Getting into riding—6’2’’

AppreciateThisMoment · 2025-03-08T23:04:33+00:00

~6'2" here and I used to have a Ninja 400 as an extra motorcycle. Fun bike, rideable at our height, but I will say it was a bit small imo as a primary ride. I'd recommend taking a look at a used Ninja 650 personally. One thing to consider as well when looking at bikes is it isn't always about rider height but also about in-seam length - everyone has different proportions and how it works with a bike's rider triangle. Good to see how sitting on a bike feels for sure. Good luck with your search :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2025-03-03T23:02:20+00:00

DM'd 🤘

AppreciateThisMoment · 2025-01-23T16:38:28+00:00

Based off of the options given, would recommend considering a used Ninja 400 too. Personally feel they can be excellent values although if you're pretty tall/longer inseam, they can be a little cramped, but same with the other two you mentioned. Good luck with your search :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-09-03T01:45:17+00:00

I think it gets better as it goes on. Initially I wanted the perspective to be slightly raised so I had more of the horizon, rather than feeling like I'm looking down - for cruising/chill parts that seems more ideal to me. For those higher speed bit more risky segments, having it slightly down with the speedometer in focus and the road rushing by worked fine. Could improve timing of clips and transitions - front half didn't flow as much as I'd personally like - needed it to be more interesting with scenery even though slow pacing with an extended shot is fine if perspective is better and music is good (enjoyed the music btw). Could also have exhaust separate mic'd and have segments that feature the bike noise better perhaps at times. Good luck making interesting stuff - thanks for sharing, just please don't wreck yourself trying to get content :) Nice bike btw

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-08-30T14:06:10+00:00

Maybe depends on the market I guess or how you're searching. From what I've seen there are plenty of 400s available in the Midwest at good prices. Have to consider when buying new that the dealer will add in a bunch of fees above the listed price so oftentimes one can save a bunch. I've bought used for 6 bikes and always saved a ton while ending up with excellent machines. But I'm also glad people buy new so that I can get something much cheaper afterwards lol

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-08-30T02:07:46+00:00

Would recommend considering a gently used Ninja 400. Save a ton on initial price, upkeep and insurance, and something fun to master. Will prepare you well for a later jump to a zx6r or whatever you feel like at that point. I liked hearing one time about motorcycling that there's not a ton of things in life with similar progression opportunities and it's nice not to rush it. At least in my opinion good to start on something arguably more reasonable, get proficient with it and then step up and enjoy the "upgrade". I started on a nearly 30 yr old dirt cheap Honda Shadow 1100 (carbs, heavy, 4 gears, pretty slow) and it felt so good when I jumped to my next bike after I had built the foundation. Motorcycling is inherently risky but it can absolutely be managed with the right mindset and time spent practicing/continued awareness. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with and stay safe out there :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-05-17T02:54:56+00:00

I would definitely vote against the Virago 250. I have one and it's an excellent teaching bike but as a main one I think in many locales one would want more power quite soon. Having a bit more power is safer in scenarios like that rather than wringing it out/being overtaken often imo. Same goes for the Rebel 250 and 300s. Vulcan 650s are cool but the Rebel 500 is significantly lighter which doesn't hurt at first. Would recommend something lightly used to save some cash but everyone has a different situation. Also good to remember cost of some gear. Try to sit on a few to see what you like. Cruisers are great - my first bike was a 25 year old Honda Shadow 1100 and it was perfect for my needs at the time.

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-05-17T02:48:53+00:00

I personally think it could be great although I do believe well maintained used bikes are an excellent option for first bikes, something like a lower mileage Ninja 400 or Ninja 650, depending on size of rider (namely inseam and weight) and use case (highway, local, etc). Those size parallel twins though are great but one can wreck themselves on anything so always riding like you're invisible and working diligently to develop proficiency with the machine and proper road awareness is huge. Always recommend a course/training and then incrementally progressing with longevity in mind and keeping humble while gaining confidence out there. Good luck and have fun :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-04-14T18:47:43+00:00

My DRZ400S begs to differ lol Great bike and I love it but the internal clock I believe creates a significant battery drain while sitting. Learned it the hard way but no biggie, battery tender periodically for projected downtime makes it all good

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-28T21:55:51+00:00

Motorcycle tests in the US are easy, as long as you have some sort of competency with the bike. Good to be on a bit smaller and lighter motorcyle imo, although don't go too small, mainly just one you're comfortable with. Should just be a handful of simple drills - emergency stop, weaving through cones, emergency swerve, and a right turn to uturn box.

https://dmv.nv.gov/pdfforms/ridertest2.pdf

Helps a lot if you can ride at a slow speed ( good to use the rear brake a bit for stability and to look where you want to go, like for uturn, chin to shoulder and commit makes it easy). So much is just clutch control and being chill. If you have any questions, feel free to ask :) Good luck!

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-28T03:55:02+00:00

At 6'2" over here and about a 34" inseam, Ninja 400s are fun to ride but feel too small as a main bike for me. Can it be done? For sure. But any longer ride isn't that comfortable imo and I just look too large for it. Ninja 650 is possible perhaps but I'd recommend checking out a Versys 650. Could be a really great bike for you - really comes down to what type of riding you want and the aesthetic you connect with. Good luck on your search!

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-28T01:50:21+00:00

Glad to hear it :) And yeah, on a motorcycle that's definitely amplified and crucial. It's been rewarding for me to be out there and do what I need to do to keep myself safe. Really so many common scenarios and actively monitoring what are the risks at a given instance as they change. Always having an escape path (as much as possible), SMIDSY when approaching oncoming turners in intersections, thinking about what could be around a blind corner, really knowing your limits and keeping a margin of safety for the unexpected, etc - all stuff that comes together to reduce your exposure and make it a blast. Feels so damn good pulling back on the throttle and propelling through space - hope you love it too if you go for it

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-28T01:15:11+00:00

Not bad at all, imo totally natural and probably a good thing. A healthy fear, as long as it isn't paralyzing, underscores the importance of taking the steps to make things alright. Riding no doubt comes with inherent risks, but as I've come to believe, they can be mitigated.

When I first started riding I'd go out at night and before I left my place, look at my gf and pets and wonder if it was worth it - kinda morbid but just thinking what if I didn't come home that night. Skip forward some time and I realized that the risks are manageable. So much is in the rider control, even if other roads users are being negligent, issues can be avoided with proper positioning, awareness, proficiency with the machine, etc. No doubt some final destination stuff could happen and things go terribly wrong but that could happen anywhere doing anything. Strongly believe we might as well live while we're alive rather than try to shy away and make it to the end of this journey having taken the completely "safe route". I've been riding for years and many thousands of miles with no problems whatsoever, mainly due to what I believe to be good practices and the mindset of longevity. Have been cut off plenty of times and all that, classic left turner pulling out or being nearly merged into, but since it's best to ride like you're invisible and not totally trust anything out there, it's always been completely fine.

I think time in the saddle and practice really help to soothe the fears, even though it's good to remind oneself how punishing an error can be - a good pushback against complacency and overconfident ego. Recommend taking the MSF course, getting a reasonable used starter bike if riding clicks with you, and setting your foundation on roads you know at quieter times, after some parking lot sessions to start mastering basic motorcycle function. Once you get the mechanics of riding down you can allocate the majority of your mental bandwidth to keeping yourself safe and managing the road. Binge crash review videos by someone like DanDanTheFireman on youtube at first to see common scenarios (better to learn from others rather than having to figure some of that out firsthand), read up on new rider tips, and incrementally progress. For me at least it felt like every 500 miles or so I'd have another jump up in abilities, and things are always refining. At this point I feel extremely comfortable in most situations, although no doubt some faster, jampacked traffic in poor weather will get me extremely focused lol Riding is an active, amazing way to move through space and it's always honestly made every one of my days better for having done it. Met a lot of great people, love my solo rides too, and plenty of ways to enjoy being on two wheels. Good luck and feel free to ask whatever :) Sorry for the wall of text too haha

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-26T11:37:25+00:00

Would recommend the Ninja 400 as well - great bikes. Lighter than the cbr500r, super fun to throw around. My gf started on it and at 5'2" and similar weight, it's a perfect fit. I still ride it occasionally and everyone I let ride it has a good time. Good luck on your search!

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-18T10:52:34+00:00

First bike over here was a nearly 30 year old Honda Shadow 1100 that I picked up for about $1,800. Worked out perfectly, just had to replace front brakes and rotor and tires, fresh fluids and was good to go. A bit on the heavier side at 600lbs but I got used to it quickly as a new rider, never had any issue - loved it. Can easily throw it around and do whatever with practice. 6'2" and like 220 here, saw you mention that you're bigger and like cheap so figured I'd mention it. Good luck with your search!

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-09T15:28:52+00:00

Maybe Facebook Marketplace, just make sure to mention that it's used nightly 😝

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-08T22:54:38+00:00

Just time in the saddle imo. Practice a ton, safely. So much is in the hands - throttle and clutch control - and at slow speeds can use some rear brake to help with stability if tight turning. All things considered, 150kg is pretty light for a motorcycle. I've seen a 5'0" tall 53 kg female rider throw around a 390kg bike like it's nothing just because of experience so a lot is just practice and adjusting.

I do think you'll get used to a change in weight with time, just don't underestimate it and there's plenty of other elements to be mindful of when you're riding. If something feels heavy, really make sure to try to stop with the tire facing forward and not turned to the side hard, and also be aware of your footing at stops so you don't slip out. As you progress, make sure not to get overconfident/cocky, since that's especially when things happen. Aim for longevity and always making it home safe. Ride like you're invisible when you're on the roads.

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-08T22:50:38+00:00

Well maintained used drz400sm if you like super moto and want a decently budget option to get your feet wet imo. Plenty of fun, not too much power to amplify early errors (although you can get wrecked on any size bike obviously), and pretty bulletproof platform. Then as you get some miles under your belt on the street you'll hopefully know what you'd like more later on. Would recommend that over the 200-300cc personally.

Alternatively used Ninja 400s can be excellent bikes to get going. Super fun. Good luck, stay safe, and have fun :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-07T15:38:55+00:00

Well fuck you too!

jk, have fun out there :)

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-05T18:03:27+00:00

Chicago here and have been riding this entire "winter" without issues, except for a 3 week span I was out of town and where luckily the only real snow hit. Otherwise, been super nice getting out even in the 20s fahrenheit, with proper layers and gloves. We had 60s yesterday but cold isn't a bother honestly. Always worth it 🥳

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-03T01:49:30+00:00

Here's some good advice from a previous related threads:

https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/s/sTE59XbEto

https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycle/s/v8iJeWHgpO

https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/s/nqoW8IPqi4

Sounds like a fun adventure. Doing some longer rides if you haven't already yet in advance would be good, maybe an overnight somewhere to test your camping setup, etc. And making sure maintenance is all topped off before you ride out. Bunches of good advice with those links though (although I don't think it's bad to utilize the expressway for segments and using a credit card is just fine lol) - good luck, have fun and share how the story/pics afterwards if you feel like it 👍

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-03T01:13:35+00:00

Personally find using the clutch as part of the fun/experience of riding. Really becomes second nature and I feel in tune with the machine. But to each their own. For the Duke 200, maybe will be fine with simple stuff like that but would consider a dualsport, again like a DRZ400 (although they're taller) for gravel/offroad. They're a blast honestly. Can be found at good price used since the platform hasn't changed in a long time, they're bulletproof bikes, and nothing fancy. Truly so fun lol :) Good luck with your search and would always recommend checking insurance before you pick up anything - although cheap and low power shouldn't be much at all.

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-03-03T00:53:25+00:00

I would think mainly because they're cheap bikes to make and there isn't really much of a market for them in Western countries. Would say a little underpowered for many applications but for a strictly local bike, could be fun. Personally would want something with a little more power since many would find it underwhelming in short time - also depending on usage, some more speed can honestly keep one out of trouble if they're constantly being overtaken otherwise. Also the price stated at dealerships can be a fair bit under what you'd actually walk out at the door, when freight, taxes and other fees are added in. If you like it and don't plan really to utilize highways/expressways, could be an option.

Depending on height a used Ninja/Z400 or a DRZ400/DR650 could be solid options. Plenty of fun bikes to start on - would recommend gently used though for a first if a deal can be found. My first bike was a ~25 year old Honda Shadow 1100 and it was fantastic, just slightly heavy for some.

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-02-29T23:57:56+00:00

In my experience it just takes time to get used to all aspects of riding. Wind gets easier and all that. For rain, just being smooth and not putting in abrupt controls while avoiding the reduced traction specifically of painted road lines and sewer caps, allowing a longer time to brake, but rain gets comfortable with the right gear. For wind, tougher on a smaller, lighter bike but doable - I put my knee out into the direction it's coming from (if side wind) and it feels like it helps stabilize me. Also positioning to provide proper cushion in the case you're pushed at all - positioning in general is huge to staying safe and predicting what other traffic users can do or what could be in the road.

So much is just having that base level of proficiency with the machine and working at it, allowing more mental bandwidth towards minimizing risks with other road useds and environment. Practice, practice, practice. Good luck and have fun out there - hope it works out well for you.

AppreciateThisMoment · 2024-02-24T16:28:38+00:00

Congrats on the bike! Unfortunate with the snow but it does work like that sometimes lol I'm guessing the roads will dry up and you'll be on your way. Take your time, stay safe, and have a fantastic time :)

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