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Body size for the vstrom??

3K views 28 replies 20 participants last post by  Webb 
#1 ·
Hey guys and gals, new to the forums. Name is Jim. I currently ride a couple harleys but would like to get a dual sport/adventure bike. Im just curious and want to get opinions to see if I may be to big for the vstrom. I dont want to look like a clown riding a tricycle if you know what I mean. I am 6'6 tall and about 350lbs. I sat on a strom at the dealer and felt comfortable but Im kind of worried I may look funny on it or that my weight may be a issue for the bike. I am looking to get a 1000cc or bigger bike. Are there any other big and tall guys that ride these?

:confused:
 
#2 ·
The DL650 and the 2002-2012 DL1000 have the same frame. Plug in the models you are interested in along with your body size at Motorcycle Ergonomics to see how you'll fit.
 
#3 ·
Manufacturers make motorcycles to sell them. They HAVE to make them, so that they fit the average adult male (men buy the vast majority of motorcycles). You are well outside the average height and weight of the typical adult male, so you will have to make compromises.

That being said, adventure touring motorcycles fit above average height and weight riders (these bikes are tall, and have a lot of grunt). By modifying them (tall seat, drop pegs), they can be reasonably comfortable for a rider your size.

I would stick to a litre-bike (DL1000, 1200GS, Super Tenere, KTM 1190,...) for your weight however.
 
#4 ·
#11 ·
I am 6'5 and weigh more than I like to admit. I have had issues finding the right fit of a bike for myself. I had a Buell Ulysses, and found the ergos great but the bike was just not a match for me. The 650 definitely has the power to move my body. It also fits my frame. I have the tall seat on it and I really like the room it provides. I also have adjustable foot pegs but have kept the stock height. Bar risers help as well. Ride it and see how it feels... It is a great versatile bike that will do everything pretty well.
 
#12 ·
Buy a BOLT. Swap your usual riding gear for a red nose, funny wig and big shoes.
That's a small bike. I' 6" 240lbs (small by comparison) But adventure tourers generally are the best fit.
 
#13 ·
I'm 6'5" and on the DL650 my legs reach the ground very very well. I lowered the pegs. I have no idea how short people ride this bike. They must be on tip toes. And I cannot imagine a bike for taller people than this one. Is there a bike for taller men?
 
#15 ·
I'm 6'5" and on the DL650 my legs reach the ground very very well. I lowered the pegs. I have no idea how short people ride this bike. They must be on tip toes.
I'm 5'7", 150 lbs (down from 215) and had to have it lowered. I'm not tip toed on it now but my heels are still off the ground. I've dropped it twice at a stop due to not being about to get a footing. But if I want a modest adventure bike I have no choice as they are all pretty tall.

One good thing, the bike hauls azz with my weight on it!!
 
#16 ·
Hey guys and gals, new to the forums. Name is Jim. I currently ride a couple harleys but would like to get a dual sport/adventure bike.
Warning... I had two harleys when I bought my Strom thinking it would be a fun bike to ride occasionally. I sold both harleys within nine months.
 
#18 ·
First order of owning a Vstrom - you don't care what other people think! Im kind of worried I may look funny :smile2:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
 
#19 · (Edited)
Wick, there are several things you can to to make the bike better fit you. Taller seat. Raising links for the rear suspension. foot peg lowering kit. Handlebar risers. Taller windscreen. Springs that suit your loaded riding weight. If you're not doing a lot of superslab riding, going down a tooth on the front sprocket gives the bike more grunt--moves the mph up the horsepower curve a bit. The 650 will be OK. The 1000 will be better. There are several problems with the '02-'13 1000, but all can be fixed without a huge investment (mainly Power Commander, modified clutch basket, and for your weight, consider upgraded brakes.
 
#20 ·
If you get risers i suggest ROX not only do they raize the bars but you can move them forward and backwards. Also for lowering pegs they definitely help. AS for us height challenged! i lowered the front and back of my strom 3/4" and i use work boots to ride for 2 reasons 1. they have thick soles. 2. they still protect my ankles. Unless someone knows of a boot that may help?
 
#29 ·
sorry to disappoint all of you that think you are big your not, your just above average. I'm 6'10" around 350lbs. I ride my 07 1000 comfortably and am told by people I ride with that the bike fits me. never have any problem bottoming the suspension or lacking power when I get on it. The bike will do anything you want to do on it. For more proof I bought the bike off my brother who bought it new, he is 6'8" near 500lbs and has rode the bike just as hard as I do. he has on rode 2 up when someone else has bike trouble and needed a ride home. The bike can handle big men.
 
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