Back in the saddle again...

[David]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for advise. I'm a pretty big guy... 6'2" and 260ish pounds. I'm thinking about getting back into riding again after a dozen years without a bike. I have about a dozen years before that of using a bike as my 90 percent of the time vehicle. My last bike was a '96 VFR750 that I bought new.

I've decided to get back on two wheels again and am considering what I want to do with a $2000 to $3000 budget. My primary concern is fuel savings (min 50+mpg but the more the better), but I also want to have some fun in the twisties if I can. I'll primarily be using the bike as a short commuter, about 50-60 miles a week during the week. I will probably be picking up a second bike (sport touring most likely) in a year or two for more serious riding.

I've considered a scooter... but man... well you know.

Then I was thinking about a Ninja250, or something like it, but I'm concerned that I may be expecting too much from it in moving my weight around.

So I'd like opinions about the Ninja suitability, and suggestions on other rides I should consider. I haven't really taken anything for a spin yet since starting this train of thought.

Thanks,
-David

[VFR]

Hi Dave......

A ninja 250 will struggle carrying you..I've seen this, you don't want this..lol


http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3145853074.html

Starting point

Welcome

[big53lee]

i have a 2000 Yamaha R1 with 16k miles. runs like it too. its green, needs a lil work on tank. but low miles. im 6'4" 308lbs. so it will haul you! because of tank and whatnot, if you come up with $3800. its yours!

[big53lee]

[buzzardman36]

Well, Hayabusa's are out, but get yourself a late model zzr1200 or cbr 1100blackbird. I'm 6ft 5in 280lbs and my zzr12 looks completely size appropriate and with a 6 gal tank, I go 240 miles before refuel. It's not a popular bike so it's a bunch cheaper than other large liter bikes. Maybe a Bandit 1200 but it's still smaller in size vs. the zzr.

[norcolmille]

a liter bike - would be excellent for your size and weight. You need to also determine if you want to be on a full sportbike (you may be cramped as these are small )
-or perhaps a sport touring ( larger and more comfortable ) model
or even a new -bigger standard - 919, z1000, fz1 etc.

I advise test riding each of these types - and then finding a style you like and then one you like
And you can - in the fall -find a suitable model in that price range.

Let us know how we can help ....

[dhearkt]

there's a tire shop just east of fed on 70th ave on the north side of the street .. 1st shop
it's in fed heights/ westminster area with a zzr12 sitting out front ,i think he said it's an 03
, talked to him the other day and u put 3k in his face and he'll probably take it ..
he said his wife is divorcing him so he has to get rid of it .. could be bs but it was still out front today

[Bueller]

I love how no one actually read your post and starts pushing liter bikes
I am 220# and 6' and I have ridden and raced a ninja 250, it carried me fine and I have even ridden 2 up with my wife in the canyons. You wont be doing much passing but it will get you around. You can raise the rear of the Ninja250 by using Busa lowering links which are cheap and readily available on Ebay. Using the spacer kit sold for lowering the front (you don't actually want to lower the front though) will move the clipons up and open the riding position up for the taller person.
The 250 will do much better on fuel economy and run much better with some jetting adjustments.
The 250 is a very popular right now and getting hard to find at the prices they used to be available at.

[SirMikens]

Hi,

I would agree with the liter bike comments; but that may be out of the price range for you. If you look for a 600 of some type; I ride a 2008 Kawasaki ZZR 600 (basically a 200x era zx6 before it got fuel injected) because while it is a sport bike, it has a more upright riding position than say the newer ZX6 or CBR's. But I would suggest you just go get on one and see how it feels. I commute on the bike 52 miles per day round trip and am not tired when I get home from work. Good Luck.

[dirkterrell]

One of the 500 twins might also be worth looking at but I don't have any personal experience with them. If you could find one, an old 500 Interceptor would fit your constraints and they are an absolute blast to ride. Good commuter bike, light, 50+ mpg, and being a V4, it has that nice flat torque curve giving you good pull down low and good power up top. And you'd be hard pressed to find a bike that is more fun in the twisties.

[kawasakirob]

What about an "older" YZF1000? Not talking about an R1, and I believe it's called the Thundercat. Great bike! Nice tourer and capable of carrying your large frame comfortably... With all your gear. Best part of all is you can find great examples in your price range. Nice fuel economy and pretty good to look at. They are awesome bikes... but just a little older.

[David]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I have an agreement with a seller to purchase his bike, probably before the weekend. Here's a link to his add http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3143506784.html

My next problem is that for some reason, since riding it, I have a smile on my face all of the time now... I'm told that I am scaring the kids. MUAHAHAH

-David

[Ghosty]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I have an agreement with a seller to purchase his bike, probably before the weekend. Here's a link to his add http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3143506784.html

My next problem is that for some reason, since riding it, I have a smile on my face all of the time now... I'm told that I am scaring the kids. MUAHAHAH

-David

Congrats, I had a red '98 too! You will love it, no disappointments. And has the low-mid range torque that is plenty to haul your weight. I probably weighed around 250 back then, it didn't flinch. And it handles just fine up in the mountains. Riding position is more comfortable than a full-on sportbike, allowing for hours of riding without fatique that I remember.

Unfortunately I don't remember the MPG, but I'm sure it isn't much worse than a liter rocket. The motor SOUNDS MEAN, good growl, especially with my 2Bros exhaust. Honda reliability & longevity of course.

I actually miss that bike, and wouldn't hesititate getting a new VFR if I was in the market for a sport-touring that is sportier looking than most sport-touring bikes, imo. I'd just get white this time, heh.

[dirkterrell]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. I have an agreement with a seller to purchase his bike, probably before the weekend. Here's a link to his add http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/3143506784.html

Well, I would have suggested a 5th gen VFR but it won't do 50-60 mpg commuting unless you really pamper the throttle. But it's a good choice. Have fun with it.

[VFR]

You my friend are a Genius....lol

Long live the VFR

It will do everything you want and more and yes my 5th Gen makes me smile like nothing else also.

[VFR]

Only issue I see with that one in the add is they removed the passenger pegs to accommodate the high mount exhaust...Looks good though

[David]

He has all of the original parts still, I'll be putting the orig exhaust and pegs back on, at least for a few months to give friends and family rides in the beginning, but I can see it going back to this config over the winter. I really couldn't be more pleased with the decision.

Getting on the bike was like coming home again after being overseas for the first time. That is the best way I can put it.

[David]

Well, I would have suggested a 5th gen VFR but it won't do 50-60 mpg commuting unless you really pamper the throttle. But it's a good choice. Have fun with it.

The fuel economy really was something I wanted, but the more I was looking at saving a few bucks on the front end and scrimping a few bucks a week in gas savings... the more I felt "Screw it, have some fun Dave"

[dirkterrell]

The fuel economy really was something I wanted, but the more I was looking at saving a few bucks on the front end and scrimping a few bucks a week in gas savings... the more I felt "Screw it, have some fun Dave"

I like that way of thinking. The VFR will treat you well. If it doesn't have one, you probably ought to put a little computer fan on the regulator/rectifier to help keep it cool. R/R failures are the only real issues I've seen with the 5th gens.

[asp_125]

Cool! Another Viffer!

[norcolmille]

And you are being logical - get comfortable with this bike as a single - and then you can look to carry passengers safely

Enjoy the VFR... a great all around bike and BOTY many times

[VFR]

VFR Ride? That could be loud and fun!

[kawasakirob]

Enjoy!

[David]

So I ended up picking her up today. She's all legal and raring to go.

Now I just have to work on automating my kitchen pass...