Hello Everyone, Help me buy a Bike!

Hi everyone. I would appreciate any imput that will lead me to the right bike for myself. I am looking for a crusier style bike. The problem is that I am 6'5". Any thoughts. I want to buy Harley. However, I want to have one that fits me, a stock Fat Boy is too small. The Honda VTX's/2000 Vulcans seem larger, based on wheel base.

Follow up question, Sounds... The VTX's and Vulcan 2000 stock, how are the sounds?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hell, I know guys that are 6'5" that race NSR50s!

Now, if you're THAT big, how 'bout a Boss Hoss? Now, that is one humongous machine, what with a V8 chevy pushing it. Sorta like sitting in a gynocologists chair, not that I've ever done that, mind you. It don't weigh a whole lot more'n that danged Kaw 2000. I tried to psh a new one at the kaw shop and I couldn't do it alone. It wouldn't fit on the bike lifts we had, either. I don't think I could have lifted it anyway. Danged thing weighs right at a half ton! I can tell you this, I don't ever wanna lift the motor out of one of those things! The 1500 is a two man job!. That thing is just too big for me to ever want it, ditto that Honda Prune, er, Rune. Triumph has a 2200cc inline triple out now that makes enough torque and horsepower to necessitate an 18 wheeler dyno. I haven't seen one in the flesh, but I hear it's huge. At least it don't lack the power to haul all that weight around. Seriously, I'd look at the Triumph. It's got the power to haul all that weight, I can tell you that. I can't remember what the model is called, seems like it was an old model they monikered it with. But, it is a fresh design for the American market where too much is not enough. 2200cc says it all. It'll be the only front to back inline triple in the Triumph dealer's and the biggest bike there.

Oh, sound, reckon that would depend on the pipes you put on it. Both are muted with the stock system of course. Basically, they copy HD's sound and feel pretty closely. Don't guess HD ever got their sound copywrighted. That's pretty much what it's all about any more with the metrics, copying HD as closely as possible while still having something of an identity. That triple, though, don't sound anything like a V twin. From what I understand it's pretty similar to the speed triple which I have ridden. It has this gutteral off beat growl at idle that turns into the most hair raising roar at speed, pretty unique, not much like it around.

Funny, I never thought of a fat boy as a mini bike. ROFLMAO!

At your size, the Ultra Classic is going to be about it in the HD line. There are several good cruisers in the Yamaha line and they all have long frames. Basic cruiser is the Road Star at 1700 cc. Then there are the Royal Star and the Venture that are built on the same frame. These are tall frames and are very comfortable for the big guy. I have a huge number of miles on mine (6'4" and 240). Yamaha Cruisers

Harleys are not really big bikes. You'll get more legroom on a Vulcan Nomad ,a Road Star is pretty streched out. If you're bent and determined to get a Harley you could look at a Softail with the pegs for foot controls. They're more of a reach than the floorboards. There are also options on moving the pegs and controls out further. I can't really speak for the sound of the VTX and the Vulcan 2000 stock but I've heard Pupes on Vulcan Classics and a Road Star..they sound pretty good.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I am doing a lot of research before purchasing. I am 36, married with two small girls. The bike I choose must last until the girls are in college...One tough wife! So, the bike has to be big enough. Before I was married, I owned a 1987 Honda Goldwing (Aspencade). This was a bit hard on my knees on long trips. So, I need leg room.

By the replies, seems like the Kawasaki line and Yamahas are the way to go. I have sat on the Vulcan 2000 and Honda VTX, both seem comprable in size. The Kawasaki Nomad is a sharp looking bike also. Reviews about the Yamahas suggest that folks looking at the "Silverado" will do better with a Royal Star Tour Deluxe.

So guess it's narrowed down to: 1. Vulcan 2000 2. Nomad 3. Road Star Tour Deluxe 4. Silverado 5. Standard Road Star 6. VTX (Retro)

Out of these 6 choices is there one that is clearly the largest? Or, are they all about the same?

Thanks!

Howdy...
There are also custom seats that move a taller rider backwards... Corbin... Mustang... even HD has'em... My cousin in 6'6" and a Air Force Pilot... couldn't fit into a jet fighter but set up a Harley pretty good...Good luck

Don't try to fit the bike--make the bike fit you!

The great thing about HDs is that the custom parts needed to make the bike fit you exist. I'm 6'7" and I ride a Softail custom with 4" extended forward controls I got from DirectParts. And like emigran says, a different seat can make a big difference too. I ride in complete comfort, although no one else can ride my bike.
Back when I rode a Vulcan I needed extensions on those pegs too, so I doubt that changing brands will solve your problem. Get the bike you like, and make it yours.

Talk to CD and I'm sure he'll point you to some solutions that aren't too expensive.

Harleys can be adapted to most any size and weight of rider, my pal Big Mike was 6' 6" and weighed in at 372. We put adjustable style floor boards and highway peg extensions as well as a large Mustang seat wit a backrest and 440 Heavy duty Progressive shocks on a Road King. Even with all his medical problems he rode that bike on some very long trips.

May He Rest in Peace, and any of you overweight Diabetics out there keep a close eye on yourselves. Age has nothing to do with it!

Sorry to hear about your friend.

Lot's of good information here, thanks! I spent yesterday looking, sitting, and asking lot's of questions at two dealerships. Fortunately, I was able to get hands on with most of all the available cruisers available at the two locations. One dealership represents Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, and Triumph. The second dealership is a Victory dealership. Previously, it was an Indian dealership. So, they carried all new Victory, and used Harleys and Indians.

I keep reading here about how Harley's can be customized to fit tall guys. I checked out about every model, I don't see that being the case for myself. In fact, sitting on a Night Train, I felt that I was sitting on my old ten speed bike.

Bottom line is that I want the bike to fit me, not make it fit me. Out of all the bikes I checked out, I found 3 bikes that I feel comfortable on: A used Indian Chief, the Vulcan 2000, and that "silly sick" new 2200 cc Triumph.

I want to buy new, so it's that New Triumph or the Vulcan 2000. Any thoughts between the two?

None of the HD models are going to fit you in stock condition. The main problem for big guys like us is the position of the foot pegs and controls, but adding forward control extensions like this or this will change the position of your feet and make a huge difference in comfort without costing much. If your problem is with handlebar position, that can also be changed pretty cheaply. Like I said, I'm 6'7" and my Softail, with forward control extensions and ape bars, fits me so perfectly that normal humans can't ride it.
One problem is that if you buy a non-HD and then decide you don't like the leg position or hand position after all, the custom parts to fix the problem might not be available, whereas with HD you have a lot to choose from. (That's one reason I switched from Kawasaki to HD.)

If you're dead set on a stock bike, I would go for the Vulcan, but I don't know too much about the 2000 since it's so new.

Thanks Fudd, he is sorely missed!

Well, which one turns you on? For me, it's the Triumph, but NOT because of looks. LOL! Of course, I've yet to see it in anything but magazines cause we don't have a Triumph dealer down here in Podunk. We do have a victory dealer, go figure. Anyway, I LOVE the way Triumph triples sound, wicked triple, especially through a header. The Speed Triple sends chills down my spine. The Vulcan is more traditional cruiser, in the Harley vein, V twin looks and sound. The motor in that Trumpet, though, GOD whadda beast! You won't want anymore torque or horsepower, put it that way! And the Triumph is unique, not just another metric clone bike.

But, all that's totally subjective. You have to chose what hangs your hooter. If you want the look and sound of the Harley, but something that fits you better, the Kaw Vulcans are great motorcycles and when I worked for them, I was impressed at how Kawasaki stood behind there stuff. The Triumph is just different and that motor is a V Max/V Rod eater. Wonder if it comes with a neck brace. I haven't ridden one, though, just going by the road test numbers.

Now, something else to think about. The Triumph is all new. So is the Vulcan, but it's basically just a scaled up proven design. I'm a little antsy about buying an all new model from any manufacturer until the bugs are ironed out. Honda, Kaw, Yamaha, Suzuki, HD, Triumph, BMW, yadda yadda don't care who the manufacturer is, a new model will have some bugs to iron out in its first couple of years. Were it me, that'd make me study that Triumph a little longer before I bit. It's probably a good basic design and Triumph probably backs their stuff, too. I just prefer to wait a couple of years to hear the complaints on any model before I dump my hard earned cash. I sure like that bike, though.

You and I are on the same page!
My personal ratings as of now, are:

Most comfortable for me: The Rocket 3
Eye Candy: Hands down, The Rocket 3
Engine: Vulcan * I know nothing about that Triumph engine, but it ain't no V twin
Widest Selection of Factory accessories: The Rocket 3
Price: Both are about the same. The Rocket was going for $15,900. The sales guy offered it to me on the spot for $14,900.
My perception of being proven, reliability: The Vulcan
Ease of finding a dealership, for maintenance: The Vulcan

Well, it's a tie! So, what do I do? Well, comfort and looks are at the top of my criteria for the bike I choose. So, I think I will do research on the Triumph, and wait for the next years model. You are right about not buying a new model. You should wait for a year, let the bugs get worked out. I am willing to wait for the right bike that I will enjoy for many years to come.

buying a bike

Hey Fudd, I just bought a 98' Honda Shadow Aero VT1100 Cruiser and it fits me just fine. I'm 6'3" and 200lbs. Plenty of room for me. It's got V&H Longshots which sound great.... deep and throaty, and they're low enough to not worry about melting your carry-on's boots. Plus, the price was reasonable as well. Good Luck finding what you want...

I rode the new Triumph Rocket III last Summer for about 75 miles through the Rockies in Colorado. One thing about the bike is it handles really nice for a heavy bike..much more than I expected it to. Also..shifting's optional once you get into 5th gear as the frikkin torque will pull from 25mph in 5th with no problem..not that I did that. The Triumph guy who brought two of the bikes to my annual Colorado 500 ride each June said that without much kidding. When I wanted to pass on a two lane road..it was a snap. There are quite a few accessories, but they brought those two bone stock for some reason. I had a gas on it. Hell..I think you could pull a boat behind that thing. While it won't get me off my FJR, I sure wouldn't mind having one in my stable.

We rode them the same day and I would just ditto SK. Very comfortable for 6'4", 250.

Good feedback; but dang it! I am still on the fence between the Vulcan 2000 and the Rocket. I am now leaning torwards the Vulcan. Any suggestions between the two?

Thanks!

Ride them!

Really..that's the only way to really know. You can read about em and look at em, but until you test em out with the seat of your pants..you'll never really know.