser/ADV etc? I'm a big boy at 6'3" 240 but was previously around 300. Something I've found to be a fact of life with bikes being a big dude is that you will most likely need to have the springs swapped for your weight depending on the bike. Especially if you are a beginner rider (across the board period though) having a bike set up for you is crucial

For a first bike I would probably pick a naked bike. They don’t have all the expensive bodywork so a minor tip over won’t cost you thousands of dollars. They also tend to have a more upright seating position which is more comfortable than more of a sport bike seating position that has you more leaned forward with more weight on your hands.


I wish a could be more helpful with specific makes and models but I have been out of the scene for too long to be able to give specific help.

My rides are all BMW. Something I think you must ride before deciding on any bike is a BMW R1200GS. Comparing to a Harley, this is powerful, smooth running and quiet. It is also a comfortable all day ride. The “1200” part is the CC’s. They made smaller models, both 1150 and 1100. They also make a larger model - 1300. Avoid the 1100 - they had some problems.
Prices used range from $4k to $9k. These bikes can do 100k miles and keep going. One with 20k miles is just broken in. My GS was bought used for $3,500 with under 20k miles. Good running condition.

Short version: take the MSF course and at the end of day #1 or #2 ask your instructor for a recommendation

Longer version: I got into motorcycling almost 6 years ago at age 46. Previously, the closest I had come to riding a motorcycle was I had a moped as a teenager.

My first time sitting on a motorcycle was at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. I would strongly encourage the OP to do the same. The instructor was a retired CHP officer who rode a motorcycle for them and was an excellent instructor.

During the afternoon break on Day 1, I asked the instructor's opinion and he recommended a bike I hadn't considered as it was a little larger than I had been looking at (e.g. Honda Rebel 500). The recommendation was based on my size/strength/skill as well as how well the bike steered/rode. It was a Honda Shadow, and I found a used one in mint condition that had been garage kept one with only 1100 miles on it. It ended up being a great first bike that rode for 2 years. I upgraded to a mid size cruiser, an Indian Scout, and have been riding that the last 4 years.

I second tatortodd's recommendation to take a Motorcycle Safety Course before doing anything else. It's a great course not only for beginners, but for riders of all ages and experience.

My MSF experience was mandatory if I wanted to be able to ride a motorcycle on base. I was dismissive of it at first because I had been riding for years and figured it was just another service hoop to jump through. I couldn't have been more wrong as I learned a lot in those two days and I was a much better rider afterwards in knowledge and skill.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Do you have prior riding experience?

No

quote:

Originally posted by Andyb:
What type of bike? Sport/naked/cruiser/ADV etc? I'm a big boy at 6'3" 240 but was previously around 300. Something I've found to be a fact of life with bikes being a big dude is that you will most likely need to have the springs swapped for your weight depending on the bike. Especially if you are a beginner rider (across the board period though) having a bike set up for you is crucial

Cruiser, not sure what a naked bike is, I’ll look it up.

For your height and weight I would look at a Harley, Indian or BMW R1250GSA which all provide decent leg room for your height. I wouldn't look at the full size HD or Indian because both weigh close to 1000 lbs which is to heavy for a new rider. The BMW GS or GSA is an adventure bike with a tall suspension and weighs in between 560-590 lbs so the weigh is manageable. The Honda Africa Twin is an adventure bike and another good choice as a starter bike in my opinion. The BMW and the Honda are not to fast and not to heavy so make good starter bikes for someone with your build.

Take the motorcycle safety course before you buy anything. The MSF is the number one best thing any rider can do before they buy a motorcycle and start riding.

Buy a used bike so your initial investment doesn't break the bank plus when you drop the bike you won't feel as bad scratching it up. Another reason to buy used is a lot of riders buy a bike and then figure out they really don't want a motorcycle so with a used bike your price of entry is less than if you bought a new bike.

BMW R1250GSA
https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com...1250gsadventure.html

Something like this from HD might fit you
https://www.cosmosindian.com/d...r=xPreOwnedInventory

Something from Indian
https://www.cosmosindian.com/d...r=xPreOwnedInventory

Lots and lots of choices for a beginner bike but do your homework, visit several dealerships, sit on a few bikes to see what best fits your body and take the "MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURS"

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
Short version: take the MSF course and at the end of day #1 or #2 ask your instructor for a recommendation

Longer version: I got into motorcycling almost 6 years ago at age 46. Previously, the closest I had come to riding a motorcycle was I had a moped as a teenager.

My first time sitting on a motorcycle was at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. I would strongly encourage the OP to do the same. The instructor was a retired CHP officer who rode a motorcycle for them and was an excellent instructor.

During the afternoon break on Day 1, I asked the instructor's opinion and he recommended a bike I hadn't considered as it was a little larger than I had been looking at (e.g. Honda Rebel 500). The recommendation was based on my size/strength/skill as well as how well the bike steered/rode. It was a Honda Shadow, and I found a used one in mint condition that had been garage kept one with only 1100 miles on it. It ended up being a great first bike that rode for 2 years. I upgraded to a mid size cruiser, an Indian Scout, and have been riding that the last 4 years.

I will be doing the rider course.

It all depends on what is comfortable for you. Some big guys like cruisers as they keep your center of gravity low and let you stretch out your legs. I'm 6'2" 220+lbs and once rented a Suzuki V-Strom on vacation and really liked how tall it was. It's considered a adventure touring bike and does ok on dirt/gravel but is not really an off road bike.

When I took a motorcycle safety course in 2012, if you used their motorcycles, they were 250cc. That might be a challenge for you.

I grew up riding dirt bikes but never had a street bike until about 15 years ago and it was a cruiser. I hated having my feet so far forward of my center of gravity. Good luck trying to stand up on your pegs to brace for a pothole or something!

I find the upright riding style where the foot pegs are directly beneath you, something like you'll see on the BMW suggested above, much more comfortable and enjoyable.

As others have suggested, definitely take the MSC.

JP

This message has been edited. Last edited by: jprebb,

The only thing I would add to the excellent advice so far is think very hard about a cruiser.

In 50+ years of riding I never found one I was comfortable on. The feet-forward hunched over posture raised merry hell with my back and hips.

I'm going to recommend that you buy a very used, smaller bike. Something that, when you sit on it, both feet are flat on the ground with your knees slightly bent, and in the 500 to 750 cc range. You want it to feel a little small and light.

The safety course is great and everyone I've ever taught to ride had to take the course as part of the deal for me to teach them, but it only covers the basics and doesn’t make you a rider. Starting out with a smaller bike will allow you to develop riding skills without having to work at learning to control a whole lot of bike at the same time. This will also give you some experience to help you figure out what you like and don’t like in a bike. It will also be easier for you to pick it up when it falls over, because as a new rider, you will forget to put your foot down at a stop or forget to put down the kickstand when you get off of it or something else similarly silly.

Ride that for 6 - 12 months and trust me, you will know when you’re ready to move up to a bigger bike and get the one you want for the longer term. You can recoup the cost of the first bike by selling it or using it a trade in.

I’m 5’11” 280 lbs. and ride a BMW R1250GS. I’ve been riding since 1982.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND AN ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE like mine.

They have a high center of gravity and are taller when compared to a cruiser. I’m still getting used to it after a year and 2k miles.

I will also echo Tator Todd. I'm a prior MSF Instructor who is in the process of getting recertified now. It's a really good program.

Most programs usually have a range of MC types. Crusiers, Dual Sport, Standards. When I got into bikes in 1996-7, Harleys were the rage. To the point there were waiting lists. I ended up on a mid size Japanese cruiser. While it was fun, it wasn't the right bike for me and what I wanted to do.
So, you need to do an honest evaluation on how you think you will utilize the bike. You mention cruising around in the country. To me that means secondary roads including potentially some gravel. Standards and Dual Sport/Adventure type bikes excel there.

I moved from the cruiser to a sport touring rig and then to a BMW GS. I came to love the GS.

I was out of the scene from 2014 to 2024 due to life circumstances. When I reentered last June I initially looked at BMW GS's again. Then had friends from the GS community recommend that I look at the Yamaha Super Tenere. I ended up finding a 2014 with 25,000 miles that was loaded up with aftermarket items and ready to go to Alaska if you wanted. $7,200 which is roughly half the cost of a similar GS. The thing is flawless and I frankly prefer the much larger dealer network. (another item to consider if you ever take extended road trips)
Bottom line, try to hone in on a style of bike and narrow your search from there. I started out wanting a cruiser and now detest it when I have to ride one for a demo because I'm really not a fan of the seating position.

Harley RoadKing, some of the big Yamaha cruiser bikes are good for big guys. You can get a real nice used Roadking within your budget.
Check with the local Harley dealers in your area, some offer riding classes.

quote:

I started out wanting a cruiser and now detest it when I have to ride one for a demo because I'm really not a fan of the seating position.

That's what I'm worried about...
Considering a used Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic cruiser which can be found pretty cheap these days.