Young rider problems.

[Niall_farley]

Well guys the sv1000sz is going up for sale soon. It has served me over two years and 20,000 miles of faultless riding pleasure.

The problems start now. Not many places are keen to let a 27 year old out on their bikes for a extended test ride. Which is a massive pain in the backside as I have a few thoughts that maybe you guys can help me with.

So being young I feel I need to do the super sports bike and I really want to go that way as me and my friends ride with a fair bit of "spirit" but I am 6"2 and heavy set which I think will be a problem when I do the miles I like to do.

So I have also been querying a hayabusa or a zzr1400 but i want something that isn't going to be a slouch in the corners.

So this brings the whole extended test ride in.... I want to go out for a full day on a super sports to find out just how comfy I would be on a 300 mile day trip, or a blast down to Italy etc. Obviously I won't be as comfy as the sports tourers but it's more of a is it bearable question.

Then I also want to ride the sports tourers to see just how much comfier they are and if they can corner well....

Anyway.... Does anyone know of a simpler way of dealing with my conundrum and finding a bike to suit me for another 2-3 years

(Ps also considered a naked upright but nothing is taking my fancy right now)

[kaivalagi]

So is there no dealership willing to let you ride an assortment of bikes? Even for an hour at most?

Personally I think most bikes these days are no slouch in corners, I wouldn't get hung up on needing a super sports for that sort of thing. It sounds like you need to get some demo rides on other types of bikes before you'll know what is right for you though?

Being 6'2" have you tried any adventure style bikes out yet?

[Niall_farley]

There's one 50 miles or so away that will let me out for a "quick blast" but I want to be able to get a proper feel for a bike and it's comfort and how it rides in all aspects

I don't feel like I NEED one but I feel it's something I'll regret at least not owning one when I'm a bit older and I really dread getting on one.

Yeah my dad had a big DTM and it's a brilliant thing and mine feels like a toy after been on it. But I couldn't imagine been out with my mates on it.

[kaivalagi]

z1000sx? Good compromise of sports versus comfort maybe?

Sounds like you need your mates on bigger sports to let you ride theirs for an afternoon?

[DarrenSV650S]

Get your dad to arrange the test ride. Or see if you can hire one

[Niall_farley]

Yeah my mate lent me his zx12r for the day and that was a hoot to be honest. But I want something just a bit more modern. Facelift 'busa or 08-10 zx10r something along those lines.

That's a great idea Darren, just have to be careful I don't send it down the road which I can't imagine happening anyway I'll be going fairly steady. But I think that's the kind of answer I was looking for Darren :) seems obvious now you've said it aloud

[DJ123]

sounds odd your having issues at 27? Most mainline dealerships are happy with anyone over 25 round here, BMW & Triumph seem to actively encourage taking something out for a spin if you have the time!

[andrewsmith]

They're arsey buggers up here
Niall run up to Newcastle and leave Tilstons to it

sent with all the fury of a clogged drain!!

[SIII]

Nice K7 750 Gixxer in the sales section ;-), i'll let you test ride it :-)

[Niall_farley]

What's up Newcastle way Andrew? I'll come up yeah :)

As for tilstons I won't buy a bike from them regardless they are bell ends!

Haha I want a thou but thanks for the offer SIII

[ageing biker]

I had a 2000 busa for three years and I think it was one of the best bikes I have owned, comfortable to ride on a long journey , But, I am only 5'-5" short and you will probably find at your height it will be very cramped.

[Specialone]

Sports bikes aren't designed for six footers, I've felt cramped on any I've ridden /sat on, the big adventure bikes are surprisingly nimble in the corners, they certainly aren't slow, my explorer has 137hp and I can't believe anyone would need anymore power on our roads, it's like the starship enterprise in warp mode, one second you're in one place the next you're somewhere else with no memory of the bit in between.

The ktm 1190 or Ducati multistrada would embarrass a few sports bikes, that's for sure.

[Clarky]

You say young rider problems... im turning 24 in January and looking at 600 GSXR / 675 Daytona ...

Although garages down here are encouraging for a test ride =/

[ageing biker]

Your right about big adventure bikes, I have had trouble keeping with these especially on the twisties, if I was taller I would like to have one, loads of power and torque, only problem is carrying the step ladder.

[kaivalagi]

I'm 5'8" and riding a tiger explorer...had a KTM SM-T before that which was even taller, you don't have to be over 6 foot....

I agree that if I were 6'2" though I would be looking to demo ride some of the bigger adventure bikes, a KTM 1190 will fly (based on what I know from my old 990), a tiger explorer is a good balance between all aspects (comfort, mpg, power, handling) but I got mine mainly for mile munching, it's not great at any one thing but it's a nice ride for so many reasons....but I would say that :)

If you want a sports bike for big people go KTM adventure 1190 I'd say...atleast go and test ride these style bikes! They've been around for a few years now so S/H ones are about, plus if you're looking at the end of the season (i.e. now) you'll find good reductions on new bike prices and decent HP deals with all the extras thrown in etc...or if you can affort one the new BMW S1000XR would be right up your street I bet but after extras etc the price gets silly...

Go test ride some adventure bikes mate, you'd be surprised what you can do on one....you might well leave your mates in the distance going through the twisties

[Littlepeahead]

Mr LPH is 6'2 and has the KTM 990 Adventure and loves it. It's still got plenty of grunt with me on the back, although I'm only 8 stone. He has great fun chucking it around the twisty bends of Essex and beyond.

[andrewsmith]

What's up Newcastle way Andrew? I'll come up yeah :)

As for tilstons I won't buy a bike from them regardless they are bell ends!

Haha I want a thou but thanks for the offer SIII
M&S motorcycles, triumph and mv north east and Honda Newcastle

Or Ian bells yamaha at Bedlington

sent with all the fury of a clogged drain!!

[Niall_farley]

Cheers for the comments guys I might look into them as well then. Truth be told if I had the money I'd have a garage full of every style bike going!